Seize (St. Martin Family Saga: Emergency Responders) Book 2: Erotic Romance (20 page)

“I can’t believe I didn’t put on a condom.” He was panting. “That’s a first. I’m sorry, babe. I blame you a little bit, though. You make me crazy impulsive with lust for you. I have a clean bill of health, if it’s any comfort.” He stroked her shoulder.

“I trust you.” She smiled at him, unbelievably happy. She alone made this tightly controlled, dominant man lose control.

“Let me take care of you,” he said.

He lifted her enough to scoot out from beneath her and walked to the bathroom. He brought back a warm, moist cloth and wiped her stomach. Sated, full, loved, and comforted, they crawled into bed, spooned with no space between them, and Augie held her as she drifted to sleep in his arms.

Half-asleep, Mia became gradually aware of warm hands and skin, hers and his, melding. Rubbing. Catching fire. His touch was everywhere—between her legs, on her hips, thighs, shoulders, arms, and breasts. He lifted her top leg, bent at the knee, and pushed it higher in the bed. From behind, his cock rubbed through the moisture he was responsible for creating. Ever so slowly he entered her tight passage, even tighter in this position, and she arched to accommodate him. Once he was entirely inside her, his hands went to her breasts. His fingers teased her nipples to tautness and her body bowed as she stretched and sighed from the extravagant attention. Lips tasted the skin at her collarbone and teeth grazed along the vein of her neck, pulsing wildly from the increased flow of blood. With each thrust, her ass hit his thighs, and she could feel how perfectly her body fit into his. His lips were close as he whispered words of adoration.

She’d loved all their lovemaking. But to her, this was the most provocative position they’d tried.

As she bit back a scream, she wondered what other provocative positions they could try.

She wondered what she could do to make Augie scream with pleasure.

Chapter 21

The morning after
all their lovemaking, Mia was sore. Thinking about the reasons why made her giggle, but after satisfying Augie through the night, she definitely felt like a woman. She didn’t mind the soreness because every subtle ache reminded her of the closeness they’d shared, and she never wanted to forget it.

They made love twice more after the sun came up, and she wished they could stay in their cocoon of carnal bliss forever.

A late checkout had them hitting the road at one o’clock. She sat close to Augie and leaned her head against his shoulder. When she’d done that before, he’d opened his arm, wrapping it around her so she could snuggle into him, but now he seemed deep in thought.

They drove for six straight hours before she asked him to stop so she could take a bathroom break. He gassed up the car, and she came back with a blue raspberry slushy and a cherry slushy for him.

As he placed the gas cap on, she kissed his cheek and handed him the drink. He frowned.

“Don’t you like cherry? I’ll trade you my blue raspberry.” She held both drinks out.

“What the hell is that?”

“Slushy. You know—ice and flavored syrup.”

“No thanks.”

He sure was moody. And she thought sex was supposed to make people happy. She shivered;
she
was happy after the sex. And very relaxed.

They loaded into the car and ambled down the road. She drank both drinks and within the hour was looking to him for another bathroom break.

“You can’t be serious.”

“Well, I had both drinks.”

“Why?”

“Seemed a shame to waste the second one.”

He sighed and exited the highway.

“Is something wrong?”

He shook his head.

On her way out of the store, she thought she’d get him a Dr Pepper. She’d seen him drink them before, and he hadn’t had anything since lunch over six hours earlier. She grabbed some sunflower seeds and a fountain Dr Pepper.

Walking out to the car, she saw him leaning against the passenger door, arms folded across his chest. For the second time she wondered what was bothering him. She smiled.

“You can’t be serious.” He snatched the drink from her hand and threw it in the trashcan next to the car.

“Hey, I got that for you. It
was
a Dr Pepper.”

His eyes narrowed at her.

“What’s your problem, Roy?” Her hand went to her waist.

Shaking his head, he scrubbed at his face. “Nothing. I’m just ready to get home.” He opened her door, and she slid in, this time staying on the passenger side.

He backed out.

“Wanna play I spy?”

“No.”

“How about the license plate game?”

“No games. I just want to drive quietly.”

She sighed and leaned against the door. Each roll of the tires lulled her deeper into a numb state. She closed her eyes and focused on the sound.

She focused on becoming numb.

*

“Mia.” The hand at her shoulder shook her awake. “We’re here.”

Rubbing her eyes and stretching, she sat up. “What time is it?”

“Ten thirty.”

She followed Augie up to the front door of a home where several newspapers and packages peppered the porch. A lantern hung overhead, casting them in a yellow glow. She could tell by the style of brick and the small trees and shrubs that the house was fairly new construction. He crossed the threshold, turning on lights as he went, and she followed him into the kitchen. He set the packages on the countertop and set about opening them.

