Chapter 2

2

OPAL

H ow in the hell am I supposed to concentrate on my work when I have officially met the sexiest man in the world?

Liam. Such a sturdy, sensible name. I loved the little bits of copper in his dark brown hair where the sun kissed it. It was amazing against his strong, tan profile. The guy looked like he walked right out of a fitness commercial.

Every time he looked into my eyes yesterday, it felt like flames were burning up the sides of my face. I really hope I wasn't blushing in front of him. Or if I was, please let him have thought it was the fresh air, or sunshine.

Honestly, when he held my pinkie finger for a moment, I thought my knees were going to give out. That simple touch rattled me so hard that I woke up a few times in the night, and every time I did, I pictured his striking face again.

Walking through downtown West Stoneburg after returning a couple of books to the charming red brick library, I look up and down the street. It's so chill here. Nothing like the city. I had just started feeling thoroughly sick of the hustle of Chicago when my cousin Angie told me she needed a roommate to share her small basement apartment. Total sign, thank you, Universe.

(Needless to say, I jumped at the chance.)

My previous place had no outdoor space for me to work. And sneaking around trying to find remote parking lots to set up tiny fires was a surefire – no pun intended – way to end up being ticketed for something.

Turning left, I walk past a couple of stores, idly gazing in the windows. I should get home and make dinner, yet I just feel so…restless. Maybe it's because Liam's business card is practically burning a hole – oh my god, again with the puns – in my purse. But there's no way I can call him. My thumbs quiver if I even think about texting him. A gorgeous older man like that has probably forgotten all about me already. He probably?—

"Hey, Opal."

I jump, nearly tripping over my own feet. A strong hand grabs my elbow, steadying me. "Whoops. Didn't mean to startle you."

Looking up into Liam's deep brown eyes, a deep tremor runs through me. Why do I want to step forward and hug him? Why do I feel tingly just from the way he's holding my elbow?

"Hi. Sorry. I'm kind of jumpy at the best of times." Stepping back, I look up to see a sign reading Wolfe Pack Gym. "Do you work out here?"

"Yup. Just finished. A lot of the VFFT guys go here." He smiles, running a hand through his hair. It looks damp, like he’s just showered. "Hey – I'm always ravenous after a workout. Would you like to join me for dinner?"

"Um…like, now?"

"Sure."

I look down at my faded black jeans and black and blue long-sleeved t-shirt. "I'm not exactly dressed for anywhere fancy."

"We'll go somewhere casual. What's your favorite spot?"

How is this actually happening ? Removing my teeth from my bottom lip, I try to breathe steadily. "I just moved here a few weeks ago. I don’t really have a favorite spot yet."

His smile feels like it's lasering straight through me. "Have you been to Sandcastles yet? It's done up like a beach. Kind of cheesy, but charming."

"Can’t say I have."

"Then let's go there." He takes my hand, placing it in the crook of his arm. "Unless you had any urgent fires to set right now?"

Laughter bubbles out of me. "Not today, no."

He leads me toward a huge truck and flings his gym bag inside. "The restaurant is just around the corner." We start walking, then he stops, searching my eyes anxiously. "I feel like I'm kidnapping you. I just really want to get to know you better, Opal. Is that all right?"

Nodding quickly, I appreciate his thoughtfulness to mention that. Strangely, I trust him already. Plus, there's the whole firefighter/hero thing. "Yeah. We're good. I just…don't have dinner with men very often."

He grins as we turn the corner. "I bet you get asked to constantly though, right?" I shake my head, and he squeezes my arm gently. "Well, I'm glad you're free tonight."

We stroll into the restaurant, and he’s right: the beach vibe is just overdone enough to be cute without venturing into cheeseball. It's not very busy, and we're seated in a back corner booth.

This suddenly feels like a real date. I wish I'd had time to prepare properly, but then I would have driven myself nuts worrying about every detail. Maybe this sudden impulsiveness will be good for me?

