Burning Desire by Marie Harte

Chapter Twelve

Tex was out the door and halfway to his truck when Melissa called out and asked if he could drop her off at her condo. She’d arrived via Uber but didn’t want to take one home in the dark.

He looked over at Bree, standing outside with the others, who was shaking her head no, same with Carrie. Both of them stood behind everyone else, so only he could see them.

“Oh, that would save me a trip. If it’s not out of your way?” John asked.

A glance at the chief, after that huge warning to steer clear of his other daughter, reared its head.

The man stood with an arm around his wife and nodded. “Really, you’d be doing us a favor, Tex.”

A second request from the old man. Well now, Tex couldn’t rightly refuse. “No problem. Thank you again, Charlie, Chief. I had a wonderful time. I’m finding it a problem to sit comfortably with my belt about to bust, but I’m full of good food. Can’t complain.”

He waved, helped Melissa into his truck, then hurried around to his side and started it up. He watched as she buckled up. A glance at the house showed Bree and Carrie hadn’t stuck around to watch him go. The chief and Charlie waited by the front door for a beat then went back inside and shut it behind them.

“Where to, Melissa?”

“Thanks so much, Tex. I really appreciate this.” She gave him her address, not too far from Bree’s, and they headed her way. “I’m so sorry for that scene at dinner.”

She said nothing more, though she watched him, and he took that as his cue to ask about what had made her so upset at the table, even though he really wanted nothing to do with her. What would Bree think of him taking her home? Oh, man. He hoped she wouldn’t blame him for this.

“So, uh, are you okay?”

She blinked. “No.” Then she started crying.

Shit got awkward. “There’s some tissues in the console.” He gestured to the space between them.

She removed a travel pack and wiped her eyes. “Thanks. My fiancé, Bill, broke it off with me. I’m devastated, of course.”

“He must be crazy.”

“Thanks.” In the flash of oncoming lights, he saw her watery smile. “I guess we weren’t meant to be. But it hurts. We were supposed to get married next year.”

“Better to know now, I always say.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Bree’s never been engaged, you know. I would have been the first one down the aisle.”

He said nothing to that, glad to hear it, actually.

“But then, she’s always had problems. You know. With relationships. Too busy jet setting around the world. Living it up with men, partying, and—sorry. That’s none of my business, or yours.” She cried again.

But these tears sounded a little forced. Bree? Men? Partying? What Bree was Melissa talking about?

“Hey, now. You’re a pretty gal, smart, and you have people who love you. You’ll find someone easily.”

“Know any hunky cowboys who fight fires?” she teased, sounding…flirty?

“Nah. They broke the mold with me.” He smiled, but inside he cringed. Get me out of this truck! “You might want to keep your interest just to cowboys. I get the feeling your daddy doesn’t want you out with any firefighters.”

“He just likes to talk. I’ve dated firefighters before. We even christened a new engine a few years ago.” She giggled, and all he felt was creeped out.

“They don’t like us to do that.” He sounded prudish. Now, if he had an engine all to himself with Bree, he’d find some way to get her into the cab and under him. Or on top of him, would be better…

A hand fell on his knee.

He jerked and forced himself to keep the wheel steady. “Melissa?”

“I’m sorry you’re having to take me home. But can I ask you something?”

“Ah, sure.”

“Do you think I’m pretty?”

“Yep.”

“Fun?”

“I don’t rightly know you.”

“Am I prettier than Bree?”

Rough terrain, here.He sped up to get her home faster.

Instead of answering, Tex asked a question of his own. “What’s really going on, Melissa?”

She leaned her head back and took her hand from his leg. Thank God. “Bill and I had no spark. No chemistry. He was boring. And he said I didn’t interest him.”

“Nah. You’re great. Be honest. Something had to be missing. No spark?”

He felt her looking at him. Shut up, you idiot. Just take her home and stop talking.

“I don’t know. In all my relationships, there’s always been something lacking.” She turned to face the window. “I never had a modeling contract. I didn’t go to Europe and party with CEOs and dignitaries. I was never in a magazine.” She sounded bitter. “My experience with men is different than my sister’s.” She said “sister” without a sneer, so that was something. “And sometimes I’m angry and petty, and I wonder if that bleeds into my relationships with men.”

“Have you tried women?” God, what is wrong with me tonight?

“What?”

“Sorry, I just meant…”

“What?”

“What I meant is that I should stop talking, because what the hell do I know?” That’s right. That’s it.

“But you’re a guy. You have some insights I don’t. Oh, there. That’s my building.”

Yes, almost done…

He pulled in front of her building and put the truck in park, waiting for her to leave. Instead, she looked at him expectantly.

He sighed. “Look, none of this is my place to talk. Ask your daddy.”

