Scorch (Missoula Smokejumpers Book 6) Read online

  Reese bit back another smile but darted a glance in Sawyer’s direction, blushing when she caught his eye.

  “I think I need to freshen up after that,” Jo groaned.

  “Me too. I’ll join you. A little hot under this dress. Then we might have to ask a few hunky men to dance.” Tina rose to her feet, both girls walking away.

  Reese finally exhaled. “Nice guys.”

  “They are the best,” Stasha said quietly. “I adore Boone. He’s my rock and so sweet while being dominating.” Giggling, she covered her mouth with the back of her hand.

  “A spanking? Does he spank you?”

  Her face and neck a bright red, Stasha leaned further in. “They all practice domestic discipline.”

  “What?” The news was interesting as hell and sexy too. She allowed her eyes to drift back to the group and could still see Sawyer watching her. She felt heat slide up from between her breasts.

  “I’m serious. They have this club. No laughing and I’m not certain I want Tina or Jo to know. Called Burnout. They all believe, all like twelve of them that women should be taken in hand. I know. It sounds insane, but it works for me. Boy, does it ever work for me.”

  “I had no idea there were clubs,” Reese said absently, imagining living the actual lifestyle instead of playing at it.

  “You know? I have no idea. They are an original bunch.”

  “I didn’t know you were into spankings.”

  “As if you aren’t? Takes one to know one, girl,” Stasha teased.

  Reese groaned. “That obvious?”

  “Eh, maybe a little. I like him for so many reasons. He’s a great guy with a heart of gold and he’d die for his team. At times, I wish he’d go back to ranching, even working the rodeo circuit. He’s hell bent on fighting fires, no matter the cost.”

  “Sounds dangerous.”

  Inhaling, she sat back in her chair. “I’m not going to lie to you. The danger is well, treacherous. I don’t know sometimes. Every call they get, I almost lose my mind. No matter how often or that he comes back safely, I just can’t seem to grasp that they could lose their lives in an instant.”

  “That’s why there’s such a thing as faith and fate.”

  “Didn’t know you were religious.”

  “Oh, I’m not. Not in the least. But fate? I absolutely believe that everything happens for a reason.” As soon as Reese said the words, she felt a different kind of tingle between her legs. She was supposed to meet Sawyer.

  “You know what I think?” Stasha asked, a wry look on her face.

  “Should I dare ask?”

  She laughed and crowded closer. “I think you and Sawyer are perfect for each other.”

  “What do you think?” Boone asked as he grabbed his beer, swinging around to see Sawyer’s face.

  “About?” Sawyer knew exactly what his buddy was talking about, but he was unable to think as clearly as he should. The entire day seemed like a huge blur. He looked across the table, trying to find his bourbon. Sweet lord, he was going to drink several. He tried to resist envisioning the beautiful woman, surprised his cock was already aching.

  “Reese. Gorgeous. Sexy. Intelligent.”

  “She barely said anything. How do you know she’s intelligent?” When he found his drink, he fisted the glass and tried to control the need to gulp the entire amount. Okay, so he was turned on, an unexpected treat after a wretched day.

  “Well…” Boone grinned. “Stasha told me about Reese. She’s a gutsy woman and well educated.”

  “Why do I feel like I’m being set up?”

  “Well,” he rubbed his jaw. “I had a feeling we’d run into the girls tonight.”

  When the words finally registered, he tipped his head in Boone’s direction. “You are trying to fix me up, you asshole. Aren’t you?” He hadn’t been on a date in far too long.

  “Buddy, you need to get laid and she is your type. I can already tell.” Boone took a step back, holding up his hands. “Don’t shoot the messenger.”

  “Shoot. Hell, I might kill you with my bare hands.” He groaned and took another sip. Why was his hand shaking?

  “Why don’t you go dance with her? Just a single dance.” Boone nodded to Stoker as he walked over, Garcia directly behind him.

  “Don’t you dare gang up on me!” Sawyer said then grinned.

  “Did I hear Sawyer likes a girl?” Stoker nudged Sawyer’s arm.

