Page 32 of Consumed By Fire

He growls, biting his lip, then takes off his shirt before approaching. "You’re so sexy and inviting ...” he says, crawling on the bed.

"And you’re too dressed," I tell him. I'm already out of breath, yet I haven't done anything. My heart is beating wildly. Making love to him is always a unique experience. Just a touch of him or a kiss, makes me lose my mind and he knows it. He knows very well about the power he has over me.

"I missed you very much today,” he whispers to me, playing with my hair as I try to calm my racing heart after the intensity of a little while ago.

"Me too, love."

"How was your day?"

"It was busy, but now I have everything I need for the party."

"You’re fantastic. I can't wait."

"I can’t, either. And what about your day?"

"I'm done putting the furniture upstairs, and you were right. The bed on the wall where you made that beautiful sunset creates the illusion that the room is more spacious."

"I'm happy!"

"And then the chief called to the firehouse."

"Oh, oh ... you'll have to go back to work earlier, won’t you?" I ask him.

"Yeah, I'll start a couple of days early. Mike wants to retire and he asked me if I’d take his place."

I raise my head to look at him. "Really?" I ask, amazed.

"Yeah, but I told him I'll think about it. I have to talk to the guys before I accept."

"I'm proud of you, love," I tell him and he kisses me.

"Thanks, baby. Any news from your father?"

"Yes, they called me this morning. He's already back home and he's looking forward to coming here,” I say, smiling. Knowing that Dad is really happy makes me feel good.

"I bet it does, baby. I'm sure he wants to make up for lost time."

"Yes, I believe so, too,” I say, yawning.

"Close your eyes, love. I'll keep you safe."

"I love you, Dylan," I tell him, closing my eyes. He replies that he loves me too and kisses my head. I’m lulled by his breath and the beating of his heart. A feeling of peace envelops me as I fall asleep.

18

DYLAN

The alarm rings, and I turn it off. Charlie is sleeping peacefully, and I get out of bed slowly so as not to wake her. I take a shower and return to the room. I stop at the foot of the bed to observe her.

She looks like an angel, and this angel belongs to me. She’s mine.

I wear the turnout gear and I go to the kitchen to make coffee.

I look out the window, waiting for my coffee to get ready, and I start thinking about Valentine's Day. Dad promised me that I'll have my present for Charlie in time, and I really hope so. I’ll be on duty until Valentine's Day. I won't have much time to be with her and I’ll miss her already. I love every minute, every breath with her. She bewitched me, she stole my heart, and I feel happy, really happy.

Charlie hugs me from behind. I hadn't heard her entering the kitchen. She looks at me from head to toe and smiles.

"You're sexy, too sexy! You don't have any uniforms that are less..."