Unexpected Love

by J. O Mantel

  “Vanessa will be here in an hour for hair and make-up. The photographer has been here since six taking some location shots.”

  Terrific!

  He totally wasn’t prepared for this shoot, and quite frankly, he wasn’t in the mood to be prancing around the station half-naked either. However, he’d never let Carter and his team down before, and since it was for charity, he wasn’t about to let them down now. With an acknowledging smile, Hunter walked toward his office, while Andy did the same.

  Hunter pushed open the door and threw his backpack onto the floor before making his way around to the opposite side of his desk to sit down. He looked down at his attire and was thankful that he’d chosen a brand new, clean uniform to wear today. He looked down at his desk which was normally clean and tidy, but lately, it was cluttered and disorganized. The recent events with Andy, and Hunter’s lack of sleep thanks to his depressed mental state, had caused him to neglect his cleanliness at work.

  He looked at the clock, it was just after eight, and Carter had told him that Vanessa would be there in an hour to do hair and make-up. He decided to make use of the time and clean his shit up before he’d have to spend the next god only knows how many hours parading around the station, shirtless, with his team.

  He scrunched up a bunch of papers and tossed them in the trash can opposite his desk. It wasn’t until he looked down on the floor that he noticed a red envelope that must have slipped through the papers. He bent over and picked it up, noticing the familiar handwriting on the front that read Hunter. He sat down on his recliner and flipped the envelope over, getting a hint of some fragrance that must have lingered on the paper. He pressed it to his nose and inhaled the scent. He wasn’t an expert in fragrances; whenever they’d gone shopping, Bree had chosen his cologne based purely on how sexy it smelled on him. However, as he continued to inhale the intoxicating scent from the envelope, it became very familiar to him. “Clive Christian Number One, fuck, that shit is expensive,” he murmured.

  Not wanting to damage the now priceless envelope that had suddenly increased in value, Hunter carefully peeled the seal from the back of it. He placed his fingers on the thick card and pulled it from its confines. He opened the card, which had an image of a single love heart on it, and read the inscription inside, written in the same, familiar handwriting.

  I may not get to see you as often as I like.

  I may not get to hold you in my arms all through the night.

  But deep in my heart I truly know, you’re the one that I love, and I can’t let you go.

  A Valentine

  Those two little words had played on his mind for weeks now, and he was still clueless about who it was leaving these cards for him to find. He looked down at the envelope and noticed that there was something else still inside. Taking a closer look, he saw that there had been another card under the one he’d just perused. He pulled it out and stared at the two roses on the card. He flipped it open and read the inscription.

  Your eyes hold me captive

  Your lips taste like wine

  And on this special day

  I hope you’ll be mine.

  A Valentine

  He sat there and read both messages over and over in his head, trying to figure out who his mysterious Cupid was, but with the way he’d been distancing himself lately, he was surprised anyone would want to be his valentine. Getting out of his chair, he walked out of his office and into Alex’s, which was next to his. He knocked on the door, getting Alex’s attention, who looked directly at him.

  “Hey, Hunter, what’s up?”

  Hunter took a step forward and placed the cards on the table in front of Alex, who picked them up and read them one at a time.

  “Wow, whoever this is, they sure have the hots for you. I particularly like this one. Your eyes hold me captive, your lips taste like wine, and on this special day, I hope you’ll be mine.”

  Hunter stared at Alex, helpless, confused, and completely clueless. All he wanted was a straight answer.

  “A Valentine? Yeah, that sure narrows it down. Help me out here, Alex.”

  Alex’s eyes lifted from the card and locked with Hunter’s. “You’re asking me?”

  “Of course I’m asking you. You’ve been here longer than I have. Who’s behind this?”

  “How the hell should I know?”

  “Well, for starters, you’ve covered more letters of the alphabet than anyone else here.”

  “Are you insinuating that I’ve flirted with almost everyone in this station? In which case, you would be correct,” Alex joked. “But seriously, I have no idea who it is. And what makes you think it’s someone here from work?”

