Fire and Ice (Firemen do it Hotter Book 1) (4 page)

C
helsey’s voice
was so beautiful, her face so expressive, Grady could have listened to her for hours, but he recognized her need to move the focus from herself. He released her hand as the server placed the caprese between them.

He nodded to the plate and waited for her to serve herself. God, she was stunning with her beautiful eyes and long eyelashes. The blue dress was the perfect color for her, and her long blonde hair fell in a silky wave to her shoulders.

Her sweet personality just blew him away. Everything about her was so clearly genuine.

His thoughts turned to telling her he was an alcoholic. He had talked with his sponsor who said better soon than too late.

Yes, he would tell her, but he’d wait for the right moment.

Grady couldn’t remember her question for a moment, then responded when he did. “Growing up in my family was one adventure after another.

She watched him with an intense, interested expression. “You said you have ten children in your family, including you. Six sisters and three brothers?”

“Exactly.” He dished some of the appetizer onto his plate. “Twelve of us make for one hell of a holiday. Then you add in all the spouses, nephews, and nieces, and it becomes a zoo.”

Chelsey laughed. “I’m picturing a madhouse.”

“A madhouse would be tame in comparison—at least there, the inmates are locked up.” Grady held back a laugh as Chelsey clapped her hand over her mouth as if trying to block a flood of giggles. He used his fork to cut into the fresh mozzarella, tomato slice, and fresh basil. He took a bite then chewed, swallowed, and chased it down with iced tea. He had been relieved that she hadn’t wanted wine. He could be around alcohol, but it was easier when he wasn’t. “There’s no such thing as a quiet moment with the exception of the five hours when everyone is finally asleep at the same time.”

“Our family reunions are nuts and usually last three days.” Which included the benders some of the Donovans went on during the events.

“Did you play hockey with your family?” she asked.

“Are you kidding?” Grady ate another bite and finished before continuing. “Hockey is in the Donovan DNA. Our family hockey history goes back to the late 1800s.”

“I’m not surprised.” Chelsey looked impressed. “You’re good at it.”

“I do okay.” He shrugged. “Had to hold my own in our family.”

“You are far too modest.” She gripped her fork as she looked at him and smiled. “Own that skill.”

Grady flashed a grin. “If you insist.”

“I insist.” She cut into her caprese. “Tell me about your background in the sport.”

“If you put it that way…” He winked. “I played junior leagues in Seattle from the time I was four-years-old, and continued on up through high school. I played for Washington State University and had a promising career ahead, until I had a career-ending injury. At that time it was the end of the world.”

Chelsey looked at him with understanding in her gaze for what it had meant to lose what had meant so much to him. “When you’re ripped away from something you love and want to do for the rest of your life, it’s not easy to take.”

“It sure isn’t.” He shrugged. “I switched to Option B.”

She tipped her head to the side. “Was Option B becoming a firefighter?”

“Yep.” He nodded. “Wanted to play hockey or be a firefighter from a young age. Life chose for me.”

“Were you already taking classes toward a career in fire science?” she asked.

“Just the basics,” he said. “I transferred to a college that specialized in fire science, went through the academy, and eventually ended up where I’d wanted to be as a kid.”

She ate a bite of gnocchi before asking, “You were a firefighter in Seattle?”

“Fourteen years.” He set his fork down. “Then I moved to Wisconsin and got an apartment in Neenah two years ago to teach at the Public Safety Training Center. I liked Appleton, so I moved here a few months ago and hired on to the fire department.”

With a grin, she said, “And you have a Dalmatian named Spot from your sister, Lexi.”

His lips twitched. “Yes, a firefighter’s best friend.”

She took a drink of water and set her glass down. “What made you move from Seattle to Wisconsin?”

He shrugged. “Needed a change of pace.”

By the time they finished dinner, they had covered a lot of topics that included stories of family fiascos as Chelsey raised her brothers and sisters, and Grady’s own colorful childhood.

