Fire and Ice: Book One: Burned (The Fire and Ice Series 1) Read online

  I sit up, swing my legs over the side of the bed, and reply to her.

  Me: I'm...not home.

  Georgia: I know where you are...I'm on my way.

  Before I can reply again, I get another text from text from her.

  Georgia: Jordan told me...everything. I'm sorry, Hailey :( Be there in five.

  Five! Five minutes! Kellan is going to throw a fit.

  Me: Georgia, wait...don't come up. Kellan will only get angry. I'll explain everything later.

  No response. Shit. I throw the covers off of myself, setting my melancholy feelings aside for the time being, and immediately spring out of the bed, my feet hitting the cold wooden floor. I shuffle around the bedroom, my mind in a frazzled state, trying to recall where I'd put my bottoms, finally noticing them balled up at the bottom of the bed on the floor. Hurriedly, I clamber into my bottoms, slip on my flip flops, and scamper out of the bedroom.

  I instantly collide with Kellan's hard, smooth chest, his delectable scent wafting over me, as he's standing in only a towel, fresh from a shower, rivulets of water dripping from his hair onto his face and chest. The sight and scent of him immediately draw my senses back to my heavenly dream from just a few moments before. I am left bereft and defeated at the thought, and my mind swirls with emotions as the events of last night come cascading around my shoulders, making me weak at the knees.

  Kellan clutches me, steadying me as I nearly kneel to the floor in utter exhaustion and misery. I cannot stand to face him...I am weary and worn thinking of the damage I have caused to him and Jordan. I can feel his intent gaze staring at me, even though I evade his eyes. His presence is all consuming.

  He places his thumb and forefinger on my chin and tilts it upward, forcing my gaze to meet his own as he says, solemnly, "You need more rest. Try to get some more sleep, I'll bring you some lunch in a while."

  A knock sounds at the door, and Kellan swings his gaze to it, then back to me, regarding me with an unreadable look. My eyes widen, and he attempts to set me aside. "Kellan, wait!" I blurt out, trying to head off the potential disaster of him and Georgia butting heads. The last thing I need right now are two more people I care about fighting over me. He halts a beat, and cocks a brow, waiting for me to continue. "I'll get it," I whisper, placing my hand on his chest.

  He gives me a hard stare and says, "Is it him?"

  "No." I shake my head, lowering it to peer at the ground before continuing, "He told Georgia. She's come to get me." I tentatively peek up at him and he has a cold expression on his face.

  "You're leaving?" he asks impassively. But I know he feels wounded.

  I nod a fraction before answering, "Just for a while, Kellan. If I don't go with her, she'll only barge in and throw a fit," I try to reassure him.

  "You think I give two shits about Georgia? I'll tell her fuck off and leave you alone!" he barks out as the knocks come again. "Fucking bitch," he adds, as he strides towards the door.

  I pull hard on his arm, stepping in front of him. "Don't do this, Kellan, please," I implore him. His expression goes from ice cold to conflicted, as I gaze at him pleadingly.

  "When will you be back?" he questions. Needy Kellan? This is new.

  "I don't know," I whisper, barely audible, and he blows out a harsh breath, running his hand through his still damp hair. "Kellan...I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise." I place my hand against his cheek and add, "Hey, it's just for a little while." The knocks turn into pounding, and he nods once, as I caress my hand slowly down the stubble on his face, making my way towards the door.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Hailey

  I crack the door open a fraction, and see Georgia standing with her hip cocked, her hand on it, and she's got fire in her eyes. I chance a glance behind me, and Kellan's turned to walk down the hallway, opting for peace at the moment, thankfully.

  "Well?" Georgia huffs out.

  "Well what?" I quip.

  "You coming or am I gonna have drag your boney ass out of there?"

  I roll my eyes and reply with exasperation, "Georgia, I'm not even dressed."

  "You look fine," she argues.

  "I'm in my pajamas!"

  "So?"

  "So, I'm just taking you back to your house where we can talk," she explains.

  I shake my head back and forth. "No," I say on a whisper. "Kellan wants me to stay with him for a few days, and I think it's a good idea."

  She gives me a contrite glare before saying, "Kellan thinks it's a good idea, huh?"

  I nod with finality. Yes he suggested it, perhaps even demanded it in so many words; but I want it. I want to be here with him, and nowhere else. "Yes...he thinks I need some time away from home, since..." I cut myself off, not able to form the words. Georgia's look of understanding tells me I needn't say more.

  "Fine," she huffs out. "I'll take you to lunch. Go get some clothes on and meet me in the car," she orders.

  I click the door shut, turn on my heel, and comply with her command, walking down the hallway towards the guest bedroom to locate my duffle bag.

  I pull out one of the two pairs of jeans I have brought, a light blue sweater, and lacy bra and panties set of the same color. I now seemingly own every color and style of the rainbow in the lingerie department since I've begun working at Jimbo's. Perhaps, subconsciously, I brought them with me for a specific reason.

