Ride the Fire (16 page)

“Soon, maybe.”

Her hesitance grated. “Are you ashamed of me?”

“Because you’re white?” She stared at him, incredulous.

“Because I’m an alcoholic.”

“No. I’m absolutely not ashamed of you for any reason, and don’t think otherwise,” she said firmly.

“You’re the one who assumed I meant because I’m white,” he pointed out. “Will I already have that strike against me because of your father running out on you both?”

Her lips thinned and her eyes flashed. “Listen to me good. My mother is a wonderful, gentle soul who was badly hurt by that man. And yes, she might worry because she doesn’t want me to repeat her mistakes, but she’s going to love you once she gets to know you. Just be yourself and let’s put the color issue to rest, okay?”

“All right,” he promised. “You won’t hear another word about that from me.”

“Good.”

He couldn’t help but worry about the issue rising later, but he’d heed her wishes. The tension dissipated as they rode on, soaking up the sunshine. They talked about the upcoming charity auction and Sean grimaced at her suggestion.

“I think you should do a striptease.”

“What! Oh, sure, that’ll go over well with the general population of Sugarland.” He snorted, imagining himself shucking his fireman’s coat, doing the bump and grind.

“You couldn’t get naked or anything, but you guys can work the room, get the ladies excited.”

“I’ll leave it to the young guys to get them ‘excited,’ thanks.” Might be funny to see their reactions, though. “What about you? Are you going to strip? That idea has merit.”

“We’ll see.”

Her secretive smile raised his suspicions, but he let it go. He suddenly didn’t want to know how she planned to get the men all wound up to bid on her, or
who
would do the bidding. Eve should be stripping only for him, dammit.

When they reached a small clearing near a stream, he brought them to a halt and dismounted. “Lunch?”

“It’s a little early, isn’t it?”

“I can think of something to pass the time, make sure we get good and hungry.”

“In that case . . .”

After helping her dismount, he led the horses to a nearby fallen log and tied them off with just enough slack to allow them to graze. Then he brought the blanket over, spread it, and seized her hand, falling onto it and pulling her down on top of him.

“This I can get used to,” he said, gazing up at her.

“Me, too.”

She kissed him, sweetly at first. Then with more hunger, straddling his hips. Pushing at his T-shirt, she smoothed her palm over his stomach, his chest. It felt so good, he’d never get enough.

“Don’t ever stop touching me, Eve. Please.”

She scooted down, kissed his belly. Began to work on his jeans. “You sound starved.”

“I am. Blair never—” He stopped, afraid he’d ruined the moment. But she looked at him in sympathy and understanding.

“Never touched you like this?” She unzipped his jeans, parted the material. Exposed his eager cock, gave it a long lick. “Never loved you like this?”

“Rarely,” he said hoarsely. “She didn’t care much for sex. Too messy and inconvenient.”

“I’m sorry. But you don’t have to be alone anymore—it’s your choice.”

“Then I choose you.”

He kicked off his shoes and she pulled down his jeans, retrieving a condom from his pocket before setting them aside. His shirt went next, flung away into the grass. Mesmerized, he watched as she did a slow striptease for him, baring her bronzed skin an inch at a time. She was a goddess standing naked in the sunshine, and he was sure he didn’t deserve her.

But he would have her anyway.

She knelt between his thighs and cupped his balls, squeezing with slight pressure. He groaned, spread wider. Her fingers were warm around his shaft, holding him steady as her mouth took him in. Hot, delicious wet heat. Sucking him between those pretty lips, tasting the salty drops. But he wanted her, too.

“Spin around and straddle me, baby.”

Pulling herself off his cock, she did, placing her knees on both sides of his head. He adjusted himself, lining up with the pouty folds, and wrapped his fingers around her thighs. Tongued her slit, loving how she melted into him. Let him have his way.

They feasted, laving every inch of flesh in tandem, Eve bobbing on his erection with wonderful suction. Him tonguing her clit until she writhed against his face. When he could take no more, he pushed, urging her off.

“Ride me, baby. I want to watch.”

The lust in her eyes matched his as she grabbed the condom from the blanket, sheathed his erection, repositioned herself. Slid down onto his cock, seating him fully. Hands splayed on his chest, she began to move. Impaled herself on his cock again and again. The sun shining on her beautiful body, the expression on her face that was so much more than desire—an emotion he didn’t want to name—was a sight he wouldn’t forget until he left the world for good.

She took him higher, his breaths short, body strung tight. His balls drew up and he did his best to stave off the impending orgasm, but it was no use.

He shot with a moan, filled her, wishing it could go on forever. That he never had to leave her heat. Especially when her walls tightened around him and she cried out her own climax, wringing the last drops from him.

“God. It was over too soon.”

Leaning over, she gave him a soft kiss. “That just means you get to recover so we can do it again, in an hour or so.”

“An hour!” He made a face. “Honey, I’m forty-three, not twenty-three.”

