Flames of Passion

“Four months is not ancient history,” Tyler said. “Besides, Carol has nothing to do with the equation. As for Nya,” he went on, facing Mason again, “it was quite the interesting experience.”

“Tell me you didn’t blow it,” Omar said.

“Don’t you have a morning-after call to make to the woman you were with last night?” Before Omar could respond, Tyler snapped his fingers and said, “Oh, I’m forgetting. You probably didn’t even get her name.”

There were more “Oohs” and laughter from the guys.

“So you like Nya?” Mason asked, looking hopeful.

Tyler noticed that not only did Mason have a hopeful expression, but so did the other firefighters standing around him, as well. “Since when did my love life become so interesting to you all?”

“What love life?” Omar asked, and laughed.

“We’ll see what you have to say on Saturday morning,” Tyler retorted. Though his interest in Nya had nothing to do with competing with Omar’s scoreboard.

“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Tyler went on, “but I’m hungry. What’s on the menu for today?”

“Fajitas,” Mason said.

“Awesome,” Tyler said, and began to walk down the hallway that led to the common room. “I’m starving.”

In the common room, Omar and the other firefighters headed to the couches surrounding the television. Mason stopped beside Tyler, who had not joined them yet. “So, what am I supposed to tell Sabrina?”

Tyler took a few steps back into the hallway so that he and Mason could have some privacy. “Tell Nya the date’s still on.”

Mason looked intrigued. “What actually happened last night?”

Tyler told him, and when he was finished with his story, Mason was grinning from ear to ear. “Wow. She just laid one on you like that? That’s crazy.”

“Tell me about it. But I liked it. Man, she’s beautiful. And spunky. I definitely want to see her again.”

“All right. I’ll tell Sabrina.”

“Thanks. Though it’s not a real date. Apparently, Nya’s ex made a movie, and he invited us to the premiere on Friday night. I told her I’d go with her and continue playing her boyfriend to make sure that her ex knows she’s over him.”

Mason raised his eyebrows. “And how are you gonna make sure that happens?”

“Look, all I care about is getting to hang out with her again. See where it goes. So I’ll be damned if she cancels on me. You make sure to tell Sabrina that the date is still on. No ifs, ands or buts.”

* * *

“Let’s see,” Nya said as she perused the calendar on her computer screen. “There’s been a cancellation for Friday at 4:45 p.m., so I can get you in then if that works for you. As I said, that’s only a last-minute consultation, and you’ll have to see if Sabrina will be able to work with you and your schedule.”

The woman on the other end of the line thanked Nya profusely.

As Nya hung up the phone, a smile touched her lips. Business certainly was booming. The woman said she was willing to work her date around whenever Sabrina was available. Which spoke volumes about Sabrina’s popularity. At this point, Sabrina had bookings well over eighteen months in advance.

It was amazing what a little bit of publicity could do for a business. Nya knew that soon enough, Sabrina might need some help taking photos. It wasn’t the reason why she had started tinkering with photography, but she wondered if she could take some classes and get to be good enough where she could be a true partner in the business.

It wasn’t something she thought would happen anytime soon, however. She wasn’t delusional. But sometime in the future, maybe in a few years, who knew?

Hearing the sound of Sabrina’s sandals clicking against the floor, Nya turned to face her as she entered the front reception area. “I just booked you a four forty-five appointment on Friday night. It’s just a consultation, and hopefully it won’t take more than half an hour. Sorry to book an appointment so late, but the woman was desperate. If you need me to stay, I can go over packages with her and her fiancé.”

Nya relished the idea of staying late. Not just because she wanted to become more involved in the business, but also because it would give her the perfect out for her date with Tyler.

Just in case he had given Mason a hard time about it. If he had, now she could honestly say that she had work and didn’t think she would have enough time to get ready.

“We’ll see how it goes on Friday, but you could always do the consultation if you like. You know the packages I sell, and I’m sure you’ll have no problem talking to them about it.”

“I do have a feeling that the couple wants to meet you,” Nya said. “I can be here to help out, though. And to learn from the best,” she added with a smile.

“The truth is, you might not have the time.”

Nya stared at her, not understanding. “What do you mean?”

