Line of Fire (6 page)

“Don’t let go of me,” she whispered, mouth white despite her bronzed skin color.

“Not a chance, my friend. Look at my eyes. Focus on me.”

“Okay.”

A strange, eerie calm settled over him as he began to inch backward. Part of the roof crumbled under her stomach and they slipped, but other than a harsh gasp, she made no sound. Just continued to do as he’d asked, gazing at him with complete trust.

No more time. He had to get them off this death trap. Without letting go, he shifted, getting on his knees. He dug in, threw his weight backward, hauling for all he was worth. Eve slid out of the hole and onto the roof, and he pulled her backward several feet before helping her up.

“Can you walk?”

“I think so.” But she grimaced as she took a step. “Damn. Must’ve sprained—”

The building shook.

“Shit!”

Tommy lunged, grabbing her and tossing her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. If he’d ever moved faster, even when he’d dodged the biggest, baddest defensive linebacker on the field, he couldn’t recall when. Before his brain caught up with his actions, he was over the ledge, making his way down the ladder a hell of a fucking lot quicker and smoother than he’d gone up. Carrying an extra load, no less.

Who was squeaking in protest at the upside-down view, dangling like a sack of potatoes two stories off the ground.

“I’m gonna be sick,” she announced.

“Not on my coat, you don’t.”

He thought he heard a laugh, but it might’ve been a grunt. No way to be sure.

Before he knew it, they were down. He stepped off at the bottom and let Eve gently to the ground in front of him. In a flash, they were surrounded by the whole team, plus a few guys from the other stations, demanding to know what happened. Sean foremost among them, wearing an expression Tommy had never seen on his rugged mug before.

Naked fear.

“What the hell happened?” Sean rasped.

“Eve fell through the roof,” he said. And Christ, here came the shakes. Delayed, but bearing down hard.

With that announcement, Sean paled. He spun and stalked toward the ambulance with Six-Pack and Julian, where they sat her in the back, removing her boot to take a look at the injured ankle. Tommy trailed in his wake, trembling like a racehorse on crack.

Sweet Jesus, he’d almost lost a colleague. And a damned good friend.

One thing he knew for goddamned certain, and the truth didn’t go down easy. This wasn’t what he signed up for when he joined the fire department. Not by a long shot.

And he didn’t have a single clue what to do about it.

The lady firefighter had been injured.

Another innocent person hurt so he could live as normal a life as possible. Stay well for a few more years. Perhaps indefinitely.

Will’s stomach churned. He hated this. Hated lying to Grandpa, to his coworkers, his few friends. He loathed the position he’d put himself in on all fronts. Yes, he had done this. Had been reckless and ruined his own life, then ruined others’ in order to save his own hide.

It was like juggling axes and saws. Blindfolded.

What would Grandpa say if he knew the whole sordid truth? The stress and shock would probably kill the old man outright. Picturing his disappointment lanced Will’s chest, the pain almost physical.

Grandpa couldn’t find out. Ever.

Putting the old man out of his mind, or so he told himself, he reached into his jeans pocket, fishing for his cell phone—which he’d left at home. Again.

He couldn’t say he was real sorry about having to make his call later. Much later.

Will was just about to leave when one of the firefighters across the street glanced in his direction. The man, striding for the ambulance where the lady firefighter was being checked out, paused a beat. Stared at Will.

Right at him.

Will pulled his ball cap low over his eyes and walked off. Casual, man. Easy, like some bystander checking out the action. Moving on.

He was halfway down the street before he chanced a look over his shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief. The firefighter wasn’t paying attention to him anymore. No one was.

A few more jobs, then he was getting out. He’d have enough stockpiled to pay for his meds, and Grandpa’s, for good. No more struggle and worry.

That was what he told himself at night, when he couldn’t sleep.

When his demons promised to hold his reservation in hell.

6

Shea placed the dust rag and Pledge under the sink, then washed her hands, letting her mind wander to the day ahead. Tidying her small apartment hadn’t taken long, maybe an hour. Funny how she lived for her days off, yet when they arrived, she had no clue what to do with them once her chores were finished.

