Fire Starter
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Chapter six
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful~ Newsboys
The next day the press invaded our lives when we arrive back in Hawaii. Nathan's playing the adoring husband like our marriage was real. We both actually pulled the couple thing off to perfection. It not like public displays of affection and teasing banter with Nathan are hard. The chemistry is certainly there. His kisses are magical and it's amazing how such large and powerful fingers can send shivers down my arm or caress my cheek ever so gently.
I was afraid he would be pissed at me this week. After all, I acted like a selfish brat when we came back from Charlotte. Nathan introduced me to the most sacred people in his life and all I could do was whine about the heartbreak I'll endure once this farce is over. He was totally understanding, almost too nice for his own good. I'm growing attached to him and I'm counting the days to we see the kids again. Having a family is so important to me. I'd give up everything I have for that type of happiness. It's too bad I'll be back to lonely hotel rooms, dinner for one, and empty house and no one to share all this love I have to give in a year.
***************
It's 3:30 am. Good Morning America can go to hell! Getting up at this unholy hour should be illegal. I should be use to it, at the firehouse sleeping is infrequent and we're often working during the middle of the night. At least my nights are now shared with one of God's most gorgeous creatures. Haley slept in my room again.
It started off simple enough. After a very tiring day, she came in fresh from a shower so we could cram on the other's history for interviews and stuff. I just wanted to know everything about her. There was no need for slip ups.
We decided to do it twenty questions style. From the information I gathered, she wasn't this snobby princess her first impression had portrayed. We had a lot in common. She was the kind of girl I always wanted.
By my seventeenth question I got up enough nerve to ask her something I had been dying to know. "Just how close to being a virgin are you?"
After receiving no reply, I rose from the desk where I was writing down her answers to my questions and absently walk across the large room.
"You don't have to be embarrassed, Hales. I respect your abstin..."
Stopping at the foot of the bed after finding her asleep, I take in her appearance. She is already in her pajamas a golden yellow cotton cami with matching red hip huggers. She was in a fetal position on the right side of the bed. My heart is thumping loudly in my chest. She is so naturally beautiful, she takes my breath away. Cautiously, I run my palm over her satiny bent legs before shaking them at the knee.
"Haley! Hales! Go to bed. We've got enough information." She shook her head like and indignant child and griped.
"No, Scott. I'm cozy. I don't want to move." curling her long body into a tighter ball.
I walk around to her side and reach down to gather the lovely lightweight in my arms.
"I'll carry you."
Suddenly, she sits up with my hands still under her back and knees. She's giving be those puppy dog eyes and pretty pout that turn me to goop, evil vixen!
"But I like sleeping with you. Don't make me leave." She griped.
That's all it took. She has me so whipped. I know. I know. I'm pathetic!
"Well get under the covers and don't hog the bed again." I warn, but my voice sounds more loving than threatening.
I turn off the lights and take my place beside her. I can hear the soft hum of her breathing once I got comfortable, lying on my side so I could watch her snooze.
"Good night, Hales." I whisper.
Subconsciously, she leans over and plants a tender kiss on my mouth, rendering me speechless.
"Night, Scott." She mutters before returning to her deep slumber.
A goofy grin is plastered to my lips as I give in to my drowsy state. Boy was I going to have sweet dreams tonight.
****************
The last two weeks has been overwhelming. I don't think I've taking this many pictures in my entire life! Our days have been filled with talk show appearances, photo shoots, magazine interviews, and even a commercial for some stupid mattress company. I did find out my sleep number was 69, hee hee.
I swear, if Haley and I didn't have all eyes on us we would be fighting like cats in dogs. We have been around each other all day, every day from sun up to sun down.
Yesterday, the tension was starting to show.
Last night when Jo entered my room at bedtime, I sent her away. Yes, I'm a dumb ass! I lied, saying she kicked me in her sleep and snored. The truth is I'm becoming more and more attached to her and this charade of a relationship. I need to take a step back and clear my head. We have several months left of this agreement and if things are this easy and relaxed now, it's going to make it all the more difficult to break it off later. Of course she came back with a smart remark of her own, claiming I was no prize to sleep with either. She said I call her name in my sleep and there was no reason to wake up with a "tent" in a bed. At first, I thought she was just lashing out because I was being a prick, but now I'm not so sure her words weren't truthful. My dreams have been far from Haley-free lately and far from innocent as well.
