Page 20 of Saved By the Firefighter

"Chocolate chip mint work for you?" He's already reaching for the freezer, and I nod, grateful for the distraction from the tension winding tight inside me.

He pulls a tub of ice cream and sets it on the counter. Then he pulls a bowl from the cabinet. "Sorry about earlier," he says, scooping ice cream into a bowl with an oddly tender focus. "I shouldn't have left dinner like that."

"It's fine." I shrug, hoping my traitorous body doesn't reveal how not fine it is. "Long day, I get it."

"Yeah. Not used to..." He clears his throat. "Someone making me dinner. It was really good. Thanks. And you sear one hell of a steak."

I smirk. "Well, thank you. I did my best. And everyone deserves a home-cooked meal now and then, especially someone who works as hard as you." The words tumble out, genuine, and I mean them. Despite the confusion, I can still see the guy who always waves to me in the mornings, the single dad doing his best. Before I can stop myself, more words slip out. "You're really wonderful, Jake. You've done a lot for me, and I really appreciate it." The words hang in the air, a little too sincere, a little too vulnerable.

He tries to deflect, but his voice lacks the casual indifference he probably intends. "I'm not wonderful. Just...helping out my friend's baby sister."

I move closer, walking around the granite kitchen island. "Jake," I insist, smiling, "stop being so humble. A lot of men wouldn't be so helpful, so you should give yourself some credit once in a while. You’re such an amazing guy." I poke his solid shoulder with a finger, trying to be light-hearted, but the moment the compliment leaves my lips, something shifts in those deep brown eyes of his. It's like a spark flaring to life, intense and unexpected. There's a heated look that sends a rush of warmth through me.

Trying to ignore whatever I'm sensing—because Jake has been known to run hot and cold—I reach out for the bowl, eager for something else to focus on, but he pulls it just out of reach.

With an intense gaze, he digs a spoon into the mound, scooping up a creamy bite. "Hopefully dessert can make up for my actions earlier."

My heart is pounding from the way he's looking at me, but I try to keep a calm voice as I respond, "Depends on how good it is."

He glances at my mouth. "It's good. Open up."

Just like Jake, hot and cold. But I'm really enjoying that he's running hot right now.

I part my lips and he moves the spoon inside. I taste it, then I release a soft hum. "It is good."

"Told you." He gets another spoonful and brings it to my lips.

It's silly, this game of feeding me ice cream, but it's also intimate in a way that makes my pulse race. After a few bites, the sweet mint flavor filling my mouth, I find the courage to broach the subject we've been avoiding.

"About that kiss..." I start, but he's already setting the ice cream aside, reluctance written all over his face.

"Ellie, listen." Jake's voice is low and serious. "I'm not looking for a relationship."

"Neither am I. I'm still settling into town and not trying to get wrapped up in anything serious." A strange relief washes over me from laying the cards on the table. I’m really not thinking about relationships right now.

He meets my gaze. "And you're positive about that?"

"Yes. Why would I be lying?" As I say it, a twinge of doubt hits me. I ignore it. No, I don't want any messy relationships. What I do want is to have some fun with this strong, stunning firefighter who—

His response is to step closer, the distance between us shrinking until my back hits the kitchen island with a soft thud. "What about the kiss?" he probes.

I release a shaky breath, trapped by the heat of his body and the intensity of his gaze. "I...I really liked that kiss. And there's no reason we can't be friends who just have some fun with each other, you know? Nothing serious. No commitments." It's an admission that hangs between us, charged and heavy.

He puts his hands on the counter on either side of me, boxing me in. "Promise."

Swallowing, I say, "I promise. Just friends who—"

Suddenly, his lips crash against mine, a passionate collision that steals my breath. His hands find my waist, pulling me into him. As his erection presses against my stomach, I gasp. He feels like a man I'll have trouble handling. Jake groans softly, the vibration tingling through me.

We break apart, breaths coming fast. Jake's eyes are nearly black, his grip on my waist tightening. "Tell me you're on birth control."

"Hell, yes," I reply without a second thought, my eagerness to feel him inside me overwhelming any hesitation. There's no going back now, not with the way my body is already melting into his.

"Thank God." His mouth crashes down on mine again, and I moan against his lips.

Our kiss is all-consuming, a whirlwind of heat and longing that I hadn't known I was capable of feeling. Jake's hands are all over me, claiming me in ways that are both terrifying and electric. His palm presses against my breast, and the sensation ripples through me, pulling a moan from the depths of my throat. I think it has been way too long since a man touched me this way. Or, I've been pinning after Jake for way too long, my body already ready to burst.

He smirks at me. "You're loud."

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