Page 12 of Wrong Number, Right Grumpy Firefighter

“He wouldn’t be stupid enough to try anything with me around.” It’s not a lie.

“You’d really take me to the county fair?”

“Does that surprise you?”

“Guys hate the fair. Especially ones in their thirties. Did you inhale too much smoke last night or something? You’re acting weird.”

“How?”

“You’re all happy and stuff.”

“Well, you did make me come while I was givingyouan orgasm.” I peek out the doorway to the kitchen, catching the blush that heats her neck and cheeks. Fuck, I could get used to this. Iwantto get used to this. “Besides, I don’t hate fairs.”

“I hope you’re ready to back up that statement, then. Because we’re ridingallthe rides.”

I don’t love rollercoasters, but I’d ride all the rides ten times in a row if it’d make her happy. “Bring it on, sweetheart.”

7

HEATHER

“I takeback any mean thing I’ve ever said about you,” I say to Dean as he hands me a giant stuffed highland cow he won for me. Not only did the man rideeveryride with me—even the lame ones—he insisted we had to play the games.

“You forget I used to work at the county fair when we were in high school. I know how to beat the games.”

“Oh, I didn’t forget. I just figured that’s why you hated fairs.”

“Where is this idea coming from?” he asks.

“I guess it’s just been a long time since I dated someone who knew how to actually have fun.” I clap a hand over my mouth when I realize what I’ve said. “Wait, are we dating? I probably should’ve asked?—”

Dean pulls me to a stop, yanking me behind a wood-paneled shack painted red. He presses me up against the side of it, cloaking me in darkness. “I told you, I don’t let just anyone into my bed.”

“That doesn’t technically answer my question.” The heat coiling in my belly would beg to differ, but I want to hear him say the words. “I need you to be crystal clear considering our history of misunderstandings.”

“We’re together, you and me.” He cages me against the wall, a hand on either side of my head. I drop the highland cow to my side, inviting Dean closer. The heat of his body cocoons around me. “You’re off the market, Heather. So don’t even think about going on any more dates unless they’re with me.”

“Not even fake dates to make you jealous?” I tease.

“I don’t play games,” he says, his expression turning serious. “I won’t play games. If that’s how you want this to go, I suggest we end this right here and now.”

“Hey,” I say, reaching a hand to his chest. “I was just trying to be funny. I think we’ve both experienced our fair share of toxic partners. We don’t need to be that for each other. I won’t play games if you don’t. Unless they’re county fair games, because you’re really good at those.” I hold up the stuffed cow as evidence. “You can play these as much as you want as long as you give me all the prizes.”

He cups my cheek, tilting my face up. The kiss is soft, sensual. It’s a promise of a future I never thought could exist. I don’t understand how quickly everything shifted between us, but I’m not going to question it.

I snake a hand up the back of his neck, threading my fingers through his hair, and open my mouth to invite his tongue in to tango.

The gentle, unrushed kiss turns hungry when I arch my body against his. His hand slides beneath my shirt, the warmth of his palm leaving a trail of fire up my side. Fingers graze side boob, reminding me how fucking incredible it felt to have his hands on them.

“We should probably get out of here,” I say between kisses. “Before your brother has to arrest us for indecent exposure.”

Dean breaks the speed limit by more than a little to get us home.Home. Despite how long I’ve craved this, I refuse to thinktoo much on what the future might hold. It’s too soon to be thinking about living together or…more.

We hardly make it inside before clothes are stripped away in haste.

We’re halfway down the hallway to the bedroom when Dean presses me against the wall. My panties are the last article of clothing still on me, and he kneels in front of me as he peels them slowly down my legs.

He presses a kiss to my mound, and I whimper at the featherlight touch. His mouth moves slowly, methodically over my center. My panties are ringed around my knees, making it impossible to spread my legs. Apparently, that’s how Dean wants it. With hands on my thighs, he uses that expert mouth to get what he wants.