Burning Desire by Marie Harte

Chapter Seven

Sunday morning, Tex spent his time in church praying he could keep his feelings for Bree in his pants. The previous night, he’d had to take himself in hand, so worked up from being near Bree, he’d been horny and miserable until he’d taken care of things. Twice.

The church service went well, and he took a selfie of himself after it ended and sent it to his mother, who swore he’d be losing his soul in a city of sin like Seattle. But she just said that stuff to get a rise out of him, he knew. His mother had never been a holy roller. More like a hell-raiser who thought she hid her past behind Southern manners. Ha. As if his daddy would have married a nice girl.

He grinned, feeling the love of his family as she texted back a picture of Oliver and Wyatt behind her, making faces.

He signed off and left to meet Bree and her friend, trying to calm his nerves. But it was important that Carrie like him. If Bree’s friend liked him, Bree might be more inclined to let him into her world. As it stood now, they were associates and close to being real friends.

Last night he could have made a move. He’d seen her response to him, had felt the mutual attraction. But he’d stuck to his guns, wanting her to make the first move. She had to like him as a person and not just the extraordinary lover he knew himself to be.

A stroke of luck that she’d softened after seeing him with Bubbles, the poor thing, though that hadn’t been his intention. He’d just wanted her to know he wasn’t lying, and his focus had been to rescue the dog from a bad situation.

Last night, Bubbles had followed him everywhere in the house, looking so hopeful. He’d paid her attention and tossed a ball for her that she’d expressed little interest in. So, he’d simply let her follow him everywhere. Into the garage while he lifted weights. Sitting on the floor with him while he’d watched a movie on TV before going to bed. Then, of course, she’d snuck up on the bed, at the very edge, and just watched him with those soulful eyes until he fell asleep.

The little darlin’ had looked so dang sad when he’d left her that morning. He had no idea how he was supposed to keep a dog, even for a few days, until Oscar and Gerty found her a home. She needed love and attention, more than he could give her. But after just a day, he started to feel attached. Not good.

Yeah, and not just about the dog either.

Tex knew this fixation on Bree would be a problem. He wasn’t good at relationships. Her father didn’t want her dating him. And Bree frazzled him. He had a tough time being smooth and cool in her presence, feeling more like a dippy teen wanting a shot at the prom queen.

He ran a hand over his face, silently apologized to God and his momma for being so hung up on sex, and talked himself into being relaxed as he charmed the hell out of Bree’s best friend.

But when he got to the restaurant Bree had texted him, he realized Carrie was going to be a huge pain in the ass. She sneered his way, not smiling, and clearly had intimidation down to a science with that stare. Like a snake that didn’t blink, was all he could think, feeling like a field mouse.

“I still can’t believe you won that settlement. I should have been a lawyer,” Bree said to her friend as he approached their table at a popular diner in Queen Anne.

She practiced law. He now understood the scare factor. Woman had brass balls…and a familiar face. He knew her from somewhere. Good-looking, stern, and icy. Now where had he met or seen her before?

“Ladies.” He sat across the booth from the pair. Even seated, Carrie looked tall. “Well, how tall are you? I gotta know.”

“I’m six-two. Want my weight and other stats?” Her husky voice surprised him, coming from a woman who seemed comfortable being aloof.

Oh, yeah. Now he remembered her. He smiled, recalling her being competitive…and a lawyer, like his sister-in-law. He knew exactly how to handle Carrie.

Bree looked lovely as usual, her hair resting over her shoulders, a honeyed yellow with streaks of burnished gold. Her light-blue eyes laughed at him while her full lips curled in a smile.

Carrie raised a brow and said to Bree, “I thought you said he was charming.”

“Oh, I am. Just after a cup of coffee goes down.” He smiled, putting his all into the expression.

Carrie didn’t blink.

Tex waited for Bree to introduce them. When she didn’t, he held out a hand across the Formica table. “Howdy. Carrie, is it? I’m Tex McGovern, Bree’s chauffeur for the next two weeks. Nice to meet you.”

Carrie met his handshake with a firm grip. “You too.” Her sly smile warned him to be wary. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s good to put a face to the name.”

“Heard what about me, exactly?” he aimed at Bree.

Carrie answered, “Well, first there was the ex-girlfriend. Then ghosting Bree when she gave you a second chance. And of course, your legendary charm, which has been clearly shown to be less than successful.” She glanced at Bree. “Or not, since you did wrangle an invitation to brunch.”