  Hunter stared at the cards again before raising his head to look at Alex once more. “I only receive these cards when I’m at work.”

  Alex looked thoughtful about that for a moment, and as the two of them tried to rattle their brains over who Hunter’s mysterious admirer was, Carter’s voice sounded behind them.

  “We’re pulling out one of the trucks, Hunter. Can you, Alex, and Andy please give it a wash and make sure she’s in pristine condition for the shoot today?”

  “Sure.” Hunter smiled before turning back to Alex. “We’ll finish this conversation later.”

  “There’s nothing to finish, Hunter. I already told you, I don’t know who’s sending you these cards.” As Alex stood from the seat and walked toward Hunter, Alex continued, “But whoever it is, they’re one lucky fucker.” Alex winked and brushed past Hunter with a wicked grin.

  It had turned out to be a pleasant, sunny day, despite the mild chill in the air. Alex headed outside carrying two buckets of soapy water, to where Andy was waiting for them. Hunter placed them down on the ground as Andy reached for the hose at the rear of the fire truck and started to unwind it. Dipping the soft sponges into the soapy water, the three of them began washing the red fire engine, making sure they didn’t miss any areas. As Hunter bent over and focused his attention on one of the front tires, Andy dipped a sponge into one of the buckets and discreetly tiptoed toward Hunter. Reaching over, Andy squeezed the sponge all over Hunter’s back, causing Hunter to jump and spin around.

  “What the?” Hunter exclaimed, as his eyes connected with Andy’s, who quickly turned and ran back around the engine to join Alex.

  Hunter dipped his sponge into the bucket of soapy water beside him and ran toward Andy, who was now taking cover behind Alex for whatever revenge Hunter was planning. Hunter got the better of both of them and, raising his hands above his head, he squeezed the sponge tight, allowing the soapy water to pour down the back of Alex’s head and back, and onto the top of Andy’s head.

  Within seconds, it turned into all-out aquatic war between the three of them. Hunter threw his wet sponge at Andy, who picked it up and tossed it back, only to splash Alex in the back. With wide eyes, Andy smiled before heading toward the back of the truck again. Knowing Andy’s intentions, Alex followed as Andy reached for the fire hose and aimed it at Hunter.

  “Don’t you fucking dare.” Hunter glared at Andy.

  Alex spun the wheel, and the water traveled through the hose and gushed out the end, spraying all over Hunter, knocking him to the ground. Alex and Andy burst into laughter as they held the hose together and soaked Hunter from head to toe. He fixed the two of them with a death stare and stood up, taking a step toward them, as they continued to spray him with the water. With his eyes pinned to theirs, Hunter took another step forward, inch by inch, until he was mere inches away from Andy. He made sure to keep eye contact, and when he was convinced that Andy’s stare couldn’t be broken, he snatched the hose from Andy’s grip. He quickly turned it around and sprayed the cool, fresh water all over the two of them as Alex let out a loud scream.

  “You asshole!” Andy said, as Hunter continued to drench them.

  When they were all completely soaked and dripping wet, Andy decided they’d had enough and turned off the water. Andy’s eyes
turned to Hunter as he shook his head like a shaggy dog, spraying water over Andy. Hunter closed his eyes and tilted his head back, running a hand through his damp hair. Alex took the opportunity to head inside, leaving Andy alone with Hunter, who had now opened his eyes and locked them with Andy’s.

  “You’re so going to pay for that,” Hunter said.

  “I think we’re pretty much even-steven, if you ask me,” Andy replied, shaking more water off.

  As they stood there, Andy ogled Hunter’s body. The once dry white T-shirt he was wearing was now drenched and molded to his skin. Removing his suspenders, Hunter crossed his arms and reached for the bottom of his shirt, then lifted it over his head, putting on a perfect display of ripped abs, broad shoulders, and a sexy as fuck, muscular physique, completely unaware that Andy was totally eye-fucking him.

  “Cassidy!” Carter’s voice called, as both Hunter and Andy quickly turned to face their chief.

  “Yes, Carter?” Hunter asked.

  “Vanessa is ready for make-up.”

