First Spark: A Firefighter Short Story (Heroes in Uniform Book 1) Read online

  “Oh god,” she moaned. The sensation felt stronger than usual. It was because he was there, wasn’t it?

  “Just wait until you feel what I’m about to give you next.”

  Jake dropped his underwear and lay beside her on the bed. Just as he reached out, Bree’s orgasm ripped through her.

  She jolted awake, coming face to face with the dark hotel room. She was alone, and all was quiet, but one thing did match the dream.

  Bree’s hand was in her underwear, and they were wet. Her fingers pressed against her clitoris as it pulsed.

  And her pussy?

  Well, it hadn’t forgotten the dream either.

  2

  ___

  Michelle crinkled her nose the next afternoon as she stepped foot into the house for the first time since the neighbour’s fire. Bree had been home since nine, having checked out of the hotel early after a poor night’s sleep. Thankfully, her hangover had disappeared.

  “It still smells like burnt toast in here.”

  “Does not,” Bree rolled her eyes. “Quit being dramatic.”

  She didn’t smell a thing, but she went around the main floor opening all of the windows to appease her roommate anyway. She was too tired to contend with her complaining.

  “Someone’s grumpy,” Michelle commented. “Still upset over what happened yesterday?”

  “Yeah, I am,” Bree admitted. “Sorry.”

  She retrieved her piece of cake from the fridge and took a huge bite before offering her roommate some.

  “At least you got something out of your date,” Michelle joked. She licked chocolate off of her lips.

  “I guess so.”

  “Are you going to give him another shot?”

  Bree shook her head emphatically.

  “Not a chance. I have more self-respect than to beg a guy who stood me up to go out with me again.”

  Michelle filled up a tall bottle of water, screwing it shut.

  “That’s my girl. I’m teaching a yoga class in thirty minutes. Want to come?”

  “Nah, not today. I just want to be lazy.”

  “Fine, but one of these times you’re going to say yes.”

  Her roommate poked her playfully on the shoulder before heading out.

  “Doubtful!” She called after her.

  Bree took a quick shower, rectifying her appearance in order to recover her lost self-esteem from yesterday. She styled her long, sandy hair in loose waves, pinning it half-up. She left her freckled skin bare of makeup other than a quick brush of mascara and a hint of nude lipstick. From her closet, she chose a cotton jumpsuit — comfortable and stylish, which is what Bree aimed for with most of her clothes.

  She was ready to have a lazy Sunday, unlike her roommate. Michelle never stopped, even on the weekends. Her energy was infinite, which served her career as a fitness instructor very well. Bree worked as an assistant librarian at an academic library. The two couldn’t be more different.

  Bree meandered back to the living room and stretched out on the sofa, burrowing into a soft blanket. She turned on the TV, eager to find a sappy reality show and not move for the rest of the afternoon. The glaring voice of a news reporter greeted her when the screen finally flickered on:

  “A firefighter and a local woman were taken to hospital after he rescued her from her home during a fire yesterday evening. Sources say the fire began accidentally, spreading from a lit candle in her bedroom.”

  Bree bolted upright, leaning forward in her seat. Sure enough, as the footage began to roll, there was her street and the neighbour’s house. The camera panned to a firefighter exiting the building, a boy in his arms. Once outside, he handed the child over to the paramedics before collapsing to his knees, peeling off his mask.

  And when his face was revealed to the camera, Bree froze.

  “The man’s name is Jakob Gallagher, and some are calling him a hero. Thankfully, injuries weren’t serious, and all three survivors are expected to make a full recovery.”

  “Fuck!” Bree swore.

  Guilt took over her brain. Had she really bitched at this man after he’d apparently suffered smoke inhalation? After he’d saved a woman and her child?

  Yes, she had. Bree felt like the lowest of the low. No wonder why Jake looked so winded during their brief meeting yesterday. And all she’d done was make him seem like an asshole.

  She was the asshole, not him.

