Face the Flames Page 9

  Testing the seeping head of his penis with her tongue, she made a happy noise. “Sweet,” she said. “I love doing this, especially to you.”

  “Not as much as I love you doing it.”

  She sucked on the spongy crown, smiling up at the way he melted under her ministrations, making incomprehensible noises that might’ve been endearments. Or curses. Who knew? All he cared about was that she was rendering him incapable of speech.

  She took him down her throat, loving that his entire length, her mouth the perfect sheath, warm and slick. She laved every vein and contour, eating him like a stick of candy. He was putty in her hands and mouth, so she upped the ante, increasing the suction on his cock. He fisted a hand in her hair and he increased his rhythm until his hips were snapping like a piston, fucking her face like there was no tomorrow.

  She opened to him, squeezing his balls, apparently trying to make him lose control. Her efforts met with resounding success. After giving a series of quick thrusts, his body tensed, balls drawing up tight.

  “Fuck! I’m coming!”

  He tried to pull out, but she held fast to her prize. Surrendering to her wishes, he came with a shout, his seed spurting hot and thick onto her tongue, down her throat. She drank him greedily, seemingly not wanting to miss a drop, though it wasn’t easy. He was loaded with cream and hadn’t enjoyed this in quite a while.

  When he slumped against the tile, she licked away the last drops, then let him slip from her lips and smiled up into his sated face. “Damn, you taste good, handsome.”

  “Thanks.” He grinned. “I’ll bet you taste even better right now. Can I find out?”

  “The second we get done.”

  Taking her hand, he helped her to her feet and then took great pleasure in soaping her all over. The soreness in his body was all but forgotten in the wake of his orgasm, and playing with her under the spray was the best medicine he could’ve taken.

  After their shower, they got out and he dried them both off. She glowed under the attention, and he vowed to do it more often. When they were done, he led her back into the bedroom, where he hoped he could rise to the occasion one more time. He wasn’t a teenager anymore, but damned if she didn’t make him feel like one.

  “Come here,” he said in a low voice.

  Face flushed with the heat from the shower, and perhaps from the heat between them as well, she moved into his arms.

  He pulled her close, nuzzled into her neck. His teeth scraped along her vulnerable skin, and he let her feel his canines, nipping at her flesh. God, that was a huge turn-on. Her moan heightened his anticipation as he continued downward, pausing to capture a pert nipple in his teeth.

  She squirmed, buried her fingers in his hair, and tugged. He chuckled, sucking and teasing the nub, giving the tiniest shock of pain with the pleasure, then repeated his attentions on the other. Then he knelt and kissed a line down the middle of her stomach, pausing where her patch of neat curls began.

  Pushing her thighs apart, he rubbed her slit with two fingers. Spread the moisture, looking his fill. The hunger on her gorgeous face made him feel ten feet tall. Sexy. Excited. So many things he’d been unaccustomed to in the past few months. Had he ever been this happy and fulfilled? Not even close. This was different, and extraordinary.

  Bending, he tasted her, and a growl of male approval rumbled in his chest. “So sweet. I’m getting spoiled, being able to taste you like I want. Make love to you.”

  “What about your back—”

  “It’ll be fine. Nothing matters but this.”

  Damned straight. No amount of bruising could match the heat of his desire. Nothing could compare to the warm, strong woman who writhed above him as his tongue worked its magic, laving slowly, sending the most delightful shivers to her nerve endings. Then he worked between her folds, licking her core. Taking his time, driving her insane. Finally, she pulled at him, almost frantic.

  “I need you inside me! Protection?”

  “To be honest, we don’t need it on my account,” he said huskily, pulling her onto the bed. He helped her get settled, then moved up her body to position himself between her legs. “I was tested in the hospital, and I haven’t been with anyone since. But it’s your call.”

  “I haven’t been with anyone, either. Not in ages. I’m on birth control and I’ve been tested, too.”

  “Then can we do without?” He grinned. “I want to feel you with no barriers between us.”

  “Yes, I’d love that,” she said, face alight with anticipation.

  He sealed the deal with a searing kiss, easing the head of his cock inside her, blowing his own thoughts to dust. Then he slid deep, his girth stretching her but not enough to hurt, filling her, knowing he was more complete than he’d ever been.

  Being inside his lover, fucking her with no latex between them, was mind-blowing. He’d never allowed himself to fuck a partner bare, and shit, he’d been missing out! She clung to him, palms spread on his back, then she seemed to remember his injuries and loosened her hold. But she stroked him gently, as though she wanted to love away the pain. As far as he was concerned, she could kiss each bruise and make it disappear.

  His thrusts gained in power and he held on tight, gasping in enjoyment as she licked the salty skin of his chest, sucked at his collarbone. She pulled back a bit to watch his face, lips slightly parted, expression steeped in bliss. Glorious red hair curtained her face and she made such a sexy picture, it drove him to the edge.

  “Oh!” she breathed. “I’m going to come!”

  “Do it, baby,” he rasped. “Come on my cock!”

