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“He’s far more possessive of you than I’ve ever been.” Another kiss, while his fingers trace patterns against my stomach. “I can be loud and demanding and all sorts of annoying, Sully. And maybe you’re not into that kinda thing. But don’t think for a single second his innocent, sly act is any better. At least I tell you where I’m at. I own up to my shit. But he…” A third, perfect kiss. “He’s a dirty snake in the grass.”
“That’s called jealousy.” I lean back to make sure we’re touching from head to toe. Because despite my better judgment, I sleep better when he’s in my bed. When his body presses to mine, and our pulses sync to perfection. “You used to be my go-to for male companionship. Now he’s that person for me, and you’re jealous you’ve been replaced.”
“No.” He sets a gentle kiss on the back of my neck and exhales, settling in to sleep. “I’m worried about you. And I’m not gonna run away a second time.” He slides his palm up between my breasts and rests it over my heart. “I’m gonna tell Nix tomorrow I’m taking the job he offered.”
My heart skitters, too fast and painful. “Because you’re jealous I’ve moved on?”
He snorts. “Because my life is here. With my sister. My niece. My crew. And with you.” He cups my jaw and turns my face. Pushing up onto his elbow, he towers over me and presses a simple, soul-shattering kiss to my lips. “I love you, Sully. Whether you can return those feelings now, or ever, doesn’t mean I’m not gonna stay and remind you every single day.” Relaxing back to his side and releasing my face, he exhales and snuggles in. “Go to sleep, babe. I love you.”
I love you too. I love you!
But as my pulse thunders and my stomach whooshes, the only word I can manage is, “Yeah.”
Axel
COMING HOME
Isneak out of Hannah’s room before the sun comes up. Not because I’m running, but because her roommate is home, and Hannah has yet to admit she wants me back. Or to spend time with me. Make a commitment.
Letting her roommate see me before she’s made those decisions is disrespectful to the woman I’m determined to prove myself to.
Besides, I have places to be, anyway.
So I send her a barrage of texts to let her know where I’ll be, then I jog the couple of blocks between her place and mine in a suit and with that cloud of shame one typically carries the morning after spending time in someone else’s bed.
I shower. Change. Run my fingers through my hair to comb it back, then I pull a hat over my eyes and head toward the firehouse.
“Oh, look who’s back.” Rizzo stands in the station driveway in the early morning light with a steaming cup of coffee in his hand and a filthy smirk covering his face. “And early, too, considering that shindig last night.”
I shake his hand and step in for a fast hug, which he ends with a slap on my back.
“Sucks you’re on early shift,” I counter arrogantly, “considering you were partying last night too.” I pull back and grin. “Lew inside?”
“Depends.” His expression glitters with fun. “You coming back to the house you belong at? Or still playing hard to get?”
I roll my eyes and continue past him. “I’m here to kiss ass and hope the job offer remains open. Then I’m probably gonna have to sign something that says I’m sorry and I won’t run away again.”
Not the only apology letter I owe.
I traipse through the firehouse I spent my youth inside, through the kitchen and past my crew while they watch the morning news. Something about a small house fire in the early hours of last night. No fatalities. New kitchen needed. The house will stand, and the occupants will rebuild.
“Aw, hey, Axe.” Sloane drags his eyes from the television and sips his coffee. “Looked sharp in that suit last night, kid. On the prowl and looking to score with the ladies?”
I snort and continue past. “You know me. Straight up slut.”
But I stop in the hall and grimace when Patrick steps out of Nix’s office.
“Shoot. Sorry about the bad language, Ivy.”
She scoffs. “You’re fine.” Then she jerks a thumb over her shoulder. “Chief’s free and kinda chipper. If you want something, now’s the time to jump.”
“Stop talking about me.” Nix comes to the doorway of his office and looks me up and down with a scowl. “You ready to beg for your job back yet?”
“Beg?” I stroll into his office and close the door once he backs up. “It wasofferedthe last time we spoke.”
“Changed my mind, purely because you thought you could make me wait.” He circles his desk and settles in, steepling his fingers. “I don’t enjoy waiting.”
“It’s been two days!” I laugh. Sitting on the visitor chair, I lift one leg and set my ankle on the opposite knee. “You said I had a week.”