The interior was open and inviting. Neutral earth tones made it comfortable and warm and even though she was in a strange place, it felt homey. The kitchen was decorated like a model unit, with canisters and greenery.

“Your place is nice,” she said.

He dropped the mail and said, “Let me show you where you can sleep.”

It sounded like he didn’t intend for them to be in the same room together—what was that about? Maybe she misunderstood, but the possibility of having made a mistake didn’t make her any less upset.

He turned a light on inside a room with beige-colored walls and soft and light plush carpet. The bed was large and full of fluffy pillows.

“Bathroom’s right through there.” He turned to walk out.

“Is this your room?”

“I’m down the hall.”

“What?” She shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t want to be in here without you. I want to be in your room.”

He exhaled loudly and crossed his arms. His eyes were vacant as he glared down at her. She didn’t want to hear what he was about to say.

Holding up her hand to stave him off, she said, “Forget it, Augie. Thank you for the room. Good night.” She pivoted to go into the adjoining bathroom so he wouldn’t see her tears. She turned on the faucet and splashed water on her face. A knock at the door interrupted her. She wiped away the water with a towel and opened the door.

Dark eyes greeted her. “I’ll take you to see your sister tomorrow.”

She nodded. “Thank you.” She started moving the dress pillows to a spare blue chair.

“I just think we need to set some boundaries. It’ll make it easier later when we separate.”

She heard him, but she wouldn’t let him see how much his words cut through her. It was as if someone had stabbed her with a samurai sword. “I get it. Makes sense.”

“I’ve actually got a garage out back with a nice apartment above. It’s empty right now. You can stay as long as you like. I’ll take you to get whatever you’ll need.”

No, she didn’t want him to see how affected she was, but she couldn’t help it. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at the floor, stunned by his words. He didn’t even want her in his home. How could she have misread all the signals? The gentle compassion he’d shown her, his solicitousness, his love making … It had all been a lie. And what was with the ring on her finger?

“Why’d you buy the ring?” Her voice was quiet, the words almost whispered.

He scrubbed his face. “Things had gotten completely out of control. I wanted to do something for you—your condition, the injury—but there was nothing I could do. There was a pawn shop near the hospital, so I walked in and saw the ring and thought,
She needs a ring, I can do that
.
I can give her a ring
. I want you to keep the ring.”

Nodding, she removed her canvas shoes and climbed under the covers and turned away from him. She heard the door close and then she cried until she fell asleep.

Chapter 22

The first thing
Mia noticed about Clay was how big he was. The guy was huge. The second thing she noticed was how gentle and loving he was with her sister.

“I want to know what’s going on, Mia. Are you hurt?”

Evie’s thick lips had pulled into a thin line.

“I’m fine.”

She grilled Augie next. “What’s your story? Who gave you those bruises?”

Her boldness didn’t intimidate him; Augie was a stone wall. Mia knew Evie would get nothing from him. They squared off and stared each other down, neither blinking. Should she intervene? She’d never been able to placate Evie. She was about to speak up, but Clay stepped forward and spoke in Evie’s ear. Mia’s jaw dropped at how easily he handled her demanding sister.

Evie’s tone softened, and she thanked Augie for going after her.

“I was happy to do it. She’s a great girl.”

Girl
? She wasn’t a
girl
, she was a woman. A woman he’d been intimate with. She was seriously depressed. She hated that Evie was happily in love, she hated that she couldn’t despise Augie, she hated that she was in Louisiana and living above his garage, but most of all she hated that she’d never again feel him pressing into her, hot and frenzied with lust for her.

She sighed and watched as Clay and Evie laced their hands together. If she didn’t leave soon she’d vomit at the sight.

*

The weeks passed and Mia saw Augie less and less. Occasionally she’d go out with Clay and Evie, but she didn’t like being a third wheel. And there was one time they all went to Texas when Clay proposed to Evie, but after that, Augie had dropped her faster than if she’d been a nest of bees.

He’d been at work every day since he’d been back. She’d watch him jog every morning around five thirty. He’d return after about an hour, soaked in sweat. Then he’d leave for work around eight o’clock—dressed in a beige uniform, stiffly starched—in his fancy sports car. He’d return after dark, sometimes as late as nine, in the same outfit. She guessed he’d been catching up at work.

She’d gotten settled in the garage apartment. Evie and Clay had invited her to stay with them in Clay’s cute bungalow, but it was just too intimate. The two of them were so close it reminded her of what she’d once had with Augie, if only for a moment. When she watched them, they were utterly tied up in one another and shame ate away at her for the jealousy she felt at their closeness. But she knew what it felt like. She’d had that closeness with Augie. Had known it and come to crave that intimacy with him so that
not
having it any more was worse than if she’d never experienced it at all.