  The last of his control snapped and the orgasm swept him in a rush of heady ecstasy. She followed him over, clutched him tightly, crying out as he shouted, emptying his hot seed. Filling her to overflowing. When their spasms died, he eased to the side, slipping out of her, and gathered her close. With a contented sigh, she rested her head on his chest and wrapped an arm around his middle.

  “You were wonderful,” she praised.

  “So were you, sweetheart. That was everything I’ve wanted, and more.” He kissed the top of her head. “I never knew what I was missing.”

  He heard a sniffle, and her arm tightened around him.

  “Me, either,” she said softly.

  They dozed for a while, not a care in the world.

  If only he’d known their idyll wouldn’t last.

  • • •

  Three days later, and he was ready to get back into his workouts and practice. Lazing around, making love with Melissa whenever she wasn’t working, was awesome, no doubt about that. But he had a job to do and he wasn’t going to waste one more second getting back to it.

  He bugged his captain so much with calls and texts, the big man finally broke down and relented, starting their drills a few days sooner than he’d originally planned. That was great by Clay.

  True to his word, Howard started him out at a slow but steady pace. Each day the captain was able to get free, they met at the training center. If he was on shift and the team had no calls, the rest of the guys would join them. They’d run a couple of miles around the track, then proceed to the weight room for a light to medium workout. After that, they’d run the obstacle courses and other drills until Clay could do them without breathing hard.

  The only one they hadn’t yet tackled by the time the next two weeks had passed was the model house.

  Everything else went smoothly, and the team was proud of him. They said so. Hell, Clay was proud of himself. A few months ago, he hadn’t been able to walk or feed himself. And now?

  “Thanks to you guys and your faith in me, I’m getting myself back where I need to be,” Clay told them one day after their drills. “You don’t know what that means to me.”

  “Shit,” Zack said, shaking his head. “You would stand by any of us, am I right?”

  “Damned
right.”

  “That’s just what we do,” Julian put in, clapping Clay on the shoulder. “A team sticks together.”

  “I think this calls for a celebration,” Six-Pack declared with a smile. “I propose we have a cookout at my place next Saturday with our boy here as the guest of honor. After all, it’s not every day a guy gets told, ‘Welcome back to the team.’”

  “A cookout sounds—” Clay stared at his beaming captain, then the rest of them who were chortling and elbowing each other like fools. “Wait. Does that mean what I think it means?”

  “You bet.” The captain stuck out his hand. “Welcome back, Clay. I’ll expect you to report for duty Monday at seven a.m. sharp. If you want your spot back, that is.”

  “Oh my God. Yes! Yes, I’ll be there!”

  A cheer went up, and Clay pumped Howard’s hand vigorously. Then he found himself being slapped and hugged by his friends, who were almost as happy as he was. Even Jamie, always so quiet, joined in the fun wearing the biggest smile Clay had ever seen on him.

  Clay turned back to the captain. “I’ve still got to pass the physical agility test.”

  “Just a formality. We’ve all seen what you can do, and I don’t have any doubts you’ll pass with flying colors. Just keep up your workouts.”

  What a rush. He could hardly catch his breath at the prospect of rejoining his team.

  “Hey, I may be bringing a date,” he told them when things had calmed down. That brought the expected good-natured comments and whistles.

  Six-Pack looked smug. “A certain pretty lady detective, I assume?”

  “You assume correct. I have to ask her, but I’m pretty sure she’ll come—if she’s off duty.”

  “Things are progressing well, then?”

  “They are. I think she’s the one, man.” Kissing noises ensued from all around him. “Shut up, assholes,” he said with a laugh. “Every one of you is so pussy-whipped, you can’t even get a beer after work without permission.”

  A few grumbles of agreement rose up, except one.

  “I’m not pussy-whipped and probably won’t ever be,” Jamie said, almost to himself. Then his face flushed when he seemed to realize Clay had heard his comment, and he glanced away shyly. “I mean, I’m still single.”

  Clay patted his arm, wondering what that was all about. “No rush, my friend. She could be just around any corner.”

  Clay could’ve sworn he heard the younger man mutter, “Not likely,” before they headed out together as a group. Oh—did Jamie swing the other way? If so, he didn’t have to worry about coming out. None of the guys would care.

  The mystery was soon forgotten as he bade the guys good-bye. He was flying high as a kite, and needed to tell someone his good news. His mother deserved to be the one to hear it first, because she was the one who’d been through hell with him.

  Briefly, he thought of calling, but decided this was best delivered in person. On the way, he stopped at the grocery store on impulse and picked up a small gift for his mother. Once he arrived at her house, he hurried up the steps, marveling again that he was able to do so. He rang the doorbell and waited.

  A few seconds later, he heard footsteps. Then the door opened, and his mom’s face broke into a huge smile at seeing him there.

  “Clay! Are those for me?”

  Stepping inside, he drew her into a big hug and spun her around, the flowers clutched at her back. He laughed as she squealed, then he set her down again. “Yes, they most certainly are!”

  “Oh, thank you! I haven’t gotten flowers in ages.” Taking them from him, she sniffed the blooms in appreciation. “What’s the occasion?”