“But is it brunch? It’s only ten in the morning, so technically this is breakfast.”

Her eyes narrowed, and he could see her scenting the opening of an argument. Hell, she really did remind him of Liam’s wife, an assistant DA back home. Nothing made that woman happier than to argue.

Carrie had been cut from the same cloth.

A waitress came by to fill his cup. He’d barely taken a sip of coffee before Carrie insisted it was brunch and proceeded to list several reasons as to why she was right.

“Well, I’ll tell you something else,” Tex said once she’d wound down. “It’s not brunch in Germany right now, is it?” She frowned at him. “But hell, it’s after five somewhere, right? So, keep on drinking your cocktail. Who am I to judge?”

“Cocktail? You mean my mimosa.”

Bree glanced at her glass. “Second mimosa.”

“That’s obvious, isn’t it?” Carrie handed her empty glass to their approaching waiter.

He left after taking Tex’s order and confirming the usual for the ladies.

Bree’s eyes widened. “Are you really going to eat an omelet, three pancakes, and two sides of meat?”

“I’m a growing boy, Bree. I need my protein.” He looked over the ladies. “You two look like you’re in shape. What are you getting?”

“Our standard order,” Carrie said. “Bree gets French toast, and I get the classic benny.”

“Good choice for you. But Bree… French toast?”

Carrie turned on her. “See? Too much sugar.”

“Hey. Be on my side.” Bree frowned.

“Now hold on.” Tex held up a hand. “I was just going to say that you should have ordered the chocolate chip pancakes if you want sweet. French toast is pretentious.”

The ladies blinked.

“That’s a pretty big word, Tex.” Carrie snorted.

He sighed. “Let’s not with the stereotypes, Miss Legal Eagle.”

“Say what you want, I solve problems and put out fires.”

“I put out actual fires,” he reminded her.

“Oh, right.” She waved him away. “That’s important, I guess.”

Tex met Bree’s amused gaze and winked.

Carrie raised a brow. “But have you ever made a grown man cry?”

“Yep.”

“I, oh.” Carrie frowned. “When?”

“I don’t suppose we could talk about something nice?” Bree suggested. “The weather’s amazing, isn’t it?”

Tex leaned forward. “I’ll tell you when. When I bet my friend the Ducks would overtake the Beavers in a long-ago basketball game. Ha. 72–57 win for me. Beavers bit it big time, and I made a hundred bucks.”

Carrie glared. “That had to have been a lucky win.”

“But was it really?”

Bree frowned. “You like Oregon basketball?”

Tex shrugged. “It’s okay. I just wanted to get her goat, is all.” To Carrie he said, “You played center for OSU ten years ago, right? I was a sophomore dating a girl who went to Oregon State, and I visited for a bit. I swear I saw you play.”

Carrie blinked. “You saw me play basketball?”

“I never forget a pretty woman, especially one who can dunk.” Tex chuckled. “Sexiest thing I ever seen.” He glanced at Bree. “I mean, back then it was. Not now or anything.”

Bree was flabbergasted. “You really saw her play?”

She looked at Carrie, who seemed nonplussed.

“Yep. I don’t think you can forget a six-two woman who dunks through her opponents. It was poetry. Absolutely amazing. You guys lost, but not on account of your playing. And, like I said, I won a hundred bucks off that game, so thanks.”

“Are you seriously saying you saw me play, and you remember me today?”

Tex nodded. “Carrie, I never forget a face. It’s a gift.”

“Wow. That’s some gift.” She seemed intrigued, and that chip on her shoulder seemed to slide, slowly, to the wayside. “Do you play basketball? Or I should say, did you play?”

“Some when I was in high school. A little in college for fun, but I left my studies to enlist in the Corps. Sometimes the guys and I play a little ball. But I lean toward soccer or football as favorite sports. Now watching college and professional basketball, on the other hand, is something I love to do.”

“Yeah?” Carrie’s eyes glowed. “Who’s your favorite team?”

***

Bree watched and wondered what had happened. Carrie had sworn she was going to grill him, to make Tex realize how ridiculous it would be to think he might have a chance with Bree. Even though Bree wasn’t at all interested… Carrie hadn’t seemed as if she believed Bree on that score, but Bree would rather have Carrie focused on Tex—the enemy—than her, so she hadn’t protested overmuch.

But to see Carrie so animated, talking about basketball with a man who’d complimented her play… Wow. Tex was good.