“Oh.” She made a show of pretending to consider this. “Well, I guess I’ll have to find a virile young stud to make mad love—”

With a mock growl, he rolled her, pinning her underneath him. “One hour it is.”

Her answering smile was all the incentive he needed.

“You know what,” he said, voice low. “I won’t do this!”

Jesse was unconcerned. “You already are. Have you forgotten that you’re in this, same as me?”

“No, never the same as you. I don’t want to live the life of a criminal, and I won’t. I never asked for this.”

“Come on, Sean. Back in the Colonial days, the American patriots were considered criminals when they told King George to shove it, remember? How’s this any different?” He clapped Sean on the shoulder. “I’m going to make you my lieutenant. My right-hand man. You’ve always had my back and I’ve had yours, right? You and me against the world. What do you say?”

“You’re insane! I’m not going to run guns or help you do it!”

“You’re turning me down?” His expression was incredulous.

“Of course I am! Christ, what am I going to do?”

“Nothing, that’s what,” Jesse said coldly. “I’m your best friend and you owe me. Don
’
t forget that.”

It wasn’t until Jesse spun that they both saw Connors there, standing in the shadows, listening.

“We need to talk, Rose.”

“Of course I do! If you want. But I don’t want you to think—I mean it’s not exactly a great date and—”

“Sean! Chill, please. Deep breath.”

He managed one, then nodded. “Christ, I’m sorry. I don’t remember when I’ve been so nervous about an AA meeting. It’s not like this is my first one.”

But she was coming, and he was desperate to make a good impression. The knowledge puddled her heart at his feet.

“You’ll be fine, and I want to go. This is what friends do, remember? Show their support.”

He gave her an odd look, and then a tremulous smile. “Right. I guess I’m ready.”

“And then don’t forget my mother is expecting us for dessert.”

“That should be interesting. She’ll probably grind my bones to make her bread.”

Eve snorted. “Would you stop! Let’s get out of here before you work yourself into a state of psychosis or something.”

Sean drove the Tahoe, which gave him other things to focus on besides tonight. She got the chance to observe him, and recall their lovely ride and interlude by the stream. This had been one of the best afternoons she could remember, even if her rear was a little saddlesore. They’d ridden for at least three hours, but she’d had fun.

Now his confidence had taken a backseat to nerves, and she felt for him. Enabling him to hide, however, wouldn’t help him at all. She’d do everything in her power to restore the man she loved to his former self, or even better.

A few minutes later, he parked in front of the spacious community building where all sorts of civic meetings were held, and where the firemen’s charity auction would be held in just a couple of weeks. Shutting off the SUV, he sat for a minute, gathering courage.

“It’s not easy, standing in front of a room of strangers and admitting you’re a fuckup,” he said quietly.

“First of all, you’re
not
a fuckup, and second, they’re all there to kick the same problem.” She took his hand. “I know what you mean, but remember what I said.”

“I will. Thanks.”

They got out and she slipped her hand into his, showing her support, as they walked inside. The crowd was bigger than she’d expected, perhaps fifty or so people. Some of those were sponsors, folks who had been sober for years and were here to lend their strength to those like Sean, just beginning the journey.

Sean introduced her to a few people he’d met, and they mingled a while before taking their seats. The meeting began and Eve found herself caught up in the various stories of each individual’s path to self-destruction, and the often messy climb back to the light. A few started as social drinkers; some had more painful reasons. But none were as horribly tragic as Sean’s.

When it came to be his turn, her lover stood tall and faced the group. “Hi. My name is Sean and I’m an alcoholic.”

“Hi, Sean!”

He took a steadying breath. “I started drinking to numb the unending pain of losing my wife and children in a car accident. I’m a captain at my fire station, and we got the call. I saw them burn.”

No one moved, or spoke.

“My six-year-old daughter . . .” His voice broke and he cleared his throat. “She could’ve been saved. Five more minutes. That’s all I needed, but I was too late. I crawled into the bottle and stayed there for almost two years. I wanted to die, or thought I did. Then my mistake at work almost got one of my men killed, and I knew I’d hit rock bottom.”

A couple of sniffles sounded loud in the stillness.

“I’d come to the crossroads—either live or die. Ultimately, I wanted to be a man my daughter and son would’ve been proud to call their dad. It won’t be easy, but knowing I’d disappoint them by giving up would be even harder. So here I am, and I believe I’ll make it, thanks to friends and some very special people.”

Glancing down at her, Sean held out his hand. Eve stared at him for a couple of heartbeats before she realized he’d publicly declared her to be one of those “very special people.” She beamed at him and he returned the smile.

“Thank you,” he said to the group. Taking his seat, he planted a sweet kiss on her lips.

She drew back, touched his face. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.”

“I have the best incentive in the world.”

The confident words, the heated look, sustained her for the rest of the evening. She hardly knew what the remaining speakers said, or paid attention to the small talk they made with members of the group on their way out after the meeting. All she knew was that she and Sean had something real. Despite his fears, and other obstacles.

They could make it. Had a good shot.

