Nursing the Flame, page 16
“I’m seriously impressed.”
“Thanks.”
“I think you’ve got something to fall back on if that firefighting thing doesn’t work out.” Amber glanced over at his mom. “Hey, speaking of. I’ve been meaning to ask. Sugar Me Sweet—the name of your bakery. I’ve been curious about where you came up with it. Let me guess . . . you’re a big Def Leppard fan?”
“My parents, Def Leppard fans?” Reggie laughed. “Nah, it’s just a cute name, right guys?”
“Actually, we do like the band,” his dad protested, sharing a look with his wife.
“That’s right.” His mom took a bite of pumpkin pie and nodded. “We’re pretty sure you were conceived, Reginald, while that song was playing.”
Reggie just about choked on his pecan pie and had to grab a glass of water really quickly.
Amber made no effort to hide her laughter, though, and neither did his cousins.
Joy let out a groan of disgust. “I really didn’t need to know that.”
“You and I both, sis.” Reggie lifted his glass is agreement.
Amber took another bite of the cookie. “Well. No matter where the idea came from, I think it’s a great name for a bakery. And you guys make amazing treats.”
His mom beamed. “Thank you, Amber.”
Lord, his mom was growing more attached to Amber by the minute.
“Hey, nephew, when do you get off the crutches and back to the firefighting gig?” his uncle asked.
Reggie’s breath caught and his pulse quickened.
Shit.
This wasn’t the way he’d wanted to announce it.
“Actually, I’ll be done with crutches after this weekend,” he said carefully. “And I’ve been cleared by the doc to go back to work doing light duty.”
Without even looking, he could feel Amber stiffen beside him, even while others let out words of encouragement and excitement.
“Well that’s incredibly awesome news.” Joy grinned. “When do you get to go back?”
Rip off the bandage quick.
“Tuesday.”
Amber’s heavy exhale didn’t go unnoted, and she suddenly seemed entirely too focused on the cookie she nibbled on.
It was only when they were in her car, driving back to his house, did she finally say something. “How long have you known?”
He didn’t even try to play dumb. “I found out yesterday.”
She gripped the steering wheel so tight, her knuckles turned white. “And yet you didn’t tell me?”
His stomach clenched. “I should’ve. I dreaded it.”
“What is it you dread exactly?” She glanced over at him, her expression tormented. “I need to hear you say it, Reggie.”
The churning in his belly grew, and his blood began to pound. Everything inside him rebelled at what they both knew needed to happen. What they’d agreed upon earlier.
“After this weekend, we should probably cool things down between us. Go back to being just friends.”
Her gaze moved back to the road.
“So the day we knew would come has finally arrived.” Her voice broke. “I’m really happy that you’ve come so far in your healing, but . . .”
“But.” He nodded. The one word said everything. “I know. It’s going to be hard to go back to how things were before.”
“If we even can.”
It took every effort to firmly reply, “We have to. We will. We’re both grown-ups here.”
“Okay.”
There was nothing okay about her tone, though, and the feeling of dread grew.
She pulled into his driveway and turned the engine off. The rain outside made neither of them in a hurry to get out of the truck.
“We have tonight and tomorrow, Amber,” he pleaded. “I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to waste it. I want to spend every last minute touching you. Tasting you. Being inside you.”
It took a moment before her expression softened and she nodded. “Likewise.”
Relief spilled through him as she unfastened her seat belt. But instead of climbing out of the truck’s cab, she moved over to the passenger side to sit on his lap.
She cupped his jaw and kissed him, long and slow. The rain on the roof grew heavier.
When they parted, she drew in an unsteady breath and asked, “Do you want to go inside? Or . . .?”
*
Amber’s heart pounded in her chest as she waited for him to reply.
The house wasn’t far. It wouldn’t have taken long to go in the door and make their way to the bedroom. But there was something about being here on his lap in the darkness, with the rain pounding down, that held a certain amount of sensual intimacy.
“I think we should try the or option,” he murmured. “I should have a condom in the glove compartment.”
He slid a hand into the round neckline of her dress and under her bra to cup her breast.
Pleasure slid through her blood, and her nipple tightened.
“Sounds good to me,” she whispered.
Every moment they had left where they weren’t touching each other felt like a waste. The time it would have taken to get inside would be squandered.
He kissed her again, while pulling the stretchy dress she wore up and over her body. They broke apart to pull it over her head, and his gaze slid to her bra.
“You wore it.”
A smile teased her mouth. “I love it. Thank you for the gift.”
Now that she’d let out her little secret about loving cute bra and panty sets, he’d bought her a few.
The bra was a mix of red lace and mesh, the panties just lace.
With his hand on her waist, he maneuvered her so she straddled him, her knees bracketing his thighs.
“I’m glad I didn’t know you were wearing this all night, or I would’ve driven myself nuts.”
