Fire and Ice: Book One: Burned (The Fire and Ice Series 1) (5 page)

Kellan

Jesus Christ!
Talk about damsel in distress. There was no fucking way I was letting Jord go
off gallivanting and joyriding when he missed half the day as it was. Screw
that...he could deal with handling the customers on his own, just like I had to
when he blew me off this afternoon. At any rate, I guess Piss Pants took my
advice and went shopping for a new wardrobe. Fuck me! When she crawled out of
her car and I caught a peek of her lacy white panties from her
extremely
short jeans skirt, I swear, I almost came
in my pants right then. Thank fuck I had my smokes on me. I needed one after
seeing that crotch shot.

And the only
way I could describe her luscious, lean legs, attached to a sexy pair of red
stilettos, was that they needed to be wrapped around my head...stat! Fuck, she
smelled so goddamn good. Pears, or some shit, I think. I can still smell her
and I've been in this sweat ridden, filthy bar for the last hour, now, watching
her ass every time she bends over. Jordan is still giving me dirty looks from
earlier, but he can suck a dick for all I care. I have more important things on
my mind. I'll deal with him later.

As much as I'd
love to ogle Miss Priss' ass all night, there's work to be done and the crowd
is starting to roll in. Tonight's band, The Cherished, always brings in a big
crowd. Since I got the Princess's car back up and running and we got back to
the bar, all three of us had been hopping. Thankfully she'd paid attention last
night and to my surprise, actually got her shots ready with plenty of time to
spare. Jordan and I were setting up for the heavy crowd as she came up behind
me and tapped me gingerly on the shoulder, asking, "Kellan, can I get into
the office for a few minutes?"

"For
what?" I retorted with a bit of annoyance. She was great to look at, but
she was like a fucking gnat.

"I just
want to take these shoes off for a few minutes before I have to start."
She looked to me with her big blue doe eyes and I rolled mine, irritated that
she figured she could just blow off helping me and Jordan out to go rest her
pretty little toes. Fucking chicks, man. Always bitching and moaning.

"Five
minutes," I said blandly, pushing past her as I grabbed my keys while she
trailed behind me, trying to keep up in her high heels. I inwardly snickered at
the thought of her having to endure an entire shift on the despicable torture
devices. I ushered her in, closed the door, and shook my head as I headed back
to the bar.

Jordan finally
broke his hours long silence, asking, "What was that all about?"

I decided not
to make any more waves and just drop what had happened earlier. That's
generally how I roll. I get fucked off at him, we go at it, he sulks, he drops
it, I drop it, end of story. We've been doing this since high school. I know
the drill. Answering him, I said, "I don't know...her feet fuckin' hurt or
some shit. Boo-fuckin'-hoo." I threw my hands up in the air. "I can't
work like this!" I blurted out, feigning mortification in an attempt at
comic relief. Luckily it worked, as after a moment, Jordan and I both cracked
up laughing. I held my hand up and he clasped it, as we brought it in for a for
a manly shoulder slap.

Noticing the
tables were filling up, and it was approaching 8:00, I thumbed towards the back
office and said, "I'm gonna go get her, be right back." I stopped for
a beat, then asked, "We good, man?" Jordan smiled and nodded his
head. "Cool."

******

Hailey

I knew I
shouldn't have worn these stupid heels. My feet were killing me, and I'd
decided to ask Kellan if I could take a few minutes to relax my feet before my
shift began. I took a few moments to prop my feet up on the couch in the office
and must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, I awoke in a hazy state
to Kellan standing over me barking out, "What in the fuck do you think
you're doing, Sleeping Beauty? This isn't a fucking rest home!" I startled
and shot straight forward, pulling my skirt down that had risen up. Kellan's
eyes followed my movements and traveled the length of my legs slowly before
making their way back to my eyes, staring at me intently, a blazing desire
behind his angry gaze. He was confounding to say the least. "Don't,"
he stated harshly.

I stilled,
questioning, "Don't what?" in a hushed tone.

