Embracing Juliette (Texas Heroes: Station 9 #1)

Chapter 22

22

Juliette

N icky: Where did you go? We need details

Me: I’m working

Jenna: You can’t tell us you had the best and the craziest weekend ever and then disappear!

Yes, I was guilty of doing exactly that. But in my defense, I couldn’t tell Katie without telling Jenna and Nicky too.

The second I’d walked into work this morning, Katie had demanded to know why I looked so happy. I’d been filling her in little by little any time we had a minute free to chat.

Katie poked her head over the half wall that divided our cubbies. “Are you almost finished? Kenley wants to have a catch with Lia.”

“Oh yeah? That was all Kenley’s idea?”

Katie shrugged without apology. “What can I say? She likes to play ball and she’s happy to have a break from me for a few minutes. If we use that break to talk…”

I laughed. It felt really good to have news worth sharing. “Lia will be done in a minute. She has one purchase left.”

I turned back to Lia. “Do you want to have a catch with Kenley?”

She nodded.

“Okay, let’s finish. This pencil costs seventy-five cents. Do you have seventy-five cents?”

She fished through the pile of coins and pulled out three quarters, then opened the cash register, and with barely a point from me, dropped them in the correct compartment.

“You got it!” I held my hand up for a high five, which Lia happily and proudly returned with as much force as she could. Damn, that hurt. I sucked in a breath, but kept a smile on my face. I really wasn’t in too much pain from last night, but I’d felt that radiate through my banged-up back.

“What’s wrong?”

“What?” I carefully turned in my seat to face Katie again. Shit. I didn’t realize she was still watching. I hadn’t told her that part of the story, and I hadn’t decided yet if I was going to.

“You’re hurt.”

“Nope. Lia’s just too strong for me.”

“Time to play catch,” Katie said with a frown.

Katie led us into the hallway where we’d be alone and rushed to get the girls set up to play for the last few minutes of the session, then she turned to me. “Did he hurt you?”

“No! Of course not!”

“Then why are you hiding it?”

I sighed. No way would I let her think badly about Dylan. “We ran into his ex-wife last night,” I started. “She said some shit, and then her boyfriend punched Dylan, and then she pushed me. We were standing in the aisle of a store, and I fell into the shelf behind me.”

“What the hell?” she yelled in a stage whisper.

“It gets even crazier. We were standing by the beer. You know the six-packs that are just like a little cardboard basket and open on the top? She pulled a bottle out and ran towards Dylan. I tackled her like I was a linebacker in the Superbowl before she could get to him.”

“Good for you!”

“Thanks! I’m proud of it. Dylan’s mad, though. Really mad.”

“At you?”

“No, he’s furious that it happened, and that I got hurt. He’s worried they’ll do more.”

“Yeah, they sound crazy, like in a real way. You’d better be careful.”

“I will be, but I think I’ll be fine. I’m more worried they’ll go after Dylan.”

“Still, be careful.”

“I will be.” I turned to Kenley and Lia. “Last one.” They finished and we all walked to their classrooms together.

At the end of the day, I stayed late to finish my paperwork. My prep time and lunch were usually a mix of eating, chatting with Katie and the other OTs and PTs in the room, and writing my notes, but today I’d talked to Katie and the other therapists every chance I had. It was awesome. I’d never had so much to say before.

They’d admired my necklace, and I told all of them about our day on the Riverwalk and how sweet he was, buying the necklace and the drawing. And I gushed like a schoolgirl about the dinner he made for me and the hike we went on, and how gentle and protective he was. But I only told Katie about Kayla and Leo and about our moment by the bridge on the Riverwalk.

I didn’t tell any of them about the life-changing sex we’d had. Despite my blushing and stammering that probably gave away more than I wanted to, that was just for Dylan and me. Well, I’d probably tell a little to Jenna and Nicky. But just a little.

I didn’t tell any of them about the bar or our fight, either, because I’d rather just pretend those didn’t happen. I was still embarrassed about how I acted at the bar and afterwards, but I was trying not to give it too much thought. Dylan’s response was perfect, so I was trying to hold onto those words.

You’re strong, independent, and capable. And I’m an overbearing caveman who insists on protecting and caring for his woman regardless of whether or not she needs it.

Just thinking about it felt like a warm hug from him. When he’d said that, I’d wanted to melt into his strong chest and kiss him silly until he knew how much I loved him.

