FiveAlarmNeighbor ByAnnaLeighKeaton2006 www.cobblestonepress.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsare productsoftheauthorsimaginationorareusedfictitiouslyandarenotto beconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales, organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental. FiveAlarmNeighbor Copyright2006AnnaLeighKeaton ISBN:1600880002 CoverArtist:SableGrey Editor:TammyMarini ExcerptfromFoolsFortuneSaraDennis2006 Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproduced electronicallyorinprintwithoutwrittenpermission,exceptinthecaseof briefquotationsembodiedinreviews. CobblestonePress,LLC www.cobblestonepress.com

AnnaLeighKeaton

Dedication
ToJ.T.andB.L.Thetwowomen,whokeepmywritinginline,givemea nudgewhenImheadedinthewrongdirection,andarealwaysthereto lendanearorashoulderwhenIneedit.Thankyoufromthebottomof myheart.

FiveAlarmNeighbor

ChapterOne
SteveSheldon. GracieTerrencestaredthroughherwindshieldatthemanwho starredineverytorridlatenightfantasyshedhadinthepasttwoyears. Tightassalwaysinbluejeansthatfitlikeaglove.Rockhardchest.Biceps thatcouldsqueezethestuffingoutofher.Hesatontheporchoftheir duplexinoneofherwroughtironchairs,hisfeetproppedonthewooden railing. Evenwiththecarwindowsup,shecouldhearthesteadythump thumpofthemusicblaringfromhissideofthehouse.Anotherfiremen party,shefigured.Almostweeklyhehadanightofloudmusicandeven loudermenathisplace. Shedidntmindthepartiesinthesummerwhentheyhungoutin thebackyard.Inevitablytheirshirtscameoff,theirsweaty,muscled bodiesflexinginthesunlightastheyplayedkamikazevolleyball.But thesewinterpartiesroyallypissedheroff.Especiallywhenshehadastack ofmidtermpaperstogradebeforereturningtoschoolbysevenfifteenthe nextmorning. Shehadntleftworkuntilnearlyninetonight.Herbodylacked foodandherheadstillpoundedafterhoursofforcingherselftoreadpage afterpageofadolescentbullshitonthemeaningofRomeoandJuliet.She grippedthesteeringwheelwithherchilledhandsandbonkedher foreheadagainstherfists.Thepizzasittingonthepassengerseatinits cardboardboxwasundoubtedlycoldandcongealedbynow.

AnnaLeighKeaton
Graciedrewinacalmingbreath.ShedsimplyaskStevetoturn downthemusic.Shedlethimknowsheneededsomesleep,andfeeling thebassvibrationsfromhishalfofthehousewasnotgoingtohelpher accomplishthat. Theporchlightilluminatedhimashisraisedabottletohismouth. Ashetossedbackaswigofbeer,shefocusedonthestrongcolumnofhis throat.Steve.Herpussytingledatthethoughtofseeinghim,speakingto him,hearingthatdeepvoice.Shesqueezedherthighstogether,making thesensationlastasecondlonger.Shedwantedhimsincethedayhe movedintwoyearsago. Andthentherewasthememoryofwhatshedglimpsedforafew preciousmomentslastsummer,asightburnedintoherbrainsodeepit wouldneverleavethesightofhimmagnificentlynaked. Shedreturnedearlyfromateachersconferenceandhadcaught himplayinginthebackyard.Stretchedoutonalawnloungeronlyafew feetfromherkitchenwindow,hedbeen... Sittingthere,insidehercar,thememorypulledamoanfromher throat.Shegroundherassagainsttheseat,reachedbetweenherlegsand pressedherfingersagainsttheseamatthecrotchofherjeans.Shetilted herhipsupwardandrubbedherclitthesamewaysheddonethat afternoonasshedwatchedhimslowly,tenderlystrokehisengorgedcock. Ithadbeenlongandthick,curvedeversoslightlyatthetip,perfectfor hittingtherightspoteverytime. Shedwatchedashedpumpedhimself,sawhisspeedincrease.As hisfacehadtiltedbackintothesunlight,hiseyesshut,andhisfeatures becameaportraitofpureanimalheat,shedshovedherjeanstothefloor andsunkherfingersinsideherself,comingwithaforcethatshockedher tothecore. Butthen,afterthatmindblowingorgasm,whenGraciesgazehad returnedtohim,hopingtocatchsightofhimcoming,wantingtothrow openthebackdoorandpounceonhim,tomilkhimdrywithhermouth... Graciepushedherheadagainstthecarsheadrest,pressingher handagainstherpussyandstiflingafrustratedgrowl.Shebroughtthe pictureback.NotofthewomanwhoddrapedherselfoverStevethatday

FiveAlarmNeighbor
androdehimasifhewereawildbronco,butofthelookinhisblazing blueeyesashestaredthroughthekitchenwindowather. Hedseenher. Hedwatchedhercome. Andevenashishandsgrippedanotherwomanships,hisdick pumpingintoher,hedwatchedGracie.Damn,hedbeensohot.Daring hertolookaway.Neverinherlifehadshebeensoscandalized.Orso turnedon. Shedwantedtojointhem,towalkoutthereandstraddlehisface andmakehimeatherwhilehefuckedtheotherwoman.Butthegoodgirl schoolteacherinsideherwouldntlethermove.Neverhadshehadsuch lasciviousthoughts. Hedlickedhislipsasifheknewwhatshewasthinking.Aslow flickerofhistongue.Shedfeltitthenassurelyasifhedtouchedherclit withahot,wet,deeplick. Shewantedtofeelitnow.Spreadingherlegsasfarasshecouldin theconfinedspacebehindthesteeringwheel,sheshovedherhandinto herjeans.Herbreathingspedup,heatrushedtoherface,toherlimbs, eventhoughthetemperatureoutsidewasinthelowteens.Shejammed herfingersinsideherpussy,andpressedherotherhandagainstthe steeringwheel.Theredhazebegantomoveintoherperiphery. Yes,shemoaned,rememberinghowhedraisedaneyebrowat her,tauntinghertocomeagain. Thenhedmouthedtwowords.Wordsthathadsentherhandback toherclit.Suckme. Thewomanhadclimbedoffhim,wenttoherkneesatthesideof hischair,andtookhiminhermouth.God,hewassohuge,andshetook everyinchofhim.Hisballswerepuckeredandround,readytorelease theirload,andyethisgazeneverleftGracie. Hedslidonehanduphisrippledabdomentohisdark,pebbled nippleandsqueezed,ashisotherhanddidthesametothewomanstit. Graciehadmimickedtheactionandsqueezedherownhardnipple throughhersilkcamisole. Hiseyelidshaddroopedeversoslightlyashethrusthiships,his cockdisappearingintothewomansmouthagainandagain.

AnnaLeighKeaton
Thenhedcomewithananimalgrowlsheheardeventhroughthe closedwindow.Andyethedwatchedheruntilshedclimaxedagain. ThethoughtsentGracieovertheedgeasshethrewherhead againsttheseatbackandcamewithawhimperedcry,rubbingherclit untileverylastbitoftheorgasmhaddrainedthroughher. Damnhim,shewhisperedintothedarkcar.Damnyou,Steve Sheldon. Shegaspedforbreathevenasthechillofthecoldnightsettled againstherheatedskin. TheblondebombshellwithStevethatdayhadbeenErinRinehart. Hisfiance.AndeventhoughGracieknewhewasengaged,andeven thoughtheydneveroncemadementionofthatsteamyafternoon,she wantedhimtofuckhermorethansheeverwantedanythingelseinher life. Butwithhisweddingjustweeksaway,thatwasasfarfroma possibilityasthenextGreatAmericanNovelistwindingupinGracies freshmanEnglishclass. Imnotahomewrecker,Graciethoughtwithdisgustasshepulled herhandfromherunderwear.Evenifshelustedforhim,shewasntone tohaveanaffairwithatakenman.Shedneversurvivetheguilt. Watchingthem,beingathirdpartytotheirintimateafternoon,had beenasclosetothelineasshedaredstep. Withaheatedflushtoherface,shewondered,oncetheywere married,iftheredbemanyafternoonsinthebackyard. Jeez,Imasickwoman. ***** Stevesatinthepoorlypaddedchairfreezinghisassoff.Insidethe house,hiscrewlaughed,listenedtoobnoxiouslyloudrocknrollandgot shitfacedoncheapbeerandevencheaperbourbon. Theydeservedittonight,hethoughtashetookaswigofhis smuggledCorona.Sowhatifhesavedthebestforhimself?Theguys didntcarewhattheydrankaslongastheycouldforgetaboutthehalf

FiveAlarmNeighbor
dozenfirecallstheydbeenontoday.Itneverfailed.Thecolderwinter got,thebusiertheywere. Gracieselectricblue,twoseatersportscarpulledintohersideof thedriveway.Thatdamncarwasadeathtrap.Howmanytimeshadhe andhiscrewpriedvictimsoutofthosetincans?Theonetimehedtriedto sayanythingtoheraboutit,shedinformedhimthatshewasanadult, andthereforecouldpickherownformsoftransportation. Theimp. Hechuckledandsettleddeeperintothechair.GracieTerrencewas somethingelse,allright.Onehotbabewithaquickasawhipmind. Nowthathewasafreeman,andhedgottenoverthefactthatErin hadlefthimforaguywithasaferjob,hewonderedifitwastimetoplay alittle.Whatcouldithurt,right?Therewastheconvenienceoflivingnext doortoher.Hedneverseenamanspendthenightatherplaceinthetwo yearshedlivedhere,andheknewforafactthatshewasntaprude. Stevechuckledtohimselfashetookanotherlongswallowfromthe bottle.Oh,no,notlittleschoolteacherGracie.Shewasnoprude.Justthe memoryofthatdaylastAugusthadhiscockstiffeninginhisjeans. Tothisday,thememoryofthatafternoonarousedhim.Hedbeen deepinsideErinwhenhedglancedupandsawhiscuteneighborstaring athimthroughherkitchenwindow.Hewastakenabackforamoment, wonderedwhetherheshouldgrabErinandhaulherassinside,butthen sweetlittleGraciehadyankeddownherjeansandtouchedherself.Atthat point,therewasnothingtodobuttohangonfortheride.Andasweet rideitwas. ItwasoneofthelastdayshedenjoyedfuckingErin,herealized. Perhapsthatwaswhenthingsstartedtogobadbetweenthem.Maybe thatwaswhyhefeltreliefratherthandespairthatshedcalledoffthe wedding. Evenso,thereasonsheleftstillhurt.Shedsaidthatnomatterhow greatthesexwas,shecouldntcommitherselftoamanwhomightbe killedorworse,maimed,onthejob. Hell,itwouldhavebeenkinderifshedjusttoldhimthesex sucked.Hisjobwashislife.Nothinghecoulddoaboutthat.Heloved beingafirefighter,andriskinghislifewasjustpartandparcelofthejob.

AnnaLeighKeaton
So,thatwasitforhimandlongtermwomen.Fromnowonhewas goingitsingle.Butthatdidntmeancelibate.Noreasonhecouldntget hisrocksoffwithhisultrasexyredheadedneighbor. Evenlookingatherwasatreat,whichwaswhyhewasfreezinghis assoffonhisfrontporchwaitingforhertocomehome.Butwhatthehell wasshedoing?Shedbeensittinginthecarforagoodtenminutes.She wasprobablypissedabouttheguysagainandtryingtodecidehowhard toblasthim.Hertemperwentwellwiththeredhairandflashinggreen eyes. Justafewweeksagoshedcomebargingintohishouseafter midnight,curlyhairawildmassaroundherhead,bitchinghimoutfor theloudmusicwhenshehadtogetupearlythenextmorning. PissassdrunkatthetimeErinhaddumpedhimthatdayandthe guyswerecommiseratingwithhimhedbeenatotalass.Righttherein frontofhismenhedgrabbedherbuttandtoldhertochillout,havea drink. Shedsluggedhiminthegut.Anddamnedifthatwomandidnt haveonehellofarightuppercut. Shehadntsomuchasbidhimafuckyouassholesincethen, whichiswhatshedsaidaftershepunchedhim.Theguysstillhadntlet himlivethatonedown. Hetookanothergulpofhisbeerandshivered.Itwaspasttimehe apologizedforhisbehavior,butifshedidntgetherhotlittleassuphere soon,hewasgoingtofreezetothechair.

FiveAlarmNeighbor

ChapterTwo
Graciepickedupherbagandpurseoffthepassengersidefloor, threwherdooropenthenbalancedthepizzaboxprecariouslyonher forearm.Hewasstillthere,asifhewaswaitingforher.Shemadeherway upthewalktowardherfrontdoor,castingaquicklookbackathercar, wonderingifhedseenwhatsheddone.No,thecarremainedoutofthe porchlightsreach,hiddeninshadowydarknessofthedriveway.Theres nowayhecouldhaveseenintothecar. Evenin,hesaidinthatdeep,Iknowallyourdirtylittlesecrets voice. Yeah,hi,shesaid,barelyglancingathim.Shedidntneedtolook athimtoknowhowdamnhothewas.Withhissunbleachedblondehair anddarkblueeyes,hewasadangerouscombinationoflittleboycharm andfuckmenowmaleenergy. Tryingtokeepagriponherbagsandthepizza,shedroppedher keys.Shit. Stevewasthereinstantly,grabbingherkeysbeforeshedropped anythingelse.Gotit.Hestuckthekeyinthelockandsentherawicked grin. Herscalptightenedandherpussythrobbed.Themanwaslethal. Thanks,shesaidcoolly.Ifhedjuststayawayfromher,shedbe fine.Shecoulddealwithhimfromadistance,aslongassheneverhadto speaktohim.ShewasadamnEnglishteacher,butshewentcompletely tonguetiedwhenhewaswithintouchingspace.

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Gooddayatwork?heaskedashepushedthedooropenand steppedtothesidetoletherpass. Fine. Wantabeertogowithyourpizza? Shedjuststeppedintothecozywarmthofherhousewhenshe stoppedandturnedwideeyesonhim.What? SteveleaneddownandpickedupasixpackofCoronafromthe porchfloor,liftingittowardher.Abeer.Wantone? I...uh...Whatthehellisheupto?Aftertwoyearsoflivingnext doortohim,onlyoncehadheofferedheradrink,andthathadbeenjust weeksagowhilehewasdrunkandbeingobnoxious. Pizzasmellsgood,hesaidashesteppedinsideandshutthedoor behindhim,leavingtheminthedimlightstreamingthroughthefront window. Herstomachflutteredandhernipplespulledtightinsideherlace bra.Hedneversteppedfootinherhousebefore.Never. Hisarmliftedfromhisside,andthensheblinkedaslightflooded theroom.Whentheglaresubsided,shetookastepback.Hewatchedher withpredatoryeyes,thesameeyeshedwatchedherwithasErinhad suckedhiscock. Imhungry. Hadhereallysaidthat?Didherecognizethehungerinhereyes?She wantedtosuckhimoff,lickhisballs,tastehiscum.Herhandsshookand shenearlydroppedthepizza. Thecornerofhislipskickedupandittransformedintohis charminglittleboyishgrin.Justlikethat.HowboutIswapyouabeer forasliceofthatpizza? Shespunaway,prayinghehadntseentheneedinhereyes,urging herowncrazedthoughtsundercontrol.Sowhatifhewasthehottestbod toeverstepfootintoherhouse?Sowhatifshewantedtothrowhimonto thecouchandkisseveryinchofthatbody?Hewasengaged.Taken. Graciedidntgothere.NotevenwithSteve. Ithinkyouhavesomeguests,shesaid,keepinghervoicefrom risingeventhoughinsideshewaspanicking.AndIhaveworktodo.If

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hedidntleavesoon,shewouldnotcouldnotbeheldresponsiblefor anythingshemightdo.Shewashumanafterall. Theyrealldrunk.Stevetooktheboxfromherhandbeforeshe evenreachedthekitchen.Hesetitonthecounteralongwiththebeer. AndIhaveanapologytomake. Shedroppedherpurseandschoolbagtothefloor,thenshedher downjacketandtosseditonthecouch.Anapology? Thatadorablegrinremainedonhislips,andallshecouldthink aboutwaswhatwasunderhisdenimjacket.Whatwasbeneaththeflyof hisjeans.Withawilloftheirown,hergazeflickeddownthereandOh shit,hehadahardon.Shecouldseethelongridgeofit,theoutlineofthe tip. Shesqueezedherthighstogetherandprayedhedleavesoon. Hadnthertripdownmemorylaneinthecarbeenenough?Nothardly, shethought.Assoonashewasoutthedoor,shedgrabhervibratorand reallytakecareofherself.Hardanddeep.Justlikeheddoher. Steveclearedhisthroat,andsherippedhergazeawayfromhis crotch.Ohdamn,hedcaughtherlooking.Notjustlooking,staring.And alreadystartingthefantasythatwouldgetherthroughthenextfew hours.Hercheeksflamed,butshemethisgazeboldly. Apologizethen,andbedonewithit. Hetookasteptowardher,untilshecouldsmellthebeeronhis breath,thespicycolognehewore,themuskyscentofhisskin. Sheswallowed,herthroatdry.Maybeabeerwouldhitthespot. Imsorryforgrabbingyourassandbeingrudeinfrontofthe guys.Thatwasuncalledfor.Hisbabybluesdarkenedtosomething menacing.Somethingthrilling.Iapologizeforgrabbingyourassnow, butitssomethingIvegottodo. Beforehiswordsregistered,shewasinhisarms.Hisbig,warm handscuppedherbutt.Hisrockhardchestpressedagainstherbreasts, thesolidlengthofhiscocknudgingherabdomen.Andthenhismouth claimedhers,fulfillinghalfofeveryfantasyshedeverhadofhim. Oh,God.Yes!Hislipswerefirm,commanding.Histonguetastedof beerandlust.Primal.Hetookpossessionandthrustintohermouthagain

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andagain.More!shewantedtoscreambutwastoobusytryingtobreathe, tryingtomaintainsomesenseofsanity. Hegrowledintohermouthandturnedwithher,pressingherback intothecounterashethrusthishipsagainsther. Hernipplesached.Herpussythrobbed.Shednevercomefroma kissbefore,butshewassodamnedclose.Soclose... No,shegroanedassherippedhermouthawayfromhis,which nearlykilledher.No. Hepantedagainsthercheekbutdidntreleaseher.Hishands flexedonherass,makingherwhimper. Steve.No. Yes. Erin.Sayingthatwomansnamespearedguiltthroughher,made herfeelsick.IfitwerentforErin... Afterafewbreathstoppingmoments,heletgoofher.Shethanked Godforthecounterbehindher,whichpreventedhertraitorousknees fromgivingway. Thenthemanhadtheaudacitytolaugh. Youreanasshole,shegrowled,stillafraidtomoveincaseher legshadactuallyturnedtojelly. Youwantmetocallherup?heaskedwhenhisfitslowed.Tell hertocomeonover?Doyouonlygetoffthroughvoyeurism? Fuckyou. Thatsmorelikeit.Hereachedforher,butsheduckedunderhis armandscootedaroundtheislandinthecenterofthekitchen. Dont. Ifyouonlymeantthat,Graciedear,Idbeoutthedoorbeforeyou couldblink.ButIknowwhatyouwant. Hiseyesglittereddangerously,andsheshivered.Thebastardwas right.Hedidknowwhatshewanted,butthatdidntmeanshedtakeit, regardlessoftheconsequences. Youreengaged!Itswrong.Whoshewastryingtoconvince,she wasntsure.Butshewouldnothavesex,nomatterhowgreatitmightbe, withamanwhowastaken.Thatwasalineshedneverallowherselfto cross.

