Chapter 7

Misty headed home to change her clothes. She couldn’t help smiling at strangers on the subway. She’d needed that release more than she’d realized. Her first real orgasm with a guy. And she was glad it was Gabe who gave it to her.

As she walked up to her house, she received a text message. She smiled when she saw it was from Gabe. She waited until she was in her apartment before she read it. All he said was, We never made firm plans for your birthday. I can’t do the spa. I’m working until 6. When should I pick you up?

She felt like saying “now,” but she didn’t want to seem overly eager. Or more eager than she already had been. Anyway, it was time to cool it…just a bit. Until she seemed more cool than desperate.

She consulted her calendar. There was very little to consult. Other than tests and doctor’s appointments, she was wide open. Sadness swamped her. If not for Gabe, her life would suck. Living paycheck to paycheck. Working at a job she had no passion for. Even her love of dance might be in jeopardy.

She wanted to be in a better mood when she talked to him again, so she just texted back, How about seven thirty?

A few moments later, he answered, You got it.

She shuffled to her bathroom, turned on the shower, and waited for it to get warm. What was she going to do with the rest of her life? With nothing to look forward to, she was adrift.

“Turn it around, Misty,” she said out loud. Her grandmother had taught her to reframe negative thoughts and feelings. But as much as she tried to look at it differently, all she could see was day after day of the same boring job and not much to show for it. She sighed deeply.

Stepping into the warm steam and hot water interrupted her train of thought. It was a good thing, because that train was on the track to doom. As she ran her hands over her head to get it wet and ready for shampoo, she thought of Gabe running his hands over her hair and down her back. Sometimes it almost felt as if he were petting her. And then his hand would move farther down…a little lower than was strictly necessary. It seemed as if Gabe was the only good thing happening to her now.

She missed him already.

Growing up down the street from the Fierros showed her how different families could be from each other. Her own small WASP family was quiet, and as children, she and Parker were expected to be well-behaved. Their home was always neat and clean, because that’s the way her father liked it. Her mother had a cleaning lady come in twice a year. She helped her with the huge spring cleaning to freshen everything after a long hard winter, and a thorough fall cleaning just because.

The Fierros, on the other hand, were a rough-and-tumble bunch, always running, jumping, and tossing things around. Their home was alive. There didn’t seem to be anything to refresh at any particular time of year. It would just wind up on the floor or out of place a minute later anyway.

Mr. Fierro may have been head of the household, but Mrs. Fierro was in charge. Misty’s parents commented on how they managed to keep all those kids in line. They would shake their heads and say, “How do they do it, with all those boys?” It was as if her family would have cracked under the pressure that the Fierros thrived on. Maybe they would have. But Misty secretly wished her family could be more like them.

After her shower, she toweled off and wound another towel around her hair. She barely heard her phone ringing. By the time she got there, she had a voicemail message. It was from her friend Julie in Saugus.

“Hey, girl. We miss you. All of us are planning on getting together for a toy party.” She giggled. “And we’re not talking about Barbie dolls. Let me know when you’re available. We won’t have it without you!”

Misty called her right back. “Julie! It’s so good to hear from you. I’ve missed you too.”

“So, have you met anyone? Anyone that could replace the toy, if you know what I mean?”

Misty smiled to herself. “Sort of.” She wasn’t sure how much to say. She didn’t want to identify Gabe as her boyfriend…yet.

“Sounds intriguing. So where did you meet this ‘sort of’ someone?”

“I don’t want to go into details just yet. You know how it is.”

“Ah. It’s just at that flirting stage, right?”

Misty thought about how far past flirting they were. “Not to repeat myself, but sort of.”

“Oh, come on, girl. Spill. Is it someone I know?”

“No. None of you know him. Let’s just say that I’m not ready to DTR.”

Julie sighed loudly. “Fine. When you ‘define the relationship,’ be sure to let me know first.”

Misty figured she’d better change the subject. “So where are we having this toy party?”

“Well, we were thinking of doing it at your place. None of us have seen it yet, and we’d like to go into the city to kick around a bit beforehand.”

Misty laughed. “Oh, so you just thought you’d invite yourselves to my place? Lucky for you, I’d love that. Maybe when you all know how to get here, you’ll come and see me more often.” Or at all, she thought.

She missed her friends and was afraid that their lives were going separate ways. The kind of separate ways that resulted in Facebook-only communication. Everyone was either going to college or engaged already. Julie was the only one whose life was as uncertain as hers was.

“Excellent!” Julie said. “So when would it be convenient to throw a party for all of us?”

