That Hot Night

That sounded like a promise and a threat all rolled into one deliciously wicked package. “I suppose so, but now it’s time to go to bed. Alone.”

Rafe flashed a fake pout and helped me take the dishes and leftover cheesecake to the kitchen. “I had a good time tonight, Janey.”

“So did I.” I wasn’t all that surprised to realize I was telling the truth. Rafe was a charming date who gave just the right amount of flirting and compliments.

“You sound surprised. I like that, knowing I can surprise you.” His lips curled up into an irresistible smile and I took a step forward.

“You’ve done nothing but surprise me since Santa Fe.”

Then his lips were on mine in a slow, drugging kiss that stole my breath and for a few seconds. My good sense too, because I clung to him, holding on tight while he devoured my mouth. When Rafe pulled back, his smile was the only thing capable of cutting through the dense, dark desire in the room.

“Hopefully that’s a streak I can maintain. Night Janey.” I watched him walk away, long legged stride confident and sexy.

I didn’t know how much longer I could resist him, and I was having a hard time remembering why I should.RafeWhat in the hell was wrong with me that I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss? Janey’s kiss. Again, she’d knocked me for a loop on our date, taking the choice of restaurant in stride, flirting like we were new to each other and then…inviting me back to her place. It was almost perfect.

Almost.

Then again, I knew the wait would only make it sweeter when we finally did come together again. I knew we would, it was only a matter of time, which I could speed up with a little bit of encouragement.

What are you wearing? I smiled at the question and tapped send, knowing it would get a rise out of her.

The answer came quickly, just as a knock sounded at my door. Nothing.

That was the last thought I needed in my mind as a duo of young firefighters crowded into my small, untidy office, with Jase Callahan following behind them.

“Come in, guys. I’m not busy at all.”

The two newest recruits at least had the decency to look sorry for invading my office, Jase on the other hand wore a smirk that said he was just here to make trouble. “Good. The guys have a few questions.”

My gaze turned to the newbies and they fired off a series of questions about everything from gear to training and bed assignments. “Hold it. One at a time,” I told them, glaring at Jase who I knew had orchestrated this little game. For some reason.

I gave the firefighters most of my attention and turned the rest back to Janey as I answered each question. Prove it, I wrote back to her with my heart tripping.

You wish.

She was right, even more than she realized. “Jase will be happy to let you shadow him over the next week to answer any questions you guys have. Anything else?”

“Eddy and Helen were just here. Dropped off some delicious chocolate coconut cookie thingies with a side of gossip. Some pretty interesting gossip, I’d say.”

I kept my body as still as I could, careful not to let any one movement give away my thoughts. “What else is new? Those old girls are always gossiping about something. Or someone.”

Jase nodded, his smile growing by the second. “Definitely a someone. A very specific someone, well two someones actually. Eating together. At Texican’s.” At that moment the recruits and Jase burst into a fit of laughter that left me frowning.

“People eating at the most popular Tex-Mex joint in town is that hilarious? I must be missing something.”

“Nice try,” Jase said and shook his head. “So, you and Janey, huh?”

I knew taking her to Texican’s wasn’t exactly under the radar, but hell no place in Tulip was. “Janey and I ate a meal together, yeah. What’s the big deal?”

Jase turned to the new guys with an arrogant grin as he stepped between them and wrapped an arm around a shoulder each. “Now you see fellas, that is a world class non-denial denial. You’ll have to work hard to get there.”

He met my middle finger with another laugh. “How’s Bo?” His smile faded, as I knew it would. “Because all they do is gossip,” I told him to make my point.

Jase shrugged. “But they aren’t always wrong.” His smile lit up as he thought of his best friend turned something more. “Look at us.”

Well, damn. I’d expected him to deny it, but Jase surprised me. I guess falling in love will do that to a man. “No comment. Anything else?”

“Yeah,” Jase said boldly as the other two slunk backwards until they were no longer inside my office. “Any gossip to share? Help me keep the old ladies out of my business?”