  Bree sat with her brow creased, unsure of what she should do. The way she saw it, she had two options:

  Pretend this whole thing never happened and go back to her usual routine (ie. Lazy Sunday).

  Text him and apologize.

  Though the first sounded easier, Bree knew the second is what she should do as a decent human being. If it were the other way around and Jake had chewed her out, an apology is what she’d expect in return. Plus, her body still hummed each time she pictured his face. Bree couldn’t get his piercing green eyes out of her mind. She’d even re-read the cute bits of their conversation history this morning, smiling the entire time.

  She opened his message, where he’d proposed they start over. Hesitantly, she typed out a reply:

  Bree: Hey. I’m really sorry about how I acted last night. You were just doing your job, and I saw on the news you were even taken to the hospital… I’m willing to start over if you are.

  Bree tossed her phone to the other side of the sofa, too anxious to keep it in her hand. She didn’t know if her apology would be well-received. Maybe he wouldn’t even answer. Her stomach clenched nervously.

  Ping.

  Bree grabbed her phone as soon as it went off. But she couldn’t answer right away — that would be against the rules.

  Jake: Want to come over? I’m pet sitting my sister’s crazy dog so I can’t really leave the house without him. I could cook a nice dinner though if you’re free.

  His offer was casual. It sounded low-key, just as Bree liked. After stewing on his message for five minutes, she finally allowed herself to reply.

  Bree: Sounds great. What time, and do you want me to bring anything?

  Jake: 3422 Harris Drive. Come anytime you’re ready. And no, just bring your beautiful self.

  Bree grinned at his last statement.

  Jake: Was that too much?

  Bree: Not at all. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes.

  Jake: See you soon.

  When she arrived at his place, Jake was playing fetch in the yard with a very energetic husky. The frisky animal bombarded her with licks the second she got out of the car.

  “Hi!” Bree greeted the canine, scratching it behind the ears.

  “Pepper, down!” Jake commanded the dog. “Sorry, she gets excited when she meets new people.”

  Pepper sat on her butt.

  “That’s okay,” Bree smiled.

  Jake turned to her, stretching out his hand. He wore a pair of distressed jeans and a grey, long-sleeve t-shirt.

  “Hi. I’m Jake.”

  “Bree.”

  They both burst out laughing at the formality. It was technically their first date, but it didn’t feel that way.

  “Come on in.”

  Bree followed him and Pepper inside, taking a moment to survey his place. The interior was homey with a Scandinavian vibe. Warm wood floors, white walls and neutral décor. His furniture looked comfortable. On the walls, Jake displayed an array of vintage paraphernalia: posters, old photography and a few knick nacks. It was charming. The kitchen was open to the living space, and Jake opened a cupboard, retrieving a beer glass for himself.

  “Do you want a drink? Beer? Coffee? Tea? Water?”

  “Tea would be nice. I just drink it plain.”

  “Sure,” he paused. “So you saw me on the news this morning, huh?” A little smile played at his lips.

  “I did… God, I was a complete bitch last night, wasn’t I?”

  She leaned against the counter beside him.
/>   “Nah,” Jake grinned. “But I’m glad you finally answered me. I was worried you’d never want to see me again.”

  “Did that upset you?”

  “Yeah,” Jake answered honestly. “I’ve been having a lot of fun talking with you. I felt like I fucked it up.”

  “I’m here now, so you must have done something right.”

  “Guess so,” he chuckled. “Let’s go sit outside.”

  They went out to the back yard, where Jake had a small deck overlooking the lawn. As they exited the house, Bree couldn’t help notice that by the door he kept his firefighter uniform, ready to put on at a moment’s notice.

  “Is that for when you get calls in the middle of the night?” She asked.

  “Yep. It’s just faster, especially when I’m still waking up.”

  Heat pooled in Bree’s stomach. She pictured him with the uniform on.

  “So what happens if they call you today?”

  “They won’t. I took the day off to recover. I also get four days off per week, usually. The rest of the time I pretty much live at the station.”

