Five Alarm Lust (9 page)

“Yes, I expect you to be here tomorrow for tea. The Ladies Club will be in attendance and we’re organizing our first spring social. Not only that, it would be good to meet Lenny. He is my husband, and as such it’s high time you showed a little respect. How you got to be so disrespectful I have no idea, but it needs to stop.”

Gillian leaned her forehead against the wall at the biting tone in her ear. How typical for Barbara not to consider anyone beyond herself. Just like with every husband, she expected Gillian to parade around them, soothing ruffled feathers and acting the dutiful daughter. Grinding her teeth, she squeezed her eyes shut until they ached. “I’m sorry, I have plans already.”

“Cancel them. Be here at eight sharp, it’s over at two. Do not make me come and get you.”

Gillian wished she could tell her to fuck off but made some noise of agreement and then straightened at the ringing of her doorbell. “I have to go. Good night.” Hanging up on her mother wasn’t the wisest thing to do, but desperation called. She tossed the phone onto the counter, smoothed her hands over her hips, and strode to the door. She gasped in relief as she opened it, the faint hope she hadn’t been stood up flaring to life like a freight train.

A dark leather jacket covered his broad shoulders, a gray shirt peeked from the collar, and faded denim hugged his hips and legs. “Sorry I’m late.” Jack held out a white lily. “Got carried away helping a friend who was supposed to leave yesterday, but his partner wound up having to spend a few more hours at the office.”

“Not a problem. Uh, just let me put this in some water.” Gillian left the door open and hurried across the foyer to the kitchen. She poured water into one of the tallest glasses she owned and inhaled the light fragrance of the bloom. She set the glass near the window and turned, her eyes sweeping for her purse, keys, and cell. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind one ear, she picked up a light coat.

“Cute earrings.” Jack pointed at her ears.

Gillian gasped and reached for the dangles. Embarrassment flooded her as she felt the familiar shapes of the earrings she wore around the school-aged students she’d seen earlier. “Oh my goodness. I am so sorry, let me just…” She cringed at the strident ring of the phone. Lifting it, she sighed. How like her mother not to give up and take the hint. Her thumb hovered over the Talk button, a faint tremble in it. Should she?

“Do you want to get the phone?” Jack leaned back against the door, his hands tucked neatly into his pockets.

“Um, no.” Gillian tugged at the earring for a second, her teeth worrying her bottom lip before she grabbed her things. “It’s an old conversation that’ll keep. Trust me, let’s just get going.” She shooed him out when he looked ready to disagree.

She followed behind him and raised a brow at the sight of the battered Chevy parked in her visitor’s parking spot. The old truck had obviously been around a bit, but the paint was perfect, the tires clean. He obviously took care of it. “You drive a Chev pickup?”

“Yeah, it’s seen better days, but it still runs like a top.” Jack opened the passenger door. “After you.”

Gillian hoped he wouldn’t notice her nerves, slid into the cab, and reached for the seat belt as he closed the door. She watched him circle the hood and open the driver’s door. Dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, he looked good. Almost as good as he did in a tux—or rather out of it. She ducked her head to hide the flush covering her cheeks. She could feel the arousal building, her blood running hot and slow through her veins. A warm pulse built between her legs.

“I figured we could head over to Ellenora’s for dinner. They have a great buffalo burger.”

Gillian nodded and pushed her glasses higher on her nose. “They do. I love their steak, cooked to perfection.”

“Ah, a steak and potato kinda girl, nothing wrong with that at all.”

Gillian grinned. “Yes. I go there once a month for my dinner out.”

Jack nodded, a slight smile lifting his lips. “So, you like dinosaurs?”

“Oh.” Gillian toyed with her earrings. “Yes, I always have. I’m into history; love it. When I got the opportunity to actually work at the museum two years ago, I wasn’t looking to get into the paleontology department, but once I got there I just sort of fit. The study of the fossils is absolutely amazing. And seeing the dinosaurs come to life in the eyes of a child? There is nothing better.” Gillian giggled. “Just yesterday I was showing a group of fourth grade students around, and one of the kids wanted to pronounce Albertosaurus. Took her about ten tries but she did it. I’m hoping to be done with my Earth Science degree in another year, maybe two. Then I can apply for the curator position.”

“What’s your favorite dino?”

