Ignite (Wildwood 1)

True that.

“So when are you two crazy kids going to move in together?” Wren asked Harper, changing the subject.

Harper’s mouth dropped open. Was Wren a mind reader or what? “We were just discussing that a few nights ago,” she admitted softly.

They’d been tangled up in bed, the sheet kicked off onto the floor, Harper half draped across West’s limp-with-pleasure body. He’d skimmed his fingers down her back, given her a light smack on her butt, and murmured, “You should move in with me.”

She’d protested, made all the right noises because come on. They couldn’t live together so fast. But West wouldn’t take no for an answer. And now she was trying to work up the courage to tell her family that she was moving in with her new boyfriend so quickly after moving out of her old boyfriend’s house.

Yeah. The gossipmongers of Wildwood were going to have a field day with this one. But maybe it wouldn’t be so awful. West was the beloved bad boy who was now doing good. And Harper had always been Wildwood’s good girl—who’d suddenly gone a little bad.

And being bad with West had never felt so good.

“So you’re moving in with him?” Delilah asked, her eyebrows rising. “That’s so great!”

“Shh, we haven’t officially confirmed it yet,” Harper said, hoping no one was paying any attention to the three of them. “But yes, it’s going to happen. Soon.”

Both Wren and Delilah looked like they were bouncing in their seats. It was sort of ridiculous. And silly—silly enough that Harper couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She’d never felt so loved before. By her friends, her family.

By West.

The front door of the BFD swung open and in walked a Cal Fire crew, West taking up the rear. His hair was a little wild—it was time for a haircut—and there was a dark smudge on his cheek from God knew what. But wow, did he look good in his uniform, that beloved easy smile on his face as he nodded at the waitress who began to lead the fire crew to a table.

He scanned the room, looking for Harper, of that she was sure, and she lifted her hand in an acknowledging wave, her heart swelling near to bursting at seeing him. He said something to the rest of his crew and made his way to Harper’s table, smiling at all three women when he stopped in front of their table.

“Ladies.” He nodded at Delilah and Wren before his head swiveled in her direction, that knowing smile that got her every single time curling his perfect lips. “Harper.”

“What are you doing here?” She sounded breathless. Could feel her friends watching her like she was put on this earth to amuse them, but damn it, she couldn’t help herself. Her boyfriend made her feel fluttery inside each time he looked at her.

“We just finished up a call and we’re starving. Thought we’d stop at the BFD.” He gave her a look, one that said I’ve seen you naked.

Harper blushed. “It’s good to see you,” she murmured, making his smile grow.

They didn’t say anything, just smiled at each other until finally Delilah made an irritated noise.

“You two need to get a room,” she muttered.

“Ew, that’s my brother you’re talking about,” Wren practically squealed.

Ignoring them both, West’s gaze never left Harper’s. “Come with me,” he said, his voice low.

Without hesitation Harper slid out of the booth and followed him to the back of the diner, where he opened the supply closet door and pulled her inside. The moment the door shut, he had his hands on her, his mouth fused with hers. It was so dark that she kicked the mop bucket when she took a step back, making them both laugh softly when the mop handle clattered to the floor.

“We need to stop meeting like this,” he whispered, his mouth hot as he kissed her neck, making her shiver.

“You’re the one who always wants to have a rendezvous in the supply closet when you stop by,” she reminded him, sighing when he nibbled on her ear.

“I never hear you protest.” He lifted his head and she knew he was watching her, even though he couldn’t see much since it was so dark. “I’ve missed you.”

“You’re off shift tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” He pulled her in for a hug, holding her close. “But I don’t like being away from you.”

This comin

g from the man who loved his job. His confession made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. “Hasn’t any of your crew figured out what you’re doing when you keep stopping by the BFD?”

“They’ve got me all figured out. Not like we’re hiding it.” He slipped his hand beneath her chin and tilted her face up, his mouth mere inches from her. “They know I can’t get enough of you.”