Augie’s garage apartment had been built with the home and was as new and as nice as his house, just lonely. She didn’t know why she stayed there because it was torture to run into him, but the thought of moving away pained her, and she was glad to catch those glimpses of him in the morning and evening.

Today she thought she’d try out the public transportation. She had an interview at two at the local community crisis shelter, but first, lunch was on the schedule.

She’d been acquainting herself with what the locals called TexMex. A Mexican restaurant on the corner two blocks over was within walking distance and she’d been there several times for lunch.

She walked to the restaurant and ordered a Chupacabra—a monster-sized burrito—to go, with plans to take it to Augie at the station. It would be the first time she’d seen him up close in seven days. For herself she ordered bean chalupas. She hoped they could eat together and talk.

The bus had a stop right across from the station. Exiting, she carefully balanced the burrito so the sauce wouldn’t leak out. She walked through the door and waved hello to the guys she’d met last week when she’d brought donuts, when Augie had been out on a call.

The door to his office was open and when he saw her, he stepped out.

“Mia, is everything okay?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “Everything’s fine.”

“Then what are you doing here?” His hand at her elbow guided her to a chair across from his desk.

“I brought you a burrito. Don’t worry, I told them no tomatoes, no lettuce.”

His forehead creased and his lips pursed.

“Have you already eaten?”

“No, but you can’t just drop in here whenever you feel like it. I’m busy.”

She turned to see the guys in the station’s main room playing cards. Augie sighed. She stood.

“I’ll just be going then. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” She walked swiftly away, without looking back when he called her name. His message had been clear: he didn’t want her around, even in a friendly capacity. She’d left both lunches on his desk.

*

The highlight of her week was accepting a position at the crisis center. She’d start next week.

After the fiasco of visiting Augie at work, she was glad that she was going out tonight. The Fireman’s Ball would take her mind off Augie. Evie wanted her to go because Clay was going to receive some special award and be named permanent fire chief. She’d found a gown earlier that week at a thrift shop in town and had altered the bodice to fit her slim frame. Now she put the finishing touches on her hair and make-up.

The dress, a deep lavender, was beautiful. Strapless, it was classic with a sweetheart neckline and made of billowy silk chiffon. It rippled delicately as it flowed in waves down to the floor. When she moved, the material clung just enough that the effect was sexy, or so she felt. She borrowed silver heels from Eve, along with jewelry for the finishing touch.

Looking at the clock, she realized she had time to wait yet, so she put coffee on and sat at the table in the small kitchen. The apartment was an efficiency and painted mint green with white curtains. It was very beachy and peaceful, and she’d immediately loved it, but it did nothing to curb her desolate mood. Holding her left hand in front of her, she admired her ring just as she’d done a thousand times before. Tears filled her eyes. She stood and turned on the radio, refusing to give in to the emotion begging to be let out. She’d spent too many hours wondering what had happened, what she’d done, what could have been. A knock at the door took her attention from her musings and she was thankful.

She opened the door to Augie in a pinstriped slim-fit suit and tie. He was perfection. “Augie.” Her voice was weak.

As she took in his entire body from head to toe, he was doing the same to her. He opened his mouth, but said nothing. He held his hand out.

Mumbling, he managed, “Your mail.”

She opened the door wide to let him pass. “Would you like some coffee?”

“Yeah.”

He sat at the small table and watched her every move as she poured him a cup and stirred in lots of cream, just as he liked it. “Here you go.”

His hand landed on her arm. “You’re beautiful, breathtaking even. Your eyes are the same color as that dress.”

“Thank you. You look very handsome in your suit.”

“The Fireman’s Ball,” they said in unison.

They were both going to the ball; she should have guessed as much. She didn’t like the idea at all. He’d have to go with someone. A date. A woman. A large breasted blond haired Southern woman.

“I’ll give you a ride.”

“Thank you, but Keith is picking me up. He’s one of the Fighting Nineteenth’s candidates.”

“I know who Keith is.” His voice was harsh. His brow furrowed and his jaw clenched tight. “Here.” He tossed the envelope on the table. “This came from the state. It’s addressed to Michael Roy.”

“Ah. That’d be my identification. Technically my name
is
Michael Roy.”

“How’d you meet Keith?” Augie leaned back in the chair, hands in his pant pockets.

His suit pulled tight over his taut muscles and she missed running her hands over all of that hardness. “Evie and Clay invited me to dinner and he was there. Then he asked me to the ball.”

“And you said yes.”

He seemed annoyed.

