Free Fire and Ice (Firemen do it Hotter Book 1) by Cheyenne McCray Page B

an L-shaped strip mall.”
    “Sounds terrific.” He jammed his skates into his equipment bag. “What else would you like to do today, after we eat at Annie’s?”
    “How do you like board games?” Chelsey slid into her street shoes. “I have a thing for word challenges like Scrabble, or Boggle. I have lots of others. My brothers, sisters, and I played a lot growing up and I kept everything.
    “You bet.” He zipped up his bag. “Sounds like a nice way to spend a quiet Saturday evening.”
    She smiled. “I’m glad.”
    Early dinner at Aunt Annie’s Restaurant was terrific. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, rolls—no one could beat Annie’s for comfort food.
    After they ate, Grady drove them to Chelsey’s place. It was a quick drive from the restaurant. While he drove, he kept one hand on the wheel and put his other over hers on the console. His palm was warm and dry, and heated her from head to toe.
    When they were inside the house, the door closed behind them, her belly fluttered as he reached for her. He whirled her into his arms, as if they were still on the ice, and held her close. He kissed her in a way that made her sigh with pleasure.
    She thought she might not be able to stay on her feet, but after he steadied her, she went to the linen closet. The entire upper half was filled with board games.
    “Take your pick, sir.” She swept her arm out like a game show host. “Choose the right one and earn riches and excitement beyond your wildest dreams.”
    She did her best to sound serious, but her voice was tight, almost to the point of not being able to speak, thanks to holding back laughter. Giggles eventually spilled out and she couldn’t have scooped them up and put them back if she tried.
    He went for the deluxe edition of Scrabble, likely because he knew it was her favorite. They spent the next two hours playing cutthroat Scrabble. They went back and forth, winning with words like jazzbos, whizzbang, skyjacked, quibbles, and flummoxed.
    They remained neck-and-neck as they played. By the end of the night, Chelsey finally won with a last minute play of “equivoque” to make it three games to two.
    “Yes!” She pushed one fist up in a champion salute. “She remains undefeated!”
    “I want a rematch.” He pretended to scowl. “I still don’t think Jazzbos qualifies as a word.”
    “You could have challenged me.” She grinned. “Of course you would have lost your turn.”
    He shook his head. “I demand another opportunity to kick your butt.”
    “Ha.” She leaned toward him and brushed her lips over his. “Be a good sport.”
    He slid his fingers into her hair and cupped the back of her head. “With a kiss from you, how could I not? I think overall, I won.”
    “Hmmm. When you put it that way…” She fell into the kiss like they were made for each other. It had only been a short time since she’d first gone out with him, and a week since their first date, but it might as well have been an eternity.
    Grady drew her to her feet as he stood and she wrapped her arms around her neck as he danced them around the living room. Their mouths moved together as the kiss made her mind spin with desire. Her breasts felt heavy, her nipples sensitive. She wanted his touch in so many ways.
    When he drew back, she saw they were now near the front door. He smiled down at her. “Time for me to go.”
    She looked up at him, trying to catch her breath from the amazing kiss. “Are you sure?”
    “Especially when you look at me that way.” He brushed hair from her eyes. “I would stay the night in a heartbeat, but I won’t push you.”
    You wouldn’t be pushing me, she thought, but couldn’t get herself to say it aloud.
    He continued to stroke her hair. “Spot is home alone too, so I need to go back before it gets any later.”
    “Next time you come to my house, bring him.” She smiled. “He’s a good boy.”
    “He is.” Grady gripped her upper arms. “Don’t forget—I won the bet, so