  They sat out on a wicker sofa that was topped with thick cushions. For once, the air in Florida was bearable, given that it was nearly winter. Bree sipped on her tea happily as Jake nursed his beer, enjoying the cool breeze that rustled through the trees.

  Bree felt at ease. She knew enough about Jake to feel a connection. They’d only spent the last two weeks talking daily. His in-person demeanour was proving to be no different than their digital conversations so far.

  “That’s interesting,” Bree said. She couldn’t imagine having to spend half the week away from home all the time.

  “So all of the guys just… cohabitate?”

  Jake laughed. “Yeah. We cook together too. It can get pretty overwhelming with that many men in one place, but it’s fun most of the time.”

  Bree’s mind went straight to the gutter, imagining a building full of half-naked, fit firemen. The thought made her panties damp.

  “Do guys ever bring women there?” She asked.

  “Sometimes.” Jake was full-on smirking now. He was beginning to sense that Bree’s curiosity about his job went beyond innocent conversation.

  “Does that interest you?”

  “Maybe,” she pursed her lips slightly.

  “Well, I’ll bring you by sometime. Give you a tour.”

  Maybe he’ll slide down the pole, she thought. Naked.

  “You look really pretty, by the way.”

  His green eyes went to her freckled cheeks, then flickered lower to her chest for a split-second. Her breasts were squeezed together beneath her v-neck tee, drawing his eyes there.

  “Thanks.”

  Jake’s hand found hers on the seat. He laced their fingers.

  “Was your place okay after the fire yesterday?”

  “Oh, it was fine. We let it air out overnight, but there wasn’t even much of a smell. I think my roommate was just being paranoid.”

  “Better safe than sorry.”

  His eyes met hers again. So green; their vividness surprised Bree. She didn’t look away. Her breath quickened, and she moved a little closer, touching her thigh to his.

  Jake kissed her without warning.

  His hands went to the nape of her neck, then down to her low back. She pushed back against him gently, opening her mouth. He thoroughly savoured her lips before pulling away.

  “Sorry for mauling you,” Jake laughed. “I’ve just been waiting to do that for a couple of weeks now.”

  “It’s okay,” Bree said. “I liked it.”

  The ice had been broken, and their textual chemistry had translated to real-life exactly the way she’d hoped, igniting the second he’d touched her.

  “A lot,” she added.

  Bree didn’t wait for him this time. She closed the gap and kissed Jake again.

  Their second kiss was fierier. Their mouths fell open, and their tongues tangled. Jake tasted of beer and something else; mint gum, maybe? His hands started to roam her waist, gradually inching toward her breasts. That’s where Bree wanted them, among other places.

  She took his wrist and put his hands there, smiling when Jake took her flesh in his hands.

  “Bree,” he murmured. “You’re getting me hard.”

  Good, she thought. She was suddenly very horny, which wasn’t normal for a first date. Not for her. Normally, Bree’s first dates were spent making awkward small talk. She and Jake had skipped that step entirely.

  This was much better.

  “You’re not hungry for dinner?” He asked against her lips.

  Bree shook her head.

  “Later.”

  She climbed onto his lap, parting her legs across the growing bulge in his jeans. Her hands went to the hem of his shirt and lifted it above his head. She slid the straps of her one-piece down her shoulders, exposing more skin to the outdoor air.

  “Inside,” Jake ordered her.

  Bree moved to exit his lap, but he held on tight, standing up. Her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively. Jake carried her into the house effortlessly, dropping her onto the sofa in the living room.

  “You smell so good,” he said before kissing the tops of her breasts. He left a trail from there to her neck, which pleased Bree. She reached down and unhooked his belt, then yanked on the button. The zipper slid down slowly, revealing his underwear.

  Jake paused, hovering over her in mid-air. His pants were open. Bree’s bra had been pulled down, revealing one nipple. They were both out of breath.

  “Maybe we should slow down… I mean, I really don’t want to —"

  They were interrupted by a loud knock at the front door only a few feet away.

