Fire and Ice: Book One: Burned (The Fire and Ice Series 1) Page 3

  I coughed loudly into my fist and let go of her hand, walking away from her as fast as I could, as I shouted over my shoulder, "No problem, Hailey! Um...we'll talk tomorrow. Just go home, ok." I bolted out the back door, as sweat gathered onto my skin, and pulled in a few deep breaths, as I lit up a smoke. What in the shit was THAT? Un-fucking-believable. I'm gonna die. That's it. This is how I'm gonna die. All the blood's gonna rush to my dick one day, I'm gonna stroke out, and die. My tombstone is gonna read:

  Kellan Haines

  Lived by his dick, died by his dick.

  ******

  Hailey

  What the heck was that? I shook off Kellan's Jekyll and Hyde routine he'd just pulled and set the mop in the mop bin, as he'd just instructed me I could take off. I counted my tips out, left the bar's share in an envelope next to register, and walked into the back to say goodnight to the men. Rounding the office door, I found Jordan in the office and said, "Hey Jordan! Kellan said I get out of here, sooo..."

  He gave me a strange look; almost distant and angry at the same time, before saying, "He shouldn't have made you stay in the first place."

  Feeling a little caught in the middle of two friends, I shrugged off his statement, and replied, "I didn't mind. I know you guys were short staffed tonight, and I got a taste of what goes on around here after hours," I added with a playful grin, hoping to cheer him up. It must have worked because his eyes and face softened as he nodded. "So I'll see ya tomorrow?" I chirped.

  He grinned wide, and said, "I'll be here. You on the other hand, might change your mind when you wake up and find out how badly your feet hurt tomorrow." He chuckled along with me, and raised his hand as I walked out of the office door.

  Walking out into the hallway, I heard the heavy backdoor slam shut, and locked eyes with Kellan. We stood staring at each other, each of us immobile for a few moments, before his intense gaze began to travel over my body and I felt it flush as heat rose in my lower belly. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed and clenched his jaw. We were several feet apart, and all I wanted to do was run to him.

  His beautiful lips were beckoning me to run my tongue across them. I was losing ground being near to Kellan, and losing it fast. I wasn't here to fall for some punk. I was here to make much needed money for my mom and me, so she could live comfortably, and I could go back to school to finish my degree. This was a means to an end, not a situation where I wanted to get involved with a coworker. Talk about the proverbial picking up a guy at the bar. Kellan was bad news, and I'd had enough bad news lately to last me a lifetime. I furrowed my brow, as if to telekinetically apologize, and sharply turned, walking quickly towards the front door to make a fast escape. If I knew what was good for me, I'd stay away from Kellan Haines altogether.

  Chapter Four

  Hailey

  I awoke the next morning, and just as Jordan had predicted, I was now questioning whether or not I was cut out for this job, as my legs ached and throbbed, and my feet were swollen and blistered. I hadn't gotten home until almost four a.m. and I looked at my bedside clock, noting it was nearly nine in the morning. I didn't usually sleep past seven, but even at this late hour, I was feeling exhausted. I knew Mom was probably waiting on breakfast to take her medicine, so I rushed to freshen up, and get in gear to go make her some eggs. We would have to find a way to make this work for the both of us.

  I took just five minutes to clean last night's make up off of my face, brush my teeth, and run my finger's through my bed head before jetting down the steps, only to find Mom sitting on the couch with toast and fruit on a plate in front of herself. She had a large glass of iced tea perched on the coffee table next to her, and her morning pills were lined up, waiting to be taken. I stood before her, my mouth slightly agape, trying to form words, as she looked at me, nonplussed, before she said, "What? You think I can't peel a damn orange?" and shook her head back and forth.

  I stammered, "I...I didn't say anything, Mom. It's just, I usually get your breakfast, and..."

  She cut me off suddenly. "Do I look like I need a babysitter?"