“I could try getting a life,” she told Miss Kitty, who wound around her ankles yowling for food. She gave the big gray Persian a rueful smile. “Or we could just be old ladies together—how’s that?”

Miss Kitty wasn’t impressed. Tail waving like a banner, she stalked over to her food dish, sniffed, and glared expectantly back at Shea.

“No, ma’am, it’s not time for dinner.”

Which was met with another pitiful howl. And as always, Shea was helpless to resist such a heartfelt plea. When and if she was ever lucky enough to have children, she’d probably spoil them rotten.

The old pang of loss made her ache briefly. Not as bad as it used to be, dulled by the passing of ten years. But a part of her all the same, old scar tissue nobody else could see except Shane.

Fishing in the pantry, she got out the Tupperware container filled with dry cat food and poured some into Miss Kitty’s bowl. The howling ceased as the feline crouched and proceeded to crunch, apparently happy.

“If only everyone had it so easy, huh? Just holler for what you want and then sleep all day in the sun.”

And boy, she was talking to her cat. Or herself. Either way, she had to get out of here for a bit or go stir crazy.

In her bedroom, she dug out a pair of loose athletic shorts and a tank top, and changed out of her jeans and T-shirt. Tennis shoes completed the ensemble, and she was ready to go for a walk.

Not for the first time, she wished she had a dog to take along. They made good companions.

Or a man.

A gorgeous man with blond hair and blue eyes.

“Argh!” Striding from the room, she grabbed her keys off the kitchen counter and left, locking the door behind her.

Not being able to talk to Cori this week was frustrating. Happy as she was for her friend, she could use some advice. Female advice, preferably from someone who knew Tommy a little, which counted out Shane on both fronts. There were some things a woman didn’t want to get into with her brother, no matter how close their relationship. Besides, Shane didn’t need another reason to nose into her business more than he had lately.

Shea started down the sidewalk to the scenic path surrounding the property. She wasn’t much for jogging, but she did enjoy a brisk walk. It helped clear the mind. Usually.

Today her thoughts tumbled one after another, giving her no peace. Saturday’s wedding reception took center stage again, despite her repeated attempts to block it in the last few days. All she could see was Tommy’s hurt expression. Tommy, turning to leave her alone, staring after him, torn. The awful scene was on a loop, driving her insane.

When you figure out that stingy, pencil-pushin’ sack of shit can’t give you what you need? Call me.

Even if she did call, what would she say?

Watching you walk away turned my whole world dull and colorless. I need you so much I can’t sleep. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any man, and I’m scared to death.

And then he’d want to know why.

He’d be kind and understanding, she had no doubts whatsoever. He’d want to help her move on. What he wouldn’t understand is not being able to help when he was part of the problem. Indirectly, but still. She knew Tommy well enough by now to know he’d be hurt by her lack of trust. He’d take it personally.

Hadn’t he already been hurt, though? He obviously felt rejected and was confused by her mixed signals.

“You’re not any more confused than me, buddy.” She sighed, picking up the pace. The day was getting hot at barely eleven, sweat rolling down her back and between her breasts. She tried to concentrate on her surroundings, her tennis shoes slapping on the pavement, and conjured a song with a good beat to hum as she went. Next time she’d have to bring her MP3 player and earbuds.

After making a circuit around the entire complex, she started for home. What next? Maybe a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey to completely negate the benefits of her walk. Or perhaps a drive to the Cumberland River, down to the dam. Her pantry was on the bare side, too. She could use a few groceries, but didn’t really feel like—

Her thoughts ground to a halt. Across the parking lot, a familiar man walked from the breezeway leading to her apartment toward a dark blue Chevy truck. His head was down, one hand digging in his jeans pocket, pulling out a set of keys. As she hurried to close the distance, he unlocked the driver’s door, swung it open, and got in.

“Tommy! Wait!”

He hesitated. To her relief, one long leg appeared, followed by six feet of lean, luscious male. He leaned just inside his open door against the frame, tucking one thumb into the pocket of his jeans, and peered in her direction. His expression was unreadable, and that made her more nervous than if he’d been angry.

