Page 45 of Burn It Down

“Jacob?”

Color drains from my face.What is she doing here?

“Uh, hey Cora. I’m in the kitchen.”

I look at Dylan with wide eyes as my girlfriend bounces around the corner, puts her purse on the counter and leans up to give me a kiss. I offer her my cheek because I can’t bring myself to kiss her with the same mouth that was just glued to Dylan’s.

Speaking of, her eyes find him at the bar and she pulls away. Thankfully, Cora isn’t big on PDA.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there. I’m Coraline Cosey,” she says, extending her hand.

“Dylan Ryder.”

“Oh, Dylan! Jacob’s told me so much about you! He mentioned he was inviting you out with the chaos crew on the boat today. Did you enjoy it? I know they can be a bit much,but they’re good guys.” Her laughter is so genuine, my stomach lurches.

Dylan flashes me a look before answering and I know he’s wondering what I’ve said and why I’ve mentioned him to my girlfriend at all.

“Yeah, it was nice to get away from work for a while. Andit’s nice to meet you too,” he says smoothly, grasping her hand.

Turning to me, Cora says, “I wondered whose car was in your spot downstairs. I hope it’s okay I came by. I know you’re working at the station tomorrow night and then I have that thing in Nashville so I’ll be gone for a couple of days and we won’t see each other again for a while.”

“How often do you go? To the fire station, I mean,” Dylan asks. The concern in his voice causing my heart to stutter.

Cora pats my shoulder as I pick my bar stool up off the floor and offer it to her. Sliding onto it, she answers for me while I move to pour her a glass of wine.

“Jacob is like Superman. He’s a nerdy hedge fund manager by day— no offense, babe — and a thrill-seeking firefighter by night. Neither his day job, nor his father’s expectations, allow much room for the things that Jacob truly enjoys.”

I hand Cora her glass of wine over the counter and she swirls it and sniffs it like she’s been taught. “Mmm, I do love a good Malbec.”

While she savors the flavor, Dylan peppers me with questions. “Well, like, how often do you go? Do you always get called out? Do you get the same gear and stuff as the regular firefighters? The same training?”

I answer his questions trying to alleviate his concern, but it doesn’t seem to work.

“I’m sorry I brought it up,” Cora chimes in. She pats Dylan’s forearm which tells me she can hear the panic in his voice as well. “Jacob is an overachiever. He’s good at everything he does,so rest assured, if he gets called to a fire, he’s going to be the best man on the job. And the safest.”

She flashes me an apologetic smile from across the bar. I stayed on this side so there was a barrier between Dylan and I, afraid I’d slip up and touch him if I were any closer.

“Well, I’d better get going and let you guys get to your evening,” Dylan says, slipping from his stool. “Jake, can I help you clean this up real fast?”

“I’ve got it!” Cora sings, grabbing her wine in one hand and Dylan’s plate in the other as she comes into the kitchen.

“Cora, you don’t have to—”

“Don’t be silly, walk your guest out. I’ll be here when you get back.”

Dylan looks down at his outfit. “Thanks for the loaners. I’ll get them back to you.”

“Keep them,” I whisper under my breath as we head for the elevators after he grabs his bag. “I want to think about you in them tonight.” Raising my voice, I yell toward the kitchen. “Be right back, Cor!”

“Ok. Nice meeting you, Dylan!” she yells back.

“You too!”

As soon as the elevator doors close, I back Dylan against the wall and push my hips into his, devouring his mouth, my cock seeking that delicious friction against his.

“When can I see you again?” I pant between kisses.

“Jake, we can’t do this to her.”

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