Bad Boy's Heart: A Firemen in Love Series Novella by Amy Starling

anger on her face changed to sadness. “You were my first kiss, Carter. I thought you'd be my first for... everything else.”
    Lord almighty. She wanted me to take her virginity?
    I wouldn't lie and say I was a saint in my youth. Truth was, though, I didn't first have sex until I was nineteen. Lost it to some girl at a club and I didn't even know her name.
    “I wish you'd have been my first, too. I mean that.”
    She snorted. “All you had to do was ask.”
    We both lingered across the room from each other, both of us wondering the same question – what now?
    We'd laid our feelings on the table, but where did we go from here? I knew where I wanted to go.
    I wanted to undress her, to hold her and give to her what I should have so long ago. Ten years back, I screwed up. But if she'd just give me a second chance...
    “I'm going to get some more towels, since you've already used them all up,” she said abruptly. “And some ice. Can't go to bed without cold water.”
    It was like a switch had flipped, and just like that, she was done. She snatched the ice bucket off the counter and slipped out of the room without another word.
    Now I knew what people meant by their heart sinking. How dumb could a guy be?
    I was so afraid of losing her that I didn't dare to reach out. Now, if I didn't do something, I would lose her again.
    The hotel had given us some candles to set the mood. I lit them, dimmed the lights, and thought of her as the room filled with golden warmth.
    That big bed looked so empty, but it wouldn't be for long.
    I refused to let Allie sleep alone tonight.

Chapter 10 - Alicia
     
    The ice machine down the hall was broken, so I went to the lobby instead.
    A young woman staffed the front desk, looking far too cheerful given it was after midnight. She greeted me with a smile.
    “And how are you enjoying the honeymoon suite, Mrs. McGraw?”
    Why did she have to call me by his name? Why'd I have to like it so much?
    “It's great, thanks.”
    “If you need anything at all, just ask,” she gushed. “Oh, and our complimentary couples' gift can be refilled for free at any time.”
    I assumed she was talking about the condoms and other adult goodies. It was doubtful we'd need a refill on those, considering the lovely argument Carter and I just had.
    “Such a jerk,” I muttered as I rode the elevator back up. “One excuse after another with him. If he doesn't want me, then just say so.”
    I opened the room door with my key because, of course, Carter didn't come when I knocked. Oddly, the lights were turned down low and – wait, were those candles burning on the tables?
    “Come here, Allie. Please.”
    There he was, lying on the bed in his boxers. My hands shook so hard that I almost dropped the things I was carrying.
    My God, he looked so damn good in that candlelight. The lustful feelings I'd struggled to keep at bay came rushing back. I was too weak to stop them.
    “Carter, what's the meaning of this?”
    He patted the bed. I set my stuff down and joined him, but made sure to sit on the opposite side.
    I couldn't trust myself around him. One touch, and I'd be his. Couldn't give in that easily, not after what he'd done.
    But oh, how badly I wanted to.
    “You can sit closer. I don't bite.” He licked his lips. “Unless you ask me to.”
    “I asked you what this is all about,” I said, not budging.
    His thin boxers did nothing to hide his erection beneath the silken fabric. I shouldn't have stared, but the temptation was too much.
    “I made a mistake back then. I should never have let you go.”
    “And you think I'll just forgive you because you decided to turn on the charm?” I gestured to the flickering candles. “I bet you do this for every girl you're trying to get into bed.”
    “Nope. Only you.” He stroked my cheek. There was a strange new look in his eyes. “I can't change the past, but right now, tonight, all I wanna do is hold you.”
    “Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “That's all you want