Rescue Me (Pride #9)

  Rescue Me

  ~ Pride Series ~

  Lane & Abby

  © 2015 Jill Sanders

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  Dedication:

  To a beautiful, spunky redhead who was more than just a daughter, mother, sister, cousin, and aunt, but a beautiful friend. Your time on earth was cut too short. May you find comfort in the arms of the loved ones who have gone before you.

  You are missed, Shari Lyn

  Summary

  Lane Austin would do almost anything for his local firehouse, even model for a sexy calendar. But now he’s allowed himself to be talked into auctioning himself off. What was he thinking?

  Abby has just walked away from a terrible relationship that should have ended years ago. What better way to celebrate than having her cousin take her to watch a bunch of firemen be auctioned off to horny housewives? But when Jenna secretly buys Mr. September for her, her entire world and all of her preconceptions about hunky men will change forever.

  Rescue Me

  by

  Jill Sanders

  Chapter One

  Lane stood in Allison Jordan’s art studio and wished more than anything that he could tell the sexy blonde no. Even when her husband of almost five years walked in, he still had a hard time looking into her blue eyes and shaking his head from side to side.

  “Trust me,” she said softly as she rubbed her rather large belly, which held her second child. “It’ll be fun.” Even her smile was contagious.

  “I…” he started to say, only to have her first son, Conner, who was almost three, rush into the room with a large firetruck in his hands. The boy had taken one look at him when he’d arrived less than five minutes ago and had rushed from the room to collect the truck so he would play with him. If it was hard to say no to the kid’s mom, imagine saying no to the sad, big blue eyes of a three-year-old. It was never going to happen.

  Every time he visited his friends, he’d spend most of his time sitting on the floor playing with their son. But he loved every minute of it.

  “Found it,” the boy screamed and then smiled at him. “Lookie.” He pulled a small truck out from behind his back. “Daddy got it for me.” He handed the small brush truck to him. This one was white and when he touched the lights on top, they kicked on, along with a loud siren. He glanced up at Allison, who cringed a little and then looked over to her husband and used sign language to say something to him, making him chuckle.

  Lane knew enough sign language to understand that she was threatening to pull the batteries out of the new toy. He smiled and sat down on the hardwood floor to play with the kid.

  “So?” Ally walked over to sit down on the large leather sofa.

  “So?” He refused to glance up at her. Instead, he kept his eyes glued to the toys as he watched Conner’s chubby hands pushing the trucks all around him, while making even more siren noises.

  “Lane!” Ally sighed as her husband sat next to her and watched them all.

  He glanced up, then over at Iian, who just shrugged his shoulders and signed slowly along as he spoke in a low voice. “It’s up to you. You did say you needed to raise more money for the new firehouse.”

  He rolled his shoulders and thought about the new firehouse they were building on the far side of his hometown. Pride County Fire & Rescue still needed a few hundred grand to pay for the trucks and gear that were needed for the new building.

  Pride had grown so fast in the past four years, another firehouse was a requirement, not a luxury. But since the county was strapped, the firehouse had taken to fund-raising and had put Lane in charge of the entire process. And he had to admit, Allison’s idea was the best one he’d heard so far.

  He’d known Iian and Allison for as long as he could remember. When Iian had lost his hearing when he’d turned eighteen, Lane had stuck it out with his friend and had learned the basics of sign language. And when Iian and Allison had finally gotten together a few years back, it hadn’t surprised anyone in town. They were a perfect match.

  Lane rolled his eyes at his friend and nodded. “Yes, I know we could use the extra money, but isn’t there something else…” He stole a glance at Allison and groaned. Why did he have such a soft spot for very pregnant women? “Okay,” he heard himself agreeing. Then he was being hugged as she threw herself in his direction. “Easy.” He frowned and pulled her up off the floor, his hands going protectively around her large waist as she laughed. “You shouldn’t be jostling the baby around…”

  She laughed even more as her hands went protectively over her belly. “I’m not due for a few more months.” She smiled at him. “I’ll set it all up.” She rushed over to her desk and started typing into her computer.

  “You’ve done it now.” Iian smiled at him.

  He sighed and instantly felt his stomach drop when he realized just what he’d agreed to.

  ***

  Two weeks later, Lane was mentally kicking himself for agreeing to the project. Not only was he wetted down with baby oil, he was freezing and very uncomfortable. It helped that four of his fellow firehouse buddies had gone first, but it didn’t take all the nerves from him.

  Actually, his stomach was rolling and he felt a little light-headed as he walked past a row of cameras.

  “There you are.” Allison walked over and he kissed her on her cheek.

  “How’s Jr.?” He glanced down at her belly.

  “She’s doing just fine.” She smiled and he laughed. Iian had told him that he was sure it was another boy, and he refused to believe the doctor and the ultrasounds they’d had, all pointing to the fact that the baby was a girl. Still, Lane kept thinking the two of them were only playing this game for other people. He was sure they knew exactly what sex they were having, but choosing to keep it from all of their loved ones for the big surprise.