"Leave
it," he demanded. "Open your legs," he continued, his eyes never
leaving mine.
Shit, this is beyond hot. Oh, shit,
oh shit, oh shit...I can't do this!
I lay there dumbfounded, until he
came over to stand in front of me, a hint of a smirk playing on his face, and
nudged my knees apart, leaning his head down to peer under my skirt. My whole
body flushed and I was instantly wet. Was it so wrong that I felt honored to be
displaying myself for his pleasure? After he'd seemingly gotten his fill, he
glanced at me from underneath his dark lashes, not bothering to raise his head,
and said, "Good girl. You've redeemed yourself, Sleeping Beauty."

He gave me a
devilish smile and pushed my knees together just as Jordan turned the corner,
surprising the daylights out me, asking, "What's going on?" with a
quizzical look upon his face.

Unfazed, Kellan
chuckled and brushed past him, as I feigned innocence, replying, "Nothing!
I mean...I fell asleep. Kellan caught me and scared me, that's all." I
gathered my shoes, hopping into them quickly and walked past Jordan before he
could ask anymore questions. I was in one hell of a jam.

******

Hailey

Thankfully, the
rest of the night had gone off without a hitch. The band was great, the crowd
was insane, and I made a ton of money. Thanks to Jordan being kind enough to
take over mopping for me, I quickly washed off the tables and chairs, and we
were able to get out of there at a reasonable hour. I managed to stay as far
away from Kellan as I could for the rest of the night, saying goodbye quickly
to Jordan and dashing off to my car while Kellan was in the back.

Sunday and
Monday had me busy with the football games, but I'm off tonight since Jim is
back and they usually don't need a shooter girl on Tuesdays. Honestly, my feet
can use the break, even if my wallet desperately needs the cash. No sense
wasting my time only to make a few bucks, if any.

After
our...exchange, Kellan basically gave me the cold shoulder, leaving me doubting
myself. Had I done something wrong? But Jordan and I had been getting along
great. Unfortunately, my mom hasn't been feeling the best, so I haven't been
able to meet up with him outside of work the last couple of days. But we've been
texting each other, and he makes me laugh, sometimes until my sides hurt.

I asked him why
he puts up with Kellan's bullshit all the time and he gave me Kellan's story.
As I lay in my bed re reading the texts, I'm amazed at what they both went
through.

Me:
So, like why do you deal with his shit? Why don't you tell
him to go fly a kite...he's not your boss, you know.

Jordan:
It's not that simple. I've known the kid half my life. We
grew up together.

Me:
So? If someone was a jerk to me all the time, I don't think
I would want to hang around with him, regardless of how long I've known him.

Jordan:
He had it rough. He has...issues.

Me:
Wow! Thanks Captain Obvious! I never would've figured that
one out on my own. Lol.

Jordan:
You wouldn't get it.

Me:
You know, Jordan, a lot of people have rough
childhoods...they don't grow up to be assholes, especially to the people who
care about them.

Jordan:
It's not like that...I mean, yeah...he can be a royal
asshole, but he's got my back, too. He'd never do anything to hurt me.

Me:
Why do you say that? You two don't even seem that close.

Jordan:
When he was a kid, about 12, his mom, Shirley, died of lung
cancer. His parents were always dirt poor, and without his mom around to
control his dad...or at least help keep him at bay, his dad went
haywire...binge drinking, staying out all night, spending what little money
they did have on booze. His dad, Chuck, eventually lost his job. Chuck started
coming home and taking it out on Kellan. Eventually Kellan hit a growth
spurt...he was 15, and man I remember that day like it was yesterday. He showed
up at my door with a fist full of bloody knuckles and a huge grin on his face.

Me:
Holy shit! What happened?

Jordan:
Kellan knocked Chuck's front teeth out, left, and never
went back.

Me:
Jesus! Did your parents let him move in with you?

Jordan:
HA! I couldn't pay Kellan to move in with me. I begged him
to. My parents even threatened to call the social workers. He told my dad to
fuck off. Lol.

Me:
So what happened? He just lived on the streets?

Jordan:
Well, sort of. I mean, I helped him out. It took us
forever, but he got a paper route, lawn mowing jobs, shit like that, and we
finally scraped enough money together to get him a piece of shit car...it
didn't run...he just slept in it.

Me:
He bought a car? To sleep in? WOW!

Jordan:
Yeah, technically he lived at my house, since he parked it
in our driveway. After a while, he at least started coming in for dinner.
Kellan accepting a handout is a pretty rare thing. Everything he has, he
earned.