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***** Stevetookabigmentalstepback.Shit.Nowondershelookedlike shewasgoingtocutoffhisballs.Evenafterthathotafternoon,shed nevercomeontohim.Hedknownshewasawomanofmorals,andhe appreciatedthatabouther.Hejusthopeditdidntputadamperonthe gettinghisrocksoffwithherthing.Heneededtofindoutifshewas someonehecouldhavealittlefunwith,orifshedidntdooneora fewnightstands. Ithoughtyouknew. Knewwhat?Hereyeswerehuge,wary.Butshewasalsoso turnedonherbodypracticallyhummed.Noonethatwasnthotforhim wouldkisshimlikeshedid.Shetastedsocarnal.Hell,sheevensmelledof sex. Shedumpedmeforabloodsuckinglawyer. HerlushredlipsfellopenintoasilentO. Yeah.Thatnightyoucameover,thenightIactedlikeatotal prick...Shedjusttoldmeitwasover.Sheevenadmittedthatshedbeen withthisotherguyforawhile. Graciecamearoundtheisland.Oh,Steve,Im...Sheletouta quickbreath.Imsorry.Areyouokay? Heshruggedagain.Ranhishandthroughhishair.Hewasnt lookingforhersympathy,buthehadtoadmititwaskindof...comforting. ImreallysorryIwassuchanasstoyouthatnight. Illtakethatbeernow. Damnit.Nowshelookedathimasifhewasalostpuppyshe wantedtotakehomeandnurture.Thatsnotwhathewantedatall. Grabbingabeerfromthecarton,hepulledhiskeychainfromhis pocketandusedthebottleopenertopopthetop.Shetookthebottlefrom him,beingohsocarefulnottotouchhim. HowaboutifIputthepizzaintheoventowarm,andyoucan haveaseatwhileI...um...freshenup. Disgustedwithhimselfforputtingadamperonthelustand bringingoutthetenderheartedmotherlysideofher,hegrabbedanother

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beerforhimself,ploppeddownonthecouchandstaredatthecold fireplace.Aftershruggingoutofhisjacket,hetosseditoverthebackof thecouch.Hedgottenintoherhouse,gottenhishandsonher,andthen fuckeditallup. Headjustedhimselfinsidehisjeans.Thehardonhadnt diminishedonebit,promisingalong,painfulnight.Atleastuntilhecould makehisescapeandgetbacktohisplaceandtheprivacyofhisbathroom. Hell,withthestatehewasin,thefrontyardwouldbetoofartowalk. Closinghiseyes,helaidhishandoverhisdick,grippedtheicy beerbottleintheotherhand,andprayedhewouldntmakeafoolof himselfinfrontofGracie. Hehadntbeenthishornyinyears.Hehadntwantedtofeelahot pussyaroundhispulsatingcockthisbadin...maybenever?Every heartbeatmadeitjumpinsidehisjeans,andalowgroanrippedfromhis throatashestrokedhimself. Didyousaysomething? Hejerkedhishandawayfromhiscrotchandwhippedhishead aroundtoseeGraciestandingatthecounter.Hehadntthoughtitwas possible,buthiscockgotharder.Shedchangedintosomethinghedseen herinlastsummer.Tinyshortsthatshowedoffeveryinchofhermile longlegsandtightroundass.Ablackribbedtanktopthat,whenshe moved,rubbedagainsthernipplesandmadethemhard. Heshookhishead,clearedhisthroat.No.Hewassoreadyto openhisflyforabitofrelief. Shesmiledathimandthenleanedovertheopenovendoor.Was shetryingtokillhim?Yes,hewassureofit.Youdontwagglethatkind ofassinahornymansfaceandnotexpecthimtograbitandslamintoit. Hepoppedthecapoffhisbeerandguzzledit. Ifhegotdrunk... Aruefullaughrippedfromhisthroat.Didntmatterhowpissass drunkhegottonight.NothingwasgoingtosatisfyhimbutGracie.

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ChapterThree
Graciepulledthepizzafromtheovenandsetitonthecounter.Her nervesjangledandherhandsshook.Stevewassingle?Hewashereinher house,andheobviouslywantedher.Bad. Single! Erinwasgone.Whatadumbbitch.Shehaddumpedhim. Pullingplatesfromthecupboard,Graciesteadiedhergripsoshe didntdropthem. Shewonderedifshecouldgothroughwiththeplanshedmade whileinherbedroom.Shedwashedup,dabbedherfavoriteperfume behindherear,andslippedintoanoutfitthathadmadehimlooktwice lastsummer.ShethoughtshedmakehimforgetErincompletely,atleast fortonight.Hedidntseemtotallyheartbrokenoverthelossofhisfiance, morepissedoffthatsheddumpedhimforanotherguy.Sowhynothave alittlefuntogether?Itwasntasifhewasheretoproposemarriagetoher, sowhatwaswrongwithsomeadultforeplay...andmore? Shewasntinthisforthelonghaul,sotherewasnochanceof lettingherheartgetinvolved.Especiallynotwithsomeonewhoworked intherescuebusiness.Hellno.Shedlostherdadwhenshewassixteen, whilehewasonasearchandrescuemissionintheRockieslookingfor somestupidassmountainclimberwhoddisappeared.Anavalanchehad comedownontopofherfather,killinghiminstantly.No,heroeswerent onherlongtermagenda. Butonenight?Oh,hellyeah.Maybetwo,shethoughtwitha chuckleofanticipation.

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Neverinherlifehadshebeenforwardwithaman,butifthiswas heroneandonlychance,shewasgoingalltheway.Revelineverysecond oftheexperience.Shemovedacouplepizzaslicestoeachplate,pickedup somenapkinsandthengrabbedanotherbeer.Afterdowningthefirstone inherroom,sheddecidedalittleliquidcourageneverhurt.Shewasnt sureshecoulddoallthethingstoStevethatshewantedtodoifshewere stonecoldsober. Shetrembledwiththepleasureofwetheatbetweenherthighs.Oh, yeah,tonightwasgoingtobeanighttoremember. Steveslouchedonthecouch,apillowoverhislapandahalfempty bottleofbeerproppedonit.Shehandedhimoneoftheplates,thensat downnexttohim,carefulnottotouchhim.Yet.Nourishmentfirst.Then hot,hardsex. Thanks,hemumbled.Heleanedforwardandsethisbottleonthe coffeetable.Thepillowstayedonhislap.Shestifledagrinandbitintoher pizza.Hecouldntfoolher.Hewasactinglikeakid. Theyeachpolishedoffthefoodinsilence.Shesetherplateonthe table,wipedhermouthwithanapkin,thenreachedforherbeer.Open thisforme?sheasked,assheturnedsidewaystofacehimandbrought onekneeuponthecouch,lightlybumpinghisthigh. Whenhedugintohispocketforhiskeyring,thepillowslidoffhis lap.Damn.Thebulgewasstillbig,butnotthesolidridgethatdbeen therebefore.Shedhavetodosomethingaboutthat.Hernipples tightenedinanticipation. Wouldhebeforcefulandrough?Submissivetohereverywhim? Gentleandsweet?Atthispointshedidntgiveadamnaslongashemade hercome.Itdbeenalongtimesinceshedbeenwitharealliveman.Her vibrator,whichsheaffectionatelycalledStanleyandusedquiteoften,just couldntcompetewithhotfleshorthemuskyscentofasexuallyaroused male.Anddamn,thismansmelledgood. Heflippedthetopoffthebeerandhandedittoher,thenwatched herwiththoseblazingblueeyesasshetippedthebottlebackanddrank downafewlongswallows.

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Sheloweredthebottlefromherlipsandglancedtowardhiscrotch. Ohyeah,muchbetter.Herpussythrobbedinresponsetothesightofthe long,thicklineofhiscockoutlinedbyhisjeans. Whenhergazemethisagain,sheslowlylickedherlips. Hiseyesnarrowedashewatchedhermouth,hischestroseandfell withdeepbreaths,buthedidntmovetowardher. Shit,shesuckedatseduction.Well,whatdidsheexpect?Shed nevertrieditbefore,hadnthadtoreally.Itwasntasifshedeverhada difficulttimegettinglaid.Shehadagoodbodyandtriedtotakecareof herself.Whensheusedtofrequentthesinglesbars,afteraquickhello, therewasntanythinglefttodoexceptenjoyherself. Whydyoucomeheretonight?sheasked,droppinghervoicea little,slowinghernormallyquickspeech. Hisgazeloweredtoherbreastsandasifhecommandedthem,her nipplespokedoutagainsthertanktop.Herbreathsuckedinwith surpriseattheintenseelectricalboltsthatshotthroughher,zinging straighttohervagina. WhydoyouthinkIcamehere?hesaid,thendroppedhisgaze evenfurthertosettleonhercrotch.Couldhetellhowwetshewas?Hot? Practicallyhalfwaytherejustfromlookingathim? Sheletoutathroatylittlelaugh.Toapologize? Hisgazetookaslowtripalongherbarethigh.Stillhedidntmove towardher. Frustrationbubbledthroughherevenastheheatofhisgazeshot fireworksoffinherbrain.Shewantedtosquirm.Toreachdownand touchherself.Torelievetheachebetweenherthighs. IthinkbymorningIllhavealottoapologizefor.Hisgaze movedupoverherhips,herbelly,stoppingathernipples.Nowrock hardandalmostpainful,theybeggedforhismouth,histongue.Hecut hisgazeupwardandmethereyes.Unlessyoutellmetoleave,right now. Shewhimperedatthedarkdangershesawinhiseyes.They practicallyglowedwithferalheat.Thiswasntgoingtobesomecasual strollinthepark.Whenhetookher,itwasgoingtobehard.Realhard.

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Herbodyshookwithexcitement.Ifyouleavenow,Fireman,you willbesorry. Henodded.Good.BecauseIhaveplansforyou,Teach. Shecouldnttakeitanylonger.Reachingupshesqueezedher nipple,hopingforjustatinyrelief. Ah,ah,ah.Stevegrabbedherwrist,pullingherhandawayfrom herbreast.Iveseenyoupleasureyourself,Graciedear.Stillholdingher wrist,hestoodandtuggedhertoherfeet.Tonightyourenotallowedto touchyourselfinanyway. Hisvoicewaslow,commanding.ThehappygoluckyStevewith theboyishgrinhadvanishedandinhisplacestoodsomeonewhowas morepowerful.Evenmoreofaturnon. Understandme,Graciedear? Ashiverracedthroughherathissinistertone.Goosebumps poppedoutonherarms.Yes,sir,shesaid,lettinghimknowshe willinglysteppedintohisgame.Verywillingly. Hegaveaslightnod,pickeduptheirbeerbottlesinhisfreehand, andledhertothebedroom.Aftersettingthebottlesonthenightstand,he flickedonthelampbythebedtoitslowestsetting,herwriststillfirmly claspedinhisotherhand.Thesoftlightflickeredoffhisgoldenhair,but whenheturnedtowardher,therewasnothingsoftabouthim.Hisfacein shadow,helookedhard,likesomeoneshedrunfromonadarkstreet. Butshehadnointensionoffleeingherbedroom.Ashisgazebore intoher,therewasnowhereshedratherbe.Neverhadsheletanyone dominateher.Sheneverwouldveguessedhowthrillingitwouldbe. Howhotitwouldmakeher. Takeoffyourclothes.Heletgoofherwristandsteppedbacka halfpacetogiveherroom. Shovinghershortsdownherlegs,sheglancedupathimfrom underherlashes.Hisjawticked,hiseyesnarrowed.Heslowlyshookhis head.Adare. Asshesteppedoutoftheshortsandslowlystoodup,sheranher handsupherthighs,dippedherfingersintoherwetcrevice.Themoan slippedoutwithoutwarning.

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Stevegrabbedherhandandspunheraround,pulledherotherarm behindherback.Iwarnedyou,Graciedear,hegrowledinherear.No touching. Shockedatthespeedwithwhichhedtrappedher,alittleshiverof fearslicedthroughher.Hewasbigandverystrong.Whatifthiswasnta game?Whatif...?No.Shedknownhimfortwoyears.Surelyshedknow ifheweresomecrazedlunatic. Orange,hesaidsoftlyinherear. Huh?Shetriedturningherheadtoseehim,butthewayheheld her,shecouldbarelymove. Thesafeword.Orange.Sayitonce.Thatsallittakes. Hisvoicewasgentlenow,andthefearinsideherslippedaway.She noddedherunderstanding. Illletyougo,ifyousweartobehave.Hisvoicewasfirmonce again,andshesmiledtoherself.Holyshit.Markthisnightupasoneto remember.Hewasgood.Andsheknewhedneverdoanythingshe didntwant.Butdamnedifshedidntwantitall. Shegaveastiffnod,andhereleasedherhands. Takeoffyourshirt. Grabbingthehem,shepulledthetanktopoverherheadand droppeditonthefloor. Turnaround. Droppingherheadforward,gettingintotheroleofascared submissive,sheslowlyturnedtowardhim. Notbad.Ithinkyoulldo. Fromwhatshecouldsee,shedmorethando.God,shewantedto gethispantsoff.Getherhandshermouthonthatdick.Shebitherlip tokeepfromgrinning. Areyouwet? Hiswordssentanotherhotlightingboltracingthroughher, flushingherskin.Yeah,hellyeah,shewaswet.Practicallydrippingwith it.I...Imnotsure. Spreadyourlegs. Shemovedherlegsapartatinybit. More.