  I was completely taken aback. All this time, I thought I was helping my mom, getting her things for her, rounding up her medications and reminding her to take them before it was time. Making her meals, and even cutting up her steak, and such. When I look back upon the time I started doing things like those, Mom had become more and more agitated. I thought maybe she was in depression, or pain. Maybe she was just pissed at being treating like a child. I can see where a capable adult would be. "No, Mom, you look absolutely qualified to handle peeling an orange," I squeaked out. She shot me the stink eye. "Mom, are you upset with me because I've been babying you?" She simply shrugged. I took it as a 'yes'. "Mom, why didn't you just say so? You've never been one to hold your tongue, you know," I ribbed.

  She wiped her hands and mouth with her napkin and set her plate down, before leaning back against the couch, and taking in a deep breath. Her breathing had become more labored as of late. "Hailey Marie Dawson, you're my kid, and I love ya. I'll love ya till the Lord sees fit to take me home." Tears gathered in my eyes. She only ever used my full name to either yell at me as a child, or as an endearment. She continued, "But child, I'm a grown woman. I have my good days, and my bad." She gave me a pointed stare, and I nodded my understanding. "Now, if I need you, I'll let you know; otherwise, for my sanity, child, please quit hoverin' over me. You're always interrupting my shows, asking me how I'm feeling. How do you think I feel? I feel like crapola! But life goes on, Hailey. What do ya want me to do? Go to a nursing home and take up crocheting and bingo? Sweet Jesus, take me now! 'Cause that's not gonna happen. If I'm gonna go, it's gonna be right here in this house, my way, my rules, under my roof...got it?" she announced emphatically.

  I nodded and said, "Yes, Mom, I hear you. And I won't go against your wishes, I promise." I kissed her on the cheek and hugged her around her shoulders, as she brought her hand to my arm, briefly, before shooing me away. I giggled and swiped the tears from under my eyes before saying, "Oh, Mom, I just want you to be happy." I let out a small laugh, and our conversation was over.

  My stomach growled at the sight of Mom's breakfast, and she shot me a mischievous look. I usually ate long before this time of day, and would have already gotten a two-mile run in. I was going to have to get used to the change in schedule. I technically wasn't needed at the bar until around seven p.m. so I basically had the day to myself. I wasn't used to not being at the university by at least nine a.m. for an early class, so I was lost, and a bit out of sorts, feeling as if my world was going to be droll during the day, now that I didn't have to ward over Mom in my down time. What to do? What to do?

  Just as I was lost in thought, my phone chirped with a text message. It was a number I didn't recognize, but read:

  Hey, beautiful...it's Jordan. Sorry to be so forward, it's just...well I couldn't get you out of my mind. It's just...well, you're beautiful, and... Sorry. Shit...I said that already, didn't I? Can I take you out to lunch? I promise no funny stuff, I just want to get to know you.

  I smiled and inwardly laughed at his awkward candor. I programed his name into my phone before I texted back:

  You're lucky...you caught me up before noon. What are YOU doing up so early?

  Jordan: I'm used to long hours and little sleep. You'll get used to it too.

  Me: Not likely, I think it was a surge of energy. Lol.

  Jordan: So, are you gonna take me up on my offer, or sleep away your day?

  Me: Well, since I have nothing better to do, I guess a girl has to eat :)

  Jordan: Thanks for the vote of confidence...

  Me: Just kidding...I'd love to. When and where?

  Jordan: How's Pearl's at 12:30...I have some errands to run. Best fish and chips in town!

  Me: Don't I know it! Sounds great. I'll see you there. :)

  Jordan: Looking forward to it, beautiful. ;)

  Wow! Obviously, Jordan was interested in me, and he seems like
a nice guy, and handsome to boot. He looked like a cowboy out of a romance book. When he called me 'beautiful', it was all could do not to think of his tall frame, lean muscles, and that sandy blond hair I wanted to tug at as I ran my fingers through it. My fantasies were getting the best of me. These two men, both delectably mouthwatering in their own ways, were going to drive me slowly insane, one wet pair of panties at a time.