We finally have a free day, so I put on my fireman uniform. I'm hoping to catch up with the members of my crew that are at the convention. I'm sure they won't hold back on telling me their thoughts on my eloping.
Leaving my room, I look over at the door to Haley's suite. I want to go in and tell her good bye, kiss her too. Alas, it's still early and she isn't a morning person. Besides, I'm sure she is still peeved at me for sending her away last night. She's use to having her way.
I jog down the stairs, holding my cap in my hand. The smell of fresh orange juice fills my nostrils along with bacon and French toast. Inwardly, I smile. It was nice of Haley to order me breakfast.
Rounding the corner to the spacious kitchen, I discover my wife reading from a recipe book before pouring a handful of pecans on the waffle batter in the iron and closing it. She stared at her work, smiling proudly as the flour based food starts to rise. Her hair is a high ponytail, loose curls dangling here and there, framing her lovely face. She has flour on the end of her nose and right cheek. In no make up, running shorts and a midriff showing red tee with "I Can Pluck All Night Long" written in black letters over the chest and a guitar printed below, she was a breath of sunshine.
"'Morning!" I greeted, interrupting her thoughts.
Her focused turned to me.
"You got up to fix me breakfast?" I am truly flattered.
Bashfully she lowered her eyes to the left running shoe she was rocking back and forth on her heel.
"I wanted to test out some of wifely duties, no biggie." She stated casually as I approached and she handed me a plateful of the items before fixing her own. I was more than impressed by her culinary skills. I was practically drooling. Okay, maybe that had to do with the chef.
***************
After Nathan left, I cleaned the kitchen before dragging myself back to bed. This week had been draining. When I got upstairs I planned to go straight to my room, but I was drawn to his. I got in on the side of his bed I usually slept and moved my pillow close to his. The odor of Nathan's tropical breeze scented aftershave lingered there and I pretended he was resting beside me until I feel into a deep rest.
*****************
The morning was filled with seminars and training classes, but it didn't stop me from wondering what my wife, damn I like the sound of that! Was doing or wearing or not wearing. It didn't help that everyone recognized me from the media exploits of the week. They keep asking about Haley and congratulating me. My team was itching to quiz me all day. Luckily, they didn't have a chance.... that was until now.
By the 11:00 AM lunch break, I was starving. Breakfast had been delicious and filling, but I was a man with a huge appetite when it came to most things in my life.
I stocked up on goodies from the buffet in the restaurant of the convention's hotel before joining my staff in the crowded eatery. They all gave me a proper greeting when I arrived at the table. I quickly replied and put them at ease so they could return to their meal.
Sitting at the head of the long silent table, I knew what they were waiting for.
"Alright, guys. Let's get this over with."
The lovely Incident Manger Glenda Ferrel didn't hesitate. "You didn't fool us at the party. We all knew you were hot for her Captain."
"Whatever." I protest. "At the time, I pretty much hated her." I chuckled.
"Well she sure grew on you in a few hours .... Or did she do something else to ya?" Skills interrogated.
Luckily, I didn't have to defend Hales honor since the giggling jerks at the table had pissed off all of my female crew members.
"Why do men always assume a girl has to be screwing a guy to get him to commit?" Probie Erica quizzed.
"You're such a perv, Taylor!" Glenda interjected with glaring eyes.
"You want some of this chocolate, Baby." He shrugged and everyone laughed when his debater gave a deep crimson blush, easing the tension.
Again, I became the center of attention.
"So how's the honeymoon period?" A dreamy eyed Lurch Tim Smith asked. His actions were becoming creepy. This is why he drives the truck, to keep him away from everybody. I swear he was looking at me like he wanted do me!
"Yeah, what's it like?" was the whisper of a woman in my ear. The voice was like food for my soul. I pivoted and tilted my head up wards. Behind me stood a petite, slender dame in low waist jeans, a chest and tummy hugging Firefighter's Girl tee and a matching cap that hung extremely low on her face. I think I just got an instant hard on. She was carrying a picnic basket.
