Caught in the Flames (12 page)

“It’s not a pity invite, Callie. I wouldn’t say come if I didn’t want you there. Why don’t you bring your friends, too? That’ll make my single friends happy and then we can all hang out like we’ve been trying to.”

I study his face and detect sincerity. He’s right, even though I’m still a little hurt he didn’t think to invite me first. I’ve been trying to organize a time for him to meet my friends, preferably with other single firemen in attendance, but it’s been almost impossible with everyone’s schedules. This will be perfect.

“Okay. I’m sorry. Thanks. I’ll text the girls now.”

He scoots his chair close to steal a kiss. “Good. Don’t jump down my throat without asking next time. I’m a good guy, Callie. Let me speak for my own thoughts.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I didn’t even give you a chance to explain. Forgive me?”

“Always. Now let’s eat before this gets cold. And maybe we can sneak into the bunk room for a quickie because I’ve been dreaming of your pussy since I clocked in yesterday.”

“So romantic.” I roll my eyes but can’t help but grin. I’ve been thinking about him and his dick non-stop, too. Between our work schedules, we’ve only been intimate two nights and it’s not even close to quenching the nonstop thirst I have for this man. “Sorry, big guy,” I say between bites of food. “I already told you I’m not fooling around in this place. I’ve seen how the guys barge into rooms without knocking.”

“Aw, you’re no fun, babe.” He grins before shoveling a bite of food in his mouth. We eat in companionable silence but I don’t like the words that just came out of his mouth. I
am
fun. I’m a very fun person. I’ll show him tonight at the party just how much fun I can be.

“Drink up, bitches!” Alicia hands us shots as Jill and I make our way inside her posh downtown apartment. Alicia’s parents are loaded, like Kardashian sort of loaded, and this place is amazing—a high-rise looking out over the twinkling lights of the city. Jill volunteered to drive but we all decided to meet up at Alicia’s place first since it was closer to the party.

I hold the glass to my nose and smell.
Cherry.
Vodka most likely, but before we throw them back Jill halts us. “Wait! A toast!”

I raise my glass. “What are we toasting?”

“To best friends—” Jill says.

“And hot as hell men!” Alicia adds with a grin.

“And to having fun!” I smile. We clink our glasses together and drink, the liquor a slow burn that steals my breath and heats my skin.

“One more before we go!” Alicia fills the glasses but Jill shakes her head.

“One’s good for me. I’m DD tonight. Remember?”

“What? Only one? You’ll be fine with two.” Alicia pushes one shot in front of Jill.

I leave mine on the counter topping the hand-carved bar. “I’m good, too.” I walk into Alicia’s bathroom so I can check my appearance. My curls are untamable with today’s humidity so they dance around my face and head, much like my nervous excitement for tonight. My blue sleeveless blouse is cute and sexy and exposes a tad bit of cleavage. White shorts and nude flats complete my look. Jill wanders over, smoothes her board straight blonde locks and then her short striped cotton dress. Alicia peeks her head in, a strand of newly dyed green in her otherwise jet black hair matches her retro patterned short skirt.

“Let’s go! I don’t want to be too late to this party.” I’m anxious to see Chase and hang out with his friends. I want them to like me, and I think they do, but I’ve only spent time with them at the station. Tonight I’ll meet more than those he works with and that’s important to me. Besides, I want Jill and Alicia to give Chase their stamp of approval. I know it doesn’t matter what they think because I’m the one dating him, but I can’t help but care.

“Okay, fine. Y’all better not be party poopers when we get there. We can always Uber home.” Alicia smooths gloss across her pink painted lips and smacks them with a pop. “Let’s roll.” She turns and stumbles a little, making me wonder if she drank all three of the refilled shots. It could just be the fuck me heels she insists on wearing.

Jill rolls her eyes and grabs Alicia by the elbow. “Come on, lush. Let’s go. And slow down, would you? I want to meet a man, not babysit you all night.”

We make our way out of the apartment and down to the garage where Jill’s Civic awaits. Blasting the air conditioning and Britney Spears puts me in the mood to have a great time. Singing, albeit poorly, at the top of my lungs with my girls sets the tone for the night.

