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  DALLAS:

  Sunset Canyon

  Fire & Rescue #1

  by Kate Tilney

  Copyright © 2020 by Kate Tilney

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

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  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  DALLAS: Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue #1

  Chapter One | Lexi

  Dallas

  Chapter Two | Lexi

  Dallas

  Chapter Three | Lexi

  Dallas

  Chapter Four | Lexi

  Dallas

  Chapter Five | Lexi

  Chapter Six | Dallas

  Chapter Seven | Lexi

  Epilogue | Dallas

  Also by Kate Tilney

  Where there’s smoke, there’s a Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue firefighter . . .

  Lexi

  Now that my dad is retiring as fire chief, maybe I’ll finally be able to sleep at night. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of Dad and his service. But it’s hard spending most of your life scared someone you love could get hurt—or worse—on the job.

  Which is why there’s absolutely no way I’m ever going to end up with a firefighter. Not even dad’s protege and successor, Dallas, who could make a girl drool just by looking at her.

  And right now he’s looking at me.

  Dallas

  I’d almost forgotten about little Lexi until she shows up for her dad’s retirement party. The years have been kind to this stunning, curvy beauty. Very kind.

  When she says she won’t date a firefighter, it only makes me want her more.

  I’ll show Lexi I’m the only man for her. And then, I’ll make her mine forever.

  Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue is a steamy, instalove short story romance series with the alpha men sworn to protect their community and the women they love. No cliffhangers! Read DALLAS if you like redeemed bad boys, younger boss’s daughters, and a love that burns hot.

  Chapter One

  Lexi

  Pushing my way out of the fire station’s crowded garage, I find an empty office and close the door. Leaning my back against it, I let out a sigh of relief.

  When my dad told me he was retiring as chief of Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue, I suggested we have his party at a swanky restaurant. Now, I’m glad he wanted to keep it simple and have it where he worked for thirty-some years. I know a lot more hiding spots here than some random eatery.

  And I desperately need a moment to breathe.

  The guys on his crew are relentless. I must have said “no thanks” to dancing with just about every active member of the team. Everyone except Dallas Black. He’s the only one I might have told yes.

  It’s just as well he didn’t ask. I swore a long time ago I’d never end up with a firefighter. I’ve spent most of my life worrying about whether or not my dad would come home safe from work. Now that he’s done, I’m not about to sign on to another thirty years of sleepless nights.

  So while most of the guys are probably just being polite and asking the boss’s daughter for a dance, I’d rather avoid the risk.

  I flip on the light switch in my dad’s office. Or, rather, my dad’s old office. I spent more time studying here after school than I can remember. Of course, by the time I got to high school, I also spent a lot of time trying to sneak looks at Dallas through the open door. He came to work for the department when I was about fifteen. My hormones were raging on overdrive. And the dark-haired, tatted hunk of man was basically catnip for me.

  When I was lucky, I’d catch him doing pull-ups with his shirt off in the gym across the way.. My panties get wet just thinking about it. Which is so not what I need right now.

  Fanning myself with my hand, I shift my train of thoughts by looking around the room. Unlike my dad, the new chief hasn’t added any personal elements. No framed photos of the family. No sports pennants. Not even a degree or certificate to show off. If not for the coffee mug on the desk, I’d think the room had been completely abandoned.

  I’m not even totally sure who they hired for the job. I just got back from my summer internship at a vet clinic in San Francisco last night. Then, daughter of the year that I am, I walked in tonight after they’d finished making speeches. In my defense, I was tied up helping a cocker spaniel find food that would agree with her tummy at my temp job. Still, with the chaos of graduating in spring, pulling long shifts at my internship, and getting ready for vet school next month, I’m pretty much out of the loop when it comes to fire department news.

  Arching my neck, I try to see if I can get a better look at the coffee mug—and a hint at who it might belong to. I’m just catching a glimpse of a National Guard logo when the office door flies open.

  The shock of the swinging door nearly sends me sprawling over the desk.

  “Whoa,” a deep voice echoes in my chest as a pair of big hands grip my shoulders. “Steady there.”

  Butterflies flutter in my stomach. I’d know that voice anywhere. Taking a deep breath and pulling back my shoulders, I slowly turn around to look up at Dallas.

  My mouth nearly falls open. Chiseled jaw. Sun-tanned face. Cropped dark hair. How is he even hotter than when I saw him at Christmas?

  Somehow, I manage to say “Hey, how’s it going?”

  His lips curve into a slow grin. I grip onto the edge of the desk to keep from turning into a puddle at his feet.

  “I have no complaints.” His Texas twang is even cuter than I remember. “Were you looking for something in here, darlin’?”

  I shake my head. “I just needed a few minutes to clear my head.”

  He nods. Even though he’s standing at least a yard away from me, I can practically feel the heat pulsing from his body.

  I’ve got to get a hold of myself.

  He glances around the room. “It’s a bit different from how your dad kept it.”

