Page 76 of The Firefighter's Fate

“That’s what I like the most out here,” Connor says. “The stars and the silence. Heaven.”

I turn to him.

“I’ve been to lots of bad places in the world, Connor. War zones. Criminal dens. I never take a peaceful place like this for granted. I understand the simple beauty here.”

“Me too.”

I shake my head and look into the flames.

This is his secret place, and he invited me here.

“You’re not like other men, Connor,” I whisper. “Certainly not like other men I’ve known.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he replies softly. “I’m just me. Being me. Even if I am a bit old-fashioned.”

I slowly get up, unwrapping the blanket. I step toward the fire, watching the flames dance in the darkness.

“You’re opening up to me,” I remark. “After all those days of trying to be so tough and defensive. You’re allowing me into your world.”

“I might be.”

His voice is deep. It sends a chill through me.

I turn back to Connor and take a step toward him.

“You brought me out here,” I observe.

“Yes, I did.”

I take another step. Now I’m towering above him as he sits in his deckchair.

“So... that means you like me.”

Connor shrugs and looks away.

I slowly reach out and gently pull his head back to me with the tips of my fingers.

“I want you to know I like you too, Connor.”

He stares at me with his deep hazel eyes for a very long time. We’re so close. Closer than we’ve ever dared be.

I can feel his hot breath against my lips.

And then I kiss him.

38

EMBER

Connor is so damn warm. That’s what I first notice about the man as our lips meet – simply how much heat emanates from his tall, muscular body. But that initial realization quickly evaporates when I fully come to terms with what I’ve just gone and boldly done.

I’m kissing him.

There is a clear moment of freezing astonishment from the firefighter when I lean over and commit to him by the fire. It takes Connor a shocked second to comprehend what is truly happening...

And then he is kissing me back with inviting force. His hand reaches to push my hair behind my ear. His fingers are coarse and tough. They are firefighter’s hands, and their touch makes my entire body shiver with excitement. I like this... I’m really liking this.

I wrap my arms around his neck and bring him even closer to me. The man wraps his other hand around my waist and brings my body in tight.

---