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Anothersmallmovement. Hereachedoutandslidhismiddlefingerbetweenheraching folds,purposelyavoidingherclit.Thebastard. Hismiddlefingerglistenedwithherslickjuicewhenhehelditup. Gettingthere,hesaid.Herubbedhisfingeroverhernipple,andshe whimperedasthecoolairtouchedherwettit,drawingitintoahardened peak. Taste,hesaid,holdinghisfingerjustaninchawayfromher mouth.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor

ChapterFour
Stevecontrolledhisbreathingasbesthecould,butdammit,hed neverbeensoreadytoexplode.Herbodywaseverythinghedfantasized aboutandmore.Full,ripebreastswithhuge,duskyrosenipples.Atiny waistandflaredhips.Builtforamantofuck. Whenhestartedthislittlegame,hehadntrealizedhowharditwas goingtobetocontrolhisownneed.Hedneverbeenmuchfor domination,ormaybeitwasthatnoonehedtrieditonfellintotherole soquicklyandeasily.Theredonlybeenthatonetensesecondwhenhe feltrealfearfromher,buthedeasilyremediedthat. Herubbedhisdampfingeroverherfullbottomlip.Tasteit,I said. Herpinktonguedartedout,justbarelystrokinghisfingertip.His cockjumped.Ifhedidntgetoutofthesejeanssoon,hedbepermanently disabled.AndGodhelphim,hedidntthinkhecouldcollectdisabilityon asexinjury. Hepressedhisfingeragainstherlips.Tasteit,hecommanded. Shedrewhismiddlefingerintohermouth.Hertongueswirled aroundit,justlikesheddotohiscock.Hebitbackagroanandwithdrew hisfinger. Getonthebed. Gracieclimbedontothehighbedandcurledintoaballonthefar side,facingawayfromhim.Ohyeah,shewasgood.Theshylittleteacher thingwasamajorturnon.Especiallysinceheknewshedidnthaveashy

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boneinherbody.Noonewhowatchedhimcomeinanotherwomans mouth,andgotoffonseeingit,couldpossiblybeintroverted. Onyourback. Shedidntmove. Hebitbackagrin.Clearedhisthroat.Graciedear,dontmakeme angry. Sheslowlyuncurled,themotiondeliberateandprovocative.He watchedherhandslidedownthecurveofherwaist,skimoverherass. Imwarningyou. Sherolledontoherbackandlookedupathimwithasweetpouton hersexyredlips.Ineedtocome. HerippedopenhisbuttonflyandskimmedhisTshirtoverhis head.Pushinghisjeansandbriefstothefloorhealmostwounduponhis face,forgettinghestillworehissteeltoedworkboots.Lettingoutaslow breathandprayinghedidntcomebeforehegotinsideher,hesatonthe edgeofthebedandunlacedhisbootsasquicklyashisshakyfingers allowed. Holyfuck,thiswassounlikehim.Sexwaspleasurable,sure,but neverinhisthirtythreeyears,notevenasanexperimentingteen,hadhe beensoclosetolosingcontrolandblowinghisloadbeforehewantedto. Hekickedoffhisbootsandshovedthepants,underwearandsocks tothefloor.Thenpaused,remembering.Hesnatchedhispantsupagain anddugthecondompacketfromhiswallet.Whenherolledovertoreach forGracie,shehadonehandinhercrotch,theothersqueezingoneof thoselusciousnipples.Withherheadthrownbackintothepillow,her long,gracefulneckexposed,Stevesheartstoppedforasecond.Hed neverseenanythingsosexy,sosensuous,inhislife. Stop,hecommandedinhisfirmesttone. Herhandsjerkedawayfromherbody,sheturnedherheadaway fromhim.Imsorry,sir,shewhispered,butthewayshearchedherass againstthebedsaidotherwise.Shewassoclosetocominghecouldsmell it. Hedwantedtoeather,lickupherjuices,hearhercriesasshe came.Buthewasntgoingtomakeit.Notthistime.Nexttime.Tomorrow

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nighthedtakehistimewithher.Learnallherflavorsandscents.Tonight hedembarrasshimselfifhetriedtoholdofftoolong. Youareverynaughty,hesaidashecrawledtowardher. Sheshookherhead,squeezedhereyesshutasifinfear.Buther lipscurledslightly. Youdontfollowdirectionsworthadamn. Ido.Ipromise. Youlie,too. No,shewhispered. Hestraddledherandproppedhishandsoneithersideofherhead. Whenhiscockrubbedagainstherdownyfur,hebarelystoppedanother groanfrombreakingfree. Lookatme. Sheshookherhead. Lookatmeoryouwontcometonight. Hereyespoppedopen,theirgreendepthssparkling.Heheldher gazeafewseconds,thenlethisslideoveraslendernecktolush,white breastswithdark,hardnipples.Knowingshewatchedhimclosely,he leaneddownanddrewonebetweenhislips.Shecriedoutandthrust againsthim. Dontfuckingmove,hegrowled.Witheverybitofwillpowerhe possessed,heforcedthepressureridinghisballstobackdown.Hewasnt readyyet.Shewasntreadyyet.Hewantedtocomewithher.Insideher. Please,sir,shepanted. Heslowlylickedthenippleandthenblewonit,watchingitharden evenmore.Please,sir,what,Graciedear? Pleasefuckme,sir. Naughtylanguage,Graciedear.Thatsnotverynicetalk,isit? Hesuckedhertitintohismouthandgroundhiscockagainsther pubicbone. Shescreamedandhernailsbitintohisthighs. Withahiss,hegrabbedherwristsandpinnedthemaboveher head.Notnicetohurtme,either. Fuckme,shegrowled.Hereyesblazedwithanimalheat.Her teethgnashedtogether.Herentirebodyvibrated.Whenhewentforthe

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othernipple,shebuckedandmoaned.Hesuckedharder,makingher screaminpassionatefrustration.Ihateyou! Areyouwetnow,Graciedear?heaskedwithasmirk,even thoughheknewshewas.Hecouldsmellhersex,couldfeelthehotjuices againsthisballs. Dripping. Verygood.Hegrabbedupthecondomandrippedthepacket. Putitonme. WithshakyfingersthankGodhewasnttheonlyonehereabout readytoburstsherolledtherubberoverhisdick.Hiseyesdamnnear rolledbackinhishead. Now,shecommanded,drawinghisattentionbacktoher sprawledbeneathhim.Readyandwanting. Hechuckled.Hewishedthegamecouldlastlonger,buthewastoo close.Still,hehadaroletoplay.Whostheboss,here,Graciedear? Shenarrowedhereyesathim,slashedherfingersthroughhishair andpulledhisfaceclosetohers.Ifyoudontfuckmerightthissecond, Imgoingtohurtyou. Whattheladywants,theladygets,hethoughtashegroundhis mouthagainsthers,shovedhistonguebetweenherteeth,tastingbeerand lust. Shemoanedandbucked.Herfingernailsbitintohisscalpandthe painaddedtohispleasure. Shovingherthighswide,hemadeonequickswipewithhishand tomakesureshewasready.Hefoundherslick,wet.Perfect.Inonehard thrusthedroveallthewayintoher. Shepulledhermouthfromhisandscreamed.Herhipsrosetomeet himandhernailsdugintohisshoulders. Ittookeverybitofselfcontrolnottocomeonthespot.Shewasso damntight!Withherheadthrownback,herfacetightwithunleashed passion,shewasafirehairedgoddess.Agoddessunderhiscommand. Slowly,soslowlyhepulledout.Shemewledandhernailsscored hisback.Sweatbeadedhisbrowashetriedtocontrolhisbreathing. More,shedemanded.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
Heslammedintoheragain,andagainshescreamed.Thesound torethroughhim,almostshatteringhiswill. Sherearedupandbithisshoulder.Hard. Hegruntedandpushedherdownonthebed,hisbighands coveringherbreasts,pinchinghernipples.Begforit. Please,shecried,ashepushedtheheadofhiscockinsideand stopped. Whatdoyouwant,Graciedear?Tellmeexactlywhatyouwant. Hereyesopened,hergazeboreintohis.Iwanteverythingyou haveandmore.Hervoicewasraspy,strained.Iwanttobefucked harderthanyouveeverfuckedanotherwoman.Iwanteverinchofyour dickdeepinsideme,andIwanttofeelyoucome. Hepulledoutofher.Ifhehadnt,herwordsalonewouldhavesent himovertheedge.Heflippedherontoherstomach,shovedthepillows underherhipssoherassstuckupintheair.GrabtheheadboardGracie. Youaskedforit. Shegrippedthetopoftheheadboardandspreadherlegswide, showinghimeverythingheneededtodieahappyman.Helovedthe sightofhertightroundass,herhot,pinkpussy. Hurry,shepleaded. Heleanedoverandnippedherrightcheek.Shesquealedand jerkedaway.Grabbingherwaisttokeepherstill,hebittheleftone.She moanedandshovedbackagainsthim. Onetaste,hethoughtasheburiedhisfaceagainstherfoldsand lappeduphersweetliquid.Sogood.Hepushedhistongueintoher, andshemovedagainsthisface. Hegrippedhiscockandpressedagainsthisballstokeepfrom coming.Hewassodamnedclose. Heflickedherclitwiththetipofhistongue,andshesquirmed. Again,shedemanded. Hesuckedherhotlittleclitbetweenhislips.Shecriedoutandher bodytensed.Hewentuponhisknees,positionedhimselfbehindherand rubbedthetipofhiscockalongherslickfolds. Dontbeanasshole. Hechuckled.Tellmeagain,Graciedear.

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AnnaLeighKeaton
Hard.Damnyou,Steve.Hard! Heslappedherass. Ow! Heslappedagain,knewitstung,butshelaughed,deepand throaty.Hewishedhecouldseeherface.Evenbeforehedthoughtofher asasextoy,hersweetfacehadalwaysbeenstunning. Youready,Graciedear? Shelookedathimoverhershoulder,hereyesnarrowed.Ifyou dontdoitnow,ImgoingtogetStanleyoutofthedraweranddoit myself. Hechuckled.HecouldguesswhoStanleymightbe.Damnedif sheduseadildowhilehewashere.Nottonight,anyway. Rubbinghishandoverthesmooth,warmskinofherass,he couldntgetoverhowperfectshewas.Hopinghedgottenhimselfunder control,heslowlyslidthetipofhispenisintoherhot,tightpussy. Herarmsshookassheheldontotheheadboard.Herockedback andforth,enteringonlyaninchorso,pullingaway. Dontyouknowhowtofollowdirections?Graciesnarledone secondbeforeshethrustbackwardandtookhimallthewayin. Thelaughdiedonhislipsassherockedforwardthenslammed backagainsthim.Agroantorefromhisthroat,andhegroundhisballs againsther.Yeah,baby. Shepulledaway,andhejerkedherback.Alittlepurrcamefrom herashewithdrewyetagain.Hedidntwantkittynoisesfromher.He wantedloud,longscreamsofpassion.Hecrashedintoher,causingherto moan.Notnearlyloudenough.Grippingherhips,holdingherstill,he pulledback,thenpoundedintoherashardashecould.Againandagain inahot,hard,pulsatingrhythm. Herbackbowed,herarmswentstraightassheheldherselfstillfor hisbeating.Stillshedidntmakeasound. Hisballssmackedagainstherclit,hisbodymakingasatisfying slapagainstherasswitheachthrust.Hegrittedhisteethandheldback hisownrelease.Sweatrandownhischest,andGraciesbackglistened withherown. Harder!shedemanded.Deeper!

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
Hegroundagainstherwitheachdeeppenetration.Nowomanhad evertakensomuchofhim.Wantedsomuchfromhim.Gracie,hotlittle Graciewanteditallandmore. Releasinghiscontrol,heattacked.Withasoundhedidntrecognize ashisown,hecamedownontopofher,grabbedherbreastsandtookher hardandfastandunleashed.Thenewpositionmadeherpussyeven tighterandheshoutedinexquisitepain. WhenGraciescreamed,hewentovertheedge.Theworldshattered andwentblack.AllhecouldhearwereGraciescries.Allhecouldfeel wasthetightmilkingofhermusclesaroundhiscock.Allhecouldsmell wassweet,sweetsexandGraciesmusky,dampskin.

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ChapterFive
Graciesuckedinhugebreaths.Herlimbswereweakandheavy. Evenherheadfeltlikeabrickassheturneditsoherfacewasntburiedin themattress.Steveshandsstillheldherbreastsinaloosegrip.Hisface nuzzledthebackofherneck.Theweightofhisbodyfeltluscious,better thananyfantasyshedmadeup. IthinkIdied,Stevemumbledagainstherhair. Graciedrewinaquickbreathasshefelthispenisslowlyslideout ofher.Shechuckled.HeavenorHell? Hisfingersflexedaroundhernipples.Heaven.Definitely Heaven.Herolledoffherandontohisback,hisarmfloppingtohisside asifhe,too,hadjusthadthebestsexofhislife. Shestudiedhisfeaturesastheyrelaxedintothelittleboysoftness thatalwaysbroughtasmiletoherlips.Hiseyesclosedandhislipsparted slightly.Hischestroseandfellwiththeeffortofregaininghisstrength. Shegrinned,feelingtriumphant.Neverinherlifehadshethoughtshe couldbequitesowantonorsaythethingstoamanthatshedsaidtohim. Oneeyepeekedopen,aroyalblueflashagainsthisbrownlashes.A grinsplithisface.Youlookthoroughlysatisfied,Graciedear. Sheraisedoneeyebrow,theonlypartofherbodyshecouldmove. Sodoyou,sir. Hechuckledandrolledtositontheedgeofthebed.Sheenvied himthathewasntasweakasshefelt.Wornout,shecorrected. Completelydonein.Usuallyshecouldcomethreeorfourtimeswith Stanleybeforeshewasrelaxedenoughtosleep,butrightnow,asher

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eyelidsdriftedshut,shefeltasifshewerefloatingonabigfluffycloud. Herfingersandtoesstilltingled.Tinyelectricaftershocksshotfromher crotchwithjusttheslightesttensingofhermuscles.Shesighed. ThebedjiggledabitasStevestood.Shelistenedashisclothing rustled,andthenhestrodeoutoftheroom.Shewouldnthavemindeda littlecuddling,shethoughtabsentlyasshefloatedonherwarm,pink cloud.Ohwell. Thebeddippedandsheforcedhereyesopen.Thelighthadbeen turnedoff,andallshecouldseenowwashissilhouette,adeepershadow inthedarkness.Forgetsomethin? Hechuckled.Yousleeplikethat,youregoingtobeatangled messofcomplainingmusclesinthemorning.Heslippedonepillow frombeneathherbelly,thentheother. Thanks,shemumbledasshesettledintothemattress.Evenher tonguefeltheavy. Thebeddippedagainandthenhewaspullingheragainsthim. Comehere,babe. Aslowgrinplayedatherlipsasshesnuggledagainsthim,her headinthehollowofhisshoulder.Dontyouhavecompanyyoushould seeto?sheaskedaroundayawn. Naw.Listen.Histhicklymuscledarmslidaroundherback. Idonthearanything.Nothingbutthestrong,steadybeatofhis heartunderherear. Thestereosoff.Chancesaretheyreallcrashedoutinmyhouse. SomeoneusuallytakesmybedifImnotinit. Graciechuckledandedgedherlegoverhisthigh.Soyoudhave noplacetosleep,huh? Ifyouthrewmeoutnow,Idhavetocrashinmytruck.Icould freezetodeath. Sheranherhandthroughthelightpatchofspringyhaironhis chest.Makeforabadheadline,shemurmured.Firemanfreezesto deathaftersex. Thebestsexofhislife,Stevesaidthroughachucklethatrumbled fromhischest.Gracieshiveredandscootedclosertohim. Minetoo.

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Beenwantingtogetmyhandsonyouformonths. Years. Anotherrumble. Didshebreakyourheart? Graciedidntknowwherethatquestioncamefrom,orwhyitwas importantthathereallywasntsufferingoverthatblondebimbo.Butit was.Shedidntwanthimtohurt.Hedfindsomeoneelse.Someone whodcherishhimlikeheshouldbecherished. Saygoodnight,Gracie,washisanswer. Gnight,Gracie. Thelastthoughtshehadbeforeshedriftedofftosleepwasthatshe wouldntmindbeingtheonetocherishhim,notifthatmeantspending therestofherlifewrappedinhisstrong,safearms. ***** Somethingsoft,warmandwettickledtheskinbetweenher shoulderblades.Shesquirmed.Itlickedherlowerback.Shemoanedand pulledthepillowoverherhead.Somethingsharpstungherass. Hey!Shejerkedawayandrolledontoherside. Stevesdeeplaughtersentspiralsofheatthroughher.Predawn lightstreamedinthroughthewindow,castinghisboyishsmileincool grayshadows.Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.Hehadntleftyet. Whatswithyoubitingmybutt?sheasked,forcingafrown. Withawidegrin,hesprawlednexttoher,hispenisjuttingout, proudascouldbe.Neverhadmymouthonsuchadelectableassbefore. Cantseemtogetenough. Shepressedherlipstogether,butcouldntcompletelystifleher smile.Reachingout,sheranherhandoverhisripplingabs.Ididntget todomuchexploringlastnight,shesaid,hervoiceunnaturallyhusky. Herolledtohisback,proppedhishandsbehindhishead.Byall means,Graciedear,exploreaway. Trailingherfingeroverhisstomach,shereachedthetipofhiscock. Hewashuge.Squeezingherthighstogether,revelinginthereturnofher

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arousal,sherubbedherfingeroverthesilkytip.Atinydropofmoisture glistenedinthewakeofhertouch. Justonelittleproblemwithyourplan,babe. Gracieraisedhergazetohis,sawhislipstipupinthatwickedlittle grin.Whatproblem? Ifyoustartplayingnow,Iguaranteeyouregoingtobelatefor work. Shejerkedherheadtothesideandglaredattheclock.Oh,shit. ShescrambledoverSteve,earningagruntfromhim,anddashedforthe bathroom.Firstperiodclassstartedinfortyfiveminutes.Shit,shit,shit. Shehadahalfhourtogettotheschool. Jumpingintotheshowerbeforethewaterwashot,sheyelpedand silentlycursedSteveforlettingheroversleep,eventhoughshewasthe onewhoforgottosetthealarmlastnight.Sheshampooed,conditioned, soapedandrinsedinrecordtime.Whenshethrewbacktheshower curtain,Stevewastherewithatowelandateasinggleaminthosebaby blues. Notoneword,mister,oryoullpay. Promises,promises,hemutteredasheshookoutthetoweland tosseditatherbeforeheturnedandwalkedoutofthebathroom.Still naked.Widemuscularshoulders,longtorsotaperingtonarrowhips. Tightassandthickthighs.Hewassogorgeous.Madeherhot,tingly.Wet andreadyforanotherround. Heroundedthecorneroutofsight,andshepulledherthoughts backtothedayaheadofher.Damn,shehadntevengradedthethree termpapersshedbroughthome.Shedhavetodoitduringherlunch hour. Shedriedquickly,draggedherbrushthroughherhairandpulledit backintoawetponytail.Shedidnthavetimeforanythingelse.Onelast lookinthemirror.Forgetthemakeup,too.Dashingintoherbedroomshe pulledcleanpanties,braandsocksfromthetopdrawerofherbureauand jerkedthemon.Shegrabbedapairofjeansandagreenblousefromthe closet,andthenpickeduphershoesfromthefloorbeforeheadingintothe livingroom.