“I haven’t had this much fun since I left behind my crazy family.” He laughed. “Never a dull moment back home. Here, it’s damned quiet in comparison.”

She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin before lowering it to her lap. “This has been the most enjoyable evening I can remember having in a long while.”

“Good.” Something heated his chest, warming his heart. “You need to enjoy yourself as often as possible.”

“You’re right.” She glanced up as the server arrived, and Grady followed her gaze.

“Dessert?” The server rattled off a number of desserts.

“Cannolis or tiramisu.” Grady glanced at Chelsey. “No Italian dinner is complete without one of those treats.”

“How about sharing tiramisu?” She smiled. “It’s my favorite.”

“That’s what we’ll have.” Grady nodded to the server. “One tiramisu to share, and I’d like coffee, decaf.” Chelsey ordered decaf, too.

The server departed and Grady turned back to Chelsey. “I have a league game tomorrow night. Think you can make it?”

“I’ll be there a couple of hours before the game starts, coaching one of my most brilliant students.” She tucked stray hair behind her ear as she added with a teasing smile, “I can hang around.”

“Good.” He studied her. “I like the thought of you being in the crowd, cheering us on.”

Within fifteen minutes, the server returned with their dessert and coffee. Chelsey and Grady ate it slowly. She seemed to want to draw out their evening as much as he did.

After they finished dessert and coffee, Chelsey looked around them. “We’re the last ones here.”

Grady put his hand over hers. “That’s because I’ve enjoyed your company so much I haven’t wanted to step foot out of this place.”

“Same here.” She turned her hand so that it was palm up. “I’ve had a wonderful time. I hate to see it end.”

He gave her a mischievous look. “It hasn’t ended yet.”

Her response wasn’t so much teasing as it was almost sultry. “It sure hasn’t.”

He gripped her hand before removing cash from his wallet and putting it in the check presenter. He stood and helped Chelsey scoot her chair back, took her hand, and assisted her to her feet. He helped her into her dressy coat before they exited the restaurant.

Grady touched the small of her back as they walked toward his truck. A shiver ran through her when he put his fingers against her dress, and he wondered if she’d felt the same tingles of awareness that he had.

He helped her into his truck, then went around to the driver’s side. After he climbed in and looked at her, she looked almost shy.

“It’s getting late.” Her voice was soft.

“Don’t worry.” He reached out and traced his finger along her jaw. “I’ll get you home, safe and sound.”

“I know you will,” she whispered.

He wanted to kiss her, and kiss her. Make both their minds spin. It was too awkward with the console between them, so he slid his fingers to her lips and felt the softness before he let his knuckles slide down her neck to her shoulder. He smiled and then put his hand back on the wheel.

G
rady’s
simple touch burned her through and she wanted to be so close to him that he heated her from head to toe.

The minutes it took to drive from the restaurant to her house seemed to go by so slowly, yet too fast. She wanted Grady, and she knew he wanted her. But it was too soon to let it go beyond dinner.

Or did it matter?

Their light conversation seemed almost stilted compared to how easily they had conversed in the restaurant. When they arrived at her house, she waited for him to come around the vehicle and help her down from the truck’s running board to the ground.

He took her hand and linked his fingers with hers as they walked up the pathway to her porch. Her heart thumped as they walked up the steps to her front door. Her hand shook a little as she dug her keys out of her purse.

The moment she had the keys in her hand, he took them from her and slid them into his jacket pocket. Before she could say anything, he cupped her face in his hands and lowered his lips slowly toward hers.

Her mouth grew dry. She wanted him to hurry and kiss her, but realized he was giving her every opportunity to tell him no.

That
wasn’t going to happen.

The anticipation of his kiss was driving her crazy. She wanted to move toward him, but she waited, letting him set the pace.

His mouth hovered over hers. “You make me believe in happily-ever-afters,” he said before he pressed his lips to hers.