Her breath caught as he palmed her breasts, before dipping his head to suck a nipple through the lace.
She leaned back with a sigh, his large hands gripping her waist and keeping her from falling.
With the engine off and their breathing growing heavier, the window started to fog, making their private little world even more intimate.
“I don’t need slow, Reg,” she whispered, stroking his head as he sucked her. “We have all night for that. But for now, I just want you.”
He lifted his head and trailed one hand down past her abs to dip beneath her panties.
When he slid a finger into her, they both groaned.
“Amber, you’re so damn wet.”
“I’m always ready for you.” She tried to tease, but the words came out husky.
He added a second finger, pushing deep, and she moaned. Her body clenched around him.
A quick flick over her clit had her crying out.
“Please, Reg. I can’t wait any longer.”
“Check the glove compartment for the condom?”
She gave an unsteady nod and eased off him enough to search the glove compartment.
While she looked, she heard the zip of his jeans and him grunting as he worked his pants and boxers down.
“Got it.”
Within seconds after she handed him the condom, he had it on. She quickly removed her pantries, leaving her naked.
“You seem to have the advantage—you’re getting to keep your clothes on.”
He gave a lazy smile. “I mean, I can take them off if you’d rather.”
“That’d take way too long, and the only thing I care about right now is having you inside me.”
Even in the darkness, she could see his eyes flicker with heat.
“I think I can arrange that. Come here, angel.”
She returned to straddle him, feeling his thickness press against her entrance.
With her hands on his shoulders, she slowly sank onto him, letting the air hiss out between her teeth.
So good. It always felt so damn good.
He slid his hands down to cup her bottom, helping establish their rhythm as the rain slicked down the windows around them.
“Kiss me.”
She didn’t need to be told twice and leaned down to catch his lips with hers.
While he moved inside her, their tongues teased and stroked.
This was one of the last times they’d be together like this.
The reminder was there, looping in her brain. Her throat tightened and something very close to grief rose inside her.
Focus on the present.
It became her mantra, as she again mentally shoved any thoughts of Tuesday from her mind.
Their movements became more frantic, their kisses deeper. As if every unspoken emotion inside them was being conveyed with their lovemaking.
Outside, the rain reached a thundering downpour on the roof of the truck.
Reggie reached between them and found the sensitive spot between her legs, and she cried out.
“Yes. Touch me.”
He didn’t stop, just brought her higher and higher.
“Amber.” His gaze searched hers.
She saw it then. The intensity and realization in his eyes.
“I think I—”
She put her palm over his mouth, cutting him off. “Don’t.”
She shook her head before kissing him again. Stopping any declarations from him that could only be driven by passion, but would cause heartache for them both later. Or maybe just for her.
He kissed her back in a way that silently expressed what she wouldn’t let him say aloud.
His grip on her bottom tightened, and he thrust deep with a groan. When he climaxed, she was right there with him, flying.
They both gasped, still rocking back and forth through their release.
Finally, she collapsed against his chest, her heart racing. Beneath her cheek, Reggie’s did the same.
His lips brushed against her forehead, and she made a murmur of contentment.
“That was a first for me,” he admitted.
“What was?”
“Making love in a truck.”
His smile was evident in his tone, and she gave a small laugh in response. “Well, I hope it didn’t disappoint.”
“Angel, I could be sitting on a pile of gravel making love to you like that, and it still wouldn’t disappoint.”
Her laughter grew as she eased off him to recover her clothes.
“What the . . . shit.”
The dismay in his tone had her glancing over as she pulled on her panties.
“What’s up?” She glanced down to where he was looking and her throat went tight.
“I think the condom broke.”
No. Her heart quickened. “Are you sure? How?”
“I don’t know.” He hesitated. “Maybe it was too old?”
“Well, how long has it been in there?”
He was quiet for a moment, and he closed his eyes before admitting, “Maybe a few years.”
Within seconds, she had pulled out her phone and done an internet search to find out why a condom might break.
“Age can be a factor and the elements,” she read. “Like heat. And we’ve had some hot summers. If it was just sitting in there . . .”
Even as she managed to sound rational and calm, her mind raced as fast as her pulse. She finished getting dressed, not saying anything else and aware of Reggie cleaning up and pulling his boxers and pants up again.
“Amber, it’s going to be okay.”
She lifted her gaze and met his, seeing the compassion and reassurance in his eyes.
And while she knew there was a good chance he was right, it still didn’t do much to quell her churning stomach.
“Of course.” She gave a nod. “We should head inside. The temperature is dropping, and I don’t think this rain is going to let up.”
“Yeah, let’s do it.”
They made their way inside the house and by the time they entered the front door, they were soaked.
Not even an hour later, they were showered and naked again, buried beneath the blankets in his bed.
Even after their time in the truck, their appetites for each other seemed unsated.
As Reggie maneuvered himself down her body and his mouth settled between her legs, she squeezed her eyes closed.