We’re still singing along to the non-existent music after we park and stumble through the dimly lit and horribly paved apartment complex, searching for the address Chase texted me. We stomp down a path and turn left, which brings the party into view. Music pulses from an open doorway on the second story and a dozen or more people mingle outside for a smoke.

I don’t recognize anyone, and my steps falter, but thank God for Alicia and Jill who stand at my sides and give me a little nudge toward the steps. “Come on, let’s go find your man,” Jill says, and it grants me the boost of confidence I need to lead the way up the stairs. I smile and nod at the partygoers I pass.

Inside the door, I find Chase immediately, as if my eyes don’t know how to search for anyone else. He leans against the wall, beer bottle in hand, chatting with a few guys from the station. His gaze snaps up and that lazy, knowing smile fills his face as he pushes off and strides toward us.

“You made it!” He wraps me in a hug.

“Chase, you know Alicia and Jill.”

He pulls back to stand behind me. His arms slide around my waist and pull my back to his front. He dips his head to leave a kiss at the spot where my neck meets my shoulder and I shiver. “Yes, nice to see you both again. Do you want me to introduce you to my friends?”

“Nah.” Alicia’s already walking away, honing in on the makeshift bar that’s been assembled in the kitchen nook.

“I better supervise.” Jill rolls her eyes and walks to catch up.

Chase eyes them as they leave. “They okay on their own?”

I twist out of his arms to gaze up into those chocolate eyes I love. “Alicia and Jill can take care of themselves. You should be more worried about your friends.” I shake my head and we both look over to find Alicia and Jill already flirting shamelessly. A small crowd of testosterone is circling. Alicia’s twinkling laughter sounds over the blaring music and conversations.

I glance around the room and take in the surroundings. Typical dude apartment adorned in white walls and cheap beige carpet. No wall décor other than the big screen television which most of the party congregates around. There’s an open kitchen where a few heavily made up women gather with red Solo cups, teetering on strappy heels and simultaneously send judgmental glances around the room. A few casually dressed women sit on the couch near the TV and talk to each other with friendly smiles. The rest of the room is crowded with men. Some I recognize from visiting the station, others I don’t.

“Do you want a drink? Want me to introduce you to everyone?”

“A drink is good. There are a lot of people here. Do they all work at your station?”

“Nah, just friends of friends.” We start toward the kitchen but get stopped every few feet by someone new.

“Who’s the hottie, Hugh?”

“This is Callie.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smile politely.

A few more steps.

“’Sup Hughmiester. Hey, pretty lady, I’m Steve.”

“Nice to meet you, Steve.”

Chase’s jaw clenches in irritation and he pulls me away from Smiley Steve.

“He seemed friendly.”

“He’s an ass. I need a drink.”

“Almost there.” I laugh and when we reach the fridge Chase pulls out two bottles of beer. He pops the tops and hands one to me. We click the bottles in cheers and I bring the glass to my lips. Before I drink I tilt my head. “Hey, why’s everyone here calling you Hugh?”

“Because he’s a fucking stud!” Troy slaps Chase on the back and then grips the counter to steady himself. He attempts to meet my gaze but his eyes focus and unfocus a few times as his lips pull into a smirk. “Callie, you look fucking hot tonight. Can I get you a drink?” He stumbles back a bit as Chase steps closer to my side.

I raise my bottle and he laughs.

“Oh, you have a drink already! My bad! Sorry, Hugh.” Troy punches Chase in the arm, but it’s sloppy and barely grazes his skin.

I glance at Chase, my mind racing. Why does everyone keep calling him that? Chase’s brow furrows and he scowls at Troy who struggles to maintain a vertical position. Chase meets my eyes and he mouths, “it’s nothing” and shrugs.

“Fucking Hugh! It’s not nothing! It’s fan-fucking-nominal. Oops!” Troy shouts, his brow raised high. He scoots so he’s to my left and Chase to my right. The stench of whiskey fills my face as he stands too close. “
Shhh
. . . Private firefighter business. I shouldn’t share secrets. Hugh’s gonna beat my ass later.”