  “Oh, shit. That’s probably my sister. She’s here to pick up Pepper.”

  Bree’s cheeks flamed. Jake had just been about to reject her, wasn’t he? They scrambled to put their clothes back on.

  “You know what? I think I’m going to go,” she huffed.

  Jake took her hand in his.

  “No, Bree, I think you’re misunderstanding me.”

  His sister walked in the door. Bree dropped his hand.

  “Hey, Jake, is Pepper ready to—? Oh. Hi.”

  A look of recognition filled the woman’s eyes as she stepped into the living room.

  “Hey. It’s you, from the restaurant!” Bree said. She smiled, recognizing the friendly brunette; her waitress. Is that why she’d been so nice the other evening? Did she know her brother wasn’t going to show?

  “Yeah, it’s Skylar. Hi! Sorry, Jake, I didn’t know you were busy or I wouldn’t have just barged in.”

  “No big deal. Pepper is around here somewhere. Pepper!?”

  The dog came running, carrying a leash in her mouth.

  “Well, thanks for watching her. I’ll get out of your hair.”

  “See ya.”

  “Bye!”

  Skylar gave the two a little wave before herding the dog outside and shutting the door. As soon as she was gone, Bree turned back to Jake and burst into laughter. His hair was messed, and he had some of her pink lipstick on his cheek.

  “What?”

  “Oh, nothing,” she teased. Bree brought one hand to his face and wiped her makeup off of it.

  “Oh,” he smiled knowingly. “Anyway, what I was about to say is I think we should slow down. It’s not that I don’t want to mess around… but I was trying to be… gentlemanly.”

  Bree mulled it over, but her mind was decidedly made up.

  “I don’t need a gentleman.”

  She pulled her straps down once again and let her jumpsuit fall to the floor.

  Jake perused her. His eyes bulged. They darkened too as he took her in, wearing the same pale blue lingerie ensemble she’d worn in her dream last night.

  “Well, alright then.”

  He wrapped her in his arms and roamed her body with his hands. His skin was
hot. He fingered the waistband of Bree’s panties, then grabbed her ass firmly in his hands.

  “I like these,” he murmured, kissing one nipple through the thin bra.

  Jake backed her onto the sofa, where she lied down.

  “Mmm,” she replied, “I like these.” She slid one hand into his shirt, grazing his abs.

  “Noted.”

  Jake grinned, revealing a dimple. Bree couldn’t handle him. The first spark between them had been a strong one, but it was no match for what was happening now.

  Before long, they were both half-naked. Jake hovered over Bree with her legs spread, having shed his pants and shirt. His fingers slipped into her panties, feeling her wet centre.

  “Jake,” she half-giggled, half-gasped as his touch tickled her pussy. She was slick with moisture.

  She reached her hand into his briefs and felt him from root to tip.

  “Fuck,” he hissed, pulling his underwear down the rest of the way. Bree pumped him steadily, trying to keep her focus on his cock. It was tough with Jake’s fingers at her wet sex, teasing through her folds.

  He knelt between her open legs and kissed her stomach, then her breasts. When she was nearly dripping, he inserted two fingers inside.

  “Such a perfect, tight pussy.”

  Jake’s voice dripped with admiration as Bree swallowed his fingers deep. Her movements became sloppier, more vigorous around his dick. They kissed desperately, stuffing their tongue between each other’s lips.

  Bree’s body hung in a haze of pleasure. Jake kissed down to her neck. He tugged down her bra and took her nipple in his mouth, sucking it skillfully. It made her wonder what his lips would feel like on her down there.

  Jake groaned, meeting her eyes.

  “You’re so sexy, you’re gonna make me come soon.”

  A devilish smile took Bree’s lips. Not quite a gentleman anymore, was he? She paused for a moment, reaching beneath herself to unhook her bra. Then she resumed her strokes to Jake’s hardness.

  “Come on my tits,” she said.

  An invitation. Would he accept?

  “Fuck. Gladly.”