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Thetelevisionwason,themorningnewsramblinglow.She wiggledintoherjeansandbuttonedherblouse.Stevestoodinherkitchen wrappingsomethingintinfoil.Fuck,didtheguywalkaroundhisown housenaked?ShehadntgoneasfarasturningintoaPeepingThomasina, butshejustmightstartifshecouldseethiseverymorning. Shechuckledasshesatdownandpulledhersockson. Somethingfunny?Steveasked,comingtowardher. Dontyouhavesomewheretobe?Hewaslethal,andshedidnt havethetimeshewantedtoadmirehisbod.Hisdickwassemierect,and shebrieflywonderedifhedtakencareofthingswhileshewasinthe shower.Ormaybethatwashisnaturalstate? Nope.Offforthenexttwodays.Coffee?heasked,holdinga travelmugouttoher. Shestoodandyankedupthezipperofherjeans.Thanks.Need it.Shetookthemugfromhimandrushedtothecounterwhereshed droppedherbagsthenightbefore.Shespunaroundsearchingforher keys. Shehatedbeingunprepared.Findingherkeys,shesnatchedthem up.Andshehatedbeinglate.SheaimedanaccusatoryglareatSteve. Whoa,there,Gracie.Dontbite.Hechuckledandhandedhera tinfoilpackage.Leftoverpizza.Forlunch. Somethinginherchestwentalittlesoft.Somethingthatwasnt supposedtogetsoftaroundSteve.Thanks,shesaidquietlyandstuffed itinherbag.Sheturnedtograbhercoat. Whattimewillyoubehometonight?heasked,thentookasip fromoneofherfloralcoffeemugs.Thedaintycuplookedverybreakable inhisbighands. Listen,Steve.Shezippedherjacket.Imnotlookingfor anything...longterm.Imean,I...Hervoicefaded.Shethrewherhands out,notknowinghowtotelltheguyhewasagreatpieceofass,butthats allshewanted. Stevechuckledandkissedthetipofhernose.Youdontneedto looksoterrified,Graciedear.Hegrabbedher,pullingherbodyflush againsthis.

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Gazingintohiseyes,shewitnessedthechangethatovercame himpalpableandanimalistic.Hiseyesdarkened.Hisfacialmuscles tightened. Imjustnotdonewithyouyet.Hismouthattackedhers,his tongueinvadingtotanglewithhers.Graciesbodybetrayedher.She grabbedhisshoulders,hungonforsupportasherkneeswentweakand herpussythrobbed. Areyoudonewithme?heaskedwhenheraisedhishead. Shecouldntspeak,hermouthincapableofformingananswer.All shecoulddowasshakeherhead. Hewinked,theboyishgrinbackinplace.Didntthinkso.Helet goofherandsteppedback. MyGod,shesaidonashakylaugh. Hechuckled.Whattime?Illbringsupper. Themanwashardagain,histhick,soliddickpracticallybegging forhermouth.Withasigh,sheforcedhergazefromhisbodyandpicked upherbagandpurse.Illtryforsix,butIcantpromise. Goodenough. Shegrabbedthetravelmugofcoffeefromthecounter,andSteve walkedwithhertothedoor.Lockupbeforeyouleave?sheasked. Ofcourse. Bye.Shereachedforthedoorknob. Hey. Shestopped,turnedherheadtowardhim. Hecaughtherlipsinatenderkiss.Drivecareful.Thetemperature cameupanditrainedlastnight.Morningnewssaystheroadsarebad. Shenodded.Okay. Hekissedheragain,lightlytracedherlipswithhistongue.Think aboutme. Shelaughedandshovedhershoulderagainsthischest.Bye. Headingtohercar,shenoticedhedbeenright.Thetemperature washoveringrightabovefreezing,andevenherfrontdrivewaywas coveredinasheetofice.Shethrewherbagsonthepassengerseatand slippedbehindthewheelofhercar.Herbaby,shethoughtwithprideasit startedupwithapurr.

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Afterbucklingherseatbelt,shecarefullybackedoutontotheroad, butherfrontwheelsstillspunontheiceabit.Damn,itwasgoingtotake forevertogetacrosstowntothehighschool.Shedrovetothesecondred stoplightanddughercellphoneoutofherbag.Shedialedtheschool. Hey,Marg,shesaidwhentheattendancesecretaryanswered. ItsGracie.Imrunninglateandtheroadsarehell. Yourenottheonlyone,Margsaid.Halftheteachersarecalling inlateandonlysomeofthebuseshavemadeitin.Bobdecidedtohave thekidsgatherintheauditoriumuntilthereareenoughteachers. Great.BethereassoonasIcan. Takeiteasy.Donthurry. Iwont,Graciepromisedasthelightturnedgreen.Bye.She turnedoffthephoneandslowlyraisedherfootofftheclutch. Glancinginherrearviewmirror,hereyeswidenedinhorror.A hugetruckcamebarrelingather.Shepressedthegas,buthertiresspun ontheicyblacktop. Thetrucksheadlightsshiningthroughherbackwindowwasthe lastthingshesawbeforetheworldcrumbledaroundherandeverything fadedtoblack.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor

ChapterSix
Stevepacedfromthepicturewindowoverlookingthedrivewayto hiskitchen,thenback.Hestillcouldntgetoverit.Hedriskedlifeand limbontheicyroadstogotothemarkettogetthefreshveggiesforhis famousspaghettisauce.Andshefuckingstoodhimup! Heglancedattheclockoverthestove.Wherethehellwasshe, anyway?Itwasaftereleven.Sheneverstayedoutthislate.Heknew becauseheheardthepurrofhersoupedupengineeverynightwhenshe gothome.Neverafterten.Never. Heshookhisheadandmadeanotherpassthroughthekitchen.The noodleswereovercooked.Thesaucehadaskinoverthetop,andthe garlicbreadwasstonedryfromsittinginawarmovenforfivehours. Asheheadedforthelivingroom,readytoturnonthelatenight news,hesawtheflashofheadlightsasacarpulledintothedriveway. Clenchinghisjawhestormedoutthefrontdoor,readytoblasther forbeingtotallyandcompletelyinconsiderate.Shecouldhaveatthevery leasthadthedecencytopickupthephone. ThecarinthedrivewasntGracies.Andthewomansteppingout fromthedriverssidesureashellwasntGracie. Stevestoppedinhistracksandshiverednotfromangerhetold himself,butbecauseofthecoldnightair.Hisbreathformedawhitecloud infrontofhisface. Thewomanroundedthebackofthecarandopenedthepassenger sidedoor.Hedseenthewomanbefore.Whatwashername?Shevisited Gracie.Often.Hedmetheronce.

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Comeon,honey,thewomansaid.Werehome. Stevejoggeddownthestepstowardthecar. Letgoofme,Graciegrumbled.Icangetoutmyself. StevesheartstutteredasheroundedthecarandsawGracie pullingherselfout,leaningheavilyonthedoor. Gracie? Goaway,shesaid,herbacktohim. Shewasntwearingtheclothesshedleftin.Thedownjacketwas hugeonher,anditlookedlikesheworehospitalscrubpants. Gracie?hesaidagain,steppingcloser. Herteethwerechattering,hershouldershunched.Shedidntturn around,butshesaid,Goaway,again. Heturnedtotheotherwoman.Whathappened? Shepushedherthickglassesuphernoseandfrownedathim.She wasinacaraccident. Usingthedoorforsupport,Gracieshuffledawayfromthecar. Thebreathsqueezedoutofhislungswhensheturnedtowardhim. Oh,God.Babe. Notonlywereherteethchatteringasifshewerefreezingtodeath, shehadablackeyeandathickbandagetapedtoherforehead. Igotcha,hesaidsoftlyashebenthiskneesandcarefullylifted herintohisarms. Shewinced.Herentirebodyshook,atremblingthatreachedat leastsevenonhisinternalRichterscale. Whenwastheaccident?Whyisntsheinthehospital?Shesin shock. Glassesladyfollowedhimupthestairsandunlockedthedoorto Gracieshouse.Theaccidenthappenedataboutseventhismorning. Shesbeeninthehospitalsincethen.Shehasaslightconcussion,butshe madesuchafussaboutwantingtogohome,theyreleasedher. StevesetGraciedownonthecouchandreachedforthecoatlapels, butshegrippedthemtight. Gogetsomeblankets,hetoldGlasses,andhemadeabeelineto thekitchenandputtheteakettleontoheat.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
Feelinglikethebiggestjerkonearth,Stevementallykickedhisass forallthehorriblethingshedthoughtwhilewaitingforhertocome home. Hewentbacktothecouch.Glassesladywascoveringherwitha thickfuzzyblanket. Graciehuddledinthecornerofthecouch,hereyessqueezedshut, shakinglikeascaredpuppy.Hesatnexttoher,pushedthehairaway fromherfaceandexaminedthebandageonherforehead.Howbadare theinjuries? Graciesfriendsatdownonthecoffeetable.Sixstitchesinher forehead,theconcussion,asprainedleftwristandrightankle.Andaload ofbruises,theworstfromtheseatbeltacrossherchest,butIthinkshes prettymuchcoveredinthem. Hisjawclenched.Imsorry,baby. Go...away. ShesbeensayingthattoeveryonesinceIgottothehospital.She didntwanttoseeme,orthedoctorsoranyone. Stevelookedatthewoman.Imsorry,Iveforgottenyourname. Shesmiled.CarolHaley. Right.HelookedbackatGracie,laidhishandoverhers.Did theygiveheranymedication? Carolreachedintothepurseatherside.Somepainkillers,but theysaidsheshouldnttakethemtonightbecauseoftheconcussion.Said sheshouldntbealone,either.Shesetthebrownpillbottledownonthe coffeetable. Illstaywithher,hesaidsoftly. Theteakettlewhistled,andStevewenttothekitchen.Hefounda boxofchamomileteainthecupboard,madeacup,andaddedsugar.He carrieditbacktoGracie. Carolwasleaningoverher,listeningasGraciesaidsomethingin herear. Helltakecareofyou,Carolsaidquietly. Graciescruncheddownintothecouchandpulledthejacketup overherface. Carollookedupathimwithhopelessnessinhereyes.

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Itllbefine.Illtakecareofher. Carolstoodupandtookhisarm,leadinghimtotheothersideof theroom.Idontknowwhatisreallywrongwithher.Iveneverseenher likethis.Itslike,theaccidentaffectedherbrainmorethanjusta concussion.Imscaredforher. Shesinshock,Stevesaid.Illgetsomehotfluidsintoherand onceshecalmsdown,shellsleep. Butthedoctorsaid Dontworry,Iknowwhattodo.GladGraciehadsuchagood friend,hetouchedCarolsshoulder.Illhaveherbackatthehospitalin aninstantifIthinksheneedstobethere.EvenifIpersonallyhavetostrap hertothegurney. Carolsshouldersrelaxedabit,andsheadjustedherglasses. Good.Iwassoafraid...Ididntknowwhattodo. Whydontyougohomeandgetsomesleep.Hewantedtobe alonewithGracietotrytocalmherdown.Togethertotalk,oratleast relax. Carolnodded,pickedupherpursefromthecoffeetableandlet herselfout. StevewentbacktoGracieandsatontheedgeofthecouch.Come out,comeout,whereveryouare. Goaway. Cantdothat,babe.IpromisedCarolIdstaywithyou.Andyou needtodrinkthis. Whenhereachedforthejacket,topullitoffherface,sheslapped hishandaway. Graciedear,dontmakemeangry. Shejerkedthejacketdownandglaredathim.Painetchedlines bracketedherlips. Hischestconstricted.SeeingGracielikethishurthim.Babe,he whispered,letmehelpyou. Imsocoldandsotired. Iknow.Youreinshock.Youshouldbeinthehospital. Thebedwastoohard.Everythinghurts.Itwassoloudinthere. Theywouldntgivemeanythingforthepain.Iwantashower.Ismell

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
bad...Hervoicetrailedoffandshedippedherheadsohalfherface disappearedintothejacket. Ifyoudrinkthis,andstartfeelingalittlewarmer,Illhelpyou takeashower.Okay? Youcantseemelikethis,shemumbledintothejacket. Hetouchedhercheek,ranhisfingersovertheredpurpleskin underhereye.YourestillthemostbeautifulwomanIveeverseen. Bruisesfade. Asingletearslippedfromhereyeanditcutthroughhimlikea knife. Dont,hewhispered,wipingthetearawaywithhisthumb. Everythingwillbeokay.Ipromise. ***** IfGraciedidntmove,shedidnthurt.Ifshelayperfectlystill,not onelittlemuscletwitch,shecouldpretendnoneofthishadhappened.If sheblankedouthermind,shecouldforgetthesoundoftwistingmetal andsirens.Thesoundofthemachinetheyusedtopryheroutofthecar. ThefeelofanIVbeingshovedintohervein.Shecouldforgethowclose shedcometodying. Ateartrickledintoherhair.Shedthoughtshewasdead.Forone longmomentintime,shecouldnthear,couldntsee.Likefloatingface downinapoolatnight.Nothing.Andtheneverythinghadbeensobright andtooloud. Shhh,sheheardawhisperfrombesideher. Steve.HehadntlefthersidesinceCarolbroughtherhome.Always rightherenexttohereverytimeshewokeup. Hislipskissedhercheek.Doyouwantanotherpill? No.Shehatedhowtheymadeherfeel.Eventhoughtheyhelped hersleep,adeepsleepwhereshedidntdream,theymadehermouthdry andhervisionfuzzy. Talktome,hewhispered. Hedbeensayingthatsinceshecamehome.Maybeshecouldtell him.Hedtakencareofher,helpedhergetinandoutofbed,changedthe

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bandageonherforehead.Heevenhelpedhershowerwhenshewastoo weaktodoitherself.Thedisgustingbruiseshadntscaredhimaway. Ididntwanttodie,shesaid,herthroattightwithtears.My momdiedwhenshewasmyage.Inacarcrash.Ididntwanttobelike her. Youdidntdie,babe.Yourerighthere. Ithappenedsofast.ThatsallIcanthink.Intheblinkofaneye,it couldallbeover.Sheliftedherheavyeyelids.Stevewasproppedupon hiselbownexttoheronthebed.Hisblueeyeswerewarm,fullofgentle emotion. Theaccidentwasntyourfault,Gracie.Theguyranintoyou. Iknow.Thatswhatmakesitevenworse.Ihadnocontrolover myownfate. Sheshuthereyesagain;thelightstillhurtherhead. Shefelthislipsbrushhersandhishandsettleonherbelly. ***** Steve? Hesetthebookhedbeenreadingonthenightstandandrolled overtofaceGracie.Yeah,babe. Hereyeswerebrightertonight.Notsoglassyandshadowed. Smilingather,hereachedoverandpushedalockofsilkyredhairfrom hercheek.Thebruisebelowhereyewasfadingnicely. Whatsyourmedicaltraining? ImanEMTThreeandFirstResponder.Why?Issomething wrong? No.Sherolledtoherside,cringingwhensomethinghurt.He wantedtotellhertonotmove,eventhoughheknewsheneededto.Shed spentmostofthelastfortyeighthoursinbed.Whatdoyouknowabout endorphins? Umm.Theyreachemicalinthebrainthatcanbeanaturalpain reliever,usuallyproducedbyexercise. Orsex?Graciereachedherhandoutandlaiditonhisbarechest. Instantlyhisbodyreactedtohertouch,tothesimplefactthattheword

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sexleftherlips.Hiscocklengthenedandpulsed,hisballstightenedwith arush,nearlyknockingthebreathfromhim. Helaidhishandoverhers.Whatareyougettingat? Ithinktheyreworking. Yourenothavingsex,though,Graciedear.Hegrinned.Are you? Ivebeenlyingherethinkingaboutitforthepasthalfhour. Hisjeansbecametootight,andhegentlysqueezedherhand. Haveyou? Shenodded,atinymotionofherheadagainstthepillow. Andthepain? Notsobad.Asmallsmileflittedoverherlips.ButIcoulduse somehelp. Withoutanotherthought,hematedhismouthwithhers.Shetasted assweetashoney.Herlipspartedwithouthesitation,andheswepthis tongueinside,tasting,taking,notgettingenough.Wrappinghisarm aroundher,hepulledhertightagainsthim,pressedhiscrotchagainsther hip. Whenshecriedout,thesoundwasoneofpain,notpleasure. Heletgoofherinstantly.OhGod,babe.ImsorryImsosorry. Shameshotthroughhim. Shewasbruisedandbattered,andhewascrazytoeventhinkof sex.Okay,soshedbroughtitup,butinamatterofsecondshedbeenthe onetolosecontrol. Shh.Shesmiledandplacedherfingersoverhislips.Imall right. Ihurtyou.Hecouldntstandthesweet,tenderlookinhereyes. Justmyside. Heturnedtoleavethebed.Togetawayfromherbeforehedid somethinghedregret.Shegrabbedhishandandheldhiminalightgrip. Steve.Ineedyou. Heranhishandoverhisface.Ihavenocontrolwhereyoure concerned,Gracie.IcouldneverforgivemyselfifIhurtyou. Steve,shewhispered.Youdneverhurtme.