“Troy. You’re fucking wasted. Leave my girl alone,” Chase teases, but his intent is clear.

Troy raises his arms and backs out of the kitchen. “Got it, boss. Later, Callie.” He turns and stumbles over to the couch. Chase downs the rest of his beer and retrieves another.

“What was that about?” I ask. Chase merely nods toward the living room.

“Nothing. Ignore him. He’s a fucking joke. Fights are on. Let’s go watch.” He links our hands together and pulls me toward the TV. We find a space behind the couch and Chase stands behind me. He holds one hand on my hip and rests his chin on my shoulder. Soft kisses skim my neck and ear every few minutes and his fingers circle at the skin just under the waistband of my shorts, sending goosebumps over my skin.

In this crowded room it feels as if we’re the only two people here. I watch the screen on the television as two grown men attempt to beat the shit out of each other. It should be repulsing, but Chase’s breath on my neck between kisses reminds me of the way he works his lips down my legs to my wet and ready center. His calloused touch at my waist makes me ache for his hands all over my body. I bite my lip and lock my gaze as the fighter in the red shorts punches the one in blue. Blood covers one’s gloves and the other’s face. Our crowd cheers, gasps, and shouts, but all I can do is dig my teeth into my lip so I don’t moan aloud. I’m all worked up. I want Chase. Suddenly, I couldn’t care less about being at this party. The referee on-screen stops the match and our crowd of spectators thins as most people head outside. The TV goes back to mute and music cranks through the speakers.

“Brother, come on. I need you on my team.” Our bubble is broken as a man comes up and punches Chase in the shoulder. I step to the side and study their interaction.

“Fuck, man. Don’t hit me.” Chase scowls and rubs his arm.

“Make me!” The man sticks his tongue out. Wow. Real mature, especially considering he looks to be the oldest guy here.

“Find someone else,” Chase grumbles.

“Don’t be a pussy. Get outside.” He slaps Chase upside the back of his head and my mouth falls open. I can’t believe anyone would do that to Chase. He’s always so in control of the guys at the station. “And when you going to introduce me to your girl?” The guy smiles. His lips lift to one side as his gaze leaves Chase to focus on me.

“Callie,” Chase nods to the man. “This is Cameron.”

“Hi. Nice to m—”

Cameron’s eyes dance with humor as his gaze returns to Chase. “Oh? Just Cameron, is it? I’m not good enough to be family now.”

“I wasn’t finished talking. Don’t be an ass,” Chase growls, and then smiles back at me even though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Cameron is my brother.”

“Oh! Nice to meet you, Cameron,” I say, and he nods.

“Five minutes. Your ass better be outside.” Cameron points at Chase and then deserts us to recruit someone else.

“So, you have a brother?” I turn to face Chase. It’s surprising because he’s never mentioned it before and we talk a lot. Cameron looks so different, he must be a good ten years older than Chase, with light hair cut into a buzz that shows his retreating hairline. He’s also at least four inches shorter, with a stockier build.

“Yeah.” His gaze is trained over my shoulder. “Cam is the oldest. He’s a Captain, too. Different station. Shit, that dumbass mother fucker . . .”

Chase darts away, leaving me stunned and more than a little confused. I watch as he drags Troy by the arm, out the front door, and away from where Alicia and Jill stand talking to three other guys. Alicia glances up and gives me an exaggerated thumbs up, her smile wide and relaxed. Jill’s eyes dance as she laughs at something one of the guys says. I’m glad they’re having fun but where is Chase taking Troy? And why did he rush off? I finish my lukewarm beer and head over to the fridge to grab a cold one.

Two of the beauty queens stand next to the fridge, giggling together. One has false nails as long as talons, Tigress, and the other’s eye makeup is so heavy I nickname her Knock Out. Knock Out is pretty, gorgeous really, but her dark eyelids remind me of the swollen bruises the fighters on screen are sporting tonight.

Tigress and Knock Out stop to look down their noses as I pass by. I hate to judge by appearances, but I know without one conversation I won’t like these two. I peg them for being catty. Privileged. Materialistic. I open the fridge and try to ignore their conversation but I hear one mutter “bitch” when I retrieve a bottle.