  “We’ll be right there, sir,” Andy replied quickly.

  Carter turned and walked back inside as Hunter and Andy stared at one another. They’d completely lost track of time, and as they quickly glanced around them, they realized that Alex was no longer with them. Grabbing his shirt, Hunter wrung out the water, tossed it over his shoulder and headed inside with Andy.

  Once inside, the entire crew was called into the locker room where they met Vanessa, a petite blonde woman, who was no doubt about to make Hunter and the rest of the crew look somewhat beautiful.

  “I’ll just grab a fresh shirt,” Hunter said, looking at her.

  “Actually, stay as you are. This is exactly what I want.”

  Hunter lifted his head toward the sound of the deep baritone that had just spoken to him. He was a lot smaller than Hunter, bald, green eyes, and he had a large camera strapped around his neck. It was obvious from the way the man was frantically waving his arms and giving orders to the crew that he was the photographer in charge of the shoot today.

  After an hour of having thick make-up applied to his face, arms and body, and a ton of hairspray that made his hair so thick and heavy it was giving him a headache, Hunter and the crew were finally ready for the calendar shoot. They headed outside to where the fire truck they’d washed earlier was parked. Hunter could hear the whispers from the crew as they filed out behind him, he could hear the joy and excitement in their voices as they talked about the upcoming shoot.

  With his hands in his pockets, Hunter remained quiet and stopped just in front of the truck as instructed by the photographer, whose name he still hadn’t caught. The photographer and a group of people walked to the left of the fire truck, where Hunter could see a long table full of food and drinks. A little farther away were some props that they would no doubt be using for the shoot.

  The first to be photographed was Alex. Hunter and the others watched as the photographer, who had now introduced himself as Kevin, stood Alex in position in front of the fire truck. Taking a few steps backward, Kevin lifted the camera to his eyes, and Hunter heard the frantic click, click, click as he snapped some pictures of Alex.

  Next, it was James’s turn to be in the spotlight. Vanessa teased his hair with her fingers before spraying something Hunter assumed was water over his chest. With a helmet in one hand and the other resting on his hip, James posed in various positions for the photographer as he snapped some more pictures.

  “Andy,” Carter called, as Andy walked to the front of the truck. Vanessa handed Andy a sledgehammer, which rested in one hand, and against Andy’s knee. Spraying some water onto Andy’s arms, Vanessa worked frantically against the wind that had decided to pick up since they’d begun shooting, to keep Andy’s hair in place. When the photographer was satisfied with the pictures he’d taken, it was Carter’s turn to be photographed.

  Kevin requested that Carter remove his T-shirt, insisting that all his shots be consistent. Slightly hesitant, Carter pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it on the ground beside him. Hunter and the others watched inquisitively; it was the first time they’d ever seen Carter without a shirt on. Most of the men and women at the station were solid and muscular, and while Carter was all those things, Hunter noticed the slight covering of hair on his chest. There were plenty of flirtatious whistles and comments from the crew as they watched their chief get photographed. Racing back over to him, Vanessa handed Carter a fire extinguisher which she told him to rest on his right shoulder. Kevin was quick with his camera and continued to capture more photos of Carter.

  They’d been shooting for almost six hours, and as the sun was starting to set, it was finally time for the last crew member to be photographed… Hunter.

  Vanessa, Kevin, and some other people who’d been running around all day, gathered together some more props for Hunter’s shoot. The darkening sky wasn’t doing them any favors, so Kevin ordered for the floodlights to be brought in. As the camera crew set up the lighting and props, a shiver of nerves crept up Hunter’s spine. He’d never done anything like this before, and other than the shower, or lying in bed beside Bree, he’d never been this naked in public. When Vanessa finally signaled him to come over to her, Hunter turned and looked at Andy, raising his eyebrows and forcing a smile.

  “You’ve got this,” Andy whispered, giving Hunter a wink.