Misty laughed again. “Wow. You’re not nervy at all. Hang on. Let me look at my calendar.” She pulled up her planner, looking further out, even though she knew there was nothing on it to speak of. More tests and doctor’s appointments. Ugh. “How much notice do you need?”

“Not much. I have a party next weekend. How about the weekend after that? I can text everyone as soon as you and I pick a time.”

“Don’t you need to consult the hostess, or put-er on-er, or whatever she’s called?”

“You’re the hostess. And you’re in luck, because the put-er on-er is me.”

“Oh. I see how it is. You’re using me to forward your career as a toy party put-er on-er.”

“No! I don’t want you to feel that way. I just thought it would be fun if we all got together, and doing it this way would be even more fun.”

“Yeah. I was kidding. It does sound like a lot of fun. How’s a week from next Saturday? The twenty-ninth.”

“Perfect. What time?”

“I don’t know. Do you want to have dinner here?”

“Oh, hell no. I’d never make you cook for all of us. Besides, you only eat rabbit food as I remember. We could all go out to dinner first. Nothing fancy or expensive. Maybe just someplace in Quincy Market.”

“That sounds good. Want to meet at the fake Cheers at five?”

“Sure. We might need to make reservations since there are so many of us.”

“I don’t know if they take reservations.”

“Well, I’ll call and ask. If they don’t, maybe I can order pizza to be delivered to your place? And salad, of course.”

“Either is fine with me. You decide…since you’re orchestrating the whole thing.”

“Speaking of orchestras and stuff, how’s your dancing going?”

Misty’s good mood took a nosedive. How could she tell her friend she might never dance again? She would have to wait until she knew for sure. Hopefully they’d find out it was nothing…just some inner ear infection or something.

“I haven’t really had time to do much. New job. New apartment. I’m still adjusting to the move.”

“Really? I thought you’d have a dance studio lined up before any of that. I’ve never known you to miss a lesson…until your grandparents got sick.”

“Nope. A roof over my head and a job to pay for it take priority. I’m getting practical in my old age.”

“If you say so. Well, I gotta go. I’ll let you know what I find out as far as who’s coming.”

“Sounds good. I’m looking forward to it.”

And she was. She might need friends more than ever, depending on the results of the tests she was having Thursday.

* * *

Misty and Gabe had firmed up their plans for her birthday. Gabe had had to work overnight the night before, but he would be getting off at six that evening. She hoped he didn’t get too many calls during the night and wind up exhausted. That was a common problem for firefighters, but she understood this and would go with the flow. They made arrangements to meet at his station in the South End, right around the corner from where they grew up.

When she arrived, she was told Engine 22 was battling a three-alarm fire in another part of town. Gabe was on Engine 22. Oh well…

Misty decided since she was in the neighborhood, she’d drop in on Mrs. Fierro. It wasn’t as if she was inviting herself for dinner. She already had plans—whenever Gabe got back. She left a message with the dispatcher, so he’d know where to find her.

She was pretty sure she was always welcome at the Fierro home. How many times had Gabriella told her so? If she got hungry before Gabe was able to join her and Gabriella offered to feed her, she could have a cup of coffee and a cookie or something to hold her over.

Strolling down Massachusetts Avenue a couple of blocks, she found herself actually looking forward to visiting with Gabriella Fierro. The woman had been like a second mother to her.

When she arrived on the doorstep and rang the bell, the diminutive matriarch opened the door and almost threw herself at Misty, giving her a huge hug.

“Come in, come in! It’s cold out tonight, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. It’s always freezing on my birthday.”

Gabriella Fierro gasped. “It’s your birthday? Today? I thought it was… Never mind. Happy birthday, my sweet girl!” After another tight hug, she released her. “Let me take your coat.”

“I hope I’m not imposing. I was supposed to meet Gabe at his station, but they’re out on a job.”

“Oh, yes. We heard about a big fire in South Boston. Antonio thought he’d go watch for a while.” She chuckled. “You’d think he might have had enough of fires after thirty-two years.” She hung up Misty’s coat and led her to the kitchen. “I was just wishing I had some company. Have you had dinner yet?”

“Not yet. I have plans with Gabe, but I guess they’ll have to wait.”

Gabriella sighed. “Ah, yes. Plans need to be somewhat flexible when you’re involved with a firefighter. It’s a shame they don’t work regular hours, but fires can be very inconsiderate.”

Misty smiled. The woman had such an easy way about her. She wondered if she’d ever be able to take things so calmly. Misty tended to be “wound a little tight,” or so she’d been told.