  ******

  Kellan

  "Where are you going, baby?" the statuesque blond bombshell I'd texted at four a.m. pouted, as I shamelessly got up and dressed after our luscious ménage a trois. The red head was passed out cold. I sent a playful look her way, and chuckled to myself, as I pulled my jeans over my bare ass, shaking my head at my proud display before me. I'd worn her out; but now I had to deal with Blondie.

  "You know the deal, sweets. No sleep overs."

  "But can't you just stay for breakfast?" she pled. "I'll make coffee," she piped up, sitting up on her heels, her bare breasts bouncing up and down as she sat up on the large king sized bed with crumpled sheets, and the comforter hanging halfway onto the floor. I had half a notion to take her again, but I needed to get at least a couple hours of shut eye before I had to open the bar. It was already eight thirty, and I had to be back at the bar before noon. Fuck! If Tanya and Candy...I swear on my life that's her name...didn't give such good head, I'd have left two hours ago. But Jesus, who can turn down an offer like that? Certainly not me. If anyone else can, fuck, 'em...I'm not a saint, and don't claim to be one. Watching two chicks get it on...yeah, that's fucking heaven, man.

  "Can't," I replied brusquely. "Gotta be at work in a few hours. And besides," I flashed her a wry smile, "you two little devils wore me out." She lowered her head and gave me her own seductive glare. Hopping into my shoes, as I made my way to the door, my shirt thrown over my shoulder, I made a fast getaway. She was my late night go to when I didn't have time to pick up a girl at the bar, and always ready and willing. It just so happened she was already dining when I got there. I was a lucky bastard, and knew it.

  ******

  Hailey

  I showered in plenty of time to meet Jordan, putting on a cute green flowered sundress, and tan wedge heels. My feet were hating me for the shoe choice, but Jordan was much taller than I was, and I didn't want to look like a dwarf standing next to him, even though we'd be sitting most of the time. I dried my hair partially, and braided it to the side, adding a small amount of makeup to my otherwise Plain Jane face. A swipe of lip gloss, and I was out the door with my essentials.

  I drove the few miles to Pearl's and pulled into the small parking lot, only to find Jordan had already beat me to the restaurant, and was waiting in the lot, leaning up against a silver truck I assumed was his. I smiled to myself at the thought of him perhaps being excited enough to wait for me outside. As I pulled into a spot only a few from his own, he jogged to my car and beat me to opening my own door. Wow. I thought chivalry was dead. His emerald green eyes were gleaming as he gave me a thousand watt smile and said, "Hey, beautiful, I was wondering when you were going to get here."

  The way he called me 'beautiful'...it made me truly feel that way about myself, and he had me melting. I shook myself out of my reverie, and looked at the time on my phone, noting I was seven minutes early, then peered up to him in confusion, saying, "I thought we settled on 12:30. Did we get our wires crossed?"

  He chuckled, his deep baritone grumble emanating from his throat making him that much more sexy. He quirked his lips into a grin, and said, "I'm just messin' with ya. I've only been here for a few minutes. I wanted to uh..." He rubbed the back of his neck, the same as he had the night before. I took it as a sign of anxiety, being that I'm...or rather was, a psychology major. I tend to pick on up signs like these. He broke back into my thoughts, continuing, "...ya know...escort you in, like a proper gentleman." My jaw almost hit the floor. Were there even 'proper gentlemen' still in existence? I thought the breed had become extinct.

  I decided to have a little a fun of my own, and mess with him, as he'd done with me. "A proper gentleman, huh?" He nodded proudly. "I don't know too many gentlemen that wear t-shirts and ball caps to take a girl out on a date," I quipped. His face reddened and he stood rooted to his spot, as if I'd just slapped him across the face. I paled at the thought that I'd just embarrassed him, which was in no way my intention. "Jordan, I didn't mean...I don't care what you wear," I tried to recover. "I was only kid..."

  "You said this was a date," he said solemnly, as if he were in a dazed state. "You said, just now...you said I was taking you out on a date. Is that what you consider this?" he questioned.

  Umm..."Well, I...I guess so, Jordan. I mean, we're having lunch. I don't think we'll be having fine dining together at three in the afternoon, and our schedules are kinda crazy, so...I guess lunch will have to constitute a date for us, right?"