“I have a message for you from Mason. Well, I guess from Tyler, actually.”

Nya swallowed. “You do?”

“Mason talked to Tyler, and Tyler told him to tell you that the date is still on. He’s not canceling.”

“What does he mean he’s not canceling? He can’t just make an executive decision and expect me to go along.”

“Guess he wants to see you again.”

“He wants a few laughs at my expense.” Nya groaned. “What is wrong with that man? I’m already embarrassed enough by what I did last night. He doesn’t have to rub it in.”

“I’m kind of surprised you actually don’t want to go out with him.”

As Nya met her friend’s eyes, she knew why Sabrina was confused. Nya had been such a hot mess when it came to men over the past year and a half that she supposed her sudden break from dating was hard to believe.

“I meant it when I said I want to take time to become happy with myself. Ultimately, that’s what I was missing when I was dating man after man. I have to be happy with myself. I can’t find happiness in the arms of a man.”

“Yet you kissed Tyler.”

“Because Russell was right there. What was I supposed to do?”

Sabrina eyed her, a hint of amusement on her face. “Not kiss a guy and expect him to not want more.”

“You think he wants more?” Nya asked, panicked. “Is that what he told Mason?”

Sabrina didn’t answer right away, and again Nya felt a sense of panic. Did she see something mischievous in Sabrina’s eyes? Did Sabrina know something and was now trying to gauge her attitude before revealing it?

“Is that what he told Mason?” Nya repeated.

“Relax,” Sabrina told her. “Tyler didn’t say that. At least that’s not what Mason said to me.”

“Oh.” Nya shuffled uncomfortably in her seat. “Well, that’s good.” She wondered why she felt the slightest hint of disappointment.

Did she really have to wonder? Obviously, Tyler was hot. She had taken a self-imposed vow of no dating, but that didn’t mean that her attraction to men had died. It just meant that she was making sure to watch her behavior, as opposed to reacting spontaneously.

“I don’t know, Nya. You’re different. It’s hard to figure you out. A guy like Tyler... I figured he would be right up your alley.”

And he was. Which was the problem. What worried Nya about going out with him was the fact that Tyler was the type of man who could make her forget her vow. And she didn’t want to be sidetracked.

“What’s to figure out?” Nya asked. “Like I said, I’m taking a break from dating.”

“Mason did tell me to tell you that Tyler is one of the good guys.”

Nya swallowed. The words intrigued her...and yet she didn’t want to be intrigued. “You’re not telling me that Mason’s trying to play matchmaker now?”

“Just passing along a message. Something to think about.”

“Damn, I shouldn’t have kissed Tyler. He seriously expects me to go on the date Friday night? Not a date. You know what I mean.”

Sabrina gave her another amused look, which irritated Nya. Sabrina was the one who had told her that she needed to slow down when it came to dating. Now it appeared that, just because Sabrina had been bitten by the love bug, she had suddenly lost her objectivity.

“Mason was adamant. He said that Tyler’s not letting you out of it. Obviously, no one can force you to go. But why not go?”

“Looks like I don’t really have a choice,” Nya said glumly. “I used him—shamelessly—so it seems I have to deal with the consequences of my own behavior.”

“It’s just one evening. And who knows...?”

Nya gaped at Sabrina. “I can’t believe you’re saying that. You, of all people. You’re the one who was forever telling me that I needed to slow down when it came to relationships.”

“What can I say? I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for firefighters these days.”

A dreamy expression came over Sabrina’s face, and Nya knew that her mind had gone to the land of love where she and Mason lived. It was good to see her friend all gushy over a man.

“In fact, Mason and I have a solution to make Friday night not so awkward, if you’re concerned about going out with Tyler when you don’t really know him.”

“What’s that?”

“Mason was wondering if you could get two more tickets to the premiere. For us.”

Nya’s stomach lurched, and she thought she might be sick. “You want me to call Russell and ask him for two more tickets to the event?”

“I’d love to see the film. And hey, if Mason and I are there at the event with you and Tyler, it’ll be like four friends getting together.”

“Or a double date.” The idea mortified her. “You really want to see the film?”

“I was always interested in it when you first started working on it with Russell. So yeah, I’m curious. Besides, it’ll be an excuse to dress up and hang out with my man. Get him hot and bothered and then take him home...”