  “Are you ready?” She waved him towards the set. He glanced over at the large blue doorway and frowned. “I thought this might help.” She walked over and knelt down behind a table. When she slowly stood back up, he heard the whining and felt his heart melt a little. “Here, it’s her first time too.” She smiled as she handed him a small black Labrador puppy.

  Just feeling the soft fur under his hands and against his chest made his shoulders relax. “Where’d you get this little guy?” He rubbed noses with the puppy.

  “She”—Allison stretched out the word as she smiled even more—“is one of the puppies from Lacey and Aaron’s new litter.”

  He giggled as the small girl licked his face.

  “See, you’ve already got the women drooling over you.” She chuckled.

  Hearing those words caused all his nerves to flood back quickly.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” She took him by the shoulders and walked him over to the set. There was a large table made to look like a stone step, and she pushed him down until he sat there, staring at her.

  “What do I do?” He frowned a little.

  “Play with your puppy. I’ll do the rest.” She turned and walked back over behind her cameras.

  “Mine…” He glanced down at the small creature as Allison laughed.

  “Yes, yours. After all, what good is a fireman without a dog?” He heard the camera click and saw a flash.

  “What are you going to name her?” Allison asked as two more flashes lit the room.

  He glanced down at the dog and laughed when she bit the tip of his nose. He glanced up at Allison as the many cameras went off and he smiled. “How about Riley?”

  Allison almost jumped out from behind her camera. “Don’t you dar
e take my baby name.” She clicked the camera a few more times.

  “Why not? According to your husband, you’re having a boy. Which, I believe, he plans to name after me.” He laughed when she made a funny face at him.

  “We are not having a boy.” She ducked behind the camera again. “It’s a good thing I remembered you like teasing girls.” She clicked her camera a few more times, then walked over to him and turned his body until he sat sideways. “Here, hold her down here.” She moved his arms to his lap. The dog instantly cuddled on his pants and curled up in a ball.

  “Aww.” She smiled. “Perfect.” She rushed back behind her camera. “No, look down at the dog,” she said as she snapped off a few more shots.

  “That’s going to be the cover shot right there.” Allison walked over and took the sleeping puppy from his arms. “I’ll just go lay her back down until we’re done.

  “We aren’t done?” He frowned as she set the puppy back down in the large box.

  She laughed. “We’ve only just begun.” She turned back towards him and rubbed her hands together. “Now, tell me how you feel about losing some more clothes.”

  He groaned and closed his eyes, wishing he was anywhere but modeling for a calendar full of fireman.

  ***

  Two months later, Lane stood with the rest of his house as Walter, their chief, opened the large box, and smiled. “Well, lookie what we have here.” He reached in and pulled out a large calendar. There on the glossy cover was Lane, holding Lady in his arms. He groaned and rolled his eyes as the men cheered, making fun of him.

  “Keep it up. I’m sure the rest of you have plenty to make fun of as well.” He glanced around as every man looked around or down at their boots. He knew for a fact that six of his housemates were in the calendar with him, along with a few from Edgeview and even two guys from the small town of Kent, down the highway just a ways.

  It had taken a lot of persuading for most of them to take part in the calendar, but once they’d gotten on board, Allison had taken over.

  Now, as he flipped through the calendar, he started thinking that it might actually be possible to raise the money they needed.

  “Looking good,” someone said soberly.

  He nodded in agreement. “This could work,” someone else said. He glanced up and saw that every face in the house was glued to a calendar.

  “Well?” he said clearly. “How about we get out there and start selling these?”

  ***

  The calendars were a huge hit. When everyone in Pride had one, he and a couple of his buddies drove into Edgeview and sold another three cases outside the local Walmart.

  Just as he was driving back into town, he spotted Allison’s car along the side of the road. Pulling over, he quickly rushed to the door but when he got there, he relaxed and smiled down at her.

  “Sorry,” she said between bites of ice cream. Conner was in the back seat, fast asleep in his car seat with his ice cream cone melting in his hands.

  “I couldn’t wait to finish it.” She smiled up at him.

  He chuckled. “Baby wanted ice cream?”

  She glanced down at her stomach and shook her head. “No, Mommy needed it. Especially after I had to chase a three-year-old through the grocery store all morning.”

  He smiled and leaned on the side of her car. “Well, you should be proud of yourself. We’ve almost sold out of the calendars.”

  She smiled and reached for his hand. “Perfect. I was hoping you’d say that because I had another idea.”

  His smile fell away and he couldn’t stop the groan from escaping. Something told him he was going to end up half-naked and covered in oil again some time in his future.

  Chapter Two

  Abby took a second glance at the paper and tried not to let her chin drop. Why was she staring at the glossy sheet like it was something she’d never seen before?

  Maybe because after her break up with Calvin, she was doubting herself. It wasn’t as if she didn’t completely believe in herself, just that her self-esteem had taken a few heavy blows. Especially after she’d found the text messages on his phone.

  Sighing, she flipped over the paper and smiled as she tried to hide her doubt. “I’ll take it.” She reached out her hand and shook the hand of the man who was sitting behind the desk.