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Heclosedhiseyesandbeggedfortheabilitytocontrolhimself. Sure,heknewhowtopleasureawoman,hadbeendoingitforoverhalf hislifetime,buthenevergavewithouttaking.Whybother?hadalways beenhismotto.ButhewantedtogivetoGracie.Anythingtoshatterthe troublingdreamsshekepthaving.Howmanytimesinthepasttwodays hadheawakenedherfromanightmare?Ten?Adozen? Hesqueezedherhand.Okay,babe.Hestoodup.Illberightback.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor

ChapterSeven
Stevestaredathisreflectioninthebathroommirror.Whathesaw scaredtheshitoutofhim. Hecared. HecaredmoreaboutGraciethanhedevercaredaboutanyonein hislife.Itwasntjustbecauseshewashurt;hedhelpedplentyofinjured femalesandnotfeltthis.Hecoulddragawomanoutofaburning buildingandperformbasiclifesupportonher,hedheldweepingwomen inhisarmswhentheydlosteverythingtheyhelddear,buthedneverfelt asiflosingoneofthosewomenwouldriphisgutsoutandleavehim bleedingtodeath. Hisknuckleswhitenedashefistedhishandsonthecounter. Alittleoverayearago,sittinginatooexpensiverestaurantwith Erin,herfootfiddlingwithhiscrotchunderthelongtablecloth,making himhardandhungryforsomethingotherthanthesalmononhisplate, shedsaid,Letsgetmarried. Atfirsthedlaughed.Suretheyweregreatinbed,butshoulda futurebebasedonthatalone?Andhonestly,thatsalltheyshared.She wasawellpaidlegalsecretaryinCooperValleysmostexclusivelaw firm,andhewasabluecollarfirefighter.Theyhadnothingincommon buthotsex,whentheyhadthetimetogettogether. Butthenshedpoutedwiththosefulllipsthatcouldsuckhimoffin seconds,andhedthought,Whatthefuck?Hewasntgettingany younger,andtheydbeendatingforoverayear.Hehadntseenanyother longlastinglovesinhisfuture;hewasjusttoobusy.

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AnnaLeighKeaton
GraciehadaskedhimifErinhadreallybrokenhisheart.The answerwassimple.No. Hedbeenmorethanrelievedthatshedcalleditoff,wouldhave doneithimselfafterlearningshedbeensleepingwithanotherman.He stilldidntknowwhichhadmadehimmorereadytowringherneck.Her reasonsforthebreakupbecauseofhisdangerousjoborthefactthat shedbeenfuckingherbossformonths. Hedhadhisshareofwomen.Probablymorethanhisshare.Lots ofwomenwentafterthebluecollarguyslikehim.Sincehejoinedthe departmentaftergettinghisFireSciencedegree,allhehadtodowaswalk intoanybaronanygivennightoftheweek,wearinghisCooperValley FireDepartmentTshirt,andhehadhispick. ButGraciewasdifferent.Shedidntsleeparound,mendidntcome andgofromherhouse,andexceptforacoupleshorttripsoutofCooper Valley,shedneverstayedawayovernight.Shedneverovertlyhitonhim oranyofhisteam.Shewas...special. Andshewasacontradictionhednevertireof.Sultry,sexy temptress.Someonewhotoldhimtofuckherhard.Shemadehimgiveup thefinalconstraintsofhiscontrolwhenhednever,everdoneitbefore. Buthedseentheotherpartofher,too.Thewomanwhodsparkedhis interestfromthedayheboughthishouse.Thewarm,tenderhearted teacherwhohadherstudentsoverforbarbequesinthesummer. Hedheardhertalkingtoaprettyyoungteenlastyear.Thegirlhad gottenherselfintroublewithaboyandwasscaredtodeathtofaceher parents.Graciehadbeenrighttherewithher,holdingherhand,whenthe parentsarrived.Sheddefendedthegirlandtalkedsomesenseintothe girlsiratefather. Graciewasawomanhecouldspendtherestofhislifewithand neverfindoutallhersecrets.Shewasasmuchaherotothosekidsashe wastosomeonehedraggedfromaburningbuilding. Andsomehow,overthetwoyearshedlivednextdoortoher, shedbecomehis.Hehadntevenrealizedituntilnow. ButGraciedidntwantlongterm.Shedmadethatcleartheother morning.Thedeerintheheadlightslookshedgivenhimwhenheasked

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whenshedbehomehadsaiditall.Forsomereason,longtermscaredthe helloutofher. Hedbeenhonestwithherwhenhesaidhewasntdonewithher. Now,howthehelldidheconvinceherthatshedneverbedonewith him? Heclosedhiseyesanddroppedhisheadforward.Slowly.Very,very slowly.Sohedidntscareheroff.Hedtakeaslongasheneeded,evenifit meanttherestofhislife. Withanewresolve,Steveturnedawayfromthemirror,openedhis flyandclutchedhiscockinhisfist.First,hehadtomakesurehedidnt physicallyharmher.Andhecouldntpromiseanythingwitharaging hardon.Shepushedhimtohislimits.SincethatafternoonlastAugust,all shehadtodowasglanceinhisdirectionandhegothard.Hedthought thatafteronehotnightwithher,shedbeoutofhissystem. Aharshlaughtorefromhisthroat.Afteronenightofherbegging formore,allhewantedwastogiveittoher.Againandagainandagain untiltheybothdiedofexhaustion. Hepumpedhiscockandpicturedherasshedbeentheothernight. Onhandsandknees,lookingoverhershoulderathim,hereyesnarrowed withlustandfrustrationbecauseofhisteasing. Hisballstightenedandhiscummovedtothebaseofhisdick. Rememberinghowsheimpaledherselfonhim,andhowshedbeggedfor more,hemovedhishandfaster.Harder. Hisseedshotoutofhimandwithagroan,heleanedagainstthe wallforsupport.Sonofabitch,hesaidonadeepbreath.Howdheever lethimselfgetinsodeep? ***** Gracielickedherfingerandranitoverherclit.Theachesinher bodywereslowly,tooslowly,fadingintoabackgroundnoiseshecould almostignore.Butthememoriesremainedandthosewerewhatshe wantedtoblock. AndStevehadabandonedher.

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Shecouldntblamehim,though,shethoughtassherubbedthe fingersofherotherhandoverhernipple,willingittotighten.Shed soundedsoneedy.Sopathetic. GracieTerrencehadneveraskedamanforanything.Hadntasked anyoneforanythingsincethedayherfatherdied,leavingheranorphan andatthemercyofasystemthatdidnthavetimeorcareforascared, lonelyteenager. Shegrittedherteethandpushedthethoughtsaside.Shewasnt thatgirlanymore.Thirteenyearshadpassedsincethen.Shedgoneto college,becomeateacher,anddoneeverythingshecouldtohelpkids whoneededher. Damnit,shesaidinfrustrationasatearslippedfromhereye. Shepulledherhandawayfromherpussyandrolledtoherside.Shehurt. Allover.Butmostofallshehurtdeepinsidebecausesheddonetheone thingshesworeshedneverdo.Shedgoneandletherselffallinlovewith ahero. Confusionswampedherandsheshivered,tooexhaustedtoeven coverhernakedbodywiththequilt. Nowmorethaneversheknewthatlifewastooshort.Shedhad herownbrushwithdeath.Stevetookachanceofbeingkilledeverytime herespondedtoafire.Justlikeherfather,Stevewouldrushtosomeone elsesrescueanddamnhimselftodyingtooyoung.Shedidntwantto livethroughtheagonyoflosinghimlikethat.Losinganyonelikethat.She couldntletherselflovesomeonewhoshecouldntcountoncominghome attheendoftheworkday. ThankGodStevedidntwantarelationship. Shecouldkeepherlovesecret;neverlethimknowhowshefelt. Eventuallyhedmoveon,whichwouldhurt,sure.Butshewouldntbe muchworseoffthanshedbeenbefore.Thespinsterschoolmarmwho madesureallherfreetimewastakenupwithherstudents,homeworkto grade,andhelpingCarolwithtutoring.Nofreetimemeanthavingno timetothink.Shehatedthinkingtoomuch. Atleastshefinallyknewwhatitfeltliketobeinlove.Evenifshed chasedhimawaywithherweakness,hedbeenhereforherwhenshe trulyneededsomeonestrong.Shedneverbeabletothankhimenough.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
***** StevewalkedintothebedroomtoseeGraciecurledupinalittle ballinthecenterofthebed.Naked.Shedshedthebaggysweatsuithed givenhertowearforcomfortssake. Eventhoughhedjustjackedoffinthebathroom,hisdickstirred withinhisjeans. Fuck,hewhispered.Nocontrolwhereshewasconcerned. Shecranedherneckandpeeredathimoverhershoulder.I thoughtyouleft. IsaidIdberightback.Hemovedtothebed.Whatsthe matter? Hereyeswereredrimmed,asifshewerefightingbacktears. Yourehurting.Illgetyouapill.Hereachedforthebottleof painkillersonthenightstand. No.Idontwantapill. Hesetthebottledownandmovedbehindher,carefullywrapped hisarmaroundherwaist,oneofthefewareasofherbodythatwasnt bruised.Whatdoyouneed,then,babe? Sheletoutaslowbreathandturnedherfaceawayfromhim.I wanttofeelyouinsidemeagain. Hegroanedbutforcedhishipstoremainmotionless.Hewanted nothingmorethantothrustagainstherpretty,firmass.Illjusthurt you. Shelaidherhandoverhisandpusheditdownherbellyuntilher downythatchtickledhisfingers.Itrustyou. Buthedidnttrusthimself.Notwithher. Shereachedbehindher,betweenthem,andranhersmallhand overtheridgebeneathhisjeans.Hiscockjumpedtolife.Istillturnyou on,shesaid,wonderinhervoice.Evenblackandblueallover,youget hardlookingatme. Hegrittedhisteethanddippedhisfingerintoherhotslit.Someof themareturningadisgustingshadeofyellow.

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AnnaLeighKeaton
Agustylittlelaughescapedherlips.Thesoundwassweetand warm.Hewantedtocaptureitandkeepit. Ashismiddlefingerslidoverherclit,sheletoutasighand straightenedherlegs.Youhavemagichands,shemurmured.Sobig andstrong.Shesqueezedhimthroughhisjeans.Youalsohavethe biggestdickIveeverseeninreallife. Laughterrippedthroughhim,andheburiedhisfaceinhersatiny hair.Thankyou. Sheleanedbackagainsthimandmovedherlegsohecouldreach herbetter.No.Thankyou. Herubbedherclituntilhefelthersilkyjuicesflowoverhisfingers. Bringinghisfingerstohismouth,helickedhersweetnessfromthem. Theresnothingtastierthanahotwoman. Shemoanedandsqueezedhisshaftagain. Hedplannedtosatisfyherorally,tokeephisdicktohimself tonight,butheneededhertightheataroundhim.Surroundinghim. Milkingthecumfromhisballs.Howcouldhedothatwithouthurting her?Hestudiedherfaceamomentbeforeasking,Areyousureabout this,babe? Shebroughtherotherhandtoherbreastandteasedhernippleinto atightlittlebud.Ohyeah.Imsure. Heleanedoverher,carefully,andcapturedhermouthwithhis. Whensheranhertongueoverhislipsandmoaned,takingpleasurefrom herowntaste,heknewhehadtohaveher. Layinghishandoverherbeautifulbreast,hekneadedthefirm roundnessofit,feelingthehardpeakunderhispalm.Hedrankthemoan fromherlipsandsuckedhertongueintohismouth. Herfingersfumbledathiswaistthentuggedhisflyopen.Hiscock jumpedfreeofitsrestraintswhensheshovedherhandintohisbriefsand grippedhimhard.Trailingwetkissesoverherjaw,downherthroat,he suckedherskinlightly.Sheshiveredandslowlypumpedhimuntilhe thoughthedburst. Dippinghisheadhecapturedhernipplebetweenhislipsand suckledher,rollinghistonguearoundthedarkbud.Herbodyroseoffthe

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
bedslightlyandshegrippedhisheadwithherfreehandandshovedhis faceagainsther.Please,shebegged. Shh,sweetheart,hewhispered.Wellgetthere.Justrelax. Shemewledlikeakitten.God,helovedthatsound.Needy.Filled withfrustrationandwildlust. Hetrailedlightkissesoverthebruisebetweenherbreastsleftby theseatbelt.Ifhecouldtakeherpainfromher,hewouldinaheartbeat. Justseeingherbatteredandinpainnearlykilledhim.Renewinghis effortstobegentlewithher,heslowlykissedhiswaydownherbelly, dippinghistongueintohercutelittlebellybuttonandnippingthesoft fleshofherabdomen. Herstomachmusclestightenedandthesoundthatcameoutofher wasdark.Sexyashell. Watchingherfaceforanysignofdiscomfort,hemoveddownthe bed,kissingthebruiseonherrighthip,herleftthigh.Herlegsshifted restlesslyagainsthim,andheknewwhatshewanted.Whattheyboth wanted. Hespreadherpussylipsanddippedhistongueintoherhotslit. Withanothermoan,shebuckedagainsthim.Shh,babe.Youhaveto relax,orIllbeforcedtostop. No.Dontstop.Shelaidherhandoverhishead,urginghimto continue.Donteverstop. Triumphzingedthroughhim.Never,hepromised. Carefullymovingherlegsapart,hekissedherdampcurls,and thenstrokedhistongueintoherheat.Shewassowet,soreadytotake him.Hiscockachedforher.Toclaimher.Possessher. Whenhecautiouslyslidtwofingersintoherpussy,shethrust againsthishand.Shecircledhernippleswithherownfingers,asightthat nearlymadehimcome. Stillwatchingher,heslowlystrokedhistongueoverherclit.Her entirebodyshook.Againhedippedintoherhotcoreandpressedhis fingersdeep,seekingthatsecretspotthatwouldshatterher. Herbreathscameinpants.Herlegsshiftedfurtherapart.Herhot juicesflowedoverhishand,histongue.Gracie,hegroanedandthrust hiscockagainstthebed.

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AnnaLeighKeaton
Alittlecrytorefromherandhermusclesbegantotightenaround hisfingers.Hesuckedherclitashedsuckedhernippleharder,scraping histeethovertheultrasensitivetip. Steve! Yes,baby.Hisballspuckeredandhiscockstrainedforitsown release,butheheldback.Hewantedtofeelher,hearherclimax.Foronce inhislifehedidntwanttobeaselfishprickandtakeandtakeandtake. Heknewhisfingershadfoundtheirtargetwhenherassroseoff thebedandsheletoutalongkeeningcry.Hedrankhersteamyrelease, revelingintheknowledgethatheddonethistoher.Forher.Thathed madeherlosecontrolcompletely. Evenafterherbodysettledbackonthebed,herarmsrelaxedather sides,hesoothedherwithhistongue.Herauburncurlsweresoftand damp,abeautifultriangleoveranevenmoreperfectpussy. Smiling,hewatchedhertrembleintheaftermathofherclimaxand decidedhecouldwatchherloveherforever. No,hethought.ForeverwouldntbelongenoughwithGracie.

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FiveAlarmNeighbor

ChapterEight
GraciecameslowlyawakewithStevesrockhardcockinsideher. Hisarmswrappedaroundherinacocoonofsafety,hischestofferinga solidwallofwarmthagainstherback.Thesensationsofbeingcompletely surroundedbyhimwerethrilling,yetoddlysoothing,comforting. Hishipspressedagainstherassoverandoverasheslowlymoved againsther.Hishandsdidntgrope,buttenderlymassagedherbreasts. Herheadrestedagainsthisshoulderandshecouldfeeltheflexandplay ofhisbicepmusclesagainsthercheek. Aquietsighslippedfromherassheimaginedherselfonasailboat intheopenocean.Therockingofhisbodyagainstherliketheslowrolling ofwaves.Histonguelappedathershoulder,meanderingupherneckto thatsensitivespotbeneathherear. Goodmorning,Graciedear,hewhispered,hishotbreathtickling herear,makinggoosebumpspopoutonherarms. Mmmm,wasallshecouldmanage. Hisdeep,softchucklerumbledagainstherback,sendingawaveof tinglesthroughherlanguidlimbs. Yourskinissosoft,sowarm.Helickedheragain,andshe couldntholdbackapleasuredmoan. Onehandleftherbreasttocoastdownherarm,thenbackup.His fingertipstickledherslightlyashedraggedthemdownthesideofher breast,overherribs,thedipofherwaist,theswellofherhip.She shivered,thepleasureinsidehermounting.Aslowburn.Somethingnew andwonderful.