“Are you kidding? My father still likes to think I’m a virgin, I’m sure.” She snorted. “I’m not asking for the answer to my problem. Just… If you’re not feeling a spark, is it worth chasing? From a guy’s perspective?”

“It’s all about the guy in question, I’d say. Look, if this Bill guy left, you have some choices. You think about life without him.” Without Bree, he’d be empty. Bored. Unhappy. “And you wonder why. What is it about him that made you so happy to begin with?” A sense of humor, kindness, a rockin’ body. “Now that he’s gone, what will you do with your life? Are you really that unhappy he’s gone? Or is it just that you’re lonely? What spark do you mean? A sexual spark? An intellectual compatibility? Or maybe it’s both or neither, just something you know deep inside. Nobody has the answer but you, Melissa. And something I’ve been told too many times by well-meaning friends—if you have the same problem with everyone you meet, maybe it’s not about them. It’s about you.”

She stared at him. “Hmm. That was pretty darn insightful for a Southern boy.”

They both laughed.

“Can I give you a hug?” she asked.

“Um, er, I…” He swallowed. “Okay.”

She didn’t get grabby or kissy. She just wanted to be held, apparently, and Tex felt the need to help her feel better. A few seconds later, she let him go and wiped her eyes.

“Oh, hell. Forget my bitchy comment about Bree. Her wild ways were all in the past. And thanks for being so nice, Tex. I promise not to tell my dad you have the hots for Bree.”

“I—what?”

She left the truck, and he hustled out to walk her to the front of her fancy condo. He left her once she’d walked inside, where he saw someone in uniform sitting behind a desk. The man nodded to her and hurried to press a button for her at the elevators.

Tex got back in the truck and stared at the dash, not seeing it. Melissa thought he had thing for Bree? Bree’s dad warning him off? What the fuck? Bree was twenty-seven years old, not a young girl needing her parents’ permission for anything.

He groaned, reading a text from Bree stating she’d talk to him on Monday, giving him the next day off. He didn’t know how to feel about that. Good or bad? Had he ruined things or not?

And why did all of his advice for Melissa sound more about how he should think about Bree? Because no two ways about it, he’d become obsessed. He liked her. A lot. And he wanted her even more. Bree was the best sex he’d ever had.

But that sex made him feel emotionally closer, so the fucking was turning into making love real fast. Good or bad, it just was. Now what to do about her? And what to do on their first date, which he hoped he’d get in just five more days? He could go without sex until then. They would keep all that desire in check until they figured out this new relationship. Because it wasn’t a fling, but a beginning.

He just had to convince Bree of that.

***

Bree watched her stepsister leave with Tex and had to stop herself from kicking her dad’s ass. She didn’t say anything until they were all inside and she’d had a minute to think about how not to sound too upset. Half-teasingly, she said, “Yo, Dad, way to throw Melissa at Tex.”

“Seriously, John. Not cool.” Carrie crossed her arms over her chest.

Charlie frowned at him.

Her father sighed. “Go ahead, hon. Get it out.”

His wife scowled. “What they said.” She sniffed. “I’m going to clean the kitchen. And I for one really liked your friend, Bree. Your professional, not personal, friend.” Charlie left.

Her dad winced. “I wasn’t throwing them together. She has the same rules as you, you know. No firefighters. And no cops.”

“When did the no-cops rule apply?” Bree blinked.

“Now you’re taking it too far! What about handcuffs? Those are necessary in any given relationship.” Carrie stomped her foot. “I’m so done with this conversation. I’m going to help Charlie in the kitchen.” She left father and daughter alone.

Bree chuckled and saw her father’s amusement as well. Carrie had a knack for diffusing tension—when not trying to outright stir trouble. Then Bree and her dad locked gazes, and their mutual mirth faded. “Geez, Dad, what is going on with you? You used to be so much more open-minded.”

“I’m aware that I have two lovely daughters. You look more like your mother every day.” His eyes shone suspiciously, as if holding back tears.

“Dad?”

“Did I ever tell you that your mother had a fiancé before me?”

“No, but Charlie filled me in. You can’t seriously expect me to believe your bias is rooted in Mom’s heart being broken. Hello? I’m standing right here. She obviously chose you. Or are you not my dad?” Man, that would throw her for a loop.

He scowled. “Of course I’m your dad. But—”

“But nothing. I’m twenty-seven. I can choose my own boyfriends. And this has nothing to do with Tex—my professional guide. It has to do with me, Dad.”

He gave a harsh laugh. “Your ‘professional guide’ told me the exact same thing when I warned him to keep his distance. Said I should let you be you. Then he had the nerve to tell me that he would do whatever he wanted regardless of any threats.” Her dad watched her carefully.

A trap. “Good for Tex. If he fell in love with a woman, I bet he’d date her regardless. Dad, what if I find a guy and his parents tell him never to marry a model? But we love each other. Doesn’t that mean anything?”