He followed her directions to her mother’s house and a short while later pulled into the drive. Before they got out, he grinned at her.

“I have a feeling those meetings will seem like a piece of cake compared to this. Facing a firing squad might be easier.”

She rolled her eyes. “Come on, you. Into the lion’s den.”

No way was she going to admit she was a little unsure of his reception as well.

He was right—this should be interesting.

Amelia was shorter than her daughter, more petite. Her face was delicate with large brown eyes, her smile wide. She had a curvy figure made for a man’s hands to go roaming. Not
his
hands, those were taken.

But, holy God. It was damned easy to see where Eve got her beauty.

“Hello, Captain Tanner,” she said, voice smooth as whiskey. “Won’t you come in?”

“Sean, please.”

“Sean, I’m Amelia.” She nodded in acknowledgment and moved past him to hug her daughter as he stepped inside. “Hey, baby.”

“Mama. You’re looking good.” Eve waggled her brows. “Any luck with your preacher?”

“Maybe. A woman never tells
all
her secrets.” She waved them in, leading them to the cozy living room. “Pie with ice cream, and coffee? I’ve got apple and peach.”

“Peach sounds good to me, Mama. I’ll come help you. Sean?”

“Um, that’s fine with me, too.”

“Coming up.”

The ladies disappeared into the kitchen and he glanced around, taking in Amelia’s home. Every space was filled with fat pillows, knickknacks, and framed photos, most of Eve. The place was lived-in, love oozing from the very walls.

He’d had a home like this, once.

The women made a couple of trips bringing the coffee and pie, finally settling in with Eve next to him on the sofa, Amelia in a stuffed chair across from them.

“Eve told me about your accident at work. Are you feeling better?”

“Much, thank you.” He didn’t mention the persistent irritation in his lungs. Maybe he was trying to fend off a cold now, but he didn’t want to worry Eve. Shoveling a spoonful of pie and ice cream into his mouth, he groaned. “God, this is fantastic. You should open a bakery.”

She preened a bit under the praise, but waved him off with a laugh. “Except that I don’t know a thing about running one and I have an aversion to getting up hours before dawn to cook.”

“Good point.”

“But I do enjoy baking, taking treats to friends and neighbors.” She looked at her daughter. “Which reminds me, I took a pie to my new neighbor, the man who bought the Byrds’ old place, as a welcoming gesture. His name is George Sparks.”

“Really? That was nice of you. What’s he like?”

“He’s in his forties or so. Odd. As my mama would’ve said, he ‘ain’t our kind of folk.’ ”

“How so?”

Sean watched and listened to the exchange with interest.

Amelia took a sip of her coffee, and considered the question thoughtfully. “He’s friendly enough, but . . . cold. Like he’s wearing a mask, but it can’t hide the hollowness in his eyes. And he’s strange, too. No, that’s not quite right. There are things about the place that are strange. All those vehicles running up and down the road, but when I visit, there wasn’t a soul to be seen except Mr. Sparks. No people, no animals. Quiet as church on a Monday.”

“Weird.”

“Yes. And inside the house, it’s as bare as can be except the minimum of furniture. There was only one framed photograph of the man and some buddies a long time ago, when they were in the military. Desert Storm, he said.”

Sean’s neck prickled. But George Sparks? That wasn’t anyone he knew.

“Anyway, I was so uncomfortable when I left, I won’t be going back,” she concluded.

Eve looked relieved. “Good. Your instincts are always right.”

“Not always, baby girl. But this time, I think they are.” The older woman turned her attention to Sean. “How long have you and Eve been seeing each other?”

The fact that Eve could’ve satisfied her questions, and at some other time, was irrelevant. Amelia was feeling him out, and not bothering to hide it.

“Not long. This is new for us.”

“You two have worked together for years.”

“Yes, ma’am. I was married for most of them.” He pushed aside the ache in his mind and heart.

Some of the sharpness left her tone. “I was saddened to learn of your loss. No one should have to endure what you did.”

“Thank you.”

She paused, studying him as though trying to dissect him. “May I be blunt?”

“Mama—”

“No, it’s okay,” he said, taking Eve’s hand. “Please do, Amelia.”

“I truly applaud you for working so hard to get your life in order,” she said sincerely. “But surely you can understand my concern when it comes to Eve. No mother wants to see her child unhappy, and most of the time in the past few years when I’ve seen her that way, it has to do with you.”

“I’d never hurt Eve,” he protested, shaking his head.

“You won’t mean to. But you have a long way to go and I don’t want to see my daughter dragged down if you fall.” She glanced between Sean and Eve. “Having said that, I’ll give the two of you my full blessing and support—provided you’re not yanking her around,” she advised, addressing Sean.

“I’m not, I swear.”

“Good. Because if I find out you are? I’ll cut off your balls and use them as Christmas ornaments. We’re clear?”

“Mama!”

He nearly choked on a bite of pie. “Crystal.”

Amelia graced him with the full force of her angelic smile. “Fantastic. More pie?”