They ate while talking about sports, including Bree in on what she liked to watch, which oddly enough was soccer, but mostly for the women’s skill and the men’s lovely bodies, until Tex excused himself to use the restroom.

The moment he was out of sight, Bree poked Carrie in the arm. “What the hell?”

“Ow. Sorry.” Carrie rubbed her arm. “God, he’s good. I mean, really good. He charmed me, and I was on my guard! Bree, you didn’t tell me about the dog.”

Tex had mentioned Bubbles in between references to the Trailblazers and greatly missed Supersonics.

“I know. But you like animals, and I didn’t want you softening toward him. Weakling.”

“Yeah. I don’t know how you’re holding out. The first two times with you two were legit misses. But rescuing an older dog? Liking basketball? Looking like a stunt double from Magic Mike?” Carrie grinned. “And Bree, he likes my dunk. I have to say, I like him.”

“You disgust me.”

Carrie sighed. “I know. I disgust myself. And I’m not even into guys. But I like him.”

Bree gaped. “Seriously?”

Carrie frowned. “What? Oh, gross. No, not like that. I mean, I think he’s a lot better than his first impression. That or he’s really good at bullshitting. Tex seems genuine. Nice.”

“Too nice.” Bree looked back at the restroom. “We had dinner together last night, after he saved Bubbles.”

“On a date?” Carrie shook her head. “You’re supposed to keep your distance.”

“He’d just rescued Bubbles. I couldn’t say no to that.”

“Oh, okay. So?”

“So nothing. He didn’t make a move. I felt like he wanted to, but he didn’t.”

“Hmm.” Carrie watched the hallway by the restroom. “Well played, Tex McGovern.”

“What? You think he’s playing me?”

“It’s what I’d do. I can tell he’s still into you. He’s talking to me, but he keeps looking at you, involving you in the conversation. And you’re lame when it comes to basketball.”

“It’s boring.”

“Sacrilege!”

Bree laughed. “You’re a goof.” After a pause, she said, “How is he playing me?”

“I don’t know exactly. He might just be giving you what you asked for. But if it was me… I’d do what you said, keep my distance, and make you want me more.”

“But he can’t know I want him.”

“I can tell.”

“Yeah, but you know me.”

“Aha! I knew you still wanted him.”

“Damn it. I mean, I’m attracted.” She lowered her voice. “He’s Southern and sexy with a deep voice and big old body. He’s hot. But I’m being careful. Professional. No sex or kissing. No touching. Just friends.”

“Sure you are. That or you’ve come over to my side of the fence.”

“Nope. I’m just focused on work right now.”

Tex left the restroom and headed toward them.

“I’m not into guys, and I can’t focus on anything but his body as he’s walking toward us. Maybe it’s the model in me. I don’t know. I do know the man is pretty, Bree. As an artist, you should be appreciating his body.”

“Oh, I am.”

“And I have to say, even if he’s bad at sex—and with the smooth way he moves, I doubt that’s the case—you still can’t go wrong. His bad will still be pretty good for a normal guy, I’d imagine. At the very least, he’ll look good while he’s being bad in bed.”

“Shh. He might read lips.”

Carrie hid her mouth behind her mimosa. “And if he can’t read my lips, he can always hear your loud voice, moron.”

Bree blushed as Tex rejoined them and tried to hide his smile by taking a sip of coffee. “What’s this about me being bad in bed?”

***

Half an hour later in his truck, Tex apologized. Again. “I’m sorry I made you spit coffee all over yourself.” His voice, still tinged with laughter, sounded gritty. “I had no idea my sex life was so interesting. But I’d really like to know who told you that. It’s not true at all.” He didn’t seem bothered by a need to defend himself. He kept laughing at her.

Since Carrie had driven her to the restaurant, Bree had ridden with Tex when they’d swung by his friends’ apartment to give them a key along with some details about poor Bubbles. Now they headed to Occidental Square so she could take shots of the Seattle Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

She wanted to change the subject of why she had been talking about his prowess in bed. “I’ve never taken pictures of the memorial, believe it or not. I know it was built to honor four firefighters who died in the line of duty, but that’s about it.”

“The tribute is pretty cool, actually. The four died while fighting a warehouse fire. Floor dropped out beneath them. Happened in 1995 in the Chinatown district. Really sad. I like that the city remembers them.”

She liked that too. “It makes you realize how scary your job is. I’m glad my dad isn’t running into fires anymore. It’s got to be hard for you.”

