Page 22 of Backdraft
I was glad I'd made her happy. We needed happy in the world.
"Are you a firefighter?" she asked when she handed me my bag of treats.
"No, fire investigator." I handed her money to pay for my order.
"Oh! I've never known a woman… I'm sorry, I didn't mean?—
"It's okay. There's not many of us."
"It must be very interesting."
I nodded. "Yes, it is."
She leaned forward, and in a conspiratorial whisper asked, "Did you go to the fire where the family, er, well…” She trailed off, probably unsure what to say.
"I was there. Very tragic." I didn't want to talk about it and moved down the line to wait for my drink.
I heard voices at the door and turned. My heart leapt into my throat when I saw Taylor. The reaction caught me completely by surprise. I couldn't look away from him while he chatted with another guy. He was an attractive man and he’d only gotten more handsome since we were together in Denver. I hadn't really noticed it at the fire, or at the autopsy, but now, I most certainly did. His dark short-cropped hair made his piercing blue eyes pop. The jeans and shirt he wore emphasized his fit body, but all I could see was him in his naked glory.
I cleared my throat and closed my eyes for a moment, an aching, sweet heat spread through me, and I found it difficult to draw in a breath.
Serious proof that I'd been celibate for way too long. Especially when reminded of…
I shook my head. Get a grip, girl. I'd have to, because we'd be bumping into each other in a small town like Oak Creek.
Was I ready to talk with him? Or should I just take my order and run? My name was called.
I made my way between the other guests and took my order. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. We hope to see you back soon."
I nodded. "You can count on it." I turned to make my way through people waiting and nearly bumped right into Taylor. I froze and stared up at him.
He smiled, and I found myself grinning back at him.
"You found our secret place," he said, keeping me caught in his gaze.
My heart battered in my chest, and I was puzzled for a moment. Our place? "Oh, you mean the town's secret place," I answered him.
"Yes, this place has been a hit since it opened a few months ago. You can count on everything being authentic and delicious." He shuffled forward in the line, and I turned in my place so we could continue talking.
"It certainly is unique. A nice change from normal coffee shops."
He nodded. "Are you in a rush to go anywhere? If you're not, maybe we can sit and enjoy our Hawaiian delicacies at a table."
The intensity of his gaze nearly melted me inside. "Ah, yeah, I think I could find some time."
"Did you want to grab that table by the window while I get my order?"
I was captivated by his grin and felt like a schoolgirl. All the memories of Denver rushed back again, and I knew that us being together in the same room could have dangerous side effects. "Sure, no problem," I basically muttered it, still feeling rather flustered.
Heat flushed my face, and I turned partly so he couldn't see my blush as I made my way to the table before someone else got it.
I sat, rested my chin on my hand and watched him, keeping my head down slightly so it didn't look like I was staring at him. Why was I being such a freak? It wasn't like we didn't know each other, even if we had met years ago and only spent time doing things of a sexual nature. I couldn't throw off the longing raging through me.
A few minutes later, he walked over to the table, and I enjoyed every moment of it. He moved easily, with a rolling gait that emphasized his size, strength, and maleness. I flushed again, this time with muscle memory of the desire I'd felt when we were together. He'd lifted me, grabbed my ass, and pressed me into the wall. A soft breath escaped me, and I quickly grabbed my coffee to take a sip. Oh God, I hope he didn't hear my almost moan.
He sat and looked quietly at me. My feelings reflected in his gaze. How would we get through this? Working in close proximity would be almost unbearable. Unless I was able to firmly control myself. We had to keep things purely professional.
