Page 50 of Just This Once

I considered her proposition. “Hang out. Like... friends?”

Her laughter rang out. “Well, I don’t know what kind of friends you have, but I’ve never donethatwith any of my friends.” She circled her finger toward the table.

I grinned. “Fair enough.”

“You know what I’ve always wanted to do?” She tipped her head in thought.

“What’s that?”

“Sit in the back of a truck bed and look at the stars. Like in the movies.”

I smiled at how in a matter of moments she could shift from intoxicating sex kitten to irresistibly cute. “I don’t think you’re going to see any stars tonight, but hang tight.”

I quickly moved to the metal locker on the side of the garage and pulled out a large wool blanket. After removing the carbattery jumper, I carefully laid the blanket in the back of my truck.

I tapped the bed twice with my hand. “Load up.”

In a surprising and swift movement, Emily planted one foot on the tire of my truck and maneuvered herself into the truck bed, settling her back against the cab. I grabbed a second blanket for her legs on the off chance the rain made her chilly. Then I climbed in and sat beside her.

Her arm rested against mine, and she made no attempt to scoot away. I relaxed and watched the storm roll in. With Emily at my side, I felt good.

Too good.

And I didn’t know what the hell to do about that.

EIGHTEEN

EMILY

Listeningto the rain and thunder in the bed of Whip’s truck was surreal. My body hummed with the kind of satisfaction that came only from incredibly good sex. At least, that was what I couldimaginegiven I had never, ever had sex like that before.

Well . . . before Whip at least.

My body ached in the most delicious way, and despite the throb between my legs, I already itched for another round. Sex with Whip was making me delirious, especially given the fact I was somehow considering him afriendof sorts.

The musical patter of rain on the metal roof was soothing. My feet bounced to the faint rhythm. “So you’re a... firefighter.”

Whip chuckled at the way the wordfirefighterdripped with derision.

He glanced at me, unamused. “Glad you’re able to keep up.”

His gentle ribbing caused a giggle to bubble up inside me. I nudged him. “No, I know you’re a firefighter. Obviously. But... why?”

He shrugged. “Why not?”

My face twisted as I studied him. “Well, it’s dangerous, for one. Plus, the hours are weird.”

He nodded. “We’re a small community, so we double up—firefighters and EMTs. That keeps things interesting.” He shrugged. “I kind of just fell into it. And in a small town it’s not as dangerous as you think. The weird hours give me time to do something else.”

“Like making furniture?” I asked.

“Exactly.” Whip stared into the darkness. It was obvious he didn’t often talk about himself.

I tilted my head, genuinely curious. “Which do you like better—being a firefighter or an EMT?”

He scoffed lightly. “I guess no one ever asked.”

I shrugged. “Well, I’m asking. Is it because you love the adrenaline of battling a blaze, or is it something else?”

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