  “They’re a simple thank-you from me, for sticking by me all these months. You deserve much more, but I don’t have a million dollars lying around.”

  She smiled. “I’ll take the flowers. But I sense there’s much more to your visit.”

  “What makes you say that?” He was going for casual, but failed.

  “Because you’re practically radiating happiness that’s so bright it’s about to blind me. What gives?”

  Taking him by the arm, she led him into the living room, where she urged him to sit on the sofa. She perched herself beside him, set the flowers on the coffee table, and waited.

  Taking a deep breath, he told her, “I got back my position on the team. I start on Monday.”

  For a few heartbeats she just stared at him, and his heart sank some. What if she wasn’t happy for him? What if her fears were too great to allow her to move on? He needn’t have worried.

  Tears moistened her eyes, and her genuine smile was as bright as he felt. “Oh, son. I’m so happy for you. You’ve come such a long way, and you’ve worked so hard. Congratulations.”

  Then his mother gathered him into her arms and hugged the crap out of him. For a few moments they stayed like that, while he enjoyed the simple comfort and support only a mother could give. And his mother soaked up the reassurance from him in return. That he was a capable man, and could take care of himself. That she would let go of her fears, for his sake.

  “Thank you,” he said hoarsely. “For everything.”

  “You’re my son, and the light of my life. I wouldn’t have been anywhere other than by your side, fighting for you.”

  That was the final piece he’d needed to complete his new lease on life. What every man wanted and needed—the love and approval of his mother.

  They wound up in the kitchen, talking and eating fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies as she put the flowers in a vase and made them coffee. They talked about a bit of everything that day, including Melissa.

  “You going to tell your young lady the good news?”

  “You bet, as soon as I leave here.”

  “She’s pretty special, isn’t she?” Her expression was open, curious.

  “Yes, she is.” He took a deep breath. “I’m falling for her, Mom. I think she’s it for me.”

  “If so, I’m happy for you,” she said with a wistful smile. “I knew one day a special woman would come along and steal your heart.”

  “But no woman could ever take me away from you.” He scooped her into a hug. “You’ll always be my number one.”

  “Oh, I don’t think so,” she said with a chuckle. “But I love you for saying so.”

  “I love you, Mom.”

  “And I love you, my baby.”

  That wonderful afternoon would remain one of his favorite memories, always.

  The day his life came full circle, and began again.

  6

  Melissa was at her desk poring over a case file when Shane walked into the room the detectives shared and called out to her.

  “Hey, someone’s here to see you. Says he’s here to lodge a formal complaint.”

  “Aren’t they all?” she muttered, shooting her friend a dark look. “Tell him to fuck off.”

  In the next instant, her tall, sexy firefighter filled the doorway. “Now, is that any way to talk to your man? You really want me to scram?”

  Standing, she came around the desk, ignoring the ribald comments of her fellow detectives. “Absolutely not. Unless you really do have a complaint, in which case you can—”

  “My only complaint is I’m not getting enough time with you this week, sweetheart.”

  “Aww,” Taylor drawled from the corner. “Ain’t that the sweetest thing ever? I’m turning diabetic over here.”

  Melissa shot him a glare. “Shut up, dickface. How many times have you texted Cara today? Don’t think I didn’t see that kissy-face emoji you sent her when I walked by, either.”

  Shane grinned at his partner. “She’s got a point.”

  “You’re right,” Taylor sighed, winking at Melissa. “Guess we’re all a bunch of lovesick idiots around here.”

  Clay changed the subject as he addressed Shane.
“How’s Drew?”

  Leaning against his desk, Shane said, “Physically, he’s doing great, considering. He spent almost a week in the hospital, then he was released. Ended up having some nerve damage in the shoulder, so he’s been doing physical therapy. He hasn’t been back to work yet, and I’m not sure he will. The nightmares are getting to him, worse than when he first came to live with me after his dad died.”

  “I’m sorry to hear about the nightmares, but I’m glad he’s healing.”

  Shane nodded in acknowledgment. “So how are you holding up? Still working out at the training center? Melissa told us about it.”

  “Actually, that’s what I came here to speak to her about.” He turned to smile at her. “I’ve got some great news, but I may as well tell everybody at once. I start back at Station Five on Monday. I’ve got my team back!”

  “Oh! That’s wonderful!” She took him in a fierce hug, and his arms came around her. After a quick, chaste kiss on the lips, she stepped back and grinned at him. “I know how much you’ve wanted this and how hard you’ve been working for it.”

  She wanted to give him a better, deeper kiss and do some real celebrating. But that would have to wait until later.

  “It’s so surreal,” Clay said, chest puffed out with pride. “I was running drills with the guys earlier, and Six-Pack sprung it on me. They all knew and were waiting for him to tell me. It was fantastic.”

  “I’ll bet,” Shane said, sticking his hand out. “Congrats, you deserve it.”

  “Thanks.” They shook and then Clay turned to Melissa. “When are you done for the day? I was thinking we could get some dinner.”

  “I’m about ready to wrap up, and I’m starving. That sounds great.”

  “Why don’t I wait for you and I’ll drive us. I can bring you back to your car later.”