Chapter 3
Charlotte paused, her hand raised to knock. Could she really do this? Be alone with Dustin, again? This time would be different. They wouldn’t be exhausted from working late. She had spent the day with the guys, going over film. She knew arsonists like to watch, so they tried to find reoccurring faces in their B-roll footage. Other than the firemen and her news crew, no one else was at more than one scene. It made her start to wonder if maybe a fireman was the one setting these fires. But how could she bring it up with Dustin, without upsetting him? These were men he risked his life with every day. The door opened, startling her. She took a step back.
“I was wondering how long you were going to stand out here. Thankfully you didn’t turn around.” He smiled, causing the butterflies in her belly to wake up. She nervously smoothed her hands down the blouse she wore. She had changed into jeans after work, hoping to look more comfortable than business like.
“No, sorry, was just giving myself a pep talk.”
“Pep talk, huh? Do I make you nervous?”
“Sort of. It’s been awhile since I’ve really dated,” she shifted on her feet.
“Too focused on your career? I get it.” Dustin backed up so that she could enter the apartment.
The smell that greeted her as she entered, was like heaven. Garlic, vegetables, and her mouth watered. Turning to Dustin, she held out the bottle of wine that she had brought. The kitchen had a bar counter with stools to sit at, for dining, with the stove on the other side of it, below. She set her purse onto one of the stools.
“Nice,” he sounded surprised. “I love reds.” She cocked her head at him. It wasn’t often you hear of a macho guy, like a fireman, liking wine over beer. She followed him into the kitchen, where a big pot of sauce was cooking.
“Yep,” she continued their conversation, “but apparently, I need to now focus on my personal life,” she giggled. “My producers have ideas.”
“Oh man,” he chuckled. Apparently, the news station wasn’t going to let this go.
“Yes, we’ve been dubbed, Dallas’ darling couple. Down home good ole boy, and the girl next door. Haven’t you seen?” She held up her cell phone to show him the latest posts on the news site. It was a still shot of them together, kissing, with thousands of comments about how cute they were and how adorable their babies would be. Some were about something positive in all the negativity.
She watched as he moved about the room, chopping, tasting, dropping items into the pot.
“You look like a natural at this,” she told him.
“Thanks, my grandmother was Italian. She made sure none of us boys grew up, not knowing how to cook. She said since we were all pig headed and stubborn like our father, that we didn’t stand a chance of landing a woman, and she wouldn’t let us starve.” Charlotte laughed, loving the way his eyes crinkled in humor. He hadn’t shaved, so the usual smattering of facial hair was a little longer. Her fingers itched to reach out and touch it.
“She sounds wonderful,” she sighed. After her father died, all she had left was her mother. There was no other family around. There were no sweet memories of grandma or dinners. He lifted a wooden spoon up,holding it out towards her. With a hand under it, to catch anything that fell, he turned in front of her face. Her lips touched the sauce, and flavor exploded into her mouth.
“Mmm, your grandma did not disappoint,” smiling, she looked up, as Dustin leaned in, capturing her lips with his. Pulling back, he smiled down at her. “Maybe we can have you come cook something on air,” she continued breathlessly. “My producer would love that, to get us together for something, homey and domesticated.” He grinned at her.
“How far are we going to play this up?” he asked her, grinning. She smiled back, the man was growing on her. Her heart fluttered, and more so than their year of flirtation, he filled her every thought. The whole day, Aaron kept picking on her. He caught her, several times, day dreaming about this man. After the initial embarrassment of seeing their picture plastered on every news website and tabloid, it sank in. She finally got her man. And it felt good. Felt amazing, to finally be able to see where things could go. At first, that morning, she had wondered if it was just a fluke, just him, seizing life after escaping death on the job. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized, he was just, doing that. Seizing life. Finally taking what he wanted. And that was her. When the producers came to her, about doing a follow upon them though, she had her hesitations. First of all, was it even really a relationship yet? What if it didn’t work out between them? Then it would no longer be a private break up. It would be public, very public. She sighed.