She didn’t have time to react to what he’d said. She found herself in a whirlwind, her senses lit, every last one of them completely out of control.

He kissed her, so very soft, so wonderfully sweet. She slid her palms up his shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck as he tugged at her lower lip with his teeth. She gasped at the erotic sensation and he took the opportunity to draw her tongue into his mouth. He sucked on it, somehow drawing her closer and closer to him, melding them together, mind, body, and soul.

She barely had a moment to breathe when he drew away, before he kissed her again. A little whimper escaped her, followed by a moan of sheer pleasure. He moved his hands beneath her coat and rested his palms on her hips.

He brought her closer to him, pressing his hips to hers and and she felt his very large erection against her belly. She gasped, giving him another opportunity to kiss her even deeper.

She was so very lost in the kiss. She didn’t know if she was strong enough to say no to him if he wanted to come in, or if he wanted more of her. In this moment she would have given him anything he wanted…because she wanted it all too.

Yet his hands didn’t stray. They remained on her hips, warm and possessive. All he did was draw her impossibly closer to him, until they might have been one.

Her mind was reeling as he pulled away from her. She tried to catch her breath as he stepped back. He never took his gaze from hers as he dug in his jacket pocket and brought out her keys. She only had her house, car, and mailbox keys on her keychain, and he picked out her house key with no problem.

The pounding of her heart couldn’t have been any harder. She waited, still feeling his kiss on her moist lips as he unlocked the door and opened it. He held the door open and waited for her to step inside.

She stood inside the door, waiting for him to come in, too. He didn’t. He held out the keys and she let them drop into her palm. To her surprise, he stayed on the porch, studying her with his intense gaze.

Was he waiting for her invitation? “Would you like to come in?” She couldn’t believe how shy she sounded.

He shook his head. “Don’t tempt me, Chelsey. I don’t think that’s a good idea.

A smile came from nowhere. He wasn’t pressuring her—he wasn’t trying to get her to do something she might not be ready for. She moved closer to him and leaned over the threshold. “You’re a good man, Grady Donovan.”

“That’s what you say now.” He put his forehead against hers. “Just wait ‘til the next time I get ahold of you.”

The way he said it gave her shivers.

“Oh, really?” She surprised herself at how flirtatious she was acting. “Can’t wait.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow at the rink and we’ll set another date.” He kissed her one more time before separating himself from her. He turned and walked down the sidewalk to his truck.

She waited for a long moment, until he was in his truck, before she closed her front door and locked it.

Her breathing came slow and easy, but her stomach flip-flopped. She had just had the most wonderful night with one of the sexiest men on earth. And he wanted to see her again.

With a grin, she danced her way to her bedroom. It wasn’t going to be easy to get to sleep tonight.

“
A
gain
, Gracie.” Chelsey clapped and nodded to the ice. The fourteen-year-old turned and skated back to her spot on the ice surface and assumed her stance.

Chelsey signaled the cue to begin the routine.

Every time Gracie performed, it triggered memories and emotions in Chelsey. At one time that was her. Every now and then she felt a twinge of regret that she hadn’t been able to compete in the Olympics, as well as continue and build her career.

Her thoughts turned to raising her siblings, and how much she loved them. She had made the right decision. She still missed the sport, but at least she could coach.

“She looks so beautiful on the ice.” Gracie Chen’s mother, Bev, had pride in her voice. The kind of pride Chelsey’s own mom had expressed for her daughter when she was alive.

Chelsey nodded without taking her gaze off Gracie. “She’s gifted.”

“You have made all the difference, Ms. Daniels.” Bev’s sincere words sent warmth through Chelsey.

“I live vicariously through your daughter.” Chelsey flashed Bev a smile before looking back at Gracie. “I loved competition, and training in Colorado Springs was the best thing that happened to advance my career.”

“We can’t wait for her to start.” Bev hurried to add, “Of course Gracie will miss you.”