"Haley? Hales, is that you?" Of course I know it's her. Yet, I couldn't stop smiling. It was like I hadn't seen her in years.
**************
I refrained from jumping his sexy public servant bones, the man was downright scrumptious. I couldn't remove the permanent grin from my face. I reached up with my free hand and removed my hat, releasing my long dirty blond strands. They cascaded down my back and Nathan's blue eyes twinkled happily. Weren't they gray yesterday?
"Hey, Scott. Hi, guys." I drawl as tall, dark and handsome spoke. He rose and drew me into a bear hug before place a soft peck at the tip of my nose. I don't think he's aware of how natural this feels. He kisses me soundly on the lips and I brace myself, hoping no one sees my knees knocking. I close my eyes and lick my lips, savoring the memory of the contact after it's over.
"Mmmm. I should visit you for lunch more often." I flirt. "You don't mind?" my big brown peeper filled with fear of rejection.
Nathan pressed his forehead to mine. "Never. I missed you." was his gravely admission. His stare is all consuming and we were lost in each other for a moment. My cheeks turn crimson as he pulls me in front of him and rest his arms at my middle, his head lying in the crook of my neck. Why does he torture me so?
"Guys, you'll have to excuse us. I'm going to take my wife for a walk." He said proudly before taking my hand to lead me away. I wave bye.
"Don't be jealous." I tease for the hell of it.
Tim didn't think I overheard him.
"Who wants to bet that's the last we'll see of the Captain today?"
******************
Ouch! I rub my skin before falling back on the sofa with a pad and a paper. The words for a new song are crowding my brain. I need to get them down on paper before their lost. I haven't been inspired in ages, so I'm going to take full advantage of my talents since the packing is done. I'm really going to miss this place. I have really enjoyed my time here, especially today.
My cheeks ache from smiling so much. Thinking back to Nathan and my picnic on the beach earlier, this has been one of the best days of my life
The temperature was a perfect 855 degrees with light winds. The tide had brought in the prettiest shells to decorate the dark sand of the private landscape. Scott was so damn yummy lying on the huge blanket in his snug white undershirt and uniform pants. His shirt and shoes were set aside during our alone time. I would have preferred to eat him than anything in the basket.
To get my mind off things, I told him how handsome he looked and asked about the convention. After blushing and answering my questions, he wondered about my plan. I insisted he be the topic. When I asked my sister about advice on my new marriage earlier, she told me men like to be the center of attention. She said it was a real turn on for them because they loved to have their ego stroked. By the way Nathan's flirting, laughing and enjoying the food, I would say Taylor is right on the money. Score one for me!
Coming out of my fantasy, I hear the front door close. I toss my pen and pad on the coffee table and dash down the hall to greet my husband.
A gorgeous female specimen with wavy blond hair, sexy legs, two full firm breast and lips soft and sweet as marshmallows come to greet me.
"Hey, Scott." She said timidly, rocking in her stance. I can tell she isn't sure if she should kiss me, hug me or show any affection whatsoever since were not on display right now.
"Hey, Darlin!" I chuckle before holding out my arms to her and placing a firm kiss on her temple. She sighs into my neck before nuzzling it with her nose. If I had know having a woman waiting for you when you got home could be this pleasurable maybe some of my other relationships would have lasted. Who am I kidding? It wouldn't have meant a thing because they weren't Haley." I think she may just prove me wrong about thinking women can be trustworthy, especially rich blond women. God, I hope so!
She leads me into the living room and offers me a drink. Haley James can be doting. Who knew?
"How was your day?" Here's another suggestion from the school of Taylor.
"Good. I learned a lot." thinking of his last seminar.
"That's great. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Nathan." She grinned before handing me a beer and plopping down beside me with one of her own glass of lemonade.
"Oh, yea. Moretti insist we come to his house warming this weekend while we're in Charlotte."
She appeared confused and sat her drink on the table.
"Nathan, I thought we were going to New York? You still haven't seen the house there."
Suddenly, I feel angry. Haley has to know I want to see the kids. I don't like be away from them and this has been a long trip. I put down my beer and head down the hall.
"Go to New York, Hales. I'm going to Charlotte!" I bark before reaching the top of the staircase.
She races around me. "Listen, I have a...."
"Don't waste your breath. I'm not changing my mind."
