Page 36 of Burn It Down

I’ve been called to several fires in the three years I’ve been with the department. Only four of them were serious. But sitting on this boat in the sun with Dylan next to me, I can’t help but feel like I’m about to go up in flames. I’m hotter than I’ve ever been under layers of protective gear standing in the mouth of a raging fire.

And all I can think isbring on the heat.

Chapter 12

Dylan

I’m having trouble processing what the hell is happening. My traitorous dick damn near ruined this whole day for me, but Jake’s response wasn’t what I expected. Then again, I know some straight guys take being hit on by a gay guy as a compliment. Except, Jake doesn’t lookcomplimented.He looks turned on as fuck.

And earlier, when I tried to figure out if his anger was friendly protectiveness or jealous desire, his deer-in-the-headlights look gave me my answer. But it also seemed pretty evident that Jake hasn’t come to terms with that part of his sexuality, so I didn’t push it. I’ve been someone’s coming out experiment before and I can’t say I’m interested in doing it again.

At this point though, Jake’s seen all my cards and instead of running, he’s asking for more. Sure, it’s just dinner, but it’s dinner after he saw the obvious result of my attraction to his barely clothed body. My reaction to the way his lips felt against my skin. My reaction tohim.

Back at the dock, we slip our shirts on, gather our stuff, get the boat refilled with gas, and discard the trash. Everyone pitches in and it isn’t long before we’re saying our goodbyes. Imanage to get out of my head long enough to clasp all the guys’ hands and pull them in for a quick pat on the back, but I feel Jake’s eyes on me every time my chest hits one of theirs.

“Thanks for letting me come out with you guys today. I hadn’t realized how much I needed a break.” I aim my words at Knox since it’s his boat, but everyone responds.

“Yeah, man, any time.”Knox.

“We’ll have Jakey give you a call next time we go out. We’ll get you up on the board. It’s a blast.”Hudson.

“Next time bring your sister though.”Phoenix.

I laugh as I turn and head for my car with Jake hot on my heels.

Once we’re inside, with all the external noise shut out, the silence feels deafening. Is Jake regretting giving me an invitation to dinner now that we’re alone?

“If uh, if you’re tired from being out, I can drop you off and go get in a couple hours of work.” I offer, giving him an out to avoid hearing the rejection fall from his lips.

“I was actually thinking we could grab dinner at my place? I need a shower and I don’t have a change of clothes with me so going out doesn’t sound appealing, but I’m still up for dinner if you are.” He won’t make eye contact with me and I’m having a hard time reading the tone of his voice.

I should say no. I should be the stronger one. I know I don’t want a relationship with a guy learning what he likes. As soon as he finds out he won’t be topping me or be on the receiving end of any blowjobs, it’ll be over before it starts and fuck, I like hanging out with him too much for it to end like that.

But instead, I hear myself say, “Umm…yeah…if you’re sure. Just tell me how to get there.”

“I’m sure,” he whispers before closing his eyes briefly as he gives me directions toward uptown. The most expensive place possible. I pull into the underground garage and am stopped bya gate that’s being manned by an attendant currently giving me the stink eye.

When I roll down my window, my engine rumbles loudly, the sound echoing off the concrete walls, causing the guard to have to yell.

“When you enter the gate, go right. You can loop around and exit on this side,” the man says.

“I’m sorry?” I say, asking for clarification because I don’t understand.

“You don’t live here, my man,” he explains, as if I don’t know where my own home is. His eyes rake over my car before flitting back to my face and I know what he sees. Hispanic features set against dark skin. Of course I couldn’t afford to live here.

I huff a humorless laugh of disbelief as Jake leans across my center console, bracing himself on his elbow as he shows his face to the guard.

“He doesn’t, but I do.”

The guard’s eyes go wide with mortification. “Mr. Ellington. I didn’t see you there.”

“Obviously,” Jake answers unamused. “Memorize this car, this man’s face, and his license plate. Anytime he shows up, you direct him to any of my spaces immediately. If mine are full, have another car towed in order tofindhim a space. Is that clear?”

The guard nods. “Yes, sir.” Looking at me, he offers a quick apology. “Sorry, sir.”

I nod back, unsure of what to say. No one except Cassie has ever stood up for me like that.

“People can be such assholes,” Jake mutters as we make our way into the underground lot. “My spaces are PH1-PH5. You’ll see the Range Rover and the Maserati. My motorcycle and the Ferrari are also down here. My guest spaces are marked PHG.There are three of them. Choose any one you’d like out of the eight that belong to me.”

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