Me:
What about his attitude?

Jordan:
He earned that, too.

Kellan

When I got to
work today, Jim told me we were supposed to getting another shooter girl.
Great. I hope this one can walk and chew bubble gum at
the same time!
I can't say Hailey wasn't picking up her own slack, but
I'd seen better. I'll say she isn't the best at working the room, if ya know
what I mean. It sure as hell doesn't stop the horny fuckers from ogling her,
but if she shook her ass a little more, she'd probably double her tips. At the
thought, a pang of jealousy hits me in the gut, and my chest tightens. Yeah, I
get a little jacked up when those stupid- drunk assholes are gawking at her,
but I can't say I'm much different. I'm probably thinking of doing the same
things to her as they are, if given the chance. The only reason I haven't
pulled the trigger is because I know she'll want more than I can commit to;
which is nada.

The front door
opens with flourish, and in walks every man's fantasy. A pair of long legs in
fishnet stockings, short ass shorts, and a half shirt nearly showing off her
perfect double D's. My jaw nearly hits the floor as I scan her body, my eyes
slowly landing on her angelic face, featured exquisitely by her sultry makeup,
and cropped platinum blond hair. I do another once over on her body, and my
eyes take in her black patent leather stilettos. Jesus, thank you! Finally a
perfect angel bestowed upon me. All she's missing is a fucking halo. Then
again, a naughty little pair of horns and pitchfork would work, too.

She sauntered
over to the bar, her face impassive, and placed her hands against the rail,
asking, "I'm here to see the manager."

I gulped and
leaned in, trying to do my best to put my moves on her. If she had a complaint,
maybe I could keep her talking long enough to forget it altogether. With a
wicked smirk on my face, I answered, "I'm
sort
of the manager...I mean I run the place when Jim's not around."

She quirked a
brow and asked, "So is he around, or what?"

Damn! She was
feisty...I could see I had my work cut out for me. Then again, I loved a good
challenge. Putting on the charm, I retorted, "Don't worry, sweetheart,
you're in good hands...
very
good hands."

She actually
rolled her eyes, and said, "I'm not here to see Jim's
lackey
. I have an appointment. If he's not here,
I'll sit and wait." She plopped her pert ass on the bar stool and folded
her hands on the bar top, while she looked around, taking in the surroundings,
effectively ignoring me.
Okaay. Try being...nice.
Women love that shit.

"My name's
Kellan," I proffered my hand, as she turned her attention to me with an
annoyed regard, looked down at it, looked back to my face, and gave me a
half-hearted smile. I retreated my hand, coughed into my fist, and asked,
"What's your name?" This chick had me intrigued. Women didn't usually
blow me off...and by usually, I mean never.

Brusquely she
answered, "Georgia," before looking away towards the back office, and
then continuing, "Hey, is that the back? I'd rather wait for Jim in his
office, if it's back there," she nodded her head towards it.

Fuck, I just
could
not
break through this girl's
defenses...what the fuck, man? Was I losing my mojo? "Uh...yeah," I
responded flatly, but then I remembered Jim had just come off of being sick as
dog, and if this queen bee was here to bitch him out, she could come back when
he felt better. He was still getting his bearings, and if she refused to talk
to me, she could fuck off. I continued, "Is there a problem I can help you
with honey?" flashing her a hard stare.

She flashed me
her own, before quirking her lips into a devious smile, answering, "I
think I can handle it,
honey.
"

Alright, now
the bitch was pissing me off. "What's your problem, lady? Jim isn't
here...if you have a complaint, let me know, and I'll pass it onto him,
otherwise, why don't you take your little ass, turn around, and let me watch it
wiggle as you walk the fuck out that door, got it?"

As I finished
my rant, I heard the heavy steel door open from the back, and her expression
never wavered as Jim rounded the corner, beaming, "Oh, hey, Georgia! I see
you've met Kellan, my right hand man. Kellan, this is Georgia, our newest
shooter girl."
Fuck my life.