“Can I get you some coffee and a small piece of cake? I imagine Gabe was taking you out to dinner, and I don’t want to spoil your appetite.”

“Coffee, yes. But no thank you to the cake. It might be easier if I just get takeout and save him the trouble of going out to dinner at this point.”

“Tsk tsk.” Gabriella shook her head as she gathered the cream, sugar, and spoons. “You can’t always make everything easy on them, especially when the relationship is new. They might grow to expect it.”

“Oh. I don’t think we have what you’d call a relationship.”

Gabriella was quiet until she sat down with two mugs of coffee and set one in front of Misty. Then she took a deep breath and held Misty’s gaze. “Be patient with him. He needs you. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

Misty didn’t quite know what to say to that. Gabe needing anybody or anything seemed implausible. He was always so self-sufficient.

Leaning back, coffee mug just below her lips, Gabriella smiled. “He’s a good boy. They all are. But Gabe is the one who… Well, I worry.”

“Worry? Why would you worry about Gabe? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, honey, it’s not that. He’s just a little stubborn. He thinks he doesn’t need anybody, but he couldn’t be more wrong.”

“I see.” She didn’t see. She didn’t have a clue.

“So, how are things with you? Have you found any leads on a new job?”

“Um, no. I don’t think I’m going to look for a new job right now. I kind of need the insurance.”

Gabriella’s eyebrows raised. “Health insurance? Are you all right?”

“Yeah. Well, no. Um, maybe.”

Gabriella gave her an indulgent look. “You know you can tell me anything, right? I won’t divulge any secrets.”

“I know. It’s just that I need to have some tests first. I won’t know if there’s anything wrong or not until next week at the earliest.”

“What makes you think there might be a problem?”

“Between you and me, I’ve been having trouble with my balance. I was afraid it might interfere with my dancing, so before quitting my job to find something in the dance community, I thought I’d better get it checked out.”

“That’s wise.”

The phone rang, and Gabriella rose to answer it. They had one of those old-fashioned phones on the wall. It even had a dial instead of buttons. The Fierros were complete Yankees. What was that saying? Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

“Hi, honey. Yes, she’s here. We’re having a lovely chat.” Gabriella smiled slyly. “There’s no need to rush. We’re fine.”

As she replaced the receiver, she chuckled. “My son will be here in about five seconds.”

“Oh no. Is he worried about being late? It’s no big deal. Really.”

Gabriella grinned. “No, darling. He’s afraid of my talking to you.” As Gabriella sat down, she chuckled and shook her head. Apparently she wasn’t going to explain anything further. She just took a sip of her coffee and looked pleased with herself.

Misty couldn’t imagine why Gabe would be afraid of his mother having a conversation with her. Was there something he didn’t want her to know?

It took more than five seconds, but not much. Gabe strode through the front door and entered the kitchen. He was covered in soot.

“Hello, darling.” Gabriella rose and strolled to her son. He towered over her, but she grasped his broad shoulders and pulled him toward her for a kiss on his cheek.

“Mom, I’m filthy.”

“No kidding. I thought you’d take a shower at the station, but I guess you didn’t want to let Misty wait any longer than necessary. That was sweet. Why don’t you run upstairs and shower? I can find an old pair of your jeans and a sweater or something to change into…unless you need a suit. I don’t know what your plans were.”

Gabe focused on Misty for a moment. “I, uh… We were just going to get Chinese food and go back to your place to watch a movie, right?”

“Yeah. We never did decide what movie we wanted to see.”

Gabriella set her hands on her hips. “Is that the best you can do, Gabriel? Takeout food and a movie at her house?”

“Butt out, Mom.”

Misty had never heard him speak to his mother that way. It would have bothered her except that Gabriella was smirking. It was as if the older woman was in on some kind of private joke neither Misty nor Gabe understood.

“I really didn’t want anything fancy. Takeout food and a movie sounds perfect.”

Gabriella shrugged. “Well, if that’s what you really want…”

“It is. I never do anything much for my birthday.”

“I see. If you’ll excuse me for a minute, I’ll go get some fresh towels and set those out for you, Gabe.”

“I’d rather shower at my place. I have something for her birthday there, and I’d feel more comfortable in jeans that fit. Not something I wore in high school.”

“Okay, honey. I’ll just get Misty’s coat then.”

When Gabriella had left the room, Gabe looked over and gave Misty a smile. “I’m sorry I’m late. It couldn’t be helped.”

“Oh, I know. The dispatcher told me about the fire. Saving lives is a little more important than one person’s birthday.”

