RAINING MEN EXCERPT

Excerpt - Raining Men

She walked out of the house as the hotty firemen from the night before came barreling towards her with a hose in hand. “Never mind, boys, just burnt toast.”

One stepped forward and took his helmet and mask off. A flash of perfect teeth greeted her. Ethan.

The way the firemen were checking her out reminded Charly that she was standing there in satin pajamas. What was it with her in pajamas and men in uniform? She was just thankful it wasn’t her cloud ones, or the flannel famous mouse ones.

Her heart moved to her throat as the sexy Ethan winked.

“I burned toast,” Charly stammered, stunned by his good looks and thankful that his partners in flame fighting had not turned on the hose prior to approach. I burned toast? Love a duck! I sound like an idiot. She had already explained about the toast.

Ethan nodded and grinned. “You don’t know how to make toast?”

“No,” she told him and tried to be calm. “I mean, yes, but the toaster…”

“It was the toaster’s fault? Like it was the oven’s last night?” Ethan stepped closer and his eyes searched her face.

“No, it was my fault. I just…”

“Wanted to see me again?” He lifted his brows.

“No, of course not.” This is not going well.

“So you didn’t want to see me again?” He sounded so disappointed. The man was hot and it was amazing he put out blazes because he was hot enough to cause them.

“Yes, I wanted to see you…” Charly sighed in defeat as her cheeks burned from undoubtedly turning the same color as his truck. “Never mind.” It was official; she was embarrassed.

Ethan chuckled, as did some of the guys behind him. Would it have been wrong of her to wish she could just evaporate and fade out like the clearing haze, the only remnant of the once tasty bread?

“You’re a cutie.” He turned to the guys behind him. “You might as well put the hose away. She doesn’t need it.”

There was something about her not needing a hose that put naughty thoughts in her head. The devil on her shoulder snickered, commenting about needing a hose all right. There was something about Ethan and his hose that held serious possibilities. The angel on the other side was preparing to retort.

“Look at this. I’m so glad to see young men in uniform.” A voice rang out that was not the angel, but instead, the soul saving elderly neighbor.

Looking at Mrs. Newman, Charly smiled. “Morning.” She glanced to what appeared to be the much promised bunt cake. Oh good, more fat for my dimpling ass. Was there no mercy left in the world?

Ethan smiled at the church going lady. “Hello, Mrs. Newman.”

“Hello, Ethan, how is your mother? I’ll be seeing her on Tuesday. We have a meeting for the society.”

“She’s good,” the sexy fireman offered. “I’ll let her know you said hi.”

“Such a good boy,” Mrs. Newman fawned. “Your mother is so proud of you. Of course, not over the fact you haven’t married.”

“Well, uh...” Ethan stammered.

“Wow! Welcoming committee, you really shouldn’t have!” a familiar voice called.

Charly turned to see Jenna approach from over by her truck. Charly hadn’t even noticed her pull up. What is she doing here?

“Jenna?”

“Indeed, I jumped in the truck and thought I’d surprise you.”

“Oh, I’m surprised. There are hardly words.” She had to show up now?

Jenna bounced her gaze between Ethan and Charly with a sparkled amusement in her eye. “So, you did offer yourself up on a plate? I told you it would work!”

Charly’s cheeks tinted again. Trust Jenna. “Jenna, this is Ethan.” She pointed in the direction of the good-looking fireman with the killer smile. “And…”

“I’m Mrs. Newman, your friend’s neighbor. I made a nice bunt cake.” She passed it to Jenna.

“Oh, Charly!” a thick French accent called as the sexy neighbor Jacque ran over from next door. He growled and grinned. “Looking like a scrumptious little strawberry tart this morning.” He winked.

Oh dear. Charly glanced at Ethan, who looked entertained. Jenna drooled over Jacque and Mrs. Newman watched it all with a smile. “Morning Jacque, how’s the cooking?”

“I cook for you one night and satisfy your hunger.”

Right. I’m so short on dinner with men. “That’s sweet.”

He grinned, then turned to Ethan. “I noticed your big truck.” He eyed Ethan’s uniform. “I need you to get your big ladder up and help with the pussy.”

Jenna gasped. Charly’s mouth parted, then closed in shock.

“I’m good at heating things up, but my ladder is short. Not so good for reaching the pussy.” He tossed his hands in the air in frustration.

“I see.” Charly’s attention fell on Ethan. He looked as sexy as hell, despite the stunned look.

“You have a big ladder and help me? I love the pussy, but not always good with it. No control.” Jacque shrugged. “The pussy has a mind of it’s own.”

A muffled snort forced Charly to look at Jenna. She was dying to laugh and failing at the restraint.

“I don’t think I’m understanding you.” Ethan sounded traumatized.

“His cat,” Mrs. Newman answered. “He needs help with Ambrose. She likes to get in tight places. What did you think he was talking about?”