Page 72 of Burning for Alexander
“Maybe we could just go see a movie,” I suggested. “I’ve never gotten to hold hands in a movie with a guy.”
He nodded. “Dinner and a movie it is. Also, I’m headed to a conference that weekend, so even if I was brave enough for a Marian wedding, I wouldn’t be available. But I’m counting on you regaling me with tales of flammable decorations, the venue exceeding capacity, and unsafe storage of alcohol. It’s the Marians, after all.”
I tickled him in retaliation, which led to the sexiest wrestling competition of my life and ended in a shouted orgasm with my head hanging off one side of the bed while Judd finger-fucked me into oblivion.
“Anything else I can do for you, Firebug?” he teased breathlessly after he fed me his cock while I was still high from my own orgasm.
“Need my special effects permit reinstated,” I croaked, my voice still wrecked from the abuse of my throat.
Instead of killing the mood, my words made his deep laugh echo around the room.
“I reinstated it three weeks ago. Don’t you ever check your email?”
Sure enough, the next day at work, I found an email from early October.
Dear Mr. Marian,
Following review of the incident and confirmation of your compliance with fire safety protocols, the suspension of Timber’s special effects permit has been lifted effective immediately.
Your establishment is once again authorized to use approvedspecial effects in accordance with Legacy Fire Department regulations. Please ensure continued adherence to all safety measures in place, including staff training, proper equipment use, and routine inspections.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to maintaining a safe environment for both your staff and patrons.
Respectfully,
Judd Kincaid
Fire Chief
Legacy Fire Department
I closed my eyes and pictured Judd Kincaid’s face the way it looked when he’d barked at me to come a few hours earlier in the shower. His eyes dark as pitch, his jaw clenched, and his entire focus on my pleasure.
Respectfully, my ass. Knowing Judd the way I did now, I knew he wished he could revoke that permit permanently, if only to keep me safe. It had most likely taken all of his self-control and professionalism to write that email.
While he knew now that it was a twenty-year-old who’d made the mistake that had led to the bar top fire, he still hated anything that put people in danger.
And I understood now the reason for his vigilance.
I hoped he understood that I wasn’t a shot-slinging bartender at a club in a big city, trying to impress people for tips. I cared deeply for Timber and its people, and that included feeling responsible for the historic building it was in.
I hit Reply on the email.
Dear Chief Kincaid,
I know how hard that was for you to send, and I appreciate it. Timber and its people will take the utmost care to make sure wecontinue to serve the people of Legacy with strict adherence to all such safety measures and concerns. Thank you for your trust in us.
Sincerely,
Alexander Marian
Owner
Timber - Artisanal Pizza & Curated Wines
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with a text.
Smokey the Overbear