“Well, I’m glad you feel that way. Because about a dozen people are going to be able to celebrate another birthday because of us.”

Misty rose and strode over to him. She placed her hands on his dirty coat, looked up at him, and said, “My hero.”

Gabe leaned down and gave Misty a quick peck on the lips.

Gabriella cleared her throat, then breezed into the kitchen, carrying Misty’s coat, grinning from ear to ear.

* * *

Gabe had set Misty up in his living room with a movie to preview and then went to take his shower. He was just soaped up when Misty walked into his bathroom, stark naked. Her womanly body was on full display—and she was breathtaking. He stood there in the glass enclosure, not quite sure what to do, but he didn’t object. How could he? He could barely speak.

“What are you doing?” he asked when he got ahold of himself.

“Modeling my birthday suit.” She smiled. “Oh, I think you missed a spot. Let me get that for you.” She opened the shower door.

Suddenly, her foot caught on the lip, and she toppled off-balance. He lunged forward and caught her, his hands grasping her under her arms. Instantly, every nerve in his body was alive with sexual energy. The satiny texture of her skin, smooth and flawless, resulted in the overwhelming urge to caress the rest of her.

“Are you okay?” he rasped.

“Dammit.” She let out a frustrated breath. “Way to make a sexy entrance, Misty.”

When he had her steadied, she reached up and put her arms around his neck. “You’re tall.”

Gabe gently pushed her away, despite his body protesting the loss of her warmth against him. “And you’re my best friend’s sister.”

She answered him by taking the soap and running it over his chest, and then down, and down, all the way to his pubic hair, before he grabbed her hand and wrenched the soap out of it, replacing it in the soap dish.

“Not fair,” he said.

“All’s fair in love and war.”

Gabe gazed at the ceiling while he decided what to do. “I’m going to hate myself for asking, but which is this?”

“You don’t know?” She picked up the soap again and massaged his six-pack. After an agonizing few seconds, she said, “I love you, Gabe. I have for years.”

Shit. I was afraid of that. As much as he didn’t want her to feel that way, telling her not to wouldn’t accomplish a thing—except to hurt or infuriate her.

This time, he didn’t stop her as she caressed his pelvis and eventually reached his semierect cock. He leaned back and moaned. His shaft swelled instantly. Sensations she created within him were ridiculous. He had never felt such a strong physical reaction to a female’s attention before.

Gabe gazed at Misty’s full lips. Any man would kill to kiss a mouth like that. He yanked her hands from his cock and pulled her into a full embrace. His lips descended, and she tipped up her chin to meet him halfway.

He captured that sensuous mouth, and their tongues found each other easily. Heat built as they sucked and twirled, and the steam had nothing to do with the hot water. Gabe wondered what kind of strange power this woman had over him. Had she hypnotized him? He knew better, but he was unable to help himself.

He still hadn’t responded to her confession of love. He should say something, but he had no idea what. He simply feasted on her lips until they were swollen. Pulling away, he took a deep breath.

“Misty—”

She reached up and stroked his cheek. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything back. I just couldn’t stand not saying that any longer.”

Gabe framed her face with his hands and stared into her eyes. All he saw was pure sincerity. No guile. No manipulation. Dear God. Now what?

“Let’s get out of here,” Gabe said huskily. He shut off the water and stepped over the lip of the glass enclosure. Remembering how she had stumbled into the shower, he extended his hand to help her over the three-inch sill.

The droplets on her skin shone as the light caught them and they dripped down. He had to cover her, or he’d go crazy. He grabbed the towel he had set on the sink for himself and wrapped it around her.

“You don’t like what you see?”

“On the contrary, I like it too much.”

She threw off the towel and stood straight, as if offering herself to him.

“Misty. We can’t.”

“Yes, Gabe. We can. My brother doesn’t own me.”

“But he’s trusting me to take care of you.”

“And that’s exactly what you’d be doing.” She smiled. “Gabe, I never had a real orgasm until the other day. You gave that to me. I can’t help wanting to give you the same gift.”

He groaned.

In seconds, they were in his bed, wrapped around each other. To his surprise, he was trembling inside. The thrill of anticipation doubled his pulse. He wasn’t sure who started the deep passionate kisses that fed the fire burning inside him. He only knew that she aroused him like no other woman ever had.

He hesitated to break the kiss. She tasted and affected him like wine. Gabe leaned away a little bit and nibbled her lower lip. She answered by pulling his upper lip between hers. Okay… Either she’s had more experience than she’s let on or she’s a fast learner.