“I’m tired, honey.” He kissed the top of her head. “Let’s talk hypothetical love stories tomorrow, okay?”

“Dad! You can’t walk away while we’re talking.”

“I can and am.” He patted her shoulder. Hell, he might as well have patted her on the head. “And just so you know, I’d never tell you who you can and can’t date.”

All the anger in her defused. Good. He wasn’t as insane as he sounded.

“But I would make it impossible for any firefighter not respecting my wishes to go far in the department. He’d get frustrated and bored and either quit or remain at the lowest rung on the ladder forever with no chance of advancement.” Her dad waved. “Good night.”

She stared, not sure what to think. Had he just threatened Tex’s livelihood? Or had he meant firefighters in general? And what the hell, exactly, had Tex said to her father?

She found her stepmom and Carrie chatting in the kitchen. They stopped when she entered.

“Dad just threatened to not promote anyone at the department interested in me.”

“Wow. Pulling out the big guns.” Carrie whistled.

Charlie frowned. “There has to be more to this than how he and your mother first met.”

“You’d think.” Bree sighed. “But none of it matters. Tex and I aren’t dating, and I’m not keen on finding a firefighter to shove it in Dad’s face.”

Carrie shook her head. “Yeah, imagine how much more awkward dinners could be then. Not only will Melissa be breaking up with a new guy each week, but John will glare holes into your fireman while your fire-babies suffer his wrath.”

Charlie and Bree just stared at her.

“What? Too much?”

Charlie chuckled, and Bree thought she’d stayed long enough. She said her goodbyes and left with Carrie, heading back to her place in Carrie’s car since her best friend had driven.

“What the hell happened tonight?” Carrie asked as they entered Bree’s house. “Holy drama, Batman. That was fucking awesome. Why do you think Melissa and Bill broke up? My money is that she’s secretly lesbian.”

“Your money on anyone breaking up always rides on the secret lesbian card.” Bree rolled her eyes. “What I want to know is what Tex and my dad talked about in his study.” She told Carrie what her dad had said. “Tex never said he was dating me.”

“Dating? Is that what you call one morning of fucking?”

Bree blushed.

Carrie, that shark, homed in. “More than one morning?” Her voice rose. “Hot damn! We have a winner!”

“Stop it.” Bree laughed. “Okay, but don’t judge me.”

“I’ve seen his thighs and biceps. No judgment here.”

“We were going to leave it as one temporary morning of insanity. You know, hormones. And then he asked me on a date. Not sex, but going out together after the photography is done. After this coming Wednesday.” Excited at the prospect, she still intended to go out with him. That was, if her father hadn’t ruined everything. “And then, well, he got me flowers.”

“How sweet. That’s all it took? You’re easy.”

Bree pointed to the bouquet on the table. “Shut up. I made the mistake of inviting him in to see them this afternoon. And, well, it happened.” She groaned. “Carrie, it was so sexy. He’s so strong. Against the wall!”

“Wow. I’ve never done it against the wall.” Carrie frowned. “Maybe I should date a bodybuilder. I’m not that heavy for my size, but I’m tall.”

“I should take some time and space. Maybe he and I should take a break tomorrow. I’ll take my own pictures and give him the day off.” She texted Tex, intent on finding out what Melissa had said to him later, after she’d had a chance to settle. “Hey. Can you do me a favor?”

“After tonight’s stellar meal and entertainment, I owe you.”

“Can you find out from Melissa what the hell is going on? And what she said to Tex in the truck? And how did you know she and Bill were engaged?”

“She talks to me sometimes. We text.”

Bree stared. “Really? But…why? I though she hated you.” You’re my friend. Not hers.

“I did too.” Carrie shrugged. “You ask me, I think she’s lonely.” Carrie paused. “And a lesbian.”

Bree groaned.

“One of these days, I’ll be right. If nothing but for the sheer fact probability makes it so.”

“Whatever. I need sleep.”

“And to rest that magic between your legs, I’ll bet.” Carrie cracked up. “Dudette, just say no. It’s not that hard.”

“That’s what she said.” Bree snickered.

“Weak.” But Carrie was smiling. “Okay, I’ll get the goods and let you know. And try to get along with your family so Tex isn’t out of a job anytime soon.”

That worried her. After Carrie left, Bree tried to sleep, but she kept thinking about her dad’s threats. That couldn’t be legal, to mess with someone’s career. And that was totally beneath her father. He’d never do that.

Then again, when it came to her personal life, her father had never been all that rational.

She settled in her bed and thought she’d be up half the night worrying. To her surprise, she dropped off like a rock and missed the text Carrie sent hours later.