  Sawyer shook his head but glanced in the direction of the table. He could see her lovely face, the way she was toying with her hair and caught a glimpse of her long legs. Yes, she was a stunning woman. Shit. Even his cock was twitching at the thought. “Funny, papa bear. How is the kid?”

  “My boy is doing just fine. And Jessica got a new contract. Two more CDs will hit the streets in the next few months. The woman is a fire power in country music.” Stoker lifted his glass.

  “Fantastic!” Boone tipped his beer. “I’m so glad for you both.”

  “Yeah. Just need to keep her in town,” Stoker half whispered.

  “At least you have something to come home to.” As soon as Sawyer said the words, he could see the spin the guys wanted to create. “Don’t say it. Not a word.”

  Stoker grinned and held up his hands. “Don’t want to push the forever single man.”

  Single. The truth was, he wanted a relationship. He simply wasn’t good at dating.

  “What did the captain want today?” Garcia piped in.

  Boone sighed. “Just to chastise me and he should have. I swear I thought I heard somebody in the forest.”

  Hearing this for the first time, Sawyer glanced into his eyes. He hadn’t been able to tell his friend about the horse. He wasn’t even entirely certain he’d seen the damn thing. “You know the captain. He worries.”

  “Yeah, hard ass. What else was he saying to you?” Boone asked slyly before taking a sip of his beer.

  “Just trying to figure out my plans I think.” Sawyer had no idea what to say.

  “Plans. Huh? Sounds a bit formal if you ask me,” Stoker said under his breath.

  “Don’t read into anything. You know the captain. Making certain everything is on track before he retires.”

  “I can’t believe he’s retiring. I thought he’d make another decision. I don’t know,” Garcia mumbled.

  “All good things come to an end,” Boone stated then grinned. “Speaking of all good things. I overheard Landen tell Riker that he and Shannon are eloping.”

  “You are kidding me?” Stoker huffed. “He has to know we’d all kill him. He can’t deny a wedding.”

  “That’s what I was thinking. We all need to corral the man and make certain he knows his responsibilities.” Boone snuffed. “You guys with me?”

  “You bet!” Garcia piped in.

  Sawyer couldn’t help but steal another glance at Reese. Even her name was sexy. His dick was shoved so hard against his jeans, he was going to have to shift or pinch his swollen balls.

  “Earth to Sawyer. You with us?” Boone moved in front of his buddy.

  “What? Sure. Whatever you said.” What would happen if he did ask her to dance? There were worse things. Right? Wait. He wasn’t ready for this. As a bead of sweat penetrated his collar, he had to fight to keep from wincing.

  Stoker chuckled. “The boy is in love. Moose-eyed. Been down this road before.”

  “Shut up!” Sawyer snapped then noticed the looks on their faces. “Okay, she’s pretty.”

  “Pretty? Get some eyeglasses, boy. She’s gorgeous.” Boone laughed and motioned to the others in the room. “Yo, Moose, Steel. Riker. Come here. Take a look at this chick and tell me if she’s gorgeous or just pretty.”

  As the others walked forward, making grunting noises, Sawyer narrowed his eyes then gave them the finger. “I’m getting another drink.” Before they had a chance to continue ribbing him, he walked out of the small room and toward the bar. And he was going to have to walk right by their table. Shit.

  He took long s
trides, walking with a purposeful step and as he came closer, he inhaled. A seductive mixture of perfumes assaulted his nostrils, but for some reason, he was able to distinguish the one Reese was wearing. Exotic. Musky. Provocative. And he envisioned her naked, lying on a bed of satin sheets, her long, ebony hair splayed out, her skin shimmering from the glow of candlelight.

  Dear God. He was losing his mind. The fire must have shaken him more than he realized. He tipped his head in appreciation as he walked by, continuing to make a bee line for the bar. The comfort of Shannon’s smartass comments might set him straight. As he passed by, he could swear he heard appreciative whistles. He hadn’t experienced that for quite a long time. If ever. A grin on his face, he sidled up to the end of the bar, tapping his fingers on the sleek mahogany top.

  Shannon Miller, the fabulous bar owner and one hell of a ballsy lady gave him an evil eye before sauntering over, her hands on her hips. “Sawyer Lincoln. As I live and breathe. You never come to see me any longer. I was beginning to think you were afraid of me.”