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AnnaLeighKeaton
Icantgetenoughofyou. Shepressedherassagainsthim,takingallofhiminsideher. Nothing,shesaidonalittlegaspashisfingersskimmedherpussylips, haseverfeltso...perfect. Hiscockjumpedinsideher,touchinghersodeep,deeperthan anythingeverhad.Andstillherocked.Steady.Slowly. Hefingeredherfur,butdidntdelvedeeper. Itdidntmatter. Likelowburningembers,anorgasmbegantobuilddeepinside her.Herstomachmusclestensed.Shefoughttokeepherbreathingeven. Letithappen,Graciedear.Letithappen. Hiswhisperwaftedoverherlikeanoceanbreezeasshefloatedon awarmseacarryingthefragranceofmuskysexandhotmaleflesh. Icanfeelyou,hesaidinthatsamehuskywhisper.Iknow youreclose.Yourbodytellsmeso.Yougethotterinside.Wetter.Andso tightitmakesmewanttoshout. Andstillhecontinuedwiththesteadyrhythmofhisslowdraw andpress. Steve,shemoaned. Ahhh,yes,hesaidinaroughwhisper.Ifeelit.Yourmuscles squeezemycocksohard. InsideGracie,lighteningboltsflared.Fromthetipsofhertoesto herfingers,shetingled.Herfaceheated.Steve,shesaidagain,hervoice soft.Begging. Andthenhedippedhisfingerintoherpussyandjustbarely touchedherclit. Theworldexplodedinakaleidoscopeoflightandcolorbehindher eyelids. Yes,Gracielove.Yes. Evenashisslowrhythmneverchanged,shefelthiscocklengthen, harden,thenpulseinsideher,sendinganothercrashingwaveofheatand explosionsthroughherveins. *****

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Itstimeformetogetgoing.Ivemissedadayofworkalready, Stevesaidasherolledawayandsatuponthesideofthebed.Ifhedidnt letgoofherandgethisassmovingnow,hefearedheneverwould.And sinceyourefeelingbetter Iknow. Ineedtogetback.Imonshiftforthenextthreedays. Heturnedtoseehernod.Herbackwasstilltohim. ThatmeansIstayatthestationhouse. Iknow.Youvehadthissameroutinesinceyoumovedhere.She soundedsurlyandimpatient.DoyouthinkIdexpectthattochangejust becausewerefucking? Herwordshadthepowerofakicktotheballs.Hednevermade lovetoawomanbefore,buthethoughtheddoneaprettydamnedgood jobthismorning,thankyouverymuch. Shecarefullypushedherselfuptositontheedgeofthebed, groaningabitasshearchedherbacktostretchthemuscles. Herresponsewasntexactlywhathedhopedtohear.Notthathed wantherbegginghimtostayhomewithher;hecouldntdothat,but... Hemustbelosingit. Yeah,well,hesaid,standinguptoheadforthebathroom.You goingtobeallrightherebyyourself? Justpeachy. Steveshookhishead.Whatthehellwaswithher?Onesecondshe wassoftandhotinhisarms,thenextshesoundedasifshewantedhimto gethisuglymugoutofherhouse. Cometakeashowerwithme?heasked,hopingforsomesign.A smile.Anything.IstillhaveanhourbeforeIhavetobeatwork. Sheshookherhead.Yougoahead.Ineedtogetsomethingto eat.Hervoicesoundedfunny. Heroundedthebedandkneltinfrontofher.Babe,whats Grittingherteethshepracticallygrowledathim.Go. Hetouchedherthigh,butsheshovedhishandaway. Dammit.IsaidImfine. Butshewasnt.Tearsglistenedinhereyes. Oh,God.Hadhehurther?Imsorry,hewhispered.

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Oneshinytearslippedfromherbeautifulgreeneyes,andshegave hisshoulderahardshove.Isaid,go! Inevermeanttohurtyou,babe.Iswear. Shegrabbedupherpillowandburiedherfaceinit.Harshsobs shookhershoulders.Hereachedouthishandtotouchher,butstopped himselfjustascantinchfromhercoolwhiteskin. Heshovedhimselftohisfeetandstalkedofftothebathroom. Goddamnedworthlesspieceofdogshitiswhatyouare,SteveSheldon. Lessthandogshit.Hethrewopentheshowercurtainandturnedonthe water.Aparasiteondogshit. ***** Graciegaveinanddidsomethingsheneverletherselfdo.She buriedherfaceinherpillowandcriedherheartout. Howcouldhebesocold?Howcouldhedowhathedjustdoneto herbodyandthenannounceitwasover?Hehadtogotowork.Thatwas it. Angrywithherselfandherweaknesswhycouldntshebeas blasaboutthiswholetrystasheobviouslywas?sheslammedthe pillowdownonthebedandgrowled.Sheneverwantedlongtermwith Steve.Never.Damnedifhedseeanymoretearsfromher.Damnedif shedlethimknowhedjusttornherheartout. Slowlyleveringherselfup,sherealizedshewaswellunderwaytoa fullrecovery.Theswellinginheranklewasdown,butitwasstillabit tender.Herwristwasbetter,thankGod,andtherestofthebruised musclesjustachedabit.Shewouldntberunningmarathonsanytime soon,butshedbebackuptospeedinafewmoredays. Shewenttotheclosetandpulledoutherbig,uglygreenterrycloth robeandslippedintoit,tyingthebelttight.Thensheheadedtothe kitchenforabitetoeatsoshecouldtakesomeaspirinandnotpuke. Stevewascomingoutofthebathroom,oneofherfluffypink towelsdrapedaroundhiships.Shelookedaway,afraidhedseeher feelingsforhim.Shehadntmeanttofallinlove.Shedidntwanttobein

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lovewithhim.Nothimofallpeople.Alieutenantwiththefire department.Ahero. Shedjustpulledsomecrackersfromthecupboardtogoalongwith theslicedcheese,whenhecameoutofthebedroomfullydressedinjeans andwhiteCooperValleyFDTshirt. Hestoppedontheothersideofthecounterfromherandstaredat herforalongmoment,whilesheavoidedhisgaze. Carolcalledyesterdaywhileyouweresleeping,hefinallysaid. Shesgoingtostopbytodayaftershegetsoffwork.Aboutthreethirty, shesaid. Graciecarefullylaidasliceofcheeseonasquarecrackerandtooka smallbite.Thetangytasteofitnearlychokedher.Pleasegoaway,she silentlybegged. Hesettledhisfistsonthecountertop.Gracie... Youllbelateforwork,shesaid,herthroatpainfullytightwith moretears. Illcallyou,hesaid.Thenhepickeduphisjacketandstrodeout thefrontdoor. Sureyouwill.Anothertearstreakeddownhercheekandshe angrilybrusheditaway.Wasthereeverastupiderpersononthefaceof theearth?shewondered.Whatkindofknuckleheadcantevenhavea quickaffairwithatotallyhotmanandkeepherheartinplace? Shetookhercheeseandcrackersbacktoherroom,crawledintothe bedthatstillsmelledofsexandSteve,andpulledtheblanketsuptoher chin.Gracie,shesaidtoherself.Youreonedumbbitch. ***** Gracie!Openup! Thethumpingonthefrontdoorrousedherfromadruggingsleep filledwithvisionsofStevesbody.Histhickcock.Wideshoulders.Skilled hands. Gracie!Areyouokay? Carol.

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Graciethrewbackthecoversandmadetojumpoutofbed, forgettingaboutherbruisedbody.Shegroanedandalmostlandedonthe floor.Justaminute,shecalledasloudasshecould.Stillwearingthe robe,shelimpedtothefrontdoorandopenedit. Carolstoodinthecrispafternoonlighthuggingahugebouquetof coralcoloredroses.Hey,sweetie,shesaidwithabiggrin.Metthe deliveryguyinthedriveway.Sheraisedherarmstosignifytheroses. Theseareforyou. Graciefrowned,steppedasidetoletherfriendin.Fromthe school? Carolsetthebouquetonthecoffeetableandpulledthecardfrom theclearplasticholder.Nope.Gotabunchofgetwellwishesfromthe staffandyourstudentsinmypurse.Carolhandedthecardtoherafter sheshutthedoor.Imassumingtheseare...ah...abitmorepersonal? Carolwinked. Graciemovedtothecouchandslowlyloweredherselfdown.She leanedforwardandsuckedinthesweetfragranceoftheroses.Theyhad tobefromtheschool.Whoelsewouldsendhersuchanexpensivearray ofatleasttwodozenroses? Carolsatdownnexttoherandstudiedherface.Youlooklike hell,Gracie. Graciescowledatherbestfriend.CarolhadonlybeenatCooper ValleyHighsincethefallsemesterstartedbutsomethinghadclicked betweenthem,eventhoughtheyweretotallyoppositeineveryway. Carolwastheschoollibrarian,freshoutofcollegeandanastydivorce. Shewasquietandshy,anddressedlikeanoldlady,butshewasthe sweetest,biggestheartedwomanGraciehadeverknown. Imdoingbetter,Gracieinformedher,thensatbackonthecouch. Stillabitachy,butmuchbetter. Caroltiltedherheadsidewaysandshovedthethickblackrimmed glassesuphernose.Isthatall? Graciedownrightfrownedather.Whatelsewoulditbe? Carolshrugged.Thehunkyfiremanfromnextdoor?Alittlegrin tiltedherlips,makingherbeautiful,eventhoughshehidherbeautyso well.Hewasactingallcavemanandprotectivetheothernight.Wouldnt

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letmetalktoyouthethreetimesIcalledyesterdaybecauseyouwere sleeping.Iwasworriedhewasholdingyoucaptiveorsomething. EventhoughthereminderofStevehurt,Graciecouldnthelpbut chuckle.Youreadtoomanyromancenovels. Carolsgrinturnedintoabigsmile.Yeah,well,IknowwhatId doifIwerebeingheldprisonerbysomeonewholookedlikehim. Dotell,Gracieteased. Carolblushedbrightredandlookedaway.Sheclearedherthroat andpushedherglassesup.Arentyougoingtoseewhotheyrefrom? Gracierippedopentheenvelope.Insteadofthelittlefloralcard thatusuallyaccompaniedabouquet,outfellafoldedsheetofnotebook paper.Oh,no,shethought.Notanotherkidwhocouldntdrawtheline betweenteacherandstudent. Uhoh,Carolsaid,asifreadingherthoughts. Graciecarefullyunfoldedthepaper,hermindracingoverthefaces ofeachofherseventystudents.Whomightitbethisyear,andhowdid shedealwiththisone?LastyearshedtakenthelovelettertoBob,the principal,andlethimdealwithit.Itwasbyfarthesafestcoursetofollow, andthestudentinquestionneveragainattendedherclass.Butwordhad somehowgottenout,andtheboyhadbeenembarrassed.Shehatedtosee anyofherkidsinpain. Thehandwritingwasntfromastudent;shecouldtellthatrightoff. Thestrokeswereboldandmature.Sheglancedatthebottomtosee: XOXOSteve.Herheartthuddedinherthroatasshewentbacktothetop oftheletter.

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ChapterNine
Graciedear, WhenIaskedthefloristthedifferencebetweentheflowers inthecase,shehandedmealistofcolorsandwhateachmeant.So manyfityou,ittookawhileformetochoose.Redisforbeauty, courageandpassion.Youhaveallthreeinspades.Whiteisfor youthfulnessandcharm.Thereissomuchofeachinsideyou. Yellowisforfriendshipandjoy,andIhavefoundbothinyou. Pinkisforgentlenessandadmiration.Iveseenyourgentleside andIveneveradmiredanyonemore.Butcoralisfordesire. Aboveallthings,Idesireyou. Forgivemeforhurtingyouthismorning.Letmemakeit uptoyou? XOXOSteve. Belowthatwastwophonenumbers.Onewashiscell,theotherthe firestation. Well?CarolaskedwhenGracieglancedfromthepapertothe roses.WhichonegetstogoseeBobthissemester? Itsnotfromastudent,Graciemurmured,confusionswamping her.Ifhehadntbeensayinggoodbyethismorning,whathaditallbeen about? Carolgrabbedthesheetofpaperfromherhand,thensquealedlike alittlegirl.Oh,hesgotitbadforyou!

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Gracieshookherhead.No.Hedidnthaveitbadforher.Desire wasntthesameaslove.Nothingbutlust,shetoldherself,evenasatiny sparkofhopeflaredtolife. Thenshesquashedthatwarm,tenderfeelingblossoming somewherenearherheart.Shedidntwanthimtoloveher.Shedidnt wanttofeelanysparksofhopeforafuturewithSteve.Therewasno futurewithhim,shefirmlytoldherself. Imnotdonewithyouyet,hedsaid.Thatsallitwas.Hewanted moresex.Thatwasgood,right?Thatsallshedwantedfromhimfrom thefirst. Idesireyou,Carolsaid,thengiggled.Oh,God,IswearifIever gotaletterlikethis,Idjustdie. Gracielookedoveratherfriend.Carolgrinnedather.Yougoing tocallhim? ShetookthepaperbackfromCarolandcarefullyrefoldedit,gently putitbackintheenvelope.Ihavetothink. Whatstheretothinkabout?Carolasked,herbrowpuckering intoafrown.Twodozenlongstemmedroses.Aloveletter.Jeez,girl,just whatwouldyouhavetothinkabout? Itsnotwhatyouthink,Car,Graciesaid,slippingtheenvelope intothepocketofherrobe. Oh,no,Carolgroaned.Thisisntoneofyourantiherothings,is it?Didyouboothimout?Didhegettooclosetothatbigollockonyour heart? Brokethelock,shealmostsaid,butbithertongue.Carolknewall hersecrets,evenhowshedlustedafterhersexynextdoorneighborsince thedayhemovedin,thoughGraciehadleftoutafewpertinentdetails aboutoneAugustafternoonlastsummer. Itsjustsex,Graciesaid,evenasasharppainpiercedthattender heart.AndyouknowIdnevergetinvolvedwithsomeonewhorisked theirlifeforaliving.Thatwouldbeplainstupidofme. Youreaclich,Gracie. Graciegrimaced.Whatsthatsupposedtomean? Youregoingtodiealonelyoldwomanifyoudontletsomeone besidesmeintoyourheart.

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Carolwasright,sherealized.Butsheddiealonelyoldwomanif shegotseriouslyinvolvedwithSteve,too.Becauseaheroslifespan wasntallthatlong.Herownfatherhadonlybeenthirtysixwhenthe avalanchegothim. Besides,Stevewasntlookingforlongterm.Hewantedrightnow. Theonlydecisionshehadtomakewasifshewantedrightnowtolastjust alittlelongerornot.Andifherheartcouldtakeanymorebeatings. ***** ItwasaftereleventhatnightbeforeCarolleft.Theydordered ChinesefoodandwatchedanoldCaryGrantmovieonPBS.Withfoodin herbellyandanothergoodcryoverthesillyromance,sheheadedtobed afterlockingup. Asshecrawledupontoherhighbed,thepaperinherrobepocket crinkled.NotthatsheneededareminderofSteve.Evenwhensheand Caroltalkedaboutnothingandeverythingastheywatchedthemovieand atetoomanycalories,hewasalmostatangiblepresenceintheroom.At leasttoher.Thesubtlescentoftheroseswouldcatchheratoddtimes, bringingbacktohereverywordoftheletter. Theletter.Withasighsheflippedonthebedsidelampandpulled theenvelopefromherpocket. Whatdiditallmean?shewonderedassherereadit.Idesireyou, Graciesaidsoftly. Didshewantmoreofhim? Yes. Didshelikeitwhenhetalkeddirty,pretendedtobedominantand fuckedthehelloutofher? Definitely. Whataboutwhenheheldhercloseandwhisperedsoftlyinher ear? Oh,God,yes. Thatwastheproblem,though.Whenheheldhercloseand whispered...itwasalmosttoomuch.Thatswhenherheartbeatfaster

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withsomethingotherthanlust.Whenthosethirtyfoothighbrickwalls shedsocarefullyconstructedaroundherheartbegantocrumble. Butcouldshegiveitallupyet? Sherolledover,grabbedthephonefromthesideofthebed,and punchedinthenumberofhiscellphonebeforeshelosthernerve. Gracie?heansweredonthefirstring.Hisvoicewaslow,little morethanawhisper. Uh...yeah,shestammered. Iwasafraidyouwouldntcall.Holdonbabe.Wanttogetoutof thebunkroom. Sheheardaspringcreak,andthenadoorclose. Imhere,hesaid,hisvoicestillwhispersoft. Ashiverraceddownherspineandshecurledupinaball,hugging herknees.Thankyoufortheroses.Theyrebeautiful. Gracie.Baby.Imsosorryaboutthismorning.Ishouldhavekept myhandstomyself.Ishouldhaveknownbetter... Shefrowned,confused,whenhepaused. Baby,ifIwashurtingyou,whydidntyoutellmetostop? Stupid!Stupid,stupid,stupidGracie!Shepushedtheheelofherhand againsthereye.Hedmeanthewassorryhehurther.Hurtasinphysical pain. Sheletoutagustysigh.Youdidnthurtme,Steve.Sheshookher headindisgustatherownfoolishness. Dontlietome,Gracie.Isawitinyoureyes.God,Icouldjust...I swearGracie,IswearIll Steve.Shutup.Shedecidedshedidntwanttohearanymore abouthowsorryhewasthathephysicallyhurtherwhenhedgivenher nothingbutpleasurethatmorning.Rightupuntilhesaidhehadtogoto work.Maybeshedtakenitwrong.Maybehedbeensoextratenderwith herbecauseshewasinjured.Maybethingscouldgobacktotheway theydbeenbefore... Sorry. Imfinenow.Sheblewoutaquickbreath.Well,fineaboutthis morning.Ithinkmy...hormonesareoffkilteror...residualshockor something.Idontknow.Youdidnthurtme,Iswear.Shebitherlipfor

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asecondthenpushedon.Wheredowestand?Our...ourwhateveritis? Isitover? Thelong,silentpausesuffocatedher.Steve? Idontwantittobe. Airwhooshedoutofherlungs.Reliefandterror.Reliefthatshed havehimagain.Thathedbewithher.Terrorthatwhentheiraffairdid end,shedbeleftinemotionalshambles.Meeither. Oh,thankGod,hesaid.Ithought...Baby,Ihavetogooutof townforafewdays.IwontbebackuntilnextFriday. Shepulledthephoneawayfromherearandfrownedatit,asifhe couldseeherface. ...Chicago...buildingcollapsed...searchandrecovery...Ofive hundred. Sheputthephonebacktohearear.Whatdidyoujustsay? AbuildinginChicago.Thelowerlevelswerealreadyoccupied, buttheupperlevelswerestillunderconstruction.Somesnafuhappened thisafternoonandthewholethingcollapsed.Chicagoputoutacallfor searchandrecoveryworkers.Thelieutenantissendingmycrewbecause wevehadthemostexperience.Weleaveatfivetomorrowmorning. Searchandrecovery,shesaidsoftly.Thatswhatherdadhad beendoingwhen...Youshouldbesleepingthen.ImsorryIcalledso late. Dontbe.NowIcangoandnotworrythat...Imgladyoucalled, babe. Pleasebecareful. IllbehomeFridayevening.Havedinnerwithme? Shesmiledabit,tryingtochasetheworryfromhermind.Come overtomyplacewhenyougethome.Illhavesomethingwaitingfor you. Oh,baby.Hisvoicedroppedtoasatiricgrowl.Ihopethat meanswhatIthinkitmeans. Warmthflowedthroughher,touchinghereverywhere.Seeyou Friday. Gnight,Gracielove.