***

Carrie had just changed into a tank and boxers, her idea of pajamas, when someone knocked on her door. To her shock, Melissa stood outside, looking peeved.

Upon opening the door, Carrie stared.

Melissa stared back. Several inches shorter, curvy, and with dark-brown hair and eyes, the woman was a knockout. If only someone could curb her wicked tongue and resentment of all things Bree.

“Come in, princess.”

Melissa flushed. “Thanks. I would have called, but—”

“You wanted to catch me in my undies. No problem.”

Melissa glared. “Look, can we talk?”

“Sure.” Carrie felt incomplete, so she fetched a silk, designer robe from her closet and returned, chic and fabulous. “Ah, now I feel better. Thirsty?”

“Water would be great.” Melissa sat on the couch, her eyes puffy from crying, her pert nose red. And still she could have walked on any runway Carrie once had. Well, maybe if she’d been a little bit taller.

“What’s up, buttercup?” Carrie sat next to her, leaving a full cushion between them as she turned to face her guest. “And what did you and yummy Tex talk about on the way home?”

Melissa looked at her, and Carrie had the odd sensation of being fully dissected. “He’s into Bree. I can tell.”

“Really? I don’t know. Maybe.” Best to act as if she had no idea.

“They have something between them. I could feel it.”

Honestly, so could Carrie. It was in the way the pair didn’t look at each other so damn hard. Tex had tried, but his gaze had sought Bree’s too many times. And Carrie’s dunderhead friend had memorized the contents on her plate instead of being normal and making eye contact with anyone other than her stepmother—or quick glimpses of Tex—throughout the meal.

Carrie shrugged. “What’s your point?”

“I wanted to see what she liked about him, so I had him drive me home. And he was nice. He didn’t hit on me or talk bad about anyone. Not even Bill. He gave me some excellent questions to ask myself.”

“Ah, okay.” Even for Melissa, she was acting weird. “What do you care about what Tex is like? You hate Bree.”

Melissa looked uncomfortable. “I’m trying to be a better person. I’m seeing a therapist about my issues.”

Holy crap. Talk about life changes.

“What exactly did Tex say that helped?”

“Carrie, have you ever felt a spark with your partners? Like, a sexual spark, or more?”

“Sure.”

“I never do.”

“Never?”

“The good sex is never great, and it wears away from good after a few times. Then we have nothing in common. And it’s not just Bill. It’s all of them.” She sighed. “I’m not that big a bitch—”

“Oh, no?”

Melissa glared. “—that I think I’m better than everyone else. I just act that way.” Tears filled her eyes. “It’s like I’m in this never-ending jealousy loop with Bree, and she’s clueless about it, which makes it worse.”

“Explain.”

“She’s the pretty one. The successful one. The smart one.”

“Hey, moron, you have an MBA from Stanford and make six figures plus a yearly bonus at your job.”

“But it doesn’t matter. Mom and Dad love her more.”

“Oh, wow. You really are that immature.”

“What?”

Carrie felt bad for her. “Melissa, you and Bree were never close. I get it. You were jealous of her, and she had no idea why you hated her.”

An odd look crossed Melissa’s face. “Yeah, yeah. I’m a petty bitch. Let’s move on.”

Carrie grinned, liking this Melissa. “Why are you here?”

“I never have that spark with anyone. But I have it with you.”

“I—what?”

“I think I might be gay.”

“Wait. Hold on.” Carrie wondered, “Did Bree put you up to this? Because statistically speaking, I had to be right one of these days.”

“Huh?”

“You’re telling me you like girls.”

“Women, and I’m not sure.”

“You know what I mean. Have you ever been with a woman?”

“Sexually? No.” Melissa flushed.

Carrie was suddenly, shockingly, incredibly turned on, and feeling so unlike herself. Whoa. Totally not the time to be attracted! This is Bree’s sister. And she’s very confused. “Melissa, just wait. I get that things with Bill didn’t work out. And your other relationships haven’t either. But that doesn’t mean you’re a lesbian.” Carrie tried to be kind. “Or maybe you are. Or you’re bisexual. Or asexual. Or some other type of sexual. Who knows? You don’t need labels to be happy. You just need to be happy inside. The rest comes when you center yourself. And that is thousands of dollars of therapy talking, so believe it.”

Melissa smiled.

Carrie felt uncomfortably drawn to that smile.

“Will you help me answer a few questions?”

“Um, I guess. Just please tell me you aren’t out to sabotage my best friend and a sexy Texan she’s not interested in.”

“I’m not.” Melissa laughed. “They’re pretty dopey thinking no one would see how much they like each other.”

“That’s what I said.” Carrie sighed. “Okay, so ask your questions. I’ll answer them if I can.”

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.” Melissa smiled.

And Carrie forgot all about Bree and focused on what a spark really meant. And why it mattered.