  “I was just thinking that. The new chief must not be much for pictures and dust catchers.”

  “Maybe he just doesn’t have any.” His smoldering stare lights a fire in my soul.

  In real danger of embarrassing myself, I tear my gaze away. “You’d know better than I would.”

  “True enough.”

  He takes a step forward, and my stomach flips. My skin is tingling in anticipation. Of what, I don’t know. But if he so much as breathes on me, I might explode.

  “Who is the new chief, anyway?”

  “Me.”

  Of course he is. Dad always said Dallas was his best guy. With his military experience he’s a born leader.

  But I’m having a hard time focusing on that as he takes another step forward.

  “So this is your office now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Sorry for walking in here uninvited.”

  “Lexi.” The way he says my name feels like a caress. He lifts my chin with his finger, sending a jolt of electricity through me. “You never need permission to pay me a visit.”

  My body tingles in anticipation as his face lowers toward mine. I brace myself for his kiss. Instead, he gently brushes a lock of hair from my face. His mouth hovers over my ear.

  “Buy you a drink?”

  Dallas

  I’m pl
aying with fire here. As the newly appointed chief of Sunset Canyon Fire & Rescue, I know better.

  But when it comes to Lexi Conners, I’ve always been tempted. The first time I saw her walk into the station to visit her dad, I wanted her. Those sky blue eyes, mess of fire engine red hair, and voluptuous body would tempt a saint. And I’m no saint.

  Plus, the way she’s eye-fucked me over the years only made me want her more.

  Of course she was always off limits. First, she was in high school. Then she was my boss’s daughter.

  She’s neither of those things now. And in a dress that falls to her knees and has a plunging neckline, she’s never looked hotter. I’d like to beat the shit out of every one of the guys who fawned over her tonight.

  I guide her to the worn sofa and open a drawer in my new desk. My desk. That’s a weird notion after all these years. I pull out a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses.

  “The former tenant left these as a welcome gift.”

  I pour a couple of fingers into each glass and offer Lexi one.

  She raises her glass to me. “Congratulations on the promotion.”

  We clink our glasses. She throws back half of her whiskey without so much as a wince.

  God, that’s sexy.

  With those full lips painted red, a sprinkle of freckles over her nose, and a pair of tits that have kept me up plenty of nights, I’ve never had quite the same reaction to any other woman.

  I raise my own glass and toss back the drink. The liquor burns my throat and settles in my stomach, making the fire already roaring in it burn brighter.

  Lexi’s teeth run over her bottom lip, and my dick grows hard.

  Refilling our glasses hurriedly, I lift mine again.

  “Congratulations to you too. Graduating at the top of your class and heading to vet school in a month.”

  “You heard about that?”

  “Your father is very proud.”

  Her pale cheeks flush, but she lifts her glass and drinks.

  “That’s probably enough for me.”

  She stands and hands the glass back to me. The tips of our fingers touch. Her warmth lights a fresh spark in me.

  Gasping, she pulls back. She must have felt it too.

  Setting the glasses on my desk, I narrow the distance between us. If I was playing with fire before, I’m about to become an arsonist.

  Cupping her chin once again, I raise her face and lower mine. I wait for her to push me away. Instead, her breath catches and her eyelids flutter.

  After keeping her at arm's length for seven years, I can’t resist the call of her mouth anymore.

  The kiss begins slowly. A sample. Just a taste. But as Lexi’s lips part, offering me more, I have to take it.

  Our tongues collide. My hands slide down the curves of her luscious body. With one hand I grab her supple ass, pulling her up and closer. With the other, I trace the soft fullness of her body. I cup one of her breasts. It overflows my hand. And when I flick a thumb over the nipple, she groans into my mouth. Her fingers dive into my hair, tugging at it. Her body arches against my hand.

  My control snaps like a twig.

  With a loud grunt of my own, I push her back against the door, lifting her legs to come around me. My lips move from hers to suck on the sensitive skin at her neck. I can feel her heart pound against my tongue. She tugs even harder on my hair. I grind my hard dick against her. Our breaths grow ragged.

  I slip the strap of her dress and bra over her shoulder. I dive a hand under the top of her dress. My thumb traces over the satin of her bra before I find the peak of her nipple again. My calloused thumb teases her flawless skin.

  She cries out as we grind against each other, the denim of my jeans pressing against the lace of her panties. God how I’ve wanted this. Wanted her.

  If I had a quarter for every time I thought about touching her this way, of being inside of her, I wouldn’t need this job.

  And if I had a quarter for every time I told myself I couldn’t let it happen, I’d be freaking Warren Buffet. But I don’t have to worry about that anymore.

  I slip a hand up her thigh and toward her panties. I’m finally going to make her mine. My finger traces the edge of her panties.

  “God you feel so good,” I say against her neck. “I can’t wait to taste your pussy.”