“It’s not easy. But it’s worthwhile. That’s how I know it’s the job for me. And let’s be honest, most of our time is downtime—cleaning, resupplying, training. When we do go out, eighty percent of our calls are medical. They’re mostly stressful for the patients. Not us. I just get worried we’ll lose someone. Hasn’t happened yet, but I know it will.” He paused. “Brad and Mack lost a kid last month. It really hit them hard. They did everything they could to help, but it was too late.”

“How do you do it?”

“It’s the job. I try to focus on the ones we save.” He shrugged. “How do you do what you do?”

“It’s not the same at all. No one dies if I wear the wrong dress or use the wrong exposure.”

“True. But what you do is still important, and it feels right to you. Doesn’t it?”

He continued to surprise her with his insights and acceptance. A lot of people scoffed at modeling, as if she had to be an empty-headed woman in love with her looks and the idea of fame to get paid to wear clothes. But modeling had been hard work. Long hours, maintaining poses, watching her figure constantly. It had been a challenge to maintain any kind of ego with too many people eager to point out her flaws.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks.” She put a hand on his knee and squeezed before putting her hand back in her own lap. “So many people make fun of modeling. It’s not easy. Photography isn’t easy either. It’s an art, and like art, it’s tough to make a living at it. But you’re right. I love it. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing.”

He nodded, his gaze approving.

She liked the warmth he instilled, how natural it felt to simply talk to him. He listened to her and made eye contact when not watching the road. She just hoped it wasn’t all a ploy to get into her pants.

After Carrie’s comment in the restaurant, now she was wondering about the meaning behind a lot of what Tex had to say.

“Anyway, maybe we’ll—”

The scanner interrupted. A serious fire had broken out in Greenwood.

Tex turned the wheel and flicked on the sirens. “This could be bad. Get your camera ready, and listen when I tell you to fall back, okay?”

“I will. Trust me.”

Tex parked down from the fire and rushed over to one of the officers in charge. He checked in and returned with a handheld radio, likely set with the operational channel and a comms link, through which the firefighters communicated.

The engine unit had the fire contained within an hour. Bree managed to get several shots while Tex stood with her, helping her past the police barricade but still back from the action.

She did her best to focus on the actual fire and not the terrible sight of burn victims and crying.

Three stations had arrived to take the fire in hand. She took as many pictures as she could, convinced several of them would make it into her project. The fire had shattered several windows on the second floor of the building, fortunately not a large building, so less people would have suffered.

The ladder unit that swung by had been put into use, rescuing a few families that couldn’t access the stairs.

Tex’s blow-by-blow as he listened to the comms unit in hand filled her in on everything while she took pictures.

A ruckus in the crowd had her turning, taking more shots, but this time of a heartbroken teenager. “Mom! Grandpa!”

“Bobby!”

The officer there tried to keep the teen back, but the boy got through.

“Shoot. Stay here,” Tex said and darted to intercept the boy before he could reach the responders.

Bree couldn’t help herself and snapped a few pictures, watching. Tex physically held back the teenager, who stood only a few inches shorter than Tex and looked like a high school wrestler.

“I live here! My mom and gramps are in there!”

“Hold on. Stop.” Tex issued commands like a whip, and the boy stopped trying to push past him. “What’s your name?”

“Bobby Childers.”

“Okay, Bobby. What’s your mom and grandpa’s name?”

Bobby told him, and Tex brought the handheld up. “Mallory two, this is McGovern. I have a relative asking about Mona and Todd Childers. Any word on them?” He paused, nodded, then turned to the teen. “Come with me, Bobby. I’ll take you to your mom.” He shot Bree a look, and she nodded.

“Go.” She waved at the circle of chaos where several medical trucks worked with the victims. In the middle of everything, Tex gave the appearance of surety, of safety. He didn’t waver as he guided the young man toward his family, and she couldn’t help snapping pictures of him working.

He returned a few minutes later. “Damn. That’s so sad. The boy’s mom is okay, but his grandfather started the fire. Guy had dementia, it seems. They were planning on moving him into an assisted living home next week.”

Bree blinked back tears. “That’s awful.”

“Yeah. They were a tight family too. That poor kid is crying his eyes out.”

She sniffed. “How terrible.”

He shrugged. “It is what it is.”

She’d seen that same stoic response from her father after many a rough day at work. She understood. A need to separate from too many negative emotions allowed her father to do his job and help those he could.

“Do you need to go back in there and help? I’m fine here. I promise I won’t go anywhere near the action.”