  He slowly nodded his head, and said, "I guess that's one way of thinking about it. I guess I never thought of that way," he chuckled again.

  I gave him a spry grin, not believing his story for a minute. "Oh, now you're just yanking my chain. I've no illusions you didn't intend this to be a date, and you'll never convince me otherwise," I said, jutting my chin, and crossing my arms like a child.

  He put two fingers in the air and said, "Scout's honor! I was gonna ask you out if...ya know...things went..."

  I giggled, and decided to let him off the hook, tipping the brim of his hat, and saying, "Just messin' with ya, Jordan," as I added a wink.

  Chapter Five

  Kellan

  When I arrived at the bar, barely making it on time to open up, due to my late night rendezvous with the two vixens that left me with little time to spare for sleep, hardly enough time to grab a quick shower, and no time to grab some grub, I managed to pull up just in time to meet the delivery guys from the liquor store. I needed to haul ass before the beer distributor got here, and I still needed to take inventory, open the registers, switch out some of the kegs, and get the kitchen up and running, not to mention sweep the fucking sidewalk!

  Christ, customers would be coming in any minute, and I was running behind, yet again, due to Jim being hunched over a toilet for the last thirty-six hours. There was no way I was gonna get this shit done by myself. Usually Jim and Gail would have already been here to help me handle this shit. I was gonna have to break down and call Jordan to come in early. Admitting I was weak wasn't my strong suit. In fact, I flat out didn't do it, and I wasn't about to start now. I had a way of getting what I wanted without asking...it was called fucking demanding!

  After dealing with the liquor and beer guys, I decided to call Jordan while I worked furiously to get the kitchen up and running before the lunch crowd started trickling in. We didn't open up the kitchen until noon, and I had fifteen minutes to spare, but wouldn't you know a fucking customer decided to walk in now and sit at the bar. Just my fucking luck. I tucked my phone back in my pocket and after turning on the fryers to heat up, went out to take...well, hello, hello. And you were just about to throw a conniption, when here sits a fine assed female, begging for some afternoon delight. Empty, bar. Fifteen minutes to spare. This would be a record for you, buddy. Aaand, Showtime!

  The tall, thin, raven haired young lady, with curves in all the right places, and fake double D's, was sporting a pin-up doll attire and she had the whole retro look going on. Her hair, make-up, and clothing, with today's flavor added...tattoos and piercings, and a few strips of bright artificial color in her hair, including blue, pink, and purple, was making me instantly hard, as she appraised me up and down. We were immediately attracted to one another; there was no doubt. She quirked a devious smile on her perfectly painted red lips, as I said, "What'll it be doll?"

  Her reply? "What's good back there behind the bar?" she asked, as she flicked her gaze towards my crotch. Jesus, if I got down to brass tacks, I could beat my record with two minutes to spare. What? No reason to try and hold back...this is one of those instances where it's
a sprint, not a fuckin' marathon.

  I eyed her suggestively, and leaned my hands against the bar rail, leaning in close to her, while she brought her face within inches of mine, as I said, "The good shit's in the back." I craned my neck towards the back hallway, and she hopped down off her stool, following behind me as she giggled with glee, clapping her hands like she'd just won a spin at the wheel on The Price is Right. As she trailed behind me, I turned around, put my finger up to my lips, and whispered softly, "Shhh." I knew we were the only ones there, but I got off on seeing her want to please me. She settled down and did as I instructed, as we crept into the office like two children trying to sneak in after curfew. The look of anticipation in her eyes was priceless.

  I quietly clicked the door shut behind us for show, keeping up with the charade, and turned the lock with a silent calmness. Then all bets were off. I pulled her into me, spun her around and pinned her up against the wall, hiking her skin tight, ass-hugging dress up around her curvy hips, as she straddled my waist. Our mouths and tongues were all over each other, as I pulled her dress and bra straps down, freeing her ample breasts to suckle her taut pink nipples, while she fought furiously to unleash my rock hard cock that was straining against my jeans.