Watching Dylan get punched was horrifying. He always seemed so strong and bigger than life. It was terrifying to think of him getting hurt. When Kayla had turned towards Dylan and I saw the bottle in her hand, I didn’t even think. I just reacted, my only thought to stop her before she could get to him. I’d never felt such rage and fear.

Then there was the way Dylan was so protective of me. The way he held me so tightly, practically vibrating with rage, yet so careful with me at the same time. He’d checked every lock on the house last night and this morning and made me promise to lock all the doors the second I entered the house or the car, like I was a teenager on my own for the first time.

I really hoped this situation would end soon. I couldn’t stomach the thought of Dylan getting hurt or being scared, and I didn’t want that for myself either, but even more, I just didn’t want them interfering in our lives.

I wanted more time like the beginning of this weekend. I wanted Dylan to look at me again and say he was falling in love with me while the rest of the world faded to the background without him feeling like he had to look over his shoulder. I wanted the peace and joy and excitement and rightness that I felt with Dylan to continue to grow. What we had was so good and I already felt so close to him, but we’d actually only known each other for about a month. What if the threat of Kayla and Leo ruined what we had?

I’d never experienced this before in my life. The closest was when I was with my sister. Audrey always understood me, even when no one else did. I occasionally wondered if she lied to make me feel good, but I didn’t think so because she always responded appropriately to everything I said. Dylan seemed to usually understand me too. And he didn’t get frustrated when I gave really short answers either. My mom got mad at me for being rude for not giving full sentences, but I felt like Dylan knew why I sometimes did that.

I never felt belittled by Dylan the way I did when I was with Jake. I’d always felt like I was on the sidelines, doing what I could, but missing out on so much because of my limitations, or as Audrey liked to say, because of my insecurities. I didn’t want to hold anyone back with me, and Jake said he appreciated that. He would do what he wanted and tell me he understood why I didn’t want to.

Dylan made me feel like I didn’t have to sit it out. I hadn’t even known him that long, but I truly trusted him to have my back. When he didn’t understand me, he patiently asked me to repeat myself. When other people didn’t understand me, he didn’t rush in to smooth things over. For example, with just a quick look, he’d taken over when I needed him to speak to the waitress. And when he held my hand or helped me physically in any way, I trusted him completely. He’d saved me from tripping and falling more times than I could count. We had a great time on the hike, and when he asked if I wanted to go further or take the short loop, he didn’t sound at all upset that I chose the short one.

He made me feel more capable than I ever have in my life. I’ll do the kickball game , I suddenly decided. He’d promised it would be okay, and if it wasn’t, he’d make an excuse for us to leave early. If I really believed everything I just said to myself, I should trust him for that too. I would text him to tell him I’d go.

Should I follow his advice to take the lead position too? I opened up the email from my supervisor again.

Juliette,

Please review the attached information regarding applying for the position of Lead Therapist. I think that you would be a great fit.

She thought I’d be a great fit? There were twenty OTs and PTs who could fill that role, and all of them spoke clearer than me. I was proud to say I was good with the kids, I got along well with everyone, and my paperwork was always on time and in order. But I dreaded meetings, and this would require so many more meetings than I already had. I’d have to meet with the principal and other administrators, as well as my supervisor who apparently thought I was capable of this, then I’d have to meet with the therapists, and it would be all on me to convey the information between each group. That would be so stressful. I was happy. I loved my job, I loved dating Dylan. I had good friends. Why did I need to push myself to do more? I’d fought so hard just to get here, why couldn’t I coast along and enjoy it for a while longer? Wasn’t life meant to be enjoyed and not just conquered? Why did she even think I’d be good at it? Maybe she’d never been in a meeting with me, so she didn’t know? Yes, that was true. She was extrapolating from our one-on-one conversations. If she knew, she wouldn’t recommend me. And if I didn’t think I was a good fit, I shouldn’t feel forced into a position I didn’t want. I responded to her email to thank her and politely declined.

Another week passed by filled with long, sweet conversations. Dylan’s days off were on my work days, so he stayed at my apartment. He sent me off to work with coffee and kisses, and I came home to a clean apartment, dinner, and fresh flowers, and it was absolute perfection. Now he was back on duty, and I was leaving work, actually looking forward to an evening full of chores. I wanted to get all my cleaning and laundry done so I could enjoy as much time as possible with him on his days off. I texted him as I got into my car, but no response. He must’ve been out on a call.