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Herbreathcaughtforasecond.Whatdidyousay?she demanded,buthewasalreadygone. Gracielove.NotGraciedear.Hadnthesaidthatbefore?Whenthey werehavingsex?Shecouldntremember,butifhehadsaiditbefore,it hadntregisteredthen. Shehungupthephoneandturnedoffthelight. Hedidntmeanit,shetoldherselfrepeatedlyasshescrunched downintoherblankets.Justanotherendearment.SteveSheldonwas nothingmorethanabigflirtwhowasntdonewithheryet.Hedesired her.Thatsall.Desire.Lust.Want.Maybeevencraveforawhile. Thatsall.

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ChapterTen
StevedialedGraciesnumberashehoppedinhistruckatthe airportslongtermparking.Theydspokenonthephoneeverynighthed beenaway,thoughnotforlong.Hedbeenexhausted.Depressedbythe senselessdestructiontheydencounteredinChicago.Theconstruction company,workingmonthsbehindschedule,hadletthebuildingsowner openthebottomtenfloorsofanewfortystorybuildingbeforeitwas complete.Dozensofpeoplehadbeenburiedunderthewreckageofthe collapse.Thestructurehadbeenunsound.Hundredsoflawsbrokenby cityinspectors.Theinvestigationwouldgoonformonths. Hello?Graciesaidovertheline. Hi,babe.Imattheairport.Behomeinabouttwentyminutes.He startedthetrucktoletitwarmup. Imreadyforyou. Hervoicewashusky,sexy.Hiscockjumpedtolife,andhehadthe urgetoguntheengineandtearoutoftheparkinglot. Insteadheleanedbackintheseatandgrinned.Areyou? Uhhuh. Whatareyouwearing? Herlowchucklewasfilledwitheroticpromises.SomethingI pickedupatSexyfunthisafternoon. SexyfunwasCooperValleysonlylingerieandsextoyshop.He laidhishandoverhisunrulydick.Whatwouldyourstudentsthinkif theyknewyoushoppedthere?

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FiveAlarmNeighbor
Shelaughed.Ihavearoastintheoven.Itllbereadyinacoupleof hours.Bettergetheresoon,orwellonlyhavetimeto...eat. Hegroaned.Youaresofuckinghot. Hot.Bothered.Andreallywet. Imonmyway.Heputthetruckingearanddrovetowardthe parkinglotexit. Thefrontdoorsunlocked.Cometothebedroom.Illbewaiting. Shehungup. Hetossedthephoneontheseatandturnedoutofthelotontothe highway,barelyabletokeepthetruckatthepostedspeedlimit. ***** Graciedroppedthekitchenphoneintoitscradleanddashedinto thebedroom.Shetalkedagoodgame,butcouldshepullitoff?She rippedherfoodsplatteredsweatshirtoverherheadandtosseditinthe hamper.Kickingoffhertennisshoes,shewiggledoutofherjeans. Grabbingtheblackplasticbagfromthesexstore,sheskitteredintothe bathroomandturnedontheshower. Stevehadobviouslycomeinonanearlierflight.Hedsaidhe wouldbehomeatseven.Aglanceattheclocktoldheritwasjustpast five.Dinnerwascooking,buttherestofherplansmightgodownthe drainifshedidnthurry. ***** Stevepulledupinfrontoftheduplex.Allthelightswereoffin bothsides.Hishedexpected,buthers? Hegrabbedhisdufflefrombehindtheseatandwenttoherdoor.It wasunlocked,asshedpromised.Steppinginside,heopenedhismouth tocallouttoher,butsnappeditshutwhenhesawcandlesflickering aroundtheroomfromeverysolidsurface.Thecounter,thecoffeetable, thestonehearth. Droppinghisbagbythedoor,heslowlymadehiswayaroundthe room,blowingouteachcandleashewent.Beautifulasitwas,the

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firefighterinhimcouldntleavethemburningwhentheydbeinthe bedroomforwhoknewhowlong. Thebedroomdoorwasclosed.Heknockedlightly.Noanswer. Holdinghisbreath,heturnedtheknobandslowlypusheditopen. HolyChrist. Shedturnedherbedroomintoaroommadeforsex. Morecandlesflickeredonthedresser,whichhadshadowsdancing throughthesheergauzethathungfromtheceiling.Satinsheetsdraped thebedinaneroticshadeofred.Hugeblacksatinpillowsscattered haphazardlyontopcompletedthesetting.Butwherewas...? Takeoffyourclothes. Steveturnedtowardthesilkyvoice.Dressedinsomethingblack, sheblendedintoshadowbythecloset.Allhecouldseewerethewhitesof hereyesandpalepatchesofskin.Hedneverthoughtsomethinghe couldntseewouldprovetobesodamnsexy. Isaid,takeoffyourclothes.Dontmakemeangry,Stevedear. Hiscockstrainedagainsthisjeans.Hiskneeswentweak.Shed turnedthetables.Andholyshit,itturnedhimon. Hopinghissightwouldadjustsohecouldmakeoutmoreofher shape,hethrewoffhisjacketandTshirt.Hekickedoffhisshoes,shoved hispantsandunderweartothefloor,thensteppedoutofthem. Notbad,shesaid,hervoicehusky,sofuckingerotic.Ithink youlldo. Heswallowed,wonderingifhedcomebeforeheevensawher. Thatvoicealonemadehimlosecontrol.Italreadyhad,twice,overthe phonewhilehewasaway. Getonthebed. Henearlydoveforit,readytobegherforwhatevershewaswilling togive.Butthiswashergame,andalittleanticipationwouldnthurt.He stoodstillandwaited. Isaid,Stevedear,getonthefuckingbed. Hisballstightened,cumpressingatthebaseofhisdick.Hemoved tothebed,grittinghisteethsohewouldntlosehisloadbeforeshe touchedhim.Hestretchedoutonhisside,facingher,tryingtofocuson

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her,wishinghecouldchangethecandlesflickerintoaspotlight.Whatthe hellwasshewearing? Onyourback. Hereacheddownandwrappedhishandaroundhiscock,pressing againsthisballstoholdbackhisrelease. Getyourhandoffyourself,youdirtyman. Makeme,hedaredher. Shesteppedintothecandlelight. Oh,God,hegroaned.Thesightofher...Hehadtosqueezehis eyesshutandconcentratewithallhismightnottogoovertheedge. Isaid,Stevedear,getyourhandsoffyourself.Now. Hecouldnt.Ifheletgo,hedexplode. Thebeddippedslightly,andheopenedhiseyesintimetoseeher leaningoverhim.Blackleatherstrapscrisscrossedoverhertinywaistand betweenherbreasts.Thethinneststrapofleatherhedeverseencovered herpussy.Herlipswerepainteddeepred,hereyesoutlinedinblack. Whiteteethflashedbeforeshebitdownonhisnipple. Hey!heshoutedandjerkedhishandoffhiscock. Adeepthroatylaughcamefromher,adarkandcarnalsoundhed neverheardbefore. Behave,Stevedear,orIllbeforcedtohurtyou. Herfingertrailedfromhisthrobbingnipple,downthecenterofhis abs,overthetipofhispenis.Itjumpedandhisballstightenedpainfully. Imgoingtocomeanysecond,hewarned. Oneshapelyeyebrowroseasshelookeddownathim.Youthink so? Nodoubtaboutit.Henodded. Sheleanedoverandwentforhisnippleagain.Hegrittedhisteeth, waitingforthepain.Instead,shelightlyswirledhertonguearoundit. Suckinginadeepbreath,heprayedhecouldholdoffjustafew minuteslonger.Hewantedtoletherhaveherfun.Butsonofabitch,hed neverseenanythingsexierthanhisGracieinblackleather Haveyoubeenabad,badman?sheaskedinthatvoicethatwas someotherGracie.Herlipsclosedoverhisothernipple,andhiships thrusthisdickintotheair.

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Yes,hegroaned Doyouneedtobepunished? Yes,maam.Hegrippedtheslipperysheettokeepfromgrabbing her. Ithoughtso. Inonesmoothmotion,shethrewherlegoverhim,herassrightin hisface.OhdearGod,sheworeblackkneehighbootswithfuckmeheels. Eatme,shecommandedassheshovedherhotpussyontohis face. Hebroughthishandsup,spreadhercheeks,pulledtheleather thongtothesideandlickedherfromclittoasshole. Sheletoutananimalcry. Again!shedemanded. Heshovedhistongueinsideherandpinchedherclitbetweenhis fingers. Shecameinstantlywithascreamandagushofhotjuiceonhis face. Insteadofcollapsingontopofhim,ashefearedsheddo,herlips closedoverthetipofhiscock,andshepressedatthatawesomespot belowhisballs. Hisbodywentrigidandtherewasnoholdingback.Witharoar, hisseedshotintohermouth.Herhotlipsclampedoverhim,takingitall downherthroat.Whenhewasfullyspent,shelickedhimclean. Afterafewmoments,shemovedherassoutofhisface.Notthat hedmindeditthere.Shehadonefineass. Hecouldntmove.Everymuscleinhisbodyhadturnedtogelatin. Sheturnedaroundandcameupbesidehim,reachedoverhimand drewafewtissuesfromtheboxonthenightstand.Shegrinnedandwiped themoisturefromhisface.Welcomehome,Stevedear. Allhecoulddowasgazeather.Herhairwasthecolorofdark cedarinthecandlelight.Hereyesglowedwithheatand... Comehere,hewhispered. Sheleanedintohim,herbootedleggoingoverhisthighs. Closer. Herfacenearedwithininchesofhis.

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Hecuppedhercheeks,pushingthebangsoffherforehead. Nothingwasleftofhercarwreckexceptaoneinchscarclosetoher hairline.Closer,hesaid,andpulledherdownontopofhim,capturing hermouthwithhis.Hegroanedwhenhetastedhimselfonhertongue. Herhandsdelvedintohishair,herfingersfistingandtugging.She waswild,stillreadyformore. Herolledherover,comingdownontopofher,theirmouthsnever separating. Hernailsscoredhisshoulders,back,andhisdickstirredtolife.My God,hethoughtashegrabbedherwristsandpinnedthemoverherhead. Neverinallhislifehadawomanturnedhimonasmuch,asfast,as Graciecould. Shebithisbottomlipandplayfullyfoughthisgrip,butheheldher down.Gameover.Myturn.Hethrusthissemierectcockintoher. Thatallyougot?shesaidwithagiggle. Hechuckled. Onthenextstroke,hewasfullyhard.Thethirdtimeheslammed intoher. Muchbetter,badman. Hereleasedherwristsandgrabbedherthighs,bringingherlegs overhisshoulders.Hegroundhishipsagainsther,fullyembeddedinher tightpussy. Hereyelidsdriftedshut.Hermouthdroppedopen.Stevegrinned intriumph.Thistimehedmakeitlastaslongassheneeded.Heswirled hishipsinacircle,andherbreathcaughtforaninstant. Likethat,Graciedear? Yyesss. Heleveredhimselfuponhiskneesandshovedoneofthosebig pillowsunderherass. Takemore. Grippingherthighs,herammedintoherhardandfast,lovingher witheverythinghehadtogive. Shegrippedtheheadboardandtookallofhim.Whenshe climaxed,hercrywasprimal.Asherinnermusclesworkedhiscock,he rodeherorgasm,withholdinghisownrelease.Whenherbodywentlimp,

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hepulledthepillowoutfrombeneathher,loweredherlegsfromhis shouldersandremainingembeddedinhersweetbody,hegatheredher intohisarms. Hershortpantswerehotonhisface. Stillhewaited. Herheartbeatthuddedagainsthischest. Hewaited. Finally,whenthelittleelectriclikepulsesaroundhishardcock subsided,hereyelidsflutteredopen.Shegazedupathimwiththemost gorgeouseyesonearth. Iloveyou,Graciedear. Hereyeswidened.Herbodytensed.Orange.

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ChapterEleven
StevepacedthelengthofthebaynexttoLadderTruckTwo,and silentlycalledhimselfeverykindofjackassandfool,thenmadeupsome morenamesforgoodmeasure. SixdayssincethatdisastrousnightinGraciesbed.Onehundred andfortysixhourssinceshethrewhimoutofherhouse,practically naked,andtoldhimthegamewasover. Hadntsomeknowitallsextherapistsaidwomenwantedwords ofendearment?Theyneededtoknowthemancaredformorethantheir bodies? Hesnorted. Whoeverhadcomeupwiththatloadofcraphadnevermethis Gracie. Hedleftcountlessmessagesonheransweringmachineexplaining thatwhathedsaidhadntbeenpartofanygame.Hedidloveher.He wantedafuturewithher. Shehadntreturnedhiscalls.Theonetimehedwaitedoutsideher houseuntilnearlyelevenoclockatnight,shedwalkedrightpasthim withnothingmorethanaglareinhisdirection,refusingtolistento anythinghehadtosay. Hesenthermoreflowers.Hefoundthemsittingonhiswelcome mat,frozenandwiltedwhenhegothome. Hedwrittenheraletter.Hefoundittapedtohisfrontdoor, unopened.

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Whatthefuckwashesupposedtodotogethertotalktohim?To atleastexplaintohimwhyshewassodeadsetagainstarealrelationship? Heslashedhisfingersthroughhishairinfrustration.Goddamn women.Whydtheyhavetomakeeverythingsofuckingcomplicated? ThetonessoundedjustasRickJohnson,theprobieinchargeof monitoringtheradio,calledout,Lieutenant.Callcomingin. Stevehitthealarmonthewallandjerkedopenthedoortothe truck.815WalkintonStreet.Structurefire.Allstationsrespond,came overtheradio. Hiscrewfiledoutthedoor,allgoingfortheirturnoutsuitshanging onthewallinthebay.Hepickeduptheradioandcalledinhisresponse, thengrabbedhisturnout. Toby,youdrive. Yes,sir! Soundslikeabadone,Keithadded. Letsroll,Stevecalledandclimbedintothetruck. ***** Thefuckingphonerangagain. Sittinginthemiddleofherbedgradinghomework,Gracieignored theinsistentjangle.Howmuchmoreunsubtlecouldshebe?Whycouldnt themangetitthroughhisthickskullthatshedidntwanttotalktohimor seehim?Wasshegoingtohavetogogetarestrainingordertogethimto leaveherthehellalone? Jeez,shethought,washeanidiot?Plainasdayshedlaiditoutto himthemorningaftertheirfirstnighttogether.Shedidntwantlong term.Notwithhim.Hedagreed,butthenwentandchangedalltherules. Didntherealizehowmuchthiswaskillingher?Topretendhe wasntleavingallthosesweetmessagesonhermachine?Theflowers? Shedbeensodamnedtemptedtoopenthatenvelopeandreadhiswords toher,butsheddeniedherself.Sentitbackunopened.Couldnthandle anymorepaintoherbatteredheart. Whythehellcouldnthehavebeenanaccountantorevenafactory worker?Somethingthatwouldntkillhimbeforehehitforty?Bettertoget

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overhimnowthanaftertheyweremarriedandhadacouplekids.Better tohaveabruisedheartnowratherthanonesoshatteredbyhisdeaththat itcouldneverberepaired.Shecouldntriskthat. Theringingstoppedastheansweringmachinepickedupthecall.It wasntStevesvoicethistime,butCarols.Gracie,sweetie,ifyoure home,pickup. Graciegrabbedthephonebythebed.Imhere,justavoidingone nogood Turnonchannelnine. Huh? Channelnine.Thenews. Holdon.Gottachangephones.Graciesetthereceiveronthe nightstandandwentintothelivingroom,pickeduptheportablephone, thenclickedtheTVonwiththeremote. Foraninstant,thevideolookedlikemorefootageof911.Butthen thecamerapannedthescene,andshesawtheCooperValleyretirement complexgoingupinflames.Holyshit,shesaidintothephone. Gracie,Carolsaidsoftly.Turnupthevolume. Shehitthecontrolandlistened. Torecapourtopstory,thenewscasterannounced,three firefightersarestilltrappedinside.AllfromCooperValleyLadder CompanyTwo. OhGod... Themonotonereportcontinued.Ananonymoussourcetellsus theyareidentifiedasFireFightersTobyAngelandKeithCampbell,and LieutenantSteveSheldon.Crewshereareworkinghardtogetthemout, butsofartheresnowordyetontheircondition,andthefirecontinuesto rageoutofcontrol. No,Graciecollapsedontothecouchasherlegsgaveway.No! Gracie,honey... Tearsblurredhervision.DearGod,please.No. Gracie Shedroppedthephoneandsurgedtoherfeet.Afterawildsearch forshoesandhercoat,shegrabbedherkeysanddashedoutthefront door.