Well, she’d wanted someone to talk to, and here he was, in the flesh. She just hadn’t expected the object of her angst to show up at her doorstep. She jogged over and stopped a few feet from him, giving him a smile she hoped didn’t betray her attack of nerves.

“Hi there,” she said, breathless.

“Hey. Came by to talk, but didn’t get an answer.”

“Yeah, I was out for a walk. Been feeling cooped up, I guess.”

He tilted his head, making no move toward her. “I’m surprised.”

“Why?”

“I’d have thought Mr. City Manager would be keeping you plenty busy.”

Fisting a hand on one hip, she stared at him. “If you really thought so, why are you here? To hurl more barbs at me about Forrest? You’ll note that I haven’t called you, and a verbal beating isn’t exactly the way to change my mind.”

Tommy hung his head and was silent for a few moments. When he looked up, his expression was contrite. “I’m sorry. That’s not why I came, but I can’t seem to filter what goes from my brain to my mouth where that guy’s concerned. Picturing you with him . . . you know it’s driving me crazy. But that’s not my reason for stopping by.”

She waited while he gathered his thoughts before continuing.

“I came by to apologize for my behavior on Saturday,” he said quietly. “There’s no excuse for leaving a lady standing there the way I did. I was rude and I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Never had she seen Tommy so serious, and something about his demeanor put her on alert. Dread curled in her veins. “Of course I do, not that there was ever a question of forgiveness. I hurt you, too, and I’m sorry. I know how you feel about Forrest and I can’t change that.”

His laugh was unhappy, and he ran a hand through his hair, making the sunlit strands poke in every direction. “Can’t you? I guess that tells me what I need to know, but since I’m a masochistic bastard, let’s hunt this down and shoot it. Do you have any feelings for me at all?”

“I do,” she whispered. “We’re friends, aren’t we?”

A spasm of pain flashed in those incredible eyes. “In the same way he’s your friend? Someone mildly interesting to pass the time with over wine and boring conversation?”

“No. Have you forgotten our dance? Our kiss? You’re much more than that to me.”

Stepping close, he brushed his knuckles down her cheek. “I haven’t forgotten one second of how good it felt to hold you, but I wasn’t the one who pulled away. You don’t want me to be more, do you? I just keep pushing against your walls, and to tell you the truth, baby, my hands are starting to bleed. Do you want me gone for good? Look at me, tell me to leave you alone, and I will. I swear I’ll get in my truck, drive off, and never bother you again. Is that what you want?”

He meant every word. Leaving would tear him apart, but he’d do just that. For her.

No more Tommy? His smiles, his laugh, his zest for life. Gone. And if she let him go, the next woman wouldn’t make the same mistake. A woman even more stunning than Daisy Duke. In his arms. His bed. The idea made her sick.

Turn the tables, and she had a whole new appreciation for how he’d reacted, seeing her with another man.

“Pulling away was a knee-jerk response and it’s my problem, not yours.” Taking one of his hands, she linked their fingers, loving the rough calluses. The hands of a hardworking man. “I need you in my life, and the way you make me feel . . . it’s wonderful, and it scares me, too. There are issues I believed I’d dealt with long ago, before you. Bad stuff.”

“Like what? Talk to me, Shea.”

“One day, okay? For now, can you be patient with me a little longer?” Please. She didn’t want to get into this today, when things were so raw between them.

“Honey, I’m not going anywhere unless you make me,” he said, squeezing her hand and drawing her in to his warm body. “This is your show, all the way. I’m here for you, whatever you need. Just don’t keep dribbling me like a basketball. If you can promise me that, I’ve got all the patience in the world.”

He kissed her nose, and she smiled. “No more dribbling, I promise. You have no idea what you do to me.”

“Nope. Maybe you’d better show me.”

Reaching up, she curled her fingers behind his neck and brought his head down. Captured his mouth, loved his groan of surrender. Loved being the instigator for a change, his strong muscles tense with desire, body trembling against hers.

She explored his mouth, tasting a hint of beer almost masked by peppermint. Beyond that, a flavor unique to him, heady and masculine like his spicy scent.