A few hours later, satisfied with how many items I’d checked off my list, but uneasy that I hadn’t heard from Dylan yet, I settled down on the couch with a book to try to relax before bed. Or, to be honest with myself, to keep myself awake by reading until I heard from Dylan.

I jolted up. What was that noise? Oh, my phone. I must’ve fallen asleep. I fumbled to answer it quickly before I missed his call.

“Dylan?”

“Baby.”

What the fuck? He sounded awful. “Dylan! What’s wrong?”

No response, but I heard him breathing heavily. Shit. Was he crying?

“Dylan, you’re scaring me. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

“I’m okay. I’m not hurt. But, fuck, baby, it was so bad.”

“Is everyone else okay?”

“We’re all okay. But the girl—she died.”

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.”

Oh God, he was crying. I’d never heard a more heartbreaking sound in my life. I didn’t have any words for this. I wished I was there to just hold him.

“Dylan, baby, I’m so sorry.”

“Juliette, I want to be with you forever, but if you’re ever not with me, promise me you’ll never be with an abusive asshole who would hurt you and shoot you.”

“I only want to be with you, Dylan, and I know you’ll never hurt me,” I soothed.

“I’ll never hurt you, I promise.”

“I know. And I also know that you would have done anything possible to save that girl.”

“But I didn’t. I didn’t do anything. I stood outside and listened to him threaten her and listened to her screams, and I just stood there waiting like a useless ass.”

Shit, what could I say? “Were you told to wait?”

“Yes, but I knew we didn’t have time. We all heard that he was escalating. The chief should have let us in. We could have subdued him while we waited for the cops.”

“Wait, the cops weren’t even there yet? How long did you wait?”

“Three minutes.”

“Oh, honey, there was nothing that you could have done. I’m so sorry for that girl and I’m sorry for you and everyone who was there, but it’s not your fault. Do you hear me? It’s not your fault.”

He sighed. “I’m going to try to get some sleep.”

“Okay, I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Juls, you have no idea how much. Make sure your doors are locked and be safe, please.”

“I will. I love you. I hope you get some sleep.”

“I love you, baby. Have a good night.”

I ended the call and released the tears I’d held back. I never wanted to hear him cry like that again. Dylan was so tough and strong, what horrors did he go through to bring him to his knees like that? I’d been scared of him getting hurt or killed in a fire or by cars speeding by when he’s at an accident scene, but I hadn’t really thought about the emotional toll of his work.

I emailed my supervisor, set my alarm for an hour earlier than usual, then tossed and turned for most of the night.

Me: Are you awake?

Dylan: Yes. Sorry about last night.

Me: I’m outside the firehouse. Come out.

Me: Don’t apologize, you can share anything with me.

Dylan: You’re here? Now?

Me: Yes. Come out.

A minute later, Dylan burst through the door. He didn’t slow down until I was in his arms. I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest. He held me tight and buried his face in my hair. Neither of us spoke for a long moment. We just soaked up the comfort we each needed from the other.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have work?”

“I called in late. It’s fine. This is more important right now.”

“I should tell you that you didn’t need to do that, but I’m too happy to see you. Thank you.”

“I needed to see you too.”

“Come inside?”

“Sure, just for a few minutes. I brought donuts for everyone.” I pointed back toward my car. Dylan took my keys and retrieved them from the car.

He came back holding the donuts, took my hand in his, and walked us inside the fire station. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t the domestic scene I found. Ryan was washing dishes and the rest of the guys were seated around the table or on the couches. Everyone looked momentarily surprised to see me, then warm greetings were called out from around the room. I said hi and waved, looking around so I didn’t leave anyone out. Before I could think of what to say, Dylan led me through the common area and down a hallway, barely pausing to place the donuts on the counter and certainly not giving me a chance to say more. I felt both rude and relieved.

Dylan pulled me through a doorway, kicking the door shut behind us. I think it was a bedroom, but my eyes were barely adjusted to the dim light before his hard chest blocked my view. He grabbed my hips, his fingers digging in as he backed me up until I hit the wall. He thrust his hands into my hair, gripping tight and kissing me hard. His hips pinned me to the wall, his erection digging into my stomach, his body pressed against mine as he held me in place and took what he needed. He bit my lip before sucking on it to soothe the sting. His tongue delved deep into my mouth, dueling with mine as he kneaded my breasts just shy of painfully and pushed his knee between my legs. His breathing was ragged, his movements frantic, almost desperate.