“I think it could be fun,” he told her. “Plus, then I don’t have to shout it from the roof tops that I’m falling for you, and have been, for months. Everyone would already know.” She felt herself blush.
“I, um, wow,” was all she could manage.
“Hungry?” Charlotte nodded. He plated spaghetti for the both of them, with fresh salad, sliding the dishes onto the counter. He pulled out a stool for her, and she climbed up. They ate quietly for a few moments, quiet except for the moans Charlotte gave in appreciation of the taste. Each bite was amazing. She couldn’t believe the meal this man had cooked.
“Oh,” he jumped up, opening the bottle of wine she brought. “This is perfect to go with dinner.” He held out a glass for her, and they clicked glasses. “Here’s to, hopefully, getting a chance at another date with you, after this one.” She shifted in her seat. Hopefully he wouldn’t be too upset when she brought up her idea.
“So,” he looked at her, turning serious. She watched the humor leave his eyes. “There’s something I need to talk to you about. How well do you know Jeff?” She looked at Dustin in confusion.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, do you know him well? Is he happy in life, at his job? Is he in love with you? What does he do when you’re not working?”
“Why? I’m not really sure. I mean, I guess he’s happy, but to be honest, now I feel bad. I work with this man daily and really don’t know anything about him.”
“Do you think he could be dangerous?”
“Where are you going with this?” Setting down her wine glass, she turned to Dustin. “What’s this all about.”
Dustin sighed, he placed his glass down.
“He is something that takes getting used to, I think he just likes to be good, to get there first. But, today, before I left the studio, Aaron and I were talking about our plans tonight, since we’re all off. And Jeff got upset, ranting that we should be ready just in case. That there could be another fire. But, that’s about work. What do you mean?” Dustin reached over and took her hand.
“Don’t be upset. I’ll lay it all out. He was rude today, gave me the stink eye last night and today. The man got real twitchy when Gentry was discussing the suspect. And I swear he was the one who smelled like gas last night. All the fires were started with gas. Is it possible, he could have something to do with this? Maybe trying to advance his career through these fires?” Charlotte shook her head. There was no way she could work with this man daily and he be the one doing this.
“I was trying to figure out how to tell you I thought it was a fireman.” But, the more she thought on it, the more it made sense. “But, he did smell like gas last night.”
“Have you noticed anything else?”
“He always seems to be prepared to roll out, the second the fires are called out. I remember thinking, it was like he just knew. I was praising his instincts.”
“And, do you think he has feelings for you?” Charlotte tried to remember her day. Something had unsettled her at the studio before heading home to change.
“He was the one that smelled like gas, when you said that it was hurting your head? Remember?” he nodded. “I remember thinking he must have spilled some when filling the van before picking me up. Plus, he always seems to know when there’s going to be another fire. I guess, I can see where you would feel suspicious, I just don’t think it could be him.”
“Gentry saw it too, the way he reacted, his attitude change. I really think he’s worth mentioning to the cops. Having him looked at. I really don’t feel comfortable with you two being alone together.”
“Unfortunately, you don’t have a say in that.” Here we go, she thought. Men these days were so controlling. Especially southern men. They thought the little lady should obey her man. Dustin held up his hands in defense.
“I’m not trying to tell you what to do. But this man could be dangerous.”
“I’ve worked with him for two years. What if you’re wrong?” She stood, “Then I’ve ruined my career for nothing.” Dustin placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down.
“Please, just listen to me. I’m worried about you. I’m not trying to control the situation. I just want to make sure you’re alright. If I’m right, he could be very dangerous. If it’s you he wants to impress with these, he could come after you if he perceives you not returning his feelings. If it’s about a job or something else, then he’s mentally disturbed.” Seeing his point, Charlotte backed down. He was right. This could get dangerous. At the same time, this could be a huge break for her. If she could solve this, and cover the story first, imagine the doors it could open for her professionally. The continued to eat, enjoying the amazing dinner Dustin had cooked them. When her plate was clean, she leaned back, giggling.
