Five Alarm Lust by Elise Whyles (popular books to read .TXT) 📕

was such a good idea to have a confrontation with her—oh, she didn’t even know what to call him. He wasn’t a lover, at least he hadn’t been since the night of her mother’s wedding, but he wasn’t her beer buddy either.

Her attention drifted, a kaleidoscope of memories flitting over her mind’s eye. Dinner, a movie, another picnic, all romantic dates designed to get closer. There was only one problem—the damn fool kept stoking the fire, making her burn with lust, before pulling away. She’d done more necking in the last few weeks than she’d done in her whole life. Not to say it wasn’t fun, but she wanted more. Wanted what she knew they could experience together—if only he’d get off the fence. More than once she’d caught the grimace of discomfort when he moved, his hard-on brushing against the denim of his jeans.

The door opened with a quiet hiss, and she stepped inside. Pictures of the fallen, as well as old fire trucks, hung on the walls around the foyer. A high island ran along the right, almost hiding several desks. Sitting at one, a pudgy blonde stared at her computer screen, a look of concentration on her face. Leaning against the counter, a tall, buxom blonde hovered, a rather unpleasant look on her face. Manicured nails flipped the pages of a magazine, her gaze sliding up Gillian as though she were a slab of meat to be appraised.

“Hello?” Gillian cringed at the croak in her voice.

The woman at the computer jumped, her eyes widening as she slapped a hand to her chest. “Mercy, you scared ten years out of me. Ten years is a lot of time I can’t afford to lose, hon. What can I do for you?”

“Um, is Jack here?” Gillian plucked at the belt loops on her jeans. “I was hoping to speak with him.” Her stomach clenched with nerves, sending waves of nausea rolling over her.

“For Pete’s sake, of course everyone is gone. Didn’t you look in the bays?” The Barbie wannabe glanced up, her face twisted into an indignant mask, tossed the magazine aside, and watched it skitter across the countertop to land on the floor by a tidy desk.

The receptionist shot the blonde a look that would have killed a lesser man and hurried to the front counter. “No, he isn’t. I’m Sally, the receptionist here. Everyone’s out on a call, big fire out by the park.”

“When do you think they’ll be back?” the blonde interrupted. “I want to talk to Jack.”

“Like I said, Shelli, Jack’s tied up with things. He ain’t interested in what you’ve got, so leave the poor man alone.”

“Hmph, you wouldn’t know what Jack wants if it bit you in the ass.”

“Shelli, man’s got a girlfriend. Sight better than you, so fuck off,” Sally ground out and turned back to Gillian. “The boys might be a bit late, but you’re welcome to wait here if you like. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Gillian stumbled as the blonde shouldered her out of the way, fury in every stride. Watching her go, she felt her stomach knot. Was that what Jack wanted?

“Damn fool ain’t figured out yet that Jack’s spoken for. Determined to be Miss Perfect my ass. Bitch ain’t got a brain cell in her head. It’s all in the silicone in her chest.”

With a nervous giggle, Gillian stared out the doors at the small red car speeding from the parking lot. Maybe this was a bad idea.

“Well hell, if it ain’t Jack’s frumpy little friend.”

Gillian turned, her teeth clenched, a wave of heat crawling up her cheeks. Ducking her head, she tugged on the lapels of her coat, crossing them over and tucking her arms under so she was covered. The lean man who’d been with Jack at the college lounged against the wall. His eyes skimmed her from top to bottom. Apparently finding her lacking, he shrugged and glanced at Sally.

“I’m headed home. If they need me for anything, I’ll be in on Monday.”

“Sure, Brad, sure.” Sally’s voice lacked any warmth as the young man disappeared into the back. “Wouldn’t surprise me if they don’t need anything.”

“Frump? Is that how people see me?” Gillian gaped at the area Brad had occupied.

“No, that’s how he sees you. I think he’s still in the closet and doesn’t know where the door is. Damn fool’s gonna get his nose broken if’n he don’t lay off. Now then, you wanted to see Jack?”

“Yes, but I can come—”

“Nonsense, you come on back here. Ignore those two, they deserve each other. If I have to play another round of computer solitaire, my hair’s gonna turn red again.” Sally grasped her hand. “So what’s your name?”

“Um, Gillian Rebecca.”

Sally slapped a hand to her ample chest, her mouth gaping open as realization dawned on her face. “Jack calls you Jilly, but that can’t be right.”

“I work at the college.” Gillian stumbled behind Sally as she ushered her to her desk and pushed her into a chair. “I met Jack a few weeks ago.”

“You don’t need to explain nothing to me. That man could melt butter he’s so hot. But I’ve heard about you. Not enough to recognize you come waltzing in, but still.” Sally rested her chin on her linked fingers, a smile on her face. “You like picnics, westerns, and learning.”

Gillian flushed uncomfortably and eased forward in the chair. “Perhaps this was a bad—”

“Nonsense.” Sally sat back. “I’m just pulling your leg. Don’t go minding me. I’m sorry, it’s not nice to tease you. Can I get you a coffee? I just made up a fresh pot.”

“Sure.” Gillian smiled. “If it’s not any trouble.”

“None at all. You just sit on back. With the boys gone, I’m here by myself and can use the company. Besides, Jack was telling me you’re into history and I had a few questions for you.”

“Oh, Jack talks about me?”

“Brags is more like it. Ain’t never seen a man so proud as him. Course we don’t let on, but it