Jessica dreams of putting out fires but can she cope with fanning the flames of Kevin’s smoldering heart?
When she turns thirty, Jessica realizes time is running out if she wants to pursue her dream of being a firefighter and paramedic. Kevin offers her the opportunity to make her dream a reality, but both are unprepared for the flames of desire their meeting ignites.
But what’s with Kevin? He flirts with her, then pushes her away. Not that she needs the complication of starting a new job with a reputation anyway. Jessica decides she’ll just concentrate on her training instead of the dreamy guy who can’t make up his mind.
Friends complicate the matter even further, wreaking havoc on Jessica’s plans to stay focused solely on her goal. As Jessica’s tests approach, she and Kevin must come to terms with their burgeoning love for each other. Will circumstances snuff their chances for happiness?
Excerpt:
“You want this?” She scraped the frosting off the knife and held out the crumpled h on the tip of her finger. For an instant he considered licking it off and shook his head before thought managed to translate to action.
“Your loss.” She licked the frosting off her finger, leaving a smear of green on her lips.
Kevin forced himself to look away. This whole conversation was taking too long, and there was a yard full of guys who would ride him mercilessly if they noticed. Still, he didn’t want to leave her right now. She still sounded upset and it had to be his fault. Plus, he hadn’t thanked her for the party yet. Getting a look at where she lived hadn’t cooled his desire at all. She had an apartment so welcoming and comfortable he’d gladly move in tomorrow. Everyone said she was a great cook and none of those guys would lie to be nice. She planned a party tailored for him and she used that cake decorator like a professional. “You’re really good with that,” he commented.
She barked a laugh. “It’s all in the hands. You should see me dissect a frog. I’m a wonder.”
“It’s a really nice party. Thanks,” he said, trying again. “I guess it’s not all parties I hate, just the ones I get invited to.”
“I host a mean brunch, too.” She spelled out his name with sure, even strokes. “I even have my own melon baller.”
“I want you to know I appreciate it.”
She nodded and straightened. Reaching around, she put the frosting back in the refrigerator. As she licked frosting off her fingers she didn’t look teary or upset, but she had another green smudge on her cheek. “Just think, in six and a half weeks I’ll be out of your hair.” Her mouth quirked into a sarcastic smirk.
He stepped forward so quickly she jumped back a step, flattening herself against the wall. Her dark eyes went round, looking up at him in alarm. Grabbing her shoulders, he murmured, “You have no idea.” The frosting still on her lips sweetened the kiss. Her body curved against his as his hands slid down to her waist. Even after the workouts she wasn’t hard in all the wrong places. He wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the floor in his eagerness. Her hands grasped his shoulders, pulling him against her as her lips parted to his probing tongue. A soft moan escaped her, shivering through him. He tangled his fingers through her hair, luxuriating in its satin texture. His need for her was growing beyond his control. If he hadn’t wanted to be seen talking to her, he certainly couldn’t be caught having sex with her.
He stepped back as abruptly as he’d moved forward, leaving her leaning against the wall dazed and breathing through her open lips. Her cheeks were stained with a faint blush. “You can’t tell any of them about this,” he said trying to catch his own breath.
Christa Maurice 