  My words seem to break the spell. Lexi’s body goes rigid, and I freeze. I pull my head back to look at her. There’s shock on her face as she shakes her head.

  “This can't happen right now.”

  She’s right. It shouldn’t happen like this. She deserves a candlelit dinner. Music playing in the background. Some real romance.

  Though it nearly kills me to do so, I lower her body and take a giant step back.

  “You’re right. Let me take you out sometime this week.”

  She shakes her head again. “I don’t date firefighters.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I just don’t.”

  She opens the door and slides out. I stop myself from following her. Instead, I pour myself another whiskey and slump in the old, creaky chair behind the desk. Where the hell did things go wrong?

  Chapter Two

  Lexi

  I can’t believe how close I came to sleeping with Dallas last night. In his office. Sure, that may have been a fantasy of mine back in high school, but I’m a grown-up now.

  Even worse than the ridiculously hot make-out session, I nearly said yes to going out on a date with him. I’m still not entirely sure how I managed to turn him down when I could still taste him on my lips. And with my panties pretty much melted. But I did. Barely.

  After swearing I’d never end up with a firefighter, I just about gave up that promise to myself for a pair of tattooed, muscular arms. He may be the source of every one of my fantasies. But I have to keep my distance from Dallas and every other firefighter. For good reason.

  Which is why I’m more than a little concerned when I pull up to my parents’ house and spy a familiar truck at the curb. Did Dallas come here to try and change my mind? Despite myself, my stomach flutters at that possibility.

  See, this is why I need to stay far away from him. I’m just too weak where he’s concerned.

  I briefly consider gunning it and hiding out at a friend’s house for a couple of hours. But that would make me a coward on top of being weak.

  Taking a deep breath, I step inside my childhood home to the sound of laughter.

  “Lexi.” My dad looks up from the dinner table and grins. “Your mom made your favorite.”

  My mouth waters as I catch a whiff of Mom’s homemade spaghetti and meatballs.

  “And we have a guest,” Mom says, stepping into the kitchen with a bowl piled high.

  Dallas turns in his chair then. My knees wobble at his smoldering stare.

  “We wanted to celebrate his promotion.” Mom pats him on the shoulder as she takes her seat. “A promotion deserves a proper family celebration.”

  If I’m not mistaken, his cheeks flush. “You’re too kind, ma’am.”

  “Nonsense. You’re practically family.”

  Now it’s my turn to blush at the thought of him being family. My gaze meets his for just a second. A fresh flutter goes through me. I tear my eyes away and focus on completely chewing every bite on my plate through dinner.

  Fortunately, my parents don’t need help to carry on a discussion. They talk about the new communication system Dallas will have to put in at the station. They discuss his time in the military, and how his late parents would be so proud of the man he’s become. I nearly burst into tears at that, but my dad changes the subject to my education. Which they pretty much summarize with only a bit of input from me.

  Every so often, I look up at Dallas. Every time I do, his heated stare has me squeezing my knees together. He only asks me one question. He asks if I’ll be staying with my parents for long. I’m brisk when I tell him I’m getting an apartment closer to my school in San Diego next month.
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  If my parents think my shortness toward him is weird, they don’t say anything. I’m being rude, but I have no choice. If I don’t ice him out now, I’ll only end up throwing myself at him again.

  My dad reaches for the ice cream and mom bats his hand away. “You’ve already had a sundae.”

  “But it was tiny.”

  “The doctor says you need to cut back on your sugar.”

  “The doctor isn’t the boss of me.”

  Dallas and I exchange another look. He breaks out into a smile, and I raise my napkin to hide my own. And just like that, I know I can’t keep freezing him out. Leave it to my parents to ruin that plan.

  Soon, Dallas stands to leave. He thanks my parents for dinner and motions for me to follow. Like a moth to flame, I can’t resist this man and walk him to the door.

  He folds his arms and leans his back against it.

  “About last night—”

  “It was a mistake,” I rush out. “We can blame it on too much whiskey.”

  Not to mention years of hormones.

  “I wouldn’t call it a mistake. But I’m sorry you have regrets.”

  I wish I could regret it, but I don’t.

  “It just shouldn’t have happened. We can’t be together.”

  He arches an eyebrow. “Why not?”

  “I don’t date firefighters.”

  “You mentioned that. Why not?”

  “I just . . . don’t.”

  He frowns and shoves his hands in his pockets. “So it’s not me you have a problem with, just the institution?”

  “Right.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that if I were to date any firefighter, it would be him. But I keep my mouth shut.

  “We both know there’s more than a spark between us.”

  I sigh and nod. He seems to relax at my quick agreement.

  “One date.” His dark gaze pierces mine, hypnotizing me. “Go on one date with me. If you still think we shouldn’t be together, I’ll never bring it up again.”

  Oh, that’s tempting. On the one hand, I know that one date with him could break my resolve. On the other, it might be the only way I’ll ever convince us both that we can’t be together. It’s a risk.