Hot As Blazes. Dani Jace

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СКАЧАТЬ don’t hear me complaining,” he whispered.

      A second shock from the AED produced a pulse and the EMTs loaded him onto a backboard and transported him to the ambulance.

      She released a weary sigh of relief and tucked her chin to her chest in a silent prayer.

      Ray urged her away from the crowd. “Let’s get your stuff.”

      She shrugged into the sleeves of his hoodie and fished her keys from her backpack.

      He grabbed her board and walked her to the parking lot.

      The EMTs loaded their patient while Ray’s lieutenant asked her a few questions for his report. The unit roared off, sirens blaring.

      Jo shivered a new set of goose bumps as Ray headed her to the Bronco. “Do you think he’s going to make it?”

      “The only reason he has a chance is because of you, Jo.”

      The pride in his voice touched her. Tears gathered and she keyed the remote before tossing her gear inside. Once in control, she faced him. In the waning light, he seemed larger than life. A hero.

      One of her teammates had coined a term for the total man: he-man-us. The Hemanus breed surpassed good looks, confidence, personality, and smarts. They were loyal and supportive. To the point they’d put their lives on the line for their family or friends. Ray was a total Hemanus.

      “Thanks for having my back.” She hugged him.

      His warmth satisfied a need deep in her bones. When his hands closed around her bringing her closer, his strong, steady heartbeat instilled peace and tranquility. He chased away her fear and doubt. She allowed herself the moment, imagining falling asleep nestled against his chest.

      Reluctantly, she withdrew. “What are you doing working at this station?”

      “On a swing shift. They were a man short.” He brushed her hair over her shoulder. His pale eyes held her captive.

      “Lucky me.” Why couldn’t she tell him she loved him? How he made her feel. Like he had told her on the Fourth of July, right before she shredded him to bits for obeying her father’s wishes. Searching his face, she tried to determine if his feelings. “Haven’t heard from you since my breakfast apology.”

      He cocked his head before breaking into a grin. “Still waiting for an invitation to surf with the former East Coast Surfing Champion.”

      “I already said you never need an invitation to surf, or to come the house.”

      “Figured you were job hunting and I’ve been picking up some side jobs. Gotta feeling Mom will be calling at any time wanting me to help move her back.” He let out a long exhale.

      The calendar must be running on the short side of his mother’s current relationship. “Well, if you get some free time, today was my last day in the chair.”

      “How’s the employment picture looking?”

      “I’ve put in some applications.” Would he attempt to dissuade her from taking up her father’s grail?

      The fire engine fired up and his crew starting climbing into their rig.

      She crossed her arms to peel from the warm security of his hoodie. “Here.”

      He gently stopped her. “I’ll get it later. Go home. A hot shower will do you good. A drink probably wouldn’t hurt either.”

      “Firefighter’s orders?”

      “Yes, ma’am.” He glanced to the engine then lightly brushed his lips against hers.

      His fingers caressed her nape. Lost in his kiss, she swayed.

      “You okay, Jo?” He held her until she regained her balance.

      “I am now.” She traced his jaw, wishing for more. Imagining how his hard body would take her higher than she’d ever been.

      Later, at home after her shower, she lounged on the sofa nestled in his sweatshirt. Her cell went off.

      “The surfer is showing improvement, according to the ambulance crew. Thought you might sleep better knowing,” Ray said.

      She’d sleep even better with him next to her…after hours of sex. “Thanks for being there and for loaning me your hoodie.”

      “Anything for the hottest lifeguard on OBX,” his deep voice caressed her ear. “The real reason for my call is to see how you’re doing.”

      “Jack’s warming me up.”

      “Lucky bastard.”

      Chapter 10

      Jo rode a wave to the shallows. The ringtone of her phone had her racing to her towel.

      “Did I wake you?” Ray’s smooth as whiskey voice sparked a sensual burn in her lower belly.

      “No.” She panted. “I’m on the beach. Tell me the surfer didn’t take the big adios.”

      “Not that I heard. Just checking on you. Figured you didn’t eat dinner last night. Thought you could use some breakfast. I’m doing a deck job this morning, and you’re on my way. You game?”

      “You trust me to make coffee?”

      “Barely.” A smile seeped through his tone. “I’ll be there in a few.”

      Grabbing her board, she rushed for the house. After starting the coffee, she towel dried her hair and headed for her closet. She thumbed through the sparse variety and frowned. To say she wasn’t a clothes horse was a gross understatement. Then again, she had lived most of her life in a swimsuit.

      Quickly, she turned for the dresser and opted for a pair of board shorts and a spaghetti tank shirt. Rather than fuss with her unruly curls, she twisted them up with a couple of combs. She’d washed her face and brush her teeth before dual exhaust bellowed in the driveway.

      Ray breezed into the kitchen wearing cargo shorts, construction boots and a worn Ducks Unlimited T-shirt minus the sleeves. His bicep flexed as he held the box of Krispy Kremes. A Sonic bag dangled from the fingers of his other hand.

      She snatched the doughnuts.

      “A hundred dollar tip didn’t get me anywhere. I should have thought of sweets, instead.” He grinned.

      “I deserved that.” She arranged their breakfast on a tray, poured him a cup of coffee, and shoved the oversized mug into his hand.

      Yesterday seemed dreamlike, yet she still felt his warm and protective embrace. The masculine taste of his lips. She followed him to the deck.

      He sank onto a deck chair and sipped on his coffee while staring at the ocean.

      His reflective, man of few words, mood stirred her curiosity.

      * СКАЧАТЬ