“What’s so funny,” he asked. She looked at him, trying to keep her face serious, and then undid her jeans.
“Ahhh,” she said. They both laughed.
“Hey,” Dustin said, standing in front of her. Rubbing a thumb down her cheek, he held her head. Charlotte went in for the kill. She covered his mouth with hers. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Charlotte pressed her body into his. She could feel his body get excited immediately. Her fingers splayed across the facial hair she wanted so badly to touch, as he engulfed her with his arms, holding her tight. As the passion ignited, the moved in unison, towards the couch. As they stumbled, falling over the arm of the seat, Dustin looked down at her.
“Is this ok? I don’t, I mean, is this too much?” she smiled at his questions. Using her elbows to mover herself onto the couch properly, he followed, crawling up her body.
“Just shut up and kiss me.” Doing as she demanded, he crushed his mouth to hers again. His hands roamed, feeling her body, sliding under the blouse. The heat from his hand warmed her belly, as the butterflies began again. Her core heated as she spread her legs. Dustin sank into the couch, pressing his hard, denim clad cock into her. Rotating her hips, she pressed up, moaning into his mouth. Her hands moved up under his shirt, feeling every ridge and muscle of his body. She had wanted to get her hands on him, ever since seeing it the night before, after he showered. Dustin pulled back, panting to catch his breath. Standing up, he scooped her into his arms, lifting Charlotte from the couch. He walked slowly down the hallway.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do this on the couch like some randy teenager.” Charlotte threw her head back, laughing.
“I’ll take you anyway I can.” He laid her down gently to the bed. She quickly ran her hand over the long red hair she had left down for her dinner date. She watched as he peeled the shirt off his body, taking in the sight she had just put her hands all over. Licking her lips, he tantalizingly lowered the zipper on his jeans. Teasing her, going as slow as possible. Quickly, Charlotte undid her jeans and slid them off, tossing them to the floor.
“Damn, girl, in a rush?” Dustin joked. “Normally it’s the guy that can’t wait.”
“I’m sorry, I just, it’s been awhile. A long while. And I really want you.” Picking up the pace, he shed the rest of his clothes as Charlotte pulled off her shirt. Clad only in her bra and panties, she admired the throbbing cock that sprang free from his underwear. He climbed onto the bed, running a hand up her leg softly, barely touching her. She shivered. Hooking a thumb under her panties, he pulled them down and off. Running a finger through her slit, he looked up at her.
“So wet for me already.” Leaning down, he thrust his tongue between her legs.
Licking and twirling his tongue, he circled her nub, before thrusting two fingers inside of her. He kept pace with the digits, using his mouth. The sensation flashing through her body as excitement built. Having only used toys in the past few years, it was truly something she had been missing, the feel of a man on her, inside of her. She lifted her hips from the mattress, crying out, as she dug her fingers into the blanket beneath her. As her hold on control slipped, she screamed, her orgasm blasting her body.
“You came so easy for me, princess. You must really want this,” he moved up her body, his hard cock pressing into her waiting opening. Mewling, she moved her hips, waiting for him to plunge inside of her.
“It’s been awhile,” she said breathlessly. “Please, I need you, we’ve flirted around each other long enough. I want to know what you feel like inside of me.” Without waiting, he thrust himself inside of her, pausing as he held his body against her. She could feel the muscle pulse inside of her. Closing her eyes, she tossed her head back and shifted her hips, urging him to move. With a steady rhythm, he moved in and out of her body, her juices dripping around their joined parts. Grinding against her, pressing on the core of her pleasure, hands exploring every part of her body. Charlotte’s skin tingled at the touch of her, finger nails digging deep into his back, urging him on. Their paces quickened, bodies melding together in a symphony of moans and passionate pleasure.