  Knowing Georgia is waiting for me out in her car, yet needing a shower desperately, I sprint for the bathroom, disrobe quickly, and shower in record time. I towel dry my hair as best as I can, and opt for a messy bun to save time. I forgo makeup, though I desperately need it to cover up the dark circles that have gathered under my eyes, yet I'm fairly certain that by now, most of the town will have heard of my mother's death. I don't give a damn at this point about my looks.

  I wedge my sneakers on, sprint down the hallway, and grab my purse from the hook hanging next to the door. I swing the door open wide and slam it shut behind me with more force than I'd intended, and gallop to Georgia's awaiting car, exhaust fumes spilling from it in the cold late morning air. A shiver runs down my spine as I look back towards Kellan's house, and I'm not so certain it's from the cold, dreary day. I'm not certain of many things right now.

  ******

  Kellan

  Seeing Hailey this morning instantly sent me into overdrive. I knew she was too vulnerable to do the things I had on my mind. This is a delicate situation, and if I don't handle it with kid gloves, I could lose her forever. Forever... But fuck if hearing her walk out that door didn't have my heart rate spiking with fear. Yeah, I was being a selfish sonofabitch, wanting her with me twenty four/seven, but I'd nearly lost her once, and the thought of losing her again had my gut wrenching.

  I busy myself, tidying my place, not knowing what else to do while she's gone. It's Sunday, and nothing is open until noon. A few more minutes and I can start making arrangements for her mother's funeral.

  Last night was a clusterfuck of epic proportions. One thing I know for sure...Jordan and I are through. He had no problem getting up on his soapbox and chastising me for my self centered ways, then with the knowledge of my want for Hailey, he dives in and sweeps her off her feet. Some fucking 'friend' he claimed to be.

  ******

  Hailey

  "So, do you want to tell me what's going on?" Georgia spouted while keeping her eyes on the road.

  I fiddled nervously with my hands. "I'm sorry I didn't call you, Georgia...it all happened so quickly. Jordan was the first person I thought of calling," I explained.

  "Look, Hailey, I'm so sorry for your loss, honey. And I couldn't care less that you called Jordan; in fact I'm glad you did. He was there for you when you needed him. But this?" she motioned behind herself, as if there were a pile of garbage in her backseat. I remained quiet, waiting for her to continue her lecture, as I knew she would. I could feel her eyes on me for a moment, and in my peripheral vision, saw her return them to the road before she continued, "Has your brain ce
ased to function properly?"

  I took in a small gasp at the insult. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "You know what it means."

  "I'd rather you just come out and say it, Georgia."

  "How many times are you gonna let him put you through hell before you open your goddamn eyes, Hailey?" she bit out.

  "You know what? I don't need this shit, right now, Georgia," I spewed.

  "This is exactly what you need," she retorted. "You need someone to kick you in the ass and tell you the damn truth to your face. Be honest with yourself, for once."

  "You have no idea what you're talking about, Georgia. All you know is what Jordan has told you. Maybe Kellan's changed. Have you thought about that?" I asked, my words coming out harsh.

  She let out a chuckle laced with sarcasm. "Yeah, right. The only way Kellan Haines changes is like the wind."

  I rolled my eyes. Clearly we were getting nowhere. I needed to put an end to this conversation. I was getting riled up, and my nerves were already shot. "Georgia, leave it alone, already. Kellan cares about me, and that's all I want; that's all I've ever wanted."

  "You think he cares about you?" Of course she couldn't leave it alone. Why did I even expect her to? "The only thing he cares about is getting his dick wet!"

  "Georgia, enough!" I yelled.

  A deafening silence settles through the car. I can tell this is going to be one of the most difficult days of my life. I've already lost Jordan, I'm scared to death of losing Kellan, and Georgia is giving me the cold shoulder. My mother had died only twelve hours ago, and I'm in the middle of a whirlwind, feeling as if my whole world is about to go up in flames. If there is ever a time I need my mom, it's now, but she's gone, and I feel so empty. The only person I feel like I can trust is Kellan. And I want to run to him, into his strong, capable arms, and never let go.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Kellan

  It's been all I can do to keep my hands, and filthy wandering mind, off of Hailey for the last few days while she's been staying with me at my apartment. The funeral was morose, as was to be expected, and now she's sitting on my couch, balled up in the fetal position, a numb expression gracing her features.

  I feel the need to comfort her, yet I know she needs her space as well. I've been crowding her; too close, afraid if I back away, she'll wander away from me, straight into the arms of Jordan. I feel he's lurking, just waiting for me to drop the ball. Ain't gonna happen. Mine...

  Looking at her frail form, I can't take another minute of watching her wallow in her misery, and I slowly stalk to her side, gingerly taking a seat next to her and wrapping my arms around her, pulling her back against my chest. I lay my face against her hair, breathing in the soft lavender smell of her shampoo. It's heavenly and has me yearning for her touch, her taste.

  Thankfully, she managed to eat a bit at the luncheon Jim had prepared at the bar for after the funeral. Many of the town's citizen's, now knowing of Hailey, being regular customers of hers, had shown up to pay their respects. A nice turn out, but doesn't mean shit when your loved one is lying six feet under; believe me, I've been there.