Chelsey almost laughed as she watched the girl perform her routine. “I love Gracie to pieces, but going to the Broadmoor Arena is going to do fantastic things for her career. As long as she keeps working as hard as she does, she has the skill and talent to make it onto the Olympic team.”

“I know you wouldn’t say it if you didn’t mean it.” Bev drew Chelsey’s attention briefly from Gracie. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for trusting me with her training, Mrs. Chen.” Chelsey smiled. “I feel blessed to have even a small part of working with Gracie.” She moved her gaze back to the young athlete. “She is fortunate to have parents like you, who are willing to move to Colorado so she can have this opportunity and still be with her family.”

Gracie came to a perfect ending to her performance. Chelsey clapped, Bev echoing with her own claps.

“Great job, Gracie.” Chelsey motioned for Gracie to come to her. “I think you’ve had enough for the day.”

“I still want to skate.” If she could get her own way, Gracie would never want to get off the ice.

Bev shook her head. “Time for a good meal before you do your homework and then get to bed.”

Gracie rolled her eyes. “Mom. You’re such a—a—
mom
.”

Both Chelsey and Bev laughed. “That’s because I am. Now get your skates off and we’ll head home.”

Gracie gave a few good natured grumbles. She was probably tired, but her competitive spirit never wanted to stop.

As Gracie and Bev walked away, a male voice captured Chelsey’s attention. “Hello, beautiful.”

Chelsey gave a broad smile as she turned to face Grady, who was decked out in full hockey gear. A happy feeling zipped around in her belly. “Hey there.”

He took her by the shoulders and brushed his lips over hers. It was such a sensual touch of their lips that she shivered with pleasure.

She rested her palms on his shoulder pads. Why was it that a man looked so damn sexy in a uniform? He looked hot in his hockey outfit, and she’d bet anything he looked equally yummy in his firefighting gear.

“What time is the game this evening?” She slid her hands down the front of his jersey as she took a step back.

“Seven.” He took her by the shoulders and pressed his lips to hers. “I can’t get enough of you.”

“Same here.” Her words came out husky and maybe even a little needy. She had to rein herself in. She cleared her throat. “I should let you warm up before they start letting in fans.

“I’m warming up already.” He grinned as she playfully slapped him on the shoulder.

“You know what I mean.” She shook her finger at him. “Now run along.”

“Yes, teacher.” He brushed his knuckles along her cheekbone. “I had a great time last night. How does this Saturday work for you?”

“I had a fabulous time, too.” She felt almost giddy at the prospect of a second date. “What time?”

“I’ll call you and we’ll figure out where we are going and what time.” He glanced at the ice, where his fellow league teammates were gathering. “I’d better go. Are you staying to watch?”

“Of course.” She gently pushed him toward the arena. “Go on now. They’re waiting for their ringer.”

He snorted. “I’ll see you after the game.” He eyed her. “You are waiting until I get out of the locker room, right?”

“If you insist.” She pretended to be put out even as she wanted to say
abso-freaking-lutey-yes.

“Good.” He kissed her, swatted her on the ass, and headed for the ice.

I
t was a grueling game
, yet Grady didn’t think he’d ever felt so energized and invincible as he did tonight. He couldn’t miss. His team, the Ice Hawks, fought for each goal for the win. Somehow, when he had the shot, Grady took it and made it every time.

Something about knowing Chelsey was in the arena, watching as he played, made him feel as if he could do anything. It wasn’t that he wanted to show her what a great hockey player he was. No, it was more about not wanting to let her down. If he could dedicate a game to someone in his life, like an author dedicated a book, this game would be for Chelsey.

Grady’s teammates congratulated him on his performance. He insisted it was a team effort, which it had been. He couldn’t have made the goals if he hadn’t had a good team backing him up and creating opportunities.

Sweat dripped down his face as he took off his helmet. He grabbed a water bottle and squeezed it over his face and hair before shaking it off, water droplets spraying around him.