  “Great.” He stood and shook her hand. “When can you start?” Not only was the man very attractive, but he had a persuasive and easy way about him. If only she were a few years older…

  She thought about his question. She’d need a new car, an apartment… Trying not to roll her eyes at the thought of buying all new furniture, she smiled. “How about two weeks?”

  He nodded. “I’ll email you everything you’ll need.” He flipped through the paperwork in front of him. “Once you get settled in town, we’ll need to update your address and contact information.”

  She nodded and then followed him out of the office. When she jumped behind the wheel of her rented car, she felt like dancing. Instead, she pulled out of the parking lot and started the drive back to Portland.

  By the time she made it back into civilization, she was doubting herself again. What did she think she was doing, moving to the middle of nowhere for a job that she was completely under-qualified for.

  After dropping off the rental, she walked the three blocks back to her cousin’s apartment. Jenna was more than just family; she was her best friend and had always been there for her. Always.

  She wasn’t completely sure, but she guessed that her cousin, older by only three months, had even been in her mother’s hospital room when she was born. Considering how close her mother and her twin brother’s wife were, she highly suspected it was the case.

  But over the last two years, there had been a wrench thrown into their relationship. A wrench by the name of Calvin.

  Buzzing herself in, Abby climbed the three flights and bumped solidly into Jenna. She was dressed in a slick black number and was rushing out the door.

  “There you are. I thought we were going to be late.” Her friend grabbed her arm and twirled her around in the opposite direction than she wanted to go.

  “Jenna,” she groaned. “I just want to go in there, soak my feet”—she glanced down at the low heels and skirt she’d worn for the interview—“and then debate if I’ve just made one of the worst mistakes in my life.”

  Jenna glanced at her as she tugged her hand, pulling her down the first flight of stairs. “Calvin was your worst mistake. Whatever you’ve just done, I’m sure your pity party can wait until tomorrow. Tonight…” She paused and smiled up at her. “We’re hitting the town and celebrating.”

  Abby asked. “Celebrating what?”

  “You. Me…” Her cousin took her by the shoulders. “Your new job.”

  Abby tilted her head. “How did you…” She let the question drop away and shook her head. “You know, my email is private.”

  Jenna laughed. “Then you shouldn’t have given me your passwords.”

  Abby smiled. “Fine. Dinner, drinks, then soaking my feet.”

  Jenna grabbed her hand and continued down the stairs. “Sure. Whatever.”

  Abby should have known that it was never that easy with Jenna.

  One time in high school, Jenna had gotten it in her head that she wanted to try sneaking into a club. They had used all of their babysitting money to pay for fake IDs and had told their parents they were staying at a friend’s house together. But when Abby had finally seen the club Jenna had been talking about, she’d backed out. What sixteen-year-old girl wanted to sneak into a strip club? Apparently, Jenna.

  Less than half an hour later, she groaned in complaint as they took a seat near the end of a long catwalk. The table and chairs were high, and she’d had to get on her toes just to be able to sit down. Her short skirt hiked up as she scooted back, and it took her almost a minute to adjust it before she was finally comfortable.

  “What are these for?” She held up a white paddle with the number el
even on it.

  Jenna just smiled instead of answering and then glanced around. When she spotted a waiter, she waved at him.

  “Two vodka cranberries,” she said before Abby could pipe in. Abby just looked at her and frowned.

  “Jenna?”

  “Shhh, it’s starting.”

  “What is?” she was about to ask, but then a very pregnant woman walked out on the stage. The woman was beautiful, but large. Abby glanced over at Jenna, who was rubbing her hands together and looking like she was visiting the Hershey’s factory.

  “Thank you, ladies… and gentleman”—the large crowd erupted with laughter as the women glanced over at the single man sitting next to what appeared to be his wife—“for coming tonight. As you all know, with the purchase of your tickets, you will be served a light dinner. Plus, drinks are on the house.” The room erupted with cheers. The woman smiled and nodded and when everyone grew quiet again, she continued. “Pride County Fire & Rescue is overwhelmed by the support we received with our very first calendar.” More cheers. This time the woman held up her hands to get everyone to quiet down. “We’re excited about tonight’s auction and thank you for your support in helping equip our new fire house. There are a few reminders if you are one of the lucky ladies to win a fireman tonight.” At this point Abby’s eyes quickly moved over to Jenna, but her cousin was too focused on the speaker. “You will need to immediately make your way towards the table for payment.” The woman pointed to a long table near the back. “If it is found that you are unable to pay the price you bid, you will be asked to leave.” She glanced around. “So, don’t bid unless you plan on paying.”

  “I’ll pay up if he puts out,” someone called out, causing her friends all around her to giggle.

  The speaker frowned a little. “This is an auction to raise money for a worthy cause, not a brothel.” The woman nodded to a man, who walked over and had a chat with the rowdy group.

  “Now, back to the matters at hand. Feel free to spend some time while dinner is served to glance through the brochures we’ve provided. There are bios, pictures, and fun facts about each of our firemen that will be auctioned off tonight. We’ll start the auction in one hour.” The woman rubbed her large belly and swayed a little.