  “Who me?” Sawyer grinned. Truth be told, he’d spent more nights alone over the past few weeks, agonizing over his decision regarding the smokejumping team than spending time with his buddies. The camaraderie that they’d shared for years was the closest encounter to having a family he’d experienced since his parents died almost twelve years before. But the closeness was also suffocating, forcing him to face his demons.

  “Yeah, you!” She pointed a finger and took a quick glance at his empty glass. “Bourbon, short and neat?”

  He adored her painstaking method of digging right to the heart of the matter. Any matter. The woman had a sixth sense about her. “Maybe not too short. I need some courage.”

  “You mean in order to be able to hitch up those tight jeans of yours and ask a pretty lady to dance?” Shannon tipped her head, her eyes locking on the table of women.

  “Ugh!” Dropping his head, he had to laugh. “How do you do that? How? Are you some freaking mind reader?”

  “Just a barkeep, honey. I’m observant. The girls seem to have a thing for you. You could do worse, especially with the stunning raven-haired chick.”

  He took a quick glance over his shoulder. “I don’t know anything about her.”

  Grabbing a rock’s glass, she winked. “She’s a defense attorney, and while I abhor her choice in clients, she is damn good at what she does. She doesn’t have a boyfriend and her drink of choice? Well, other than the occasional margarita or glass of wine? Bourbon, and she doesn’t mind spending a pretty penny on the best I got.”

  “Stasha has been doing some talking. Hasn’t she?”

  Laughing, she poured a hefty amount of bourbon then slid the glass in his direction. “The attorney part, yes, but I’ve seen her in here a couple of times.”

  “An attorney, huh?”

  “Yeah, just be careful that her bite isn’t worse than her bark. She’s rough and tumble in court. At least that’s what the newspapers say.” Shannon leaned over the bar, folding her arms. “You okay, lately? You don’t seem like yourself.”

  “Just exhausted. Been a brutal summer with fires.”

  “Yeah, Landen isn’t sleeping much. Nightmares. I think he’s thinking about 9/11 again, but he won’t talk about the horrors any longer. I think he’s trying to protect me. Men.” She huffed then shook her head. “I love that man but could smack him around. Oops. I guess that’s the other way.”

  Sawyer gave her a comforting smile after seeing the almost terror in her eyes. All the women had justified reasons for being terrified of losing their men. “Just be there for him. When tragedies strike, the only thing you can do is offer support. I remember that well.”

  Placing her hand on top of his, she exhaled. “You’re a good man. Just wish you’d settle down before you get too old.”

  “Oh! You are so bad. I hope that boy of yours has you over his knee every night.” Teasing, he stepped away, waiting for a playful smack.

  “Landen does say I’m a handful, thank you very much. Okay, lover boy. Go talk to her. What do you have to lose?” Shannon darted her eyes in the direction of the table. “Yep. She’s watching everything you do.”

  An electrified shiver sparked a series of dazzling sensations rocketing through his body. Especially his already hard cock. “Maybe.” He pulled out a ten dollar bill, dropping it on the table. “By the way, Miss Know It All, I heard something about you and Landen?” He allowed the words to be a question.

  Narrowing her eyes, she huffed. “Nothing to tell. Nothing to know.”

  “Right.” It was his turn to wink before heading away from the bar. He shoved one hand into the pocket of his jeans before deciding what to do. Yeah. Shannon was right. There was no reason not to strike up a conversation, maybe even try a dance.

  If Reese could get over his two left feet.

  He kept his steps short, buying him time. For what? Courage? He was no spring chicken and should know how to do this… Geez. He was acting like a high school kid. Just talk to her. You have nothing to lose. The romantic geek inside was right.

  “Ladies. We meet again.” Sawyer could tell Stasha was giving him a sign of approval.

  “Yes, we do. What do you need, cowboy, or should I ask, what do you desire?” Tina cooed.

  Jo sighed and fingered her glass.

  Now, he was sweating like a pig. Perfect. “I was wondering if you’d like to dance, Reese? Don’t expect too much. I haven’t danced in years.” Sawyer laughed. This was the lamest shit he’d ever said.