******

Hailey

My few days off
went way too fast, but helping my mom out while she wasn't feeling well kept me
busy in my down time. It was hard seeing her on days she was suffering. I was
glad I could be around to be of some use to her, even if she did hate the
attention. Luckily she was having a good day, as I'd have to get back to work
tonight, and Jordan told me Jim had hired another shooter girl, due to the fact
that business had kicked up in the last few weeks, and the bar had been short
staffed. Frankly, I wasn't upset about it, or bitter about the possibility of
losing out on tips...it was all I could do to keep up my first week. Who knows,
giving better service to a smaller section may earn me the same amount of tips,
if not more. Time will tell. At any rate, I'm anxious to meet her, as Jordan has
had nothing but good things to say about her; Georgia I think her name is.

I shower and
get dressed for work, putting on a skin tight royal blue spandex dress, low
cut, so a hint of my black lacy bra peeks out, completing the outfit with high
heeled boots that end just above my knees. I leave my hair down, though it
usually begins to stick to my neck, as I work up a sweat within the first half
hour of my shift; but the sassy look brings in more money, though I feel like a
tramp. Mom, of course, shoots me the stink eye every time I leave the house.
I'm convinced she thinks I work at a strip club, but holds her tongue
nonetheless. I give my dark hair one more flip and fluff, apply a glossy sheen
to my lips, and grab my purse to make my way downstairs to say goodnight to
Mom.

As usual, she's
lying on the couch, remote in hand, flipping through channels. Her favorite
show doesn't start until 8:00, so she'll channel surf until then. I stand a bit
behind her and off to the side, hoping she's disinterested enough not to bother
looking my way, as I say, "Well, I'm off to work Mom. Do you need anything
before I go?" My ploy works, as she doesn't bother to take her eyes from
the television, and merely shakes her head back and forth. "Ok,
then," I add, continuing, "I'll see you in the morning." I want
to give her a peck on the cheek, but know she'll pull away, as she's not the
'touchy-feely' type. I head out the door, climb into my car, and take off
towards work. Hopefully tonight will run smoothly.

******

Hailey

Arriving at
work forty-five minutes before my shift starts, I now have plenty of time to
get my shots ready, as I've pretty well gotten the hang of things. Tonight I'm
making a layered shot, so I'll have to get half of it ready before I go out,
and pour the rest at the table. I'll be up charging for it, so it should make
up for any lost tips I would have to split with Georgia.

As soon as
Jordan spots me, he drags me into the kitchen, where I am immediately met with
the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on. She must be almost six foot
tall, and has curves in all the right places. Wearing short shorts, faded and
fringes hanging off the bottoms, a country themed plaid shirt, tied at her
midriff, showing off her perfect waist, and cowboy boots, I'm not sure I can
compete with her, or her ensemble.

She gives me a
radiating smile, sticking out her hand, as Jordan begins to introduce her,
"Hailey, this is..."

She abruptly
cuts Jordan off, finishing his sentence, "...Georgia. It's lovely to me
you, hon. I've heard nothing but great things about you from Jordan,
here," she says, as she playfully slaps him in the gut with the back of
her hand. She drapes her arms around his shoulders, as she walks behind him,
saying, "We'll catch up later, girlfriend...gotta get ready for the
rush."

I nod,
squeaking out, "Ok, nice to meet you, Georgia," as my mind wanders to
just how friendly she seems to have become with Jordan in the few days since my
absence. Is he now interested in her, and not me? If so, why would he keep
texting me, and stringing me along? Maybe I had Jordan all wrong from the
beginning and he's just been playing me this whole time. I decide to play it
cool, and distance myself from him for the evening. I'd stay busy, and keep an
eye on the two of them to see how they interact before I make any rash
decisions.

Georgia stops
short before exiting the kitchen and turns to face me, giving me a quick once
over before pulling out her phone from her apron. "What's your
number?" she asks brusquely. I stare at her, wide eyed until she goes on,
"You need some new digs, chica," as she approaches me and slaps me on
the butt while I stare at her dumbfounded. She continues to look at me
expectantly with a bright smile on her face until I rattle off my number, while
she types it into her phone. Once again I am reminded that my attire is
lacking. If my skirts get much shorter, I may as not wear any at all, and I'm
beginning to believe these tight dresses are cutting off the oxygen supply to
my brain.  She bumps her hip against mine as she squeals out, "Ow, baby!
We are gonna have you lookin' like sin dipped in honey." She gives me a
seductive smile and wink before she disappeares through the kitchen doors.