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SheclimbedbehindthewheelofhershinynewSUVandcranked theengine.Shehadtogettohim.Shehadtotellhim.Oh,God,please dontletitbetoolate! Drivingtoofast,sheswipedatthetearsstreamingdownher cheeks.Hehadtobealive.Hehadtobe.Shecouldntlosehim.She couldnt! Ablockawayfromtheretirementcomplex,authoritieshadclosed thestreet.ShebroughttheSUVtoascreechinghaltandvaultedoutofit, runningaroundthebarricadestowardtheburningbuilding. Firetruckssprayedwaterfromfourdirectionsontothebuilding. Redandbluelightsfromambulances,morefiretrucks,policecruisersand EMTunitsflashedblindinglybright. Assheshovedpastagroupofonlookers,athickarmwound aroundherwaist,pinninghertoasolidwallofaman.Shescreamedand kicked. Letmego!Hesinthere,hesinthere!Sheclawedatthegloved handaroundhermiddle. Easynow.Alloftheresidentshavebeensafelyaccountedfor. Strugglingharder,shescreamed,Youdontunderstand.Ivegot togethimout! Who? Steve!Letgo!Shekickedbackwards,butherfootglancedoffa heavyboot. Maam,pleasecalmdown. Steve!shescreamed.SteveSheldonthefirefighter.Hesin there.Shepointedatthebuilding. Themansaidsomethingelsebutasuddenexplosionblockedout anywordsshemayhaveheard.Instunnedhorror,shewatchedasthe buildingcavedinonitself.Theroof,normallyfourfloorshigh,crashed ontothesecondfloor. Oh,God.Shequitstrugglingagainstthemansgrip.Shedlost anotherhero.Youfuckingsonofabitch,sheaccusedthemanastears streameddownhercheeks.

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Maam.Themansglovedhandswenttohershoulders,turned hertofacehim.Hewasauniformedofficer,butshecouldntseehisface throughhertears.Maam.Listentome. Sheslidtotheground,herlegsunabletoholdherupanylonger. Hekneltbesidehertryingtotalktoherasshesobbed. Inablinkofaneye.Gone.Anyoneatanytime,nomatterwhatthey didforaliving.Shecouldhavediedinthatcarcrash.Stevecouldhave diedcrossingthestreetinsteadofinaburningbuilding. Timewassoshort.Sofragile.Howmanyhourshadshethrown awaythatshecouldvespentinhisarms?Allthosedaysshecouldve sharedwithhim,butno.Shedbeenafraidofthis,scaredoflosinghim andbeinghurt.Now,shewashurtanyway. OhGod. Herlastwordstohimhadbeensomean.Socold. Now,hedneverknowhowmuchshelovedhim. ***** Stevesatontherunningboardofthefiretruckandsuckedinthe oxygenfromthemaskheheldoverhisface.Histhroatached,hislungs burnedasiftheywereonfire.Heclosedhiseyes,butthatcouldntstop thestingthatmadethemwater. Hedtakenoffhisrespiratorandgivenittoalittleoldladyjust beforetheceilingonthefirstfloorbegantofallin.IfTobyandKeith hadntdraggedhisassoutofthere,hewouldvebeentoastbynow. Lieutenant? HeliftedhisheadandsawJohnson.ThankGodhehadntsentthe probieinsteadofgoinginhimself. Theresacommotionoverthere.Johnsonpointedtowardagroup ofuniformedofficers.Theyrelookingforyou. Hepulledthemaskawayfromhisfacelongenoughtocroakout, Sendemover.Thenheclosedhiseyesashesuckedinmoreoxygen. Steve! Gracie?Hepriedhiseyesopen,buthisvisionwasblurry.

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Oh,God!Shethrewherselfathimandwrappedherarmsaround hisneck.Ithoughtyouweredead,shesaidbetweensobs.Ithought youweredead. Hedroppedtheoxygenmaskandwrappedhisarmsaroundher. Imfine.Hisvoicesoundedlikegravelrubbingtogether. Idontwanttoloveyou.Ineverwantedtoloveyou.Shekissed hisear,hischeek,hisforehead.Youreagoddamnedhero.Idontwanta hero.Heroesdie.Herlipsgrazedhischin,hisjaw.Butdamnyou. Damnyou. Hecapturedherheadinhishandsandpulledherbacksohecould seeherface.Herpinkjacketwassootsmudgedfromhisturnout.Herface hadblackstreaksfromhisownskin.GraciedearAfitofcoughingcut offhiswords. Theoxygenmaskwasshovedbackonhisface,andheglancedup toseeTobystandingnexttohim.Takeiteasythere,Lieutenant. Heshurt,GracietoldToby,cradlingStevesheadagainsther breasts.Heneedsadoctor.Thewordscameoutinahighpitchedpanic. Steveclosedhiseyesandtookholdoftheoxygenmask.Hefeltlike shit,butGraciefeltgood. Hejustinhaledsomesmoke.Hellbeokaysoon,Tobysaid,then leanedoverandpeeredintoStevesface.Stevegavehimaweaksmile, andTobygrinned.ItdbeahellofalongtimebeforeSteveliveddownthe factthatheletawomancoddlehimduringafire.Chiefshere.Saysto getyoursorryasstothehospitaltogetcheckedout. Stevenodded.HeturnedhisfaceuptolookatGracie.Tears streakeddownherfaceandshekepttouchinghishairandcheekasifshe neededthecontacttoknowhewasreal. Iloveyou,shewhisperedinhisear.Ididntwantto,butIdo. Hepulledthemaskawayfromhisfaceandthreadedhisfingers throughherhair,pullinghermouthdowntohis.Shewassweetandfresh comparedtotheacridtasteofsmokeinhisnostrilsandmouth.Withhis otherhandhecuppedherassandpulledhertightagainsthim. Wolfcallsandcheerswentuparoundthem,butheignoredthe men.Graciewasallthatmatteredrightthissecond.

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Sheslowlydrewhermouthfromhis,cradledhischeeksinher hands.Iveneverbeensoscaredinmylife,shewhispered. Heshookhishead.Iwantyou,Gracie.Heswallowedhard.I loveyouwithallmyheart,butthisismycalling.Itsinmyblood.Its whatIdo. Shegazedintohiseyes.Iknow. Nooneknowswhattomorrowwillbring. Shenodded. Areyouwillingtochanceitwithme?Giveusashot? Herbottomliptrembledandmoretearsdroppedfromherlashes. Dontyoueverleavethehousewithoutsayinggoodbye.Dontever... Shetookashudderybreath. Hewrappedhisarmsaroundher,andsheburiedherfaceagainst hisneck.YoullalwaysknowhowmuchIloveyou,Graciedear.No matterwhereIam,orwhatImdoing,youreinmyheart.IpromiseIll neverletyouforgetthat. Lifewaschancy,heandGracieknewthat,buthedloveherwith hiswholeheartforaslongashehadbreathinhim.Andlookingdownat herpretty,sootsmudgedface,heknewshedjustgivenhimthesamegift. TheEnd

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AnnaLeighKeaton AuthorBio
AnnaLeighhasbeenreadingandpenningromancesforaslongasshecan remember.Aftershemetandmarriedherveryownreallifehero, romancetookonawholenewmeaning.Shenowknowsmarriedlifecan sizzleandromancecanbeerotic,eveninherownhome.Nowherwriting hastakenonaspicierflavorand,whilehubbysoffatwork,sheletsher imaginationsoar. Shelovestohearfromherreadersandalwaysresponds. Youcanemailheratanna@annaleighkeaton.comorstopbyherwebsite atwww.annaleighkeaton.com

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AlsoavailablefromCobblestonePress

FoolsFortunebySaraDennis
ChapterOne ThegunshotechoedinValeriesmind,drowningoutallother thought. Thedamnedcarkeyswouldntfitintheslot!Breathe,Valerie, breathe.Tryagain. Kyleherbaby,herlittleboyslumpedinthepassengerseat,his skinashenandbeadedwithsweat.Bloodstainedhisfingersandthetowel pressedagainsthisleg.Hestruggledtokeephiseyesopen,thensagged againstthedooragain,eyesrolledbackinhishead. No!Kyle,no.Youhavetostayawake.Thecarkeysslippedfrom Valeriesfingersasshereachedtoshakehim,thejinglelostbeneathhis whimperofprotest.Mingledguiltandreliefracedthroughher.Whatwas shethinking?Anambulance.Sheshouldcall911. No.Shehadtodosomething.Shecouldntwaitforanambulance toarrive.Shepressedakissagainsthersonsforehead.Elevenyearsold, notsuchababyafterall.Weregoing,Kyle.Weregoing.Youstayawake forme. Shestoppedjustshyofcrackingherheadonthesteeringwheel, andduckedtodragthekeyringintoherhand.Garagekey,officekey Whyweretheresomanywhensheonlyneededone?Herfingerswere slickwithKylesblood,andnumb.There.Shestabbedthecarkeyintothe

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ignitionandcrankeditwithavicioustwist. Thecarlurchedbackward.Kylewhimperedagain.Parkingbrake, stupidparkingbrake.Valerieslappeditdownandpeeledoutofthe driveway,goingmuchtoofastforthewindingstreet. Youokay,baby?Ofcoursehewasntokay.Hewasbleeding.Her sonwasbleedingalloverthefrontseat.Talktome,Kyle.Stayawake. Dontwannatalk.Hemumbledthewords.Hiseyesfluttered openthenclosedagain.Theeyelashesshelovedtoteasehimabout,long andunfairlythick,weretoodarkagainstthepallorofhisskin. Shedbeenworkingintheofficeatthebackofthehouse,the perfectplacetogetawayandworkwithoutgivinguptimewithherson. KyleandhisfriendRandyhadplayedamarathonsessionofvideogames. Shedpaidlittleattentiontotherackettheymadetrompingupstairsto lookthroughKylestradingcards.Itwasnothingcomparedtothenext sound.Thegunshothadtheimpactofcannonfire. Valeriestartledbacktothepresentjustintimetoseethestoplight turnred.Toolatetosteponthebrakes,shetightenedheralreadywhite knuckledgriponthewheelandprayedtomakeitthroughbeforeanyone triedtoturn.Shedsurviveafewcursesandhonkinghorns.GettingKyle tothehospitalwasmoreimportantthananyofthat. Mama,whyarewegoingsofast?Kyleturnedhisheadslowly,as ifthatsimplemovementtookallthestrengthhehad.Hishandshad slippedoffthetowelandnowsatidleinhislap. Weregoingtogetsomeonetohelpyou,butyouhavetohelpme, too,okay?Keepyourhandsonthetowel,baby.Keeppushingdown. Butithurts.Hisvoicewavered. Valerieforcedanotherwaveoftearsaway.Iknow,sweetie,but itsjustalittlemore.Okay?Canyoubebravejustalittlelonger? Hedidntanswer,butshesawhimknothisfingersinthe bloodstainedcloth. Valerieputherfootdownontheacceleratorandblewthrough anotherlight. *****

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472,whatsyour20? Dylanreachedforthehandsetwithoutthought.Themotionwasa partofhim,asnaturalasbreathing.Hecoulddoitwithoutfumblingeven whenhismindwandered,whichitoftendidatthistimeofday. Somethingaboutthehourafterlunchandthecomfortablefitofthe Camarosseat. Mostdays,hekepthimselfawakewithasteadyflowoficewater andcaffeine,butthecoffeefromthismorningwascoldnow,andhe couldnthitareststopwithadispatcherontheline.Heshookthehazeof daydreamsoffandclearedhisthroat. 472issittingon80West,watchingpeoplehittheirbrakesabout fivemilesoutsideFortuneRiver.Whatveyougotforme,Cheri? Tenfour,472.Beadvisedthatwevegotreportsofaracerheaded yourway. Dylansatupstraighter.Someoneracinginthemiddleoftheday? Nowhewasawake.Heglancedintherearviewmirror,waitingforthecar thatwouldgiveitselfaway.Anyoneinpursuit? Thatsanegative.Wegotthecallfromsomeoneonacellphone. Guessshecuthimoffandhedecidedtocallitin.Friendlyguy.Sarcasm oozedthroughtheairwaves,andDylangaveintoagrin.Cheriwasgood whenshewasallbusiness.Shewasmorefunwhenshelet professionalismslipalittle. Letshearitfortheconcernedcitizen.WhatamIlookingfor? Thecallerputsherinadarkbluesedan.Hedidntgetamakeor model,buthethoughtitmighthavebeenaToyota. MighthavebeenaToyota.Dylanbithistongue.InNorthern California,itseemedlikeeverybodydroveaToyotathesedays.Not muchhelp,hemuttered,eyesstillonthemirror.Didhegetaplate number? Nope,buthedidgetcutoff.Heguessedshewasdoingeighty beforeshehitthefreeway.Weoughttobegladhedidnttrytochaseher downforthetag. Youreright.Justgrousing.Illkeepaneyeout Adarkbluesedancrestedthehillbehindhim.Dylanwatchedit weavethroughthethreelanesoftraffic,movingsofasttherestofthecars

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lookedliketheywerestandingstill.Whenitwhippedpasthim,hisradar gunclockeditat95. Ivegothim,Dylanreported.472inpursuit. ***** Valeriedidntwantsirensandflashinglightsnow.Shewas speedingandsheknewit,buttodaysheneededthecopstobebusy somewhereelse. Sheglancedinthemirroragain,hopingthathewasaftersome othercar.Shelookedathirdtimebecausetheredandbluelightsonthe whiteCamarojustdidntmakesense.PolicemendidntdriveCamaros. TheydroveblackandwhiteCrownVictorias.Big,heavycars,not Camaros.Shescowledandforcedherattentionbacktotheroad. Mama,arethecopsafterus?Kylesvoicewasawhisper,buthe wastrying,blesshissoul. No,baby.Dontyouworry.Werenotdoinganythingwrong. Nothingexceptbreakingtrafficlawsleftandright.Valeriepushedthegas pedaltothefloor,andthespeedometerinchedpastthecenturymark. Speedingornot,shewasntgoingtostopnow. Sheslappedthehornandamotorcycleriderzippedoutofherway. ShedartedacrosstwolanesdirectlyinfrontofanSUV.Thedriverleaned onhishornandflashedherwithhishibeams,butValeriedidntcare.She shoutedanapologyhedneverhearandracedondowntheroad. Shenearlymissedthehospitalexit.Thecarfishtailedasshejerked thewheeltotheright,wobblingoverthereflectorssetintotheblacktop. Kylewhimperedthenwentquiet.Maybeitwasbetterthathedpassed out. Valeriechokedbackacurseandwhippedaroundapickuptruck, thenblastedthroughthestoplightattheendoftheofframp.Tires squealedasshetookthenextlefttoosharply,andanotherchorusofcar hornswentupinherwake. Thewailofthepolicesirenkeptcoming.ThecopintheCamaro wasntgivingup. Fine,shemutteredangrily.Followmealltheway.Arrestme

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whenwegetthere.Idontcare! Shedidntcareasshesquealedthroughtherightturnontotheroad thatcircledthehospital,andsheignoredtheonewaysignontheturnshe tooktogettotheemergencyroomdoor.Shepretendednottonoticethe peoplewhostoppedtostareasshescreechedtoastop.Shewasblindto theCamarocopasheroaredinbehindher.Allthatmatteredwasgetting Kyletosomeonewhocouldhelp. ***** Acura.DamnedblueAcura.Toyota,my ThedriversdoorontheAcuraflewopenwithsuchforcethat Dylanhalfexpectedthehingestogiveway.Thedriverleapedoutofthe carandranaroundthehoodtowardtheotherdoor.Shewasunarmed andpayingnoattentiontothecrowdgatheringtowatch.Fivefootfive, fivesixatthemost.Slenderframe.Hundredtwentypounds.Curly,dark brownhair.Notmuchofathreatunderordinarycircumstances,butwith thewayshedbeendriving,therewasnotellingwhatshehadinmind. Dylankickedhisdooropenandhadhisguninhishandthe momenthewasonhisfeet.Hehadgreatreflexesthatdbeenprovenin histestsbuttheabilitytoavoidstumblingwhiledoingtwothingsat oncedidntkeephisheartfrompoundinginasituationlikethis. Stop!CaliforniaHighwayPatrol.Hegaveitamomenttoregister. Notthatheexpectedhertogiveupandstandstill.Mostofthetimethey didnt,buteveryonedeservedachance.Whenshereachedforthehandle ofthepassengersidedoor,heliftedhisgun.Secondwarning.Handsup, andstepawayfromthecar! Thistimethewordsgotthroughtoher.Shejerkedasifhedstruck her,andstaredwideeyedathim.Shedidntliftherhands,though,sohe repeatedthecommand. Herexpressionshifted.Griefreplacedpanic,asifshedjustrealized whereshewasandwhatsheddone.Shedidasheasked,andevenfroma carlengthaway,hecouldseehowherhandstrembled.Hercheekswere paleandhereyesredrimmed.ButwhatgrabbedDylansattentionwas thesmearofcoloronthepalmsofherhands.Themuzzleofhisgun

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wavered.Jesus,isthatblood?

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