“Come for me, come on princess,” he said, pressing his lips to her throat, his nose nuzzling behind her ear. She felt herself uncoil, her body quivering around him. Her orgasm must have been his undoing, as she felt him release inside of her. For a moment, she worried, about them not using protection, but it was quickly wiped away by the fact that after a year of dancing around each other, she would never be able to let him walk away from her now. One night together and she was hooked.
Dustin rolled over, pulling her naked body up against his. He buried his face into her hair, and she could feel him smile.
“So, what do you have planned for dessert?” she joked. He laughed, her body tingling at the feel of him against her. Before he could say anything, they heard a loud pounding on his door.
“Who the hell could that be?” he asked angrily. Getting up, he tossed on a pair of shorts that were laying on the floor. As he went to answer, she got up, grabbing her clothes and heading into the bathroom. As she finished getting cleaned up and dressed, shouting came from the living room.
“I’ve been trying to call her. She needs to work.”
“But you didn’t answer my question. How did you know where I live? Why would you come here?” Opening the door, Charlotte emerged into the living room. Jeff was standing there in the doorway, face red with anger.
“Jeff, what the hell are you doing here?” She stormed farther into the room.
“I told you to be ready, in case another fire happened. You’re needed on the air. I called you.”
“Jeff, it’s my night off. I told you that. You have no right to be here.”
“I’ve helped you build your career. You’re going to throw it away, for what? This guy? He’s just like all the rest at that firehouse. He’ll use you for sex and then be gone. Who’s going to have to pick you up? Me? Don’t do this. Let’s go report on the fire.”
Charlotte backed up, Dustin moving to her side. Jeff was starting to creep her out. What if Dustin was right. All of a sudden, the smell of gas hit her.
“Jeff, did you start this fire? Have you been starting these fires?” He ran a hand through his hair.
“What? That’s, you’re, how ridiculous. Fine. You don’t want to report this one, don’t. Someone else can get the scoop on us then.”
“Then why do you smell like gas? This is not the first time either. And how do you know when there will be another one?” His beady eyes shone with pent up rage. Spinning, he grabbed the door handle, looking over his shoulder.
“You’ll regret this.” He slammed the door behind him, and she turned to Dustin. He wrapped his arms around her. She shook with fear.
“I think you’re right.”
“I have to call the cops, and then Gentry.” She moved to look at her phone, as Dustin made his phone calls. There were almost thirty texts from Jeff, and the same amount of missed calls. They hadn’t been in the bedroom that long. But what worried her, was how he knew where Dustin lived? How did he know where to find her?
Dustin got off the phone, moving to her side once again.
“I’m sorry, I think, I really need to go home.”
“Stay here,” he pleaded. Getting up on her tip toes, Charlotte kissed him softly. “You don’t know where he went. What if the cops haven’t picked him up yet? He obviously followed you here.”
“Or, he used studio resources and looked you up,” she countered, putting hands on her hips.
“But you shouldn’t risk it. Please, let’s finish eating, curl up, I can’t protect you if you’re not with me.”
“I really would love to, but, I need to go home, think about this. If it is him, my producers, the cops, they’re all going to want to know how we missed it. How could I work with someone so long and not realize that they were capable of this?” He brushed hair back from her face, looking in her eyes. “Thank you for dinner, and everything,” she grinned shyly.
“Promise you’ll call me when you get home? I’m going back to work tomorrow, I’ll be on shift midday. I sort of, I don’t want to let you go, after finally getting you in my life.”
“I know the feeling,” she giggled. “Absolutely. I have tomorrow off. But, I’ll text you shortly, and let you know I got home.” She gathered her bag and walked out the door. The night heat struck her as she exited the building. Walking to her car in the brightly lit parking lot, she didn’t think anything of it. Opening the driver side door, she turned back, to look up at Dustin’s window. He was there, watching her, but looked upset. His fists were banging on the window. What the hell? she thought. But it was too late. Something struck her on the side of her head, and she went flying to the ground. Touching her head, she pulled her fingers back, and they were covered in blood. That was the last thing she saw, before everything went black.