“Need you, Juls.”

“I’m all yours.”

“Need you fast and hard. Okay, baby?”

“Take what you need. I’m here for you.”

With a feral growl, Dylan pulled my pants and underwear below my knees and pulled his pants down just enough to let his erection spring free. He bent his knees to get the right angle and with one hand holding himself, the other gripping my hip, he speared into me in one swift thrust.

I cried out in shock and pain and pleasure.

He pounded into me with fast, hard thrusts. I bit my lip to keep quiet, but there was no way the other firefighters missed the sound of him thrusting me against the wall over and over.

With my pants around my ankles and Dylan holding my wrists up by my head, I couldn’t move. I could only take what he was giving me.

“Come, Juls. Now.”

Like his words were a command, my body detonated around his. A few hard thrusts later, he jerked away, pulling out and coming, spurt after spurt, onto the wood floor.

He released his hold on my wrist, and smoothed his hand over my hair and down my jaw. His huge hand cupped my face. I leaned into him, unsure if my legs could support me. He gently lifted my face to peer into his. His eyes were clear and focused for the first time this morning.

“Are you okay, baby? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to maul you like an animal, but, fuck, you make me feel better.”

“I’m good. I’m great.”

He brushed his thumb over my lips, which I’m sure were red and swollen, his brows drawn down in concern. “I didn’t hurt you?”

“No. I promise.” I rubbed my hands up and down his muscular back, trying to soothe his worries.

“Your bruises?”

“They don’t hurt anymore.”

“We didn’t use a condom. I’m sorry, Juls.”

“It’s okay. I’m on the pill and I’m clean. I haven’t been with anyone else since my last doctor’s appointment.” I felt my face flush as I spoke, but I pushed through. If I was mature enough to have sex, I could be mature enough to talk about gynecologists and pap smears, right?

“I’m clean too. We all go for annual doctor visits, and I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. I’d love for you to have my babies one day, but not yet.”

Did he just say what I thought he said? I opened my mouth to ask—or maybe to squeal—but nothing came out.

Dylan chuckled, his expression softening, making him look both serious and sweet. “One day, baby. I want it all with you.”

I nodded. “Me too.” I gently kissed his jaw and neck, working my way down his chest, until my cheek rested gently against him. I felt his chest rise and fall with deep breaths, his breath warm against the top of my head.

“This was exactly what I needed. It’s going to be a long ass day. I barely slept and I doubt anyone else did either. When I was awake I just thought about everything I should’ve done differently, but when I fell asleep, I heard those last few seconds of her screams cut off by the gunshot. Then, when we went in—fuck, baby, it was gruesome.”

I held him tighter and made a little soothing sound. “I wish I could stay, but I’m sorry, I have to go to work.”

“Thank you for coming. You’re incredible, Juls.”

“I wish I could do more. I?—”

I was cut off by the blare of the alarm. Dylan listened to the voice of the dispatcher, which I could barely understand.

“Car accident,” he rushed out. “Give us a few minutes to pull out before you go. Make sure it’s clear before you go near the driveway. Avoid Commerce Street. Be safe.” He kissed me quickly and ran off.

I waited a few seconds until silence surrounded me, then I finally looked around. I was in a tiny bedroom, with a twin bed and a small nightstand next to it, a window above the nightstand, and a narrow closet on the other side. So this was where Dylan was for all those late-night conversations.

I walked back out to the main area, feeling free to look around now that I was alone. It looked comfortable, like the guys could sit and relax together at the table or the common area. I knew some days they barely got to eat, much less relax, but I hoped sometimes they could enjoy themselves. They all deserved it. I looked in the kitchen to see if there was anything I could do, but it was already cleaner than my own, so I just grabbed a few paper towels and cleaning spray and went back to the bedroom, trying not to be embarrassed as I cleaned Dylan’s come off the laminate wood floor.

I made my way out to head to work, but I paused to text him before I left.

Me: I love you. Be safe. I’m going to play in the kickball game.

He texted back later while I was working.

Dylan: Strong as fuck. You be safe too. Thank you for this morning. I love you.