“Great game.” David Hanley stood a few feet away from Grady and sprayed water on his own face and hair. He shook his head. “Damn that feels good.”

Grady chucked David on the shoulder. “You’re one hell of a goalie, David.”

“I’m good for a league.” David shrugged. “But I was right about you, Grady. We have a ringer in you—you’re damn near a professional. Talk about unstoppable.”

Grady snorted. “Go take your meds. You’re having delusions.”

David grinned and shoved his fingers through his soaking hair. “Shower then food. Want to join us at Johnny’s Bar after?”

Grady started stripping out of his gear. “I already made plans, but thanks for asking.”

“Hot date, huh?” Mike asked with a laugh.

“You betcha.” Grady rushed through taking a shower and getting dressed, hoping Chelsey had stayed like she said she would.

As he was tying the laces on his athletic shoes, David walked up again. The man had showered and had dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. “See you at practice on Tuesday, Grady, unless you change your mind about Johnny’s tonight. In the meantime, enjoy the win, champ.”

“Meds, David.” Grady waved him away as he shook his head.

David laughed as he headed off.

When Grady was ready, he grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder before walking out of the locker room. Most of the fans had left the skating arena by now.

His heart thumped hard when he saw Chelsey leaning against the barrier and smiling as he walked toward her.

When he reached her, he dropped his bag, then caught her by the waist and pulled her to him. “Hi, gorgeous.”

She couldn’t catch her breath as she laughed and grabbed his shoulder for balance. “Aren’t you being a little familiar, Mr. Donovan?”

He swooped down to give her a hard kiss. “Now that was familiar.”

Her cheeks flushed. “Yes, it was. What am I supposed to do about that?”

He lowered his head. “Kiss me again.”

“I think I can do that.” She moved her mouth to his, her warm breath feathering across his lips.

Her kiss was tentative and sweet as he let her set the pace. He kissed her with gentle nips and sucked her lower lip in between his teeth. She sighed with pleasure and their kiss grew in intensity until he was certain he was lost forever.

She was the one to draw away, but he still kept his hand on her lower back so she couldn’t leave. She looked at him shyly from beneath her lashes. “Fantastic game. You’re the best right wing I’ve seen on a local team. You could be in the pros.”

He shrugged. “You were my good luck charm.”

She placed both hands on his shoulders. “Is that right?”

“That’s right.” He kissed her smile, before raising his head. He loved her expression that told him she’d enjoyed the kiss as much as he had. Being with her made him feel like he could do anything he set his mind to. “Wanna grab something to eat? I worked up an appetite.”

“I’ll bet you did. I worked up one of my own during practice, so I can imagine after that workout you’re starving.” She glanced down at her sweatpants and T-shirt. “As long as it’s drive thru, I’m appropriately dressed.”

He laughed. “You’re beautiful, and I would be proud to be with you anywhere you wanted to go. But if it will make you feel more comfortable, how about we grab burgers at that great joint down the street? We can take everything to my house and you can meet Spot.”

She hesitated, looking uncertain. “I’d love to meet him…”

He smiled at her, loving the touch of innocence in her, and took both of her hands in his. “You have my word I will be a total gentleman.”

She studied him, and after a moment nodded. “I believe you.”

“Damn, I’m good,” he said with a teasing expression. “Now you’re mine.”

Her laughter was sweet. “Nah, I’ll take you at your word.” She picked up her own bag and started to hitch it onto her shoulder. “You’re just naturally a gentleman.”

He grabbed her bag from her grasp while he picked up his own. “Let me prove it and carry the bags.”

“You don’t have to prove anything.” She shook her head but smiled. “But, if you insist on carrying them…”

“No question.” He had both bags—one over his right shoulder, the other in his right hand. He reached out his hand and grasped hers. “Time to eat.”

His stomach rumbled loud enough that she laughed. “Wouldn’t dream of keeping you away from food.”

“Good thing.” He kissed her. “Now let’s go get those burgers.”