Curvy Girl for the Firefighter (Curvy Girl Romance Shorts #12)

one

Kelly

I'm up to my elbows in frosting, the sweet scent of vanilla swirling thick in the air. The soft peaks of whipped cream caress my fingers as I carefully pipe intricate designs onto the lavender-hued cake before me. It's the centerpiece for tomorrow's baby shower, a labor of love that's been keeping me company all morning long.

Lost in the rhythmic motion of decorating, my mind wanders to thoughts of Kyle. Memories of his strong hands, rough from years of firefighting, juxtapose with the delicate finesse required for this delicate task. A wistful smile tugs at my lips as I imagine those hands gently cupping my face, pulling me closer...

I shake my head, chiding myself for the direction of my thoughts. Kyle is a good friend, a protector, but he's off-limits. We grew up together, him always being the strong and silent type while I was the feisty tomboy who was always trailing behind my big brother and his best friend. Yeah, Kyle is Jason’s best friend, which is another reason these thoughts I’ve been having are a big no-no.

I wipe my hands on my apron, careful not to smudge any of the frosting, and glance out the window towards the fire station where Kyle will be spending his shift. His broad shoulders loom large in my mind's eye, strength emanating from every pore as he battles blazes and saves lives. I smile to myself. Kyle was always the hero type. He and Jason are four years older than me, but even as kids, when they would deign to play ‘pretend’ with me, Kyle would always take on the role of the hero.

And I liked to play the damsel in the distress he saved. And Jason…well, Jason liked playing the bad guy.

I shake my head again, clearing the cobwebs of nostalgia from my thoughts. No, that's not where they belong. I need to focus on my business, my bakery. It's what keeps me busy and fulfilled, what allows me to pour my heart and soul into creating masterpieces for the people of Maple Falls.

As I finish decorating the cake, I take a step back to admire my handiwork. The intricate swirls of frosting blend seamlessly with the delicate flowers piped along the edges, creating a stunning centerpiece that will surely impress tomorrow's guests.

Satisfied with my work, I wipe my hands on a clean towel and turn towards the door as I hear footsteps approaching. My heart skips a beat as I see Kyle standing there, looking even more handsome than usual in his firefighter uniform.

"Hey," he says softly, his voice rumbling in his chest like distant thunder. "I thought I'd stop by for some coffee before heading back to the station."

I force myself to smile and nod, trying not to let the butterflies in my stomach get the best of me. "Of course," I manage to say, gesturing towards the counter where he can help himself to a cup of coffee from the pot brewing there.

As he pours himself a cup, our eyes meet across the room, and for a split second, time stands still. Heat flares between us, undeniable and electric. But before either of us can say anything stupid or make any rash decisions, my brother walks in through the front door of my bakery.

"Hey, little sis!" Jason's booming voice shatters the moment. "And if it isn't my best buddy. What are you doing here, Kyle? Shouldn't you be saving kittens from trees or something?"

I roll my eyes at my brother's teasing, but my gaze is drawn back to Kyle. His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly as he takes a sip of his coffee.

"Just fueling up," Kyle says, his voice low and controlled. "Long shift ahead."

Jason slings an arm around Kyle's broad shoulders, grinning. "Always the responsible one, aren't you? Remember when we were kids and Kelly here would follow us around like a lost puppy? You were always making sure she didn't skin her knees."

Heat floods my cheeks. "I wasn't that bad," I protest, but my voice comes out breathy and unconvincing.

Kyle's eyes lock onto mine, dark and intense. "You were fearless," he says softly. "Always trying to keep up with the big boys."

The air between us crackles with unspoken tension. I want to reach out and touch him, to trace the strong line of his jaw with my fingertips. But Jason's presence keeps me rooted in place.

"Well, I should get going," Kyle says abruptly, draining the last of his coffee. "Thanks for the brew, Kelly."

As he turns to leave, the fire alarm suddenly blares to life. Kyle's entire demeanor shifts in an instant, his body coiling with purpose and energy.

"Duty calls," he says grimly, moving more quickly towards the door.

I watch him go, my heart pounding. For a moment, I'm paralyzed by fear for Kyle's safety. But then I remember who he is—strong, capable, brave. My hero.

As the door swings shut behind him, I realize with startling clarity that my feelings for Kyle run far deeper than I’ve ever allowed myself to admit.

I bite my lip, still staring at where Kyle rushed out the door, his body taut with purpose. The imagined scent of smoke lingers in the air, a stark reminder of the danger he faces every day. My heart races, torn between fear for his safety and a desperate longing I can no longer ignore.

"Earth to Kelly!" Jason's voice snaps me back to reality. He's peering at me with a mix of concern and amusement. "You okay there, sis? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I force a laugh, hoping it doesn't sound as hollow as it feels. "I'm fine. Just worried about the fire, that's all."

Jason's eyes narrow slightly, but he doesn't push it. Instead, he saunters over to the display case, eyeing the fresh pastries. "So, got any freebies for your favorite big brother?"

I roll my eyes, grateful for the distraction. "You know the rules. Family pays full price." I joke before conceding. “Just kidding. I know what you like.”

As I box up a cinnamon roll for Jason, my mind drifts back to Kyle. The way his eyes had locked onto mine, dark and intense. The slight catch in his voice when he called me fearless. I wonder if he feels this electricity between us too, or if it's all in my head.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of customers and cake orders. But no matter how busy I keep my hands, my thoughts keep circling back to Kyle. By closing time, I'm a mess of conflicting emotions.

I lock up the bakery and step out into the cool evening air. The fire station looms just down the street, its windows glowing warmly in the gathering dusk. Before I can talk myself out of it, my feet are carrying me toward it.

My heart pounds as I approach the open bay doors. And there he is—Kyle, his broad back to me as he hangs up his gear. I watch the play of muscles beneath his t-shirt, my mouth suddenly dry.

He turns, sensing my presence, and his eyes widen in surprise. "Kelly? What are you doing here?"

I take a shaky breath, summoning every ounce of courage I possess. "I needed to see you," I whisper. "To make sure you're okay."

Kyle steps closer, concern etched on his handsome face. "I'm fine," he says softly. "It's you I'm worried about. You look...shaken."

I laugh, though it sounds nervous and awkward even to my own ears. “I’m fine. Just tired after baking all day, I guess.”

The furrow in Kyle’s brow eases a bit. “Let me walk you home then.”

Before I can protest—as if I would even protest—Kyle is guiding me out the door with a protective hand on the small of my back.

And my heart is pounding a thousand miles a minute at being so close to him.

Kyle's hand burns like a brand against my back as we walk, sending shivers up my spine. The streets are quiet, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. I'm hyperaware of his every movement, the slight brush of his arm against mine with each step.

"You shouldn't have come to the station," he murmurs, his voice low and husky. "It's not safe for a girl to be out alone at night."

I tilt my chin up defiantly. "I'm twenty-four, Kyle. I’m not a girl. I can handle myself."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Trust me, I know. You've always been tough as nails."

We reach my apartment building too soon. I turn to face him, suddenly reluctant to say goodnight. Kyle's eyes lock onto mine, dark and intense in the dim light.