“You’re close enough as it is.” He looked down at her, and something in him seemed to ease. “You okay, Bree?”

“I’m good. It’s not my house and family in danger.”

He stroked her cheek once before losing that gentle mien. “I’m just going to let them know I can help if they need it. You sure you’re okay? My job is to take care of you.”

“Please, go. Helping them is much more important than my pictures.”

He left but came back soon after. “They have it handled. I’d only be in the way, and I don’t want to step on any toes. Greenwood and Ballard have this. You ready to head home?”

She sighed. “Yes. It’s been a long day.”

“And it’s only seven.” He sighed with her. “Some days are longer than others.”

They took the truck back to her place so he could drop her off, and she unbuckled her seat belt, her hand on the door to leave.

“I smell like smoke.” To her embarrassment, she teared up, memories of those poor people suffering all she could think about.

“Hey, hey. It’s okay, Bree.” Tex removed his belt and dragged her closer. He fiddled with the seat and had her in his lap, braced in a hug.

She felt silly but couldn’t stop crying. “I’m s-sorry. I feel s-stupid.” She sniffled.

“Aw, darlin’. It’s good to cry. Get it out. You felt for those people. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.”

She tentatively reached up to hug him back, and he squeezed her tighter. The hug felt comforting, not oppressive, and she let herself cry it out, wetting his shirt.

After a moment, he handed her a handkerchief. “Here. Probably smells like the fire, but it’ll do.”

Bree gave a hoarse chuckle. “Thanks.” She blew her nose, now extremely embarrassed for having cried over the poor man while he’d been out there actually helping people, doing real work while she just took pictures. “I’m sorry, Tex. I don’t know why I lost it. I’ve never been that close to a real fire while people were hurt, I guess.”

He leaned back so he could look into her face. “Don’t apologize for having feelings. It’s not easy for any of us, and we’re used to it.”

She looked into his eyes, seeing the man behind all the come-ons and flirting.

Time stopped as she tugged him toward her, saw him close his eyes and part his lips. She kissed him, the connection clear and warm. His lips, though firm, felt soft against hers, and she sighed into him, content to sit with him like this forever.

But an intense need filled her, the desire to deepen the contact overriding sense. She pushed closer, angling her mouth to deepen the kiss. Then she slid her tongue over his lips, into his mouth.

He gripped her, holding her waist while tentatively kissing her back. He shifted under her legs, and the brush of something firm nudged her thigh.

Bree’s mind shut off as her body took over. She wanted nothing more than to take him inside her, right here, right now. Overwhelming lust removed any hints of sadness she’d been feeling, and she knew only Tex could satisfy her.

She felt his heart racing against her palm and smoothed her hands over his chest. She nipped his lip, and he growled, but he still held back.

“Tex?” she whispered and pulled back to look up at him.

His eyes had turned dark, his expression tense, his breathing harsh. “Bree… Not…now.” He leaned his head back and swore, long and loud.

She debated asking then decided to go big. “Did you want to come inside?”

Tex didn’t give her the yes she’d hoped for. He laughed like a crazy man.

The prick.

“Fine.” Now near tears once more, but for a different reason, she made to move from his lap and found he wouldn’t let her.

“No, wait.” He opened his eyes and stared, and her embarrassment turned to wonder. “We go into your place, I’m gonna fuck you raw. All night. I’m not kidding. I want you.” He drew in a breath when she unconsciously moved against his erection. “But not like this.”

“Like what, then?” she asked, fascinated. She would have sworn Tex would jump on the chance to have sex with her. Was he that afraid of her father? Perhaps that was it. Ah, well. “It’s my dad, isn’t it?”

“No.” He dragged her close for a kiss that turned her brain to mush. “Baby, when you and I are together, it’ll be right. Fun, sexy, and lasting a very long time. I fuck you now, I’m done in seconds. You got me too worked up. And you’re still kinda sad.” He wiped her wet cheeks. “God, you’re pretty, Bree.” He kissed her lips once more. “I’ve wanted you since the day I first saw you. I still want you. But I don’t want to take advantage. I like you. A fuck-ton.”

She blinked. “That’s a lot, right?”

“Hell, yeah.” He shifted under her and grimaced. “This isn’t a game. I’m not trying to yank you around. But I think we should both go home and think on this. I’m being honest.”

“I know.” She marveled at this Tex. Serious, handsome, and so dear.

Then he opened his mouth and ruined everything.