“Yeah, I did.” She played with the ring on her finger. “I never went to prom or any other school dances. I want to go; I think it’ll be fun.” She shrugged. Did he think she shouldn’t have said yes? Her situation was so messed up. She was married to him, wore his ring, shared his name, he’d been her first lover, but then it had all dissolved into nothing. If he was bothered by her and Keith, it served him right. In fact, she hoped he was.

She got up when there was yet another knock at her door.

“Keith, you’re early.”

“And you’re beautiful. Damn, girl, I’m one lucky son of a bitch.”

“Thank you. You look very nice as well.”

And he did, impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit. But where Augie was dark and brooding, Keith was too perfect.

“Oh, I got you this. Great minds, huh? Purple orchid.”

“Thank you. Please come in.”

She turned and almost ran into Augie. He was standing directly behind her, scowling at them both.

“Um, Keith, do you know Augie?”

“I do. Hey, Sheriff.”

Keith stuck out his hand, but Augie only grunted and turned toward Mia. He seemed about to say something, but he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

“What a dick. He’s your landlord, right?”

“Um, yeah.” She didn’t like that Keith called Augie a dick, but he deserved the insult since he was in fact being a dick. Something hadn’t been right with him since they’d been back.

“Nice apartment, though.”

They rode to the ball in Keith’s truck. He was a super nice guy, holding doors open and asking her what kind of music she liked to listen to, and at twenty-six he was closer to her own age than Augie was. There was only one problem: she couldn’t stop thinking about Augie.

The event was being held at a nice hotel. The ballroom had been decorated in silver, black, and blue. Twinkly lights and silk draping had been slung over every available surface. She felt like a princess in a fairy tale. The festive atmosphere had her stomach feeling as if a school of fish swam around inside. The first thing they did was have their picture taken under a balloon arch. A local professional photographer snapped shots and charged twenty dollars for a five by seven.

“How many would you like?” Keith took her hand and pulled her over to the monitor. A picture of them emerged on the screen. “We’re the best-looking couple here by far,” he whispered in her ear. His outrageousness had her giggling.

She eyed their screen image for a long time. Having never been to prom or school dances, she wanted this picture for the memories. “I definitely want one.”

Keith turned to the photographer. “Mr. Lewis, how have you been?”

The man was older, and Mia wondered how Keith knew him.

“Good, kid. How’s the Nineteenth treating you?”

“Can’t complain. Great work tonight; we’d like two please.”

“You still over on Austin Street?”

“That’s right.”

“Got it.” He noted something on a little pad he kept in his shirt pocket.

“Come, I want you to meet my buddies.”

Keith put his arm in Mia’s and they searched the room for his firemen friends. She spotted Augie at a table, alone, one finger rubbing his upper lip. His gaze followed them when they passed.

“There they are,” Keith said.

She saw two guys about Keith’s age leaning against the bar.

“Mia, I’d like you to meet Colin, and this is his date, Reese.” The joke earned Keith a punch in the arm.

Reese put his arm around Mia while Colin nodded and said, “Beautiful.”

They were nice guys and regaled her with firefighting stories while Keith ordered drinks—a piña colada for her. Keith had dark features, eyes and hair, and his skin had been bronzed from the sun, but Colin was quite blond and sported blue eyes and reminded her of the California surfers she’d seen in movies. Reese had quite the southern accent and wore cowboy boots and a cowboy hat with his suit. He had light brown eyes and a friendly demeanor.

His arm still around her, but now around her waist, Reese said, “I wonder if Keith has delighted you with stories of our first week as firemen.”

“He hasn’t, but I’d love to hear about it.”

They walked to a table and sat. Augie was too close for her comfort. He still at alone, but it was early yet. She wondered who his date would be. He glared at them; she shifted her chair. And turned her attention to the young firemen.

The guys told her a story about Keith and how he had to wear a French maid’s costume whenever he served fire department meals and when he cleaned the station. She laughed until tears streamed down her face.

“Why do you have to wear it?”

“I lost a bet to Clay.”

“What bet?”

Colin said, “He bet Clay that he could beat him at a hose-binding drill.”

Keith shrugged. “Turns out Clay is some kind of superhero.” He sipped from his drink. “But I
was
top of my class.”

She felt his embarrassment. “I’m sure you’re a great fireman.”

Reese added, “His nickname is Colette.”

“Ah, the French maid thing. Funny.”

Evie and Clay had arrived and now sat with Augie. Catching her eye, Evie waved her over. Mia leaned into Keith and excused herself. Nerves bunched in her stomach as she crossed to them. She caught Augie’s eye, and he sucked her in, her forward momentum driven solely by him. At the table he pulled a chair out for her and she sat next to him, wishing harder than ever that she were his date for the night. .