"But..."
"Don't you get it? I don't want to go!"
"Scott, wait. We'll be back in Charlotte on Tuesday. I would like to go home and pack a few things. We'll stay one night, that's it." She pleads.
I shrug and tried to get around her.
"It doesn't matter what I say, you're going to do it your way. You always do!"
"What the fuck does that mean? Why are you being such a prick?" She has the nerve to shout back.
"Me! I'm not the selfish one. Just another rich bi..." I bit down so hard on my tongue it drew blood when she raised her hand to backhand me across the face, only to pause inches from my cheek. Pain and rage were visible in her watery eyes and I knew I had gone too far... Too bad I couldn't let it go.
"Don't even think of call me that again, Nathan Scott! I know we haven't been together for long, but by now you should realize I really....... I want to..... Never mind! ...Ha! I knew this thing had to be too good to be true. It was going too well. I should've known!"
She stalks over to her room and I follow as she closes her suitcase.
"Did I hit a nerve, Haley? You're just mad because you don't get your way this time. Don't you ever think of anyone besides yourself?" I snap.
I'm still in pursuit as she ignores me, grabbing her purse from the nightstand and dragging only one of her three suitcases downstairs. She is always playing the victim and I'm sick of this shit. She buzzed for the driver and opened the front door.
"Oh the poor little rock star is rushing home to cry on her pillow and write angry femme music." was my sarcastic taunt.
"Fuck you, Nathan! You know what, let's just end this shit! The embarrassment and humiliation from the world finding out this was a hoax is far better than putting up with your defensive walls and judgmental attitude. I'll have my lawyers draw up the annulment papers as soon as possible. Aloha, Asshole!"
She rolled out her luggage and I slammed the door behind her before marching to the kitchen for another beer. Hell, I was the one helping her ass out. I threw the bottle cap in the trash and returned the magnetic opener to its position on the refrigerator. She just did me a favor! I don't need her! I told myself as I trekked to my room to finish packing. But if that were true, why did my heart feel like it had just gone through a meat grinder?
*****************
Hours later Haley's jet arrived in New York. Promptly, her private car reached her Upper East Side mansion. The decoy Marvin had hired really did the trick. She avoided the press for the first time in months. She had slept during the drive, spent from the tears she shed on the long plane ride. Every time she thought of Nathan her soul was consumed with anger and agony. If he would have let her get a word in edgewise all of this could have be avoided. With all of Taylor's advices, she still didn't know a damn thing about men! Why was that not surprising?
Now, she examined her reflection in the seat mounted mirror and cleaned up her frazzled appearance. Her driver opened the door and she stepped out.
"Thanks, Marcus."
"You're welcome, Ma'am." He smiled worriedly before going to retrieve her suitcases from the trunk.
She looked up at the luxurious home she rarely used. She had hoped her new husband would love it and it would be put to more use in the future. Screw him, remember? She scolded herself. If she wasn't what he wanted, now was as good a time as any to find out. She could do badly by herself. He was saving her a lot of extra heart ache. Hell, she had been doing him a favor. With all those growing kids, the money he would have earned would certainly be missed.
Her thoughts were disturbed by the clamor coming out the front door. Three rambunctious boys ran toward her and one lagged behind cautiously.
"Hi, Ms. Haley!" Quinton, Jamie and David all yelled in unison as they surrounded her for a group hug, immediately lifting her spirits.
This was supposed to be Nathan's big surprise. She had planned a family getaway since basketball camp was over and school was still out for the summer.
She met each of his adopted brood with a peck on the forehead. A reluctant, Raleigh quickly brushed off my sigh of affection, glaring at my.
"Where's my dad?" the tween asked with the cutest southern drawl.
Six sets of eyes fixed on me, including my butler, Cooper and Marcus.
"Yeah, where's daddy?" Jamie quizzed too.
"Is he still at the convention?" Quinton threw in, obviously aware of my distress.
"Is he getting our gifts from Hawaii?" spoiled David assumed with a glint in his bouncing orbs.
I know it was wrong to break down in front of the children, but I couldn't control my emotions. I burst into tears.
"I'm so sorry, boys. You're daddy isn't coming!" I wept before running inside and up to my room.................
Pamela