We chat about the menu, order different entrees, then sip fruity drinks.

It takes a good five minutes for my hands to stop shaking to the point that I feel I can put them on top of the table. A few moments later, I realize that Liam is making every excuse to lightly touch my hand, tap my arm, or brush my knee with his. He's flirting with me. Which makes my knees quiver, and my stomach feel like a family of butterflies has just moved in and is having a housewarming party.

I've always assumed that quality men will think I'm a flake. Liam doesn't seem to mind my slightly ragged work clothes and disheveled hair. Thank goodness I swiped on some eyeliner today at least.

Chatting with him is surprisingly easy, as our conversation loops from beaches to beach themed TV shows. Even though he's easily ten years older than me, he listens to every word I say carefully, as if studying for some sort of exam.

Once we're halfway through our incredible dinner, sharing food and talking about shark movies, Liam leans close to whisper in my ear, "Maybe I'm not supposed to say this, but this is already the best date I've ever had."

Looking down, our fingers are intertwined. It feels so natural that I almost didn't notice.

Flames always find the fuel they can consume the quickest. Take the easiest, most flammable path.

Every single path toward Liam is easy. The way I trust him. The way he's already so considerate. The way I feel absolutely electrified just from the way he looks at me. At the same time, having all his desire pointed directly at me is a lot to take in.

"Hey." He squeezes my hand. "You seem a million miles away."

"Sorry." I gently squeeze back. "I just…kind of can't believe that I'm having dinner with someone like you."

"A boring roofer?"

"No…" What the heck, I might as well say it. "A hot firefighter."

He chuckles deeply, then drops my hand to slip his fingers into the back of my hair. "Meanwhile I’m here with a gorgeous photographer. Or videographer. What exactly is it that you do?"

Usually I'm excited to tell people about my work. Why am I suddenly shy to tell Liam? Maybe because he's such a steady, solid guy, and he might think my projects are a bit flaky. Worse, a lot flaky. Or worst, totally unsafe.

"It started out as a project for school, but now it's kind of taken over my life," I start, laughing. "Everyone knows how hypnotic fire is. It's used in all kinds of movies, commercials, and art pieces. But these days most people use CGI or overlay stock footage."

Liam smiles. "Well, that’s the safe way to do it."

"Yyyyyeah… But there are some ideas that I have in my head and I just want to create the finished product myself. It’s like the creative process is part of my message, you understand? I like to play with the technical side. The height and intensity of the flames. How thick the smoke is, and what color."

He's nodding, and doesn't look angry, so that's a good start. "Colored flames and smoke… Like when people pour those little chemical packs into their campfires to get rainbows?" he asks.

"Exactly! Different compounds burn with different tints, I’m sure you know that. Well, if you're shooting a bright red energy drink can, you might want the flames in the background more blue-red, and the flames in front more orange-yellow-red for contrast and depth."

"Layered flames. Designer smoke." He reaches out to gently squeeze my hand again. "Wow. I have to say, as long as you're being unbelievably careful, that sounds fascinating."

A wave of relief runs through me that he's not immediately telling me to knock it off. "There are some other things I'm learning that look super cool. Like having a fragment of flame follow my finger from one miniature campfire to another." His eyes grow wide until I add quickly, "It's a trick! My finger isn't within an inch of the flame. I promise."

The pressure of his palm on my back makes me slide an inch closer. "I'll feel a lot better once I take a look." His low voice sends shivers through me. "I want to be extra sure that you're staying safe, Opal."

His eyes. His sincerity. Everything about him makes me crave so much more. His thumb moves gently across the side of my hand, caressing slowly. What's going to happen when I bring him to my apartment to look at my setup and we're alone?

Every single detail about Liam pulls me closer. I want all of him. To breathe in his autumn leaf scent and beg him to touch me everywhere. These feelings are all consuming, and I've never experienced anything like them.

But what if he thinks I'm doing something unsafely, and decides I'm a psycho little pyromaniac? Will he no longer be interested?