Tears pricked, and she wasn’t sure why. Whether it was over the broken condom or the ending of their time together, she didn’t know. Either way, she was emotional.
One day, one moment at a time.
His skilled mouth was a wonderful distraction, and she gave herself over to it, focusing only on the pleasure.
Chapter Eighteen
It’d been two weeks since he’d returned to work, and every shift still felt surreal.
And agonizing.
Reggie finished dusting the cupboards in the kitchen and went to find the broom.
This light-duty stuff was nowhere near as exciting as being out on the rigs, but it still did wonders for his soul.
Except for the moments when even being back at the station couldn’t distract him from Amber.
Probably because she literally worked with him.
It’d been over two weeks since he’d touched her. Since he’d felt her lips beneath his. Since he’d held her.
He couldn’t decide what was worse—working with her on their shifts together, or when it was his days off, and he didn’t see her at all.
God, he missed her. Missed her in his house all the time. Missed her in his bed. And missed her in his arms.
The sound of the crew returning from a call had him straightening.
There was laughter and shit-talking as the group appeared in the kitchen. Chad and Amber were deep in conversation, but her gaze slid to his the moment she saw him.
In her eyes, there was a flash of what almost looked like anguish before it was gone.
A smile curled her mouth, and she lifted her hand in a wave. “Looking good, Lieutenant.”
“You really do,” Chad agreed. “Dapper as hell with that cane. Can’t wait to have you back out there on calls with us.”
Reggie smiled. “Hopefully, it’ll be sooner than later.”
He knew Chad and Amber had been going out on calls more often when he’d been home recovering. The two worked well together and got along great.
Still, it sent a jab of jealousy through him to think about Chad sitting beside her in the truck and going out on calls with her.
“How’s that light-duty stuff working out?” Amber asked.
“It’s a lot of paperwork and greeting people.” Reggie grimaced. “And some cleaning for as long as my leg can tolerate it.”
“Think your leg can tolerate greasy hash browns and eggs after shift?” Adam called out from across the room. “We’ve missed you at the post-shift breakfast.”
He hesitated, knowing it might make Amber uncomfortable. But he also realized how strange it would look if he skipped out.
He was back on the job, and this was his fire family. They always spent time together.
“Yeah, I’ll be at breakfast. Been way too long since I’ve had their biscuits and gravy.”
Amber’s mouth tightened and she looked away.
So, she wasn’t thrilled with the idea. He bit back a sigh and forced away any disappointment. He couldn’t blame her.
Still, he couldn’t help but wonder. Did she miss him even a little bit? Was this as difficult for her as it was for him?
She certainly seemed to be thriving and carrying on like nothing had happened.
Which was a little hard to believe after all the time they’d shared—especially those final few days together.
They’d barely left his bed or each other’s arms.
The tone sounded and Reggie listened to the call come in for a residential fire.
As the crew rushed to the bay to head out on the call, he yelled, “Be safe out there.”
Unease settled in his stomach as he tried to keep distracted. Taking phone calls, doing some inventory, and whatever else qualified as light duty.
Still, all he could think about was Amber and the risks she took out there.
He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath.
Calm your ass down. She’s a pro. She’s got this.
It wasn’t this bad when he’d been stuck recovering at home—when he wasn’t at the station with her.
But seeing her every day was a reminder of just how dangerous this job could be. He shouldn’t even care this much. They weren’t together anymore. But he was having a hell of a hard time turning that switch off.
The sound of the crew returning had him leaving the desk he was at and walking to meet them.
He entered the bay and glanced them over. They looked exhausted. Solemn.
Shit. He almost didn’t want to ask.
Reggie tightened his grip on his cane. “That bad?”
“Two women didn’t make it out.” The captain shook his head and glanced away. “College kids, we were told. Renting the house. Fortunately, only two were home.”
“One was found by the door.” Adam’s voice broke, and he sounded on the verge of tears. “She was so damn close to getting out.”
Seeing the younger man struggling not to lose it, Chad went to give him a hug.
“It’s all right, man. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, the longer you do this. But it doesn’t. No matter how many years you have in.”
“They didn’t have batteries in the smoke detectors,” Amber mumbled, clearly in shock. “It’s like they took them out or something.”
The pain in her eyes broke something inside him, and before he could question what he was doing, Reggie closed the distance and slid an arm around her.
She leaned into him, letting out a shudder as she choked on a sob. But no tears fell.
He let his cane fall to the floor so he could slide his other arm around her, holding her tight.
Everyone was dealing with it in their own way. Talking and hugging. So Reggie told himself it was okay.
Her arms slid around his waist, and she buried her face into his chest. The world around them disappeared as he held her. As she clung to him like she never wanted to let go.
Only when it went quiet and the sound of silence finally registered did he pull away.
His gaze lifted from her grief-stricken eyes to the men around them.
