We burn together—not in a rush, not in secret.
Out loud.
In daylight.
Finally.
“Let’s get you home, Red.” I hoist her into my arms, carrying her on steady strides through the firehouse and out to my truck.
Fifteen minutes later, I’m drawing her a bath at my place. I instruct her to get in and then leave to make her favorite tea.
When I return, I catch sight of her nestled in the mountain of bubbles, water lapping gently against porcelain and soapy foam spilling onto the floor. Even from the doorway, I can feel the tension in her shoulders beginning to melt away—exactly why I brought this little feast to her. Balancing a wooden tray, I set it down carefully on the edge of the tub.
“What’s your poison?” I ask, lifting a mug of cocoa in one hand and a steaming cup of tea in the other. “I’ve got sandwiches, salad, fruit, cheese…”
She smiles up at me, the steam curling around her hair. “What kind of sandwich is it?”
“Ham, turkey, and cheese,” I admit, grinning. “I know, boring—but I was a bachelor before you.” I lean forward and press a soft kiss to her lips.
She snatches the sandwich from the tray and takes a bite. I run a finger along her cheek to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Going to stare at me while I eat?”
“I like watching those sexy lips,” I say, and she blushes. Then I rest my elbow on the tub’s rim and ask, “How does your back feel after sleeping on that bunk all night, sweetheart?”
She nods, shoulders relaxing further. “The bath really helps.”
I cup her chin. “I want to move you into my life as soon as possible. If you don’t like my place we can move somewhere else—up in the mountains—it doesn’t matter to me. My home is wherever you are.”
Her eyes lock on mine, and I lay my heart bare. I mean every word. She’s staring back at me with a light in her eyes that makes me grateful all over again.
She shakes her head softly. “No. I love your place. It’s peaceful. And I really love this giant tub.”
I feel pride bloom in my chest. I lean forward, hands cradling her face. “You’re pretty amazing, you know that? I always knew you were remarkable, but you’re more beautiful, strong, and compassionate than I ever dreamed. The town’s lucky to have you—and so am I.”
I let my thumbs brush her cheeks, my gaze burning into hers, wordlessly promising she’s found everything she deserves. Then she tugs at my shirt, a playful glint lighting her eyes.
“Now that that’s settled…” she murmurs, pulling me forward.
I laugh and let her guide me in, ready to lose myself in the warmth—together.
“Glad to see you’ve got that fighting spirit back.” I don’t leave a moment of breath between us, hauling her into my arms, sudsy and dripping wet, every inch of us pressed together.
“I can’t help myself around you,” she confesses against my lips.
My hands trail up her slick skin, body warm and silky against my rough hands. “Glad the feeling is mutual, baby.”
Then I pull her out of the tub, her legs hooking around my waist, her naked body clinging to mine.
“I’ve waited my entire life for you,” I hum as we crash against the shower door, her body sliding down the glass side.
“Mm…” I catch her lip between my teeth and slow-drag her already swollen flesh. “I can smell how turned on you are for me, beautiful.”
I drop to my knees, cradling her thighs against my biceps and nestling my head between her legs. In one deft stroke, my tongue slips through her soaked pussy. She arches and groans, hands clutching my shoulders as she rides my face, hips slipping back and forth as my tongue swirls and sucks, teeth nipping and drawing out every last sensitive nerve.
“Oh my God, you feel amazing. You are amazing. Every touch, every stroke, I think it can’t get better.” Her thighs begin aslow tremble, the rapid staccato of her words all the proof I need that I’m pleasing her.
“Oh yes…”
I don’t give her a chance to finish, only adding the tip of my finger to her soaked entrance, probing her juicy warmth until she shudders and moans and begs me to stop because it feels too good, then begs for my lips because they feel so good.