  As requested, Hunter stood at the back of the truck, where Vanessa touched up the heavy make-up, and hairspray. She sprinkled some more water across his chest and abs before ordering Hunter to remove his suspenders. Hunter stared at Vanessa, confused, but complied with her request. As his suspenders hung loosely over his pants, Vanessa crossed Hunter’s arms over his chest. She ran out of the shot and stood next to Kevin, who peered through the camera.

  “This isn’t working for me. Hunter, can we lose the top button of your pants, please?”

  Hunter uncrossed his arms and glared at Kevin.

  Is he serious?

  “Hunter?” Kevin snapped his fingers. “Time is against us right now; can we hurry this along, please?” he said.

  Hunter saw him whisper something in Vanessa’s ear before she quickly turned on her heels and walked over to Hunter, stopping in front of him. She reached down for the waistband and undid the top button, then she neatly folded the top of them over. She stepped aside and looked toward Kevin, waiting for his approval. When he ordered for another button to be undone, Vanessa obliged with his request, revealing the top of the white fabric briefs under Hunter’s uniform.

  “Is this a calendar shoot or a porn show?” Hunter asked, grabbing Vanessa’s hands and jerking them off him.

  Vanessa gave him a quick once over, and Hunter was absolutely positive she’d just totally fucked him with her brown eyes. “Trust me, Hunter, is it?” He nodded in acknowledgment. “I totally dig this look on you, too,” she finished, giving him a flirtatious wink as she made her way back to Kevin.

  He looked through the camera again and judging by the expression on his face, Hunter could tell he still wasn’t happy with the shot. He whispered something in Vanessa’s ear again, and she quickly trotted back over to Hunter, her heels clicking on the concrete. Grabbing the waistband, Vanessa rolled the top of his trousers over and over, until they were resting low enough below his waistline to reveal the white fabric of his Andrew Christian briefs.

  “Perfect!” Kevin yelled from behind the camera.

  Vanessa turned on her heels and made her way back over toward him. As per Kevin’s instructions, Hunter posed in various positions. It was the moment when a small Dalmatian pup was brought on set and placed in Hunter’s arms that everyone gasped. Hunter held the gorgeous little pup in the palm of his hands and stared at the camera, allowing Kevin to take the perfect shots he required. Hunter placed the tiny creature over his left shoulder and lifted his head slightly. His eyes were locked with the pup, and it was that moment that had the entire crew in awe.

  There
were whistles and sighs from all directions as they watched the sight unfold in front of them. If there were any indications that Hunter was nervous previously, they’d vanished, because right now, he seemed like a total natural. Vanessa quickly stepped into the frame, and removed the tiny Dalmatian, replacing it with a huge pickaxe instead. Hunter grabbed the axe and crossed it over his chest as Kevin instructed. Several more shots were taken before Vanessa trotted over to Hunter once more. She removed the axe, only to replace it with the end of the firehose. It was dark now, but you wouldn’t know it with all the bright lighting, props, and make-up surrounding the station. Hunter looked over at Kevin, who was once again mouthing something in Vanessa’s ear. With a beaming smile, she headed in Hunter’s direction.

  “I’m surprised he hasn’t chewed your ear off yet. I hope he’s compensating you generously?” Hunter asked Vanessa.

  “Twenty years and I haven’t said ‘no’ to him yet.”

  “Twenty years?” Hunter questioned.

  “That’s right. Guess he must be doing something right.”

  Holy shit.

  Vanessa placed her hands on the front of his pants, and with her fingers, began unbuttoning each of the buttons that were holding them up. Hunter grabbed her cold fingers and whispered, “What are you doing?”

  “It’s time for the money shot,” she whispered.

  “The money shot? He wants to photograph my penis?” Hunter asked, horrified.

  Vanessa let out a sultry laugh before replying. “If only! No, he doesn’t want to photograph your penis, he just wants you to look … tempting,” she clarified.

  “And what exactly is his definition of ‘tempting’?”

  Vanessa continued to unbutton his pants until the fabric was open far enough to reveal the entire front of Hunter’s briefs beneath. Vanessa looked down and noticed the bulge that was apparent beneath the white material and smiled. “There! Now you’re tempting. And from where I’m standing … definitely not a disappointment either.”