  “Let me think. With an opening like that, I just have to dance with you to find out how terrible you really are.” Reese slowly lifted her head.

  Everything about this woman was alluring and for a few seconds, there was no one else in the crowded bar. No drunk cowboys. No karaoke stars. And no other smokejumpers. “Then you won’t be disappointed.” He held out his hand, half expecting her to push past him, as if she owned the dance floor. When she gripped his fingers, they both seemed startled by their respective reactions. Suddenly unable to breathe, he blinked several times in an effort to focus as the connection, the current increased, sizzling.

  “I… I’m certain I won’t be.”

  Sawyer continued to hold his breath as she rubbed a single finger across his palm. The touch of her skin was smooth, so soft and the scent of her intoxicating. He’d never experienced this kind of reaction around another woman. Why her and why now?

  “That is just…” Tina whispered.

  “Amazing,” Jo added.

  Leading Reese to the dance floor, he was aware that at least a few pairs of eyes were watching, even smiling. He certainly wasn’t used to the spotlight. And he was grousing under his breath. Living in a fishbowl, which is what he considered his life, had more cons than pros.

  “Everyone knows you, Sawyer Lincoln, smokejumper and one-time model,” Reese commented as he found a spot on the outer fringes of the crowded dance floor.

  “Ugh. I’m no model. Just caught in a moment that had nothing to do with me.”

  “I have no doubt you could be a model,” she said quietly, darting her eyes into his. “Everyone here seems to appreciate you guys.”

  “They know the reputation of the Jackals. Prevent. Protect. Preserve,” he answered as he gripped her hands, holding her like he was in junior high school and mom and dad were standing directly behind him. Even the way his boots tromped against the floor seemed awkward. He was forty-five years old, not twelve. But today?

  “Reputation. I live and die by my reputation, but I think it’s more than what you’re saying.” Biting her lower lip, she scanned the perimeter before wrinkling her nose. “Look at their eyes, their body language as if leaving us a special place to dance. They do know you or maybe they simply wish they did. You must be that big hero Stasha said you were.”

  A genuine laugh slipped past his lips. This woman was funny. Sexy. And from what he could tell, down to earth. “I’m nobody’s hero.” When she lifted a single
eyebrow, a smile curling on the corner of her lip, he recanted. “Well, actually we’re all heroes of the entire town.”

  “The entire town, huh? Must make it tough to get in through your door each night. I mean with that big head on your shoulders.”

  Unable to tell whether she was joking, he stopped moving.

  “I’m teasing. I get into a hell of a lot of trouble doing that.” Palming his chest, she inched closer, forcing him to sway back and forth.

  “I can see that,” he whispered and slid one arm around her waist.

  “The trouble part?”

  “Oh, yeah. We have ways of dealing with women who cause trouble.” Sawyer’s mouth was dry but the man inside, the pent-up hunger was taking a swing.

  “Cowboy style?” Reese brushed her hand across his chest to his arm, squeezing as she clung to him.

  Lowering his head, he allowed a single hot breath to wash over her neck and cheek before whispering, “Being turned over a man’s knee for a well-deserved. Hard. Spanking. And you know what, sweet Reese?”

  “What?”

  Her voice was little more than a strangled breath, fueling the deep hunger burning inside. Sawyer pressed his lips against the skin of her neck. “That’s exactly what you need.”

  Chapter 4

  Well-deserved. Hard. Spanking.

  Reese wasn’t entirely certain what she was more excited about. Being in Sawyer’s muscular arms, the kind of man who was controlling yet respectful, sexy as any man she’d ever laid eyes on. Or, his ability to slide right through her armor, finding the softness inside and the woman craving blissful domination. What she did know with absolute certainty was that her panties were damp, her nipples hard and aching and her legs quivering. Damn it! Two minutes into a dance.

  Well, not just any dance.

  She was dancing with an honored man, a cowboy and one of the gentlest souls she’d ever encountered.

  Sawyer held her close, his actions stiff, his hands positioned just so. The closeness was magical, yet he wasn’t pushing any boundaries.

  Which drew her in even more.