  Hailey leans back against me, as I murmur against her hair, "Need anything, baby?" She shakes her head, obviously still mourning the loss of the only relative she had left to lean on. My gut is telling me I need to step up and be that person for her, now. I need to take on that role and protect her from the pain and anguish she must be feeling at this very moment...no, not just today, not just now...but in future days to come. Forever...

  "Did you get enough to eat?" I whisper into her hair. She shrugs, leaving me feeling helpless. I suck at this shit. Grow a pair, man the fuck up and take care of your woman.

  "You look spent, Hailey. How about a nap? Come on, I'll lie down with you," I tug on her hand, gently coaxing her off of the couch, as she complies in a trance like state.

  I usher her into my bedroom, not bothering to shut the door for privacy. At this point, it feels as if she's become a part of my home; something I never saw coming, and never want to end.

  I guide her to stand in front of the bed, turning her back to me, as I unzip her dress. She's standing still, her head hanging down, arms still; it's as if she's in a daze. I slide the fabric from her body, and turn her to face me, tilting her chin to meet my gaze. Her look is forlorn.

  She needs a distraction, and I bend down to place a feathery kiss on her lips, letting my lips linger for long moments before she advances on me, deepening the kiss further, wrapping her arms around my neck and trailing them into my hair, tugging gently. My cock springs to life, immediately responsive to her unexpected affections she's lavishing on me.

  Blood roars in my ears, and sears through my veins at the heated kiss that begins to ensue between us. I wrap my arms around her slim waist, pulling her against me, my straining cock pushing into her belly, as my body begins to grind against hers, seemingly of it's own accord, while she mirrors my movements with her own.

  Perhaps she needs this, craves my touch to ease her pain. I'm eager to comply, no matter what the reason. I've needed her touch, her skin against mine, for days now. There will be no holding back at this point. She's in for the ride of her life.

  ******

  Hailey

  Damn, I want this man in the worst way possible, and the best way I can describe, all balled into one divine, mystical feeling I cannot express through words, alone. My desire for him is potent, all consuming and enflaming all at once. I'm burning inside for Kellan with every fiber of my being. I need this, him, and only him. It's been him all along. How stupid I've been to even fathom otherwise. I was drawn to him like a moth to flame the very first day I had met him.

  His searing eyes beckoned me, burned a hole straight into my soul where he resides. His body had mine on full alert from the moment we touched, as an electric current ran through me, shaking me to my core, blazing my insides with a scorching intensity the likes of which I have never experienced with anyone, and doubt I could ever again. I love him with my whole being, and I plan to show him with my body just how deeply my rivers run for him.

  As he rocks his hips into mine, I slide my hands from his spikey gelled and mussed hair, down to his chest and begin to unbutton his shirt. He's worn a simple black button up shirt, which he's left hanging out, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, with grey khaki pants, and black Doc Martin's. This is Kellan Haines dressed up, and I love the look. He's stayed true to himself, yet dressed his best, out of respect for my mother. I cannot ask more of him.

  As I take my time, sliding each button through it's hole, I can tell he's losing ground, becoming impatient, as he grips my waist firmly with his fingers. I finally reach the last button, letting the shirt fall open, and graze my palms up his torso, smoothing over the taut muscles of his chest, and peeling the shirt from his arms.

  I languorously let my hands travel back up his arms, admiring the intricately designed ink gracing his skin, taking in each piece of art, as if I were at a museum, studying ancient relics. Chancing a glance at him, his gaze is intently heated, boring into me with wanton need.

  Unbuckling his studded belt, and unclasping his pants, he takes in a sharp breath as I begin to unzip them ever so slowly, teasing him, as his erection desperately strains against zipper, springing free, as I slide the zipper down to a stop. I don't think Kellan owns a pair of underwear. Quirking my lips in a devious smile, he looks severely affected, and ill amused, as his breathing becomes labored.

  I slide my hands into his pants and begin to push them to the floor, as he toes his shoes and socks off simultaneously. While stepping out of his pants, I take the opportunity to kneel in front of him, the memory of my dream flooding my mind. Yes, I want to feel him in my mouth, just as I had in my dream.

  He groans, and makes no attempt to stop me, but rather grabs my hair and pulls it behind me, holding it away from my face. His gaze is impassive and a bit expectant. Has he been waiting for me to make this move on my own, fearful of ask
ing it of me? I'm overthinking. This is about Kellan's pleasure, not the how or why of it all.

  I bring myself back to the now, and grasp his rock hard shaft, running my thumb over his soft, velvety head, swollen with the evidence of his arousal, leaking with drops of his pre-cum. I remove my grip to take a swipe at the seeping liquid with my forefinger, and insert into my mouth, looking up to Kellan seductively as I suck it. Kellan lets out a fervent moan, tipping his head back in pleasure. The taste is salty and foreign, and I immediately crave more of it.

  "Fuck that's hot, baby," he manages.

  I take the head into my mouth, licking it gently, as I moan softly around it, "Mmm hmm." His cock twitches against the roof of my mouth and I slide my lips further down the base, guiding my one hand to grip his shaft, and the other to cup his heavy, tight balls as I begin to massage them.