“Velociraptor. Small, vicious, deadly.” Gillian shivered at the tickle of an old memory. The flare of life in an old desire to be just like the long-dead beast when it came to Mike and her mother was more than a little comforting. “Didn’t take crap from anyone and they hunted in a pack. I like their ability to look harmless but be deadly.”

Jack shot her a glance, his brows drawn together in confusion. Thankfully he didn’t comment on her tone. “Mine’s the Apatosaurus. Reminds me of my mom.”

“You had a good childhood?” Gillian stifled the flare of envy at the thought. What was in the past was best left there.

“Yeah, it was great. My parents ran a small ranch north of Calgary. We raised horses and chickens. I loved it. Always something to do. Made some really great friends growing up. Sometimes I miss it.”

“But you’re a firefighter?”

“Yes, I was fifteen when my neighbor’s house burned down. I didn’t want to see anyone else I cared about have nothing, so I volunteered as soon as I was old enough and have been doing it ever since.”

“Be nice to have a job where you help people.”

“Yeah, and I get to ride around in a big red truck.”

Gillian smiled at the joy in his voice. It was obviously a fond memory, something he cherished. She wondered why her childhood had been so cold, so indifferent. Pushing aside the memories for another time, she waited for the truck to stop as they rolled into a parking lot near the restaurant. She unbuckled her belt and reached for the door, only to gasp when he grabbed her hand.

“Un-uh, my mother would kick my behind if I didn’t open your door for you.” He smiled at her, his eyes filled with genuine warmth.

Flushed, she tugged her hand free and sat back. She rubbed her hand where he’d touched her and tried to ignore the prickles of heat dancing up her arm. She rolled her shoulders to alleviate the tingling spreading to her breasts, her nipples hardening with desire. Would he notice? Could he see the desire written on her in some fashion? Would others? Gillian watched him dart around to open her door. A slight smile in thanks and she stood on the ground.

A mass of butterflies danced in her belly, the weight of his hand on her back soaking through her shirt. Each slow movement of his fingers reminded her of the pleasures she’d experienced with him. Could he make her feel that good again?

The question plagued her through their dinner, her mind not on the food but on the sexual desire building within her. By the time dessert rolled past she was anxious to get out of the restaurant and get home so she could have a cold shower. She licked at her lips, her attention catching the flare of lust in Jack’s eyes as he followed the motion before he blinked it away.

Does he remember how good it was? He got off twice so it couldn’t have been that bad for him. Maybe, maybe we can do it again? How do I get him to consider it? Oh goodness, I should have paid more attention the night of the wedding.

“I’m stuffed.” Jack leaned back in his seat, his palm resting on his stomach. “Would you like a drink?”

“Uh, no, thank you. Dinner was lovely.” Gillian refused the waitress hovering at her elbow. She glanced up with a smile. “Just a bit more coffee.”

“I’ll be right back.” The waitress hurried away and returned with a steaming pot.

“More cream?” The waitress set three creamers down and backed away, casting a longing look at Jack. Gillian sighed with relief when he ignored the young woman.

“So when do you go back to work?” She sipped at her drink, the strong coffee warming her from the inside out.

“Tuesday. I’m heading over to the farm near Calgary tomorrow to see Mom. She’s getting up there and I hate to see her doing so much.”

“What about your dad? Is he still around?”

“Yep, but he’s visiting his family on Salt Spring Island, so she’s home alone for a while.” Jack grinned. “He keeps telling me I should go see them, but I just haven’t had time.”

“Your mom sounds like a lovely woman.”

“She’s amazing. What about you? Going to visit your mom now they’re back?”

The flare of rage hit like a sledgehammer. Gillian pushed it back and bit her lip. Seeing her mother wasn’t something she ever wanted to do. “Naw, she wanted me to attend a stupid tea tomorrow, I told her I had plans. Doesn’t matter with her, never has. My big plan is to sleep in tomorrow, get up, and have coffee. I need to get things organized for Monday. We’re going to be looking at a new set of fossils.”

“Exciting. I’d love to take a tour, if you’d be kind enough to show me around.” Jack glanced at the floor at the soft beeping. “Your phone?”