His arms went around her as he leaned back against his truck, legs spread, snuggled her in right where she longed to be. Like before, she was struck by the overwhelming sense of rightness. As though she’d been made for this man, and her entire existence had been only that—marking time until she met the man brave enough to crack her safe shell.

“God, if we keep this up I’m going to embarrass myself,” he said huskily, cupping her face.

His erection burrowed into her tummy, hard and hot. Insistent. Being plastered against one-hundred-percent-potent, aroused male sent signals of appreciation to every nerve ending. One word and she’d have him in her bed, sliding inside her, fucking her into the mattress.

Lord, she was wet. She hadn’t been celibate over the years, but her desire for this man was completely different. She’d never felt like she’d die if she didn’t rub her naked body against his, skin to skin. She wanted to roll all over him, mark him as hers.

“Want to go inside?”

He nodded, lips curving upward. “I’d love to. But I’m not going to jump your bones—yet. I don’t think we’re ready.”

“Speak for yourself!”

Deep down, though, she knew he was right. She’d learned a harsh lesson before. What was it about Tommy that made her toss her common sense out the window?

“Well, I’m physically ready. No hiding the truth.” His slow grin was devastating. “I’m not, however, willing to mess this up.”

“I thought you said this is my show,” she pointed out.

“It is. Which is why I’m not going to let things go too far. Not today.”

“Huh? Then how can you say I’m in charge if you’re telling me no?”

“Because you didn’t try to convince me,” he said gently.

“Not really. When you’re truly ready, you’ll know. You’ll be absolutely certain, and we’ll both be on the same page.”

“Oh.”

The truth dawned and she stared at him, seeing him in a new light yet again. He could’ve taken advantage of her vulnerability, sated their lust, knowing it might hurt them in the long run. Yet he hadn’t.

“Sweet, wonderful man.” She gifted him with a slow kiss.

“Are you for real? Never mind. I can tell you are.” He was still rock hard and surely in pain.

He laughed, shook his head. “I have an idea. Why don’t we grab a burger or something? Talk for a while.”

“I’m a nasty sweat ball, so if you’ll wait while I take a quick shower, you’re on.”

“I happen to like you sweaty. Makes it easier to slide into home base.” He waggled his brows, making her laugh.

“Yuck. I’m showering, and that’s one fetish you can cross off your list, dude.”

Stepping back, she turned and started for her apartment, giggling at his loud protest.

“Hey! I haven’t said that word around you in forever!” He hurried to catch up. “My friends have almost coached it out of me.”

“Good. But don’t change another thing, all right? I like you just the way you are.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. What about me? Is there anything you’d change?”

“Are you kidding?” He sounded taken aback as he fell in step beside her. “You’re the most perfect woman I’ve ever met. You’re smart, beautiful—”

“I wasn’t fishing,” she said, color heating her cheeks. Liar.

“Doesn’t matter if you were. That’s how I feel and if you change one hair on your head, I’ll be upset.”

“Hmm. I guess the purple-dyed Mohawk is out, then.”

“Unless you want me to sport a matching one.”

“Definitely out.”

She pulled her keys from her shorts and let them inside, breathing a sigh of relief to be in the air-conditioned space. “Jeez, it must be a hundred and ten outside. Want something to drink while you wait?”

“No, I’m good, thanks.” He glanced around. “Nice place. Bigger than mine, and brighter. You’ve got more sunlight than I do.”

She winced at the reminder that she hadn’t invited him in on their previous date. The first time they’d gone out, he’d simply picked her up at the hospital and they’d had a burger together. Very casual outings, like today, but they hadn’t discussed much beyond work, favorite foods, movies, and such.

Today might shape up quite a bit differently.

“Thanks,” she said, pleased he approved of her humble abode. Padding into the kitchen, she dug a bottled water from the fridge. “I’ve enjoyed living here. Nice neighborhood, not far from work, and the apartments are only a few years old. Rent’s not too steep, either, compared to some.”

“I like it. I’ve been thinking about getting a nicer place, so maybe I’ll search in this area.”