“Yes, me too, the kids are probably starving to death,” Maggie laughed.
“I'm sure. Rebecca came into the store this morning and spent her allowance on books. Thought I would let you know.”
“Well, at least it's on something other than video games. Oh, speaking of which, I had someone stop in the shop the other night and sign up to volunteer for the book drive.”
“Oh, that’s great, do you remember their name?”
“Well, off the top of my head I can't remember his name, he is actually one of Coldhaven Fire's new hires.”
“Oh, I didn't know they were taking on anyone else.”
“He told me he was a transfer, a young guy, really handsome. About five-ten, dark brown hair, crystal blue eyes, five o'clock shadow, and a body, girl, you should have seen. I'd give anything to be able to spend the night with that. I think his name was Brady or Bobby, something close to that, anyway.”
A funny feeling came over me—she had described Brody, but it couldn't have been him. There was no way he was here, he wouldn't dare, would he?
“Cass? Are you alright?”
I said nothing, I barely heard her speak to me. I just stood staring ahead, tears coming to my eyes.
“Cass?”
After she said my name three more times and my phone vibrated in my pocket, I finally came back to where I was.
“Are you alright?”
“Hmmm, yes. Sorry. I'm fine. I have to go.” I didn't give her another chance to ask me if I was alright. I walked away in a rush, taking my cart straight to the cashier. I had to get home.
Once I got everything loaded into the car, I climbed into the driver’s seat and just sat there, my heart pounding. I was still slowly healing from everything that had happened, and even though it had been almost three years, I still wasn't completely healed. To be honest, I probably never would be. I closed my eyes, praying Maggie had been mistaken, and she had described someone else. After everything, things were finally starting to go as well as I imagined they were going to go from here on out. If Brody was truly back, I had a feeling this Christmas was going to be pure hell, just like the last few years.
Chapter Three
Brody
Idrove through the streetsof Greyfield. Not much had changed since I left, it seriously looked as if time had stood still. I turned onto Oak Street and drove slowly down the road. The last time I had driven down this street was the night I left, running like the coward I was, in the early morning hours, away from the best thing that had ever happened to me. I wished I had been able to see it then. Instead, I had let so much time pass, I really felt it may be too late. A girl like Cass was probably remarried by now, and the bastard who got her would be the luckiest guy in the world. But I still felt the need to try.
I pulled up outside the old two-story red brick house and just sat there. At first, I wasn't even sure I should turn the engine off, but I did. I couldn't help remembering the last time I had been in that house. It had been the day of that big fire down at the old factory. Cass had panicked when she couldn't get hold of me, and I rushed to get to the house. I had left my cell phone at the station, and when I got out of the shower and checked my messages, I knew she was worried. I drove as fast as I could, and as I approached her front door, she came flying out of the house right into my arms, almost knocking me over. I could almost see her running out that front door right now.
That was the night that virtually ended us if there ever was anus. As much as I wanted to forget, my heart wouldn't let me. Instead, I remembered everything about it, the wound still so fresh like it happened yesterday.
* * *
Three years ago
“Whoa, Cass, what is it?”
“You can't leave me,” she sobbed into my chest as tears fell down her cheeks.
“Cass, baby, calm down.” I wrapped my arms around her, taking her back into the house and shutting the door. “What has you so worked up?” I asked, brushing the loose strands of hair from her tear-covered face and looked into her watery eyes.
“Josie, she told me there were two firefighters missing at the fire. I tried to text you, but you didn't respond. I was afraid it was you.” She sniffled, wiping her eyes with the palms of her hands.
“Babe, you know I don't take my phone on calls, I left it in my locker.” I pulled her back against my chest, holding her tight, rubbing her arms to warm them. She let a tiny moan escape her lips. I placed two fingers under her chin and gently lifted her head. I slowly leaned down, hesitating at first until my lips gently brushed hers, sending a wave of pleasure through my body. She backed away, but then leaned back into me, placing her hand on my cheek, inviting me in for another kiss. This time her lips met mine with force, and I gently pried her lips open, gently sweeping my tongue through her mouth.
I shrugged out of my coat, letting it fall to the floor as I grabbed hold of her, lifting her so she could wrap her legs around my waist, my hands locking under her ass. I carried her over to the couch and sat down while she straddled my lap. As I kissed her deeply, I reached for the blanket at the end of the couch wrapping her in it—she was so cold.
We continued to kiss, and as I ran my hands over her body, I could feel my arousal growing. It was when I felt her grind against me that almost did me in. I tilted her head to the side to expose her neck and started kissing her, while my other hand ran down the outside of her shirt, cupping her breast. I rubbed my thumbs over her hardened nipples, another moan escaping her lips.
I quickly shifted out from under her, lifting her up and laying her down on the couch. I lay on her, grinding into her as I kissed her harder. I was crazy with want and desire.