“Excuse me.” She lifted the receiver, checked the ID, and hit Ignore with more force than was necessary. Tomorrow would be soon enough to deal with her. “It’s getting rather late, I suppose, since you’re going to Calgary tomorrow. Thank you for dinner, it was very good. I’m afraid I don’t, um, date much, so I have no idea what the protocol is here, but could you, um, pass…” She pointed nervously at the bill.

Jack shook his head, a quick half grin crossing his face. He tucked the bill under the leather folder. “It’s a date, Gilli. Let me worry about that. I hope we can do it again.” Jack stood, tossed some bills onto the table, and moved to hold her chair.

Perhaps they took turns when dating. Oh well, she’d chalk it up to an extra expense and pay him back next time. She rifled through her bag, a light frown puckering her brow. “Now where did I put my list of numbers? Darn. Should just program the number into my speed dial on my cell. The cab company knows my number by now.”

With a soft smile he took her coat and held it for her. “I’ll drive you home, no need to take a cab.”

Inwardly yelling for joy, Gillian followed him out of the restaurant and to the truck. The drive to her apartment was short and quiet. Biting the inside of her lip, Gillian’s mind raced with thoughts and plans to get him to come up. How did other women do it? There had to be something she could do to entice him, short of throwing herself on him.

“Well here we are.” Jack’s quiet statement penetrated her thoughts.

She glanced around and sighed, disappointment tugging at her heart. Damn. “Did you, uh, want to come in for a drink?”

“I shouldn’t. I meant what I said, Gilli. I’m not after sex. I want to get to know you.” Jack palmed her cheek. “I want more than just a few nights with you.”

“I know. Coffee? That’s all.” She crossed her fingers and waited with baited breath. Would he come in? Or had the experience been so revolting for him he didn’t want to risk a repeat?

Must have liked it enough the first time, he invited you out on a date.
The voice of reason whispered to her.

“Not this time.” Jack leaned over, his breath hot on her face. “Tonight was about getting to know each other, Gilli. I’ll take a rain check though.”

Gillian nodded, her lashes coming down to hide the tears burning her eyes. Her fingers fumbled with the seat belt as she offered him a shaky smile. “Oh, yes. Rain check. Thank you again for dinner, Jack. It was lovely.”

“Anytime.” His fingers tangled in her hair, he pulled her closer, his lips brushing against hers. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, depending on when I get back. Have a good night, Gillian.”

Gillian shivered at the warmth in his tone. She gasped, her lips parting as he inched closer, his tongue darting out to touch hers. Her hands rose, pressed against his chest, fingers tangling in the leather of his coat as he deepened the kiss. The faint taste of coffee and barbecue sauce a heady mix as she pressed closer.

Through the thin material of her blouse, she could feel her nipples against the zipper. The teeth were an added stimulation. With a moan, she trembled at the prickles of electricity darting down her body to between her legs. Her clit throbbed, the coil of heat forming low in her belly.

Hesitant, shy, she pushed against his tongue, stroking it. A shiver of longing raced along her at the low groan escaping him before he pulled back. Licking at her lips, she whimpered at the faint taste of him. She jumped when his hand slid across her shoulder, his knuckles brushing against her aroused nipple.

“Good night, Gillian.” Jack’s fingers curled under her jaw, tilting her head up. With an unsteady finger, he pushed her steamy glasses up and pressed a quick kiss to the end of her nose. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Mmhmm.” Gillian fumbled with the door handle and slid out of the truck onto weak legs. Head down, she scurried up the stairs to her place and turned to look behind her. Jack’s truck sat idling beside her car, the headlights gleaming. She lifted a hand when he raised one and began to back out.

The knob turned easily beneath her touch and she pushed against it. She stumbled inside, closed the door, and sank down to the floor. “Ooh, God.” Pressed back against the cold, white wood, she moaned. She squeezed her thighs together and shuddered at the flare of pleasure darting along her core.

She ignored the angry peel of the phone as she climbed to her feet. Her fingers locked the door out of habit. Stripping her clothes away, she made her way to the bathroom. Within minutes the tub was filling with hot water. Gillian lit the candles spread out around the room and sank beneath the bubble-filled water.

She closed her eyes and trailed her fingers across her body. The short nails scratched across sensitive flesh. She cupped her breasts, her thumbs tracing over the tips. With a moan of pleasure at the touch, she arched, the sound of her voice loud in the stillness.