At least Sabrina’s words made Nya chuckle. “Wow, Mason really did unleash your inner sex goddess, didn’t he?”

“I have to say, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“I believe it.”

Sabrina’s happy expression morphed into frustration when her stomach grumbled. “And I’m also hungrier than I’ve ever been,” she said. “This has been a crazy morning, but I’ve got half an hour before my next appointment. I’m gonna run out and get a bite to eat. Think about what I said, okay? Mason and I would love to go to the premiere. If it’s not too much trouble for you to contact Russell.”

Nya watched her friend disappear through the front door, wondering how things had escalated so much.

The ringing phone distracted Nya from her thoughts, and she got back to work.

Fifteen minutes later, the phone had stopped ringing, so Nya opened up her email. She still knew Russell’s email address, as it hadn’t been hard to forget. She logged on and typed it in.

Then she paused, not sure what to write.

As the minutes ticked by, she wondered why this was such a hard task. “Get a grip, and get over it.”

She drafted Russell an email, asking if two more tickets were available for the event. And as she did, she started to feel better about things. Instead of seeing Friday night as a double date, she started to see it as an opportunity to be with her best friend. Having Sabrina there would lessen the pressure and make it less like a date between her and Tyler. She certainly didn’t have to stick by Tyler’s side when there were more people there. Tyler could hang with Mason, and she could hang with Sabrina. If Russell was nearby, Nya would make sure to play lovey-dovey with Tyler, but otherwise she could hang with Sabrina.

Yes, it was a great idea to have Sabrina and Mason go along with them. Plus, if she was asking Russell for more tickets, he certainly couldn’t believe she was still hung up on him. It was more proof—she hoped, anyway—that she was firmly over him.

Nya sent the message off to Russell as Sabrina breezed back in. She looked harried.

“You really ought to take an hour for yourself. Have a proper lunch, unwind a bit.”

Sabrina shook her head as she sipped the last bit of orange juice from a plastic cup. “I don’t have the time.”

“You know you have to slow down sooner or later. You don’t want to disappoint Mason.”

Sabrina, who had already passed the reception desk en route to her studio, paused to look over her shoulder. “Oh, Mason’s far from disappointed.” She winked.

As her friend disappeared, Nya couldn’t help feeling a slight sense of wistfulness. Not since Russell had she felt a true electric charge for someone, that sense of excitement and fulfillment that Sabrina was experiencing now.

And despite Nya’s resolve to say single, there was a small part of her that still craved that sense of belonging to someone.

There was still a part of her that craved finding Mr. Right.

Chapter 5

“Sabrina Crawford Photography,” Nya said into the receiver.

“Nya?” came the male voice.

Nya’s heart spasmed at the sound of the deep, sexy voice on the other end of the line. “Speaking.”

“Hey, Nya. It’s Tyler.”

Nya felt a tingle in her belly, which she instantly hated. Why couldn’t she turn off her attraction to him?

“Oh, hi,” she said, keeping her voice flat. “How are you?”

“I’m great. It’s Thursday, so I’m calling to finalize the details for tomorrow as planned.”

As planned... He was obviously forgetting that she had tried to cancel the date. But she didn’t bother to mention that, saying only, “Right.”

“Mason told me that you were able to get two more tickets for him and Sabrina.”

“Yep. The more, the merrier, I guess.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Tyler said. “I have been all week.”

Nya’s skin flushed, but she told herself not to read into Tyler’s words. First and foremost, tomorrow night was about making it clear to Russell that he hadn’t ruined her life forever. Even if Tyler was looking forward to spending more time with her for other reasons, Nya was determined to ignore her attraction to him. She had to change her ways, and not be the same woman she had been for so long.

“If nothing else, it will be an interesting evening,” Nya said. “I hope the film is good.”

“Mason was saying that we could all maybe meet for a quick bite—if your schedule allows.”

“Actually,” Nya began, “there’s a four forty-five appointment coming in, and I’m not sure when Sabrina and I will get out of here. Might be closer to five thirty, which means dinner will likely not be doable. If the film starts at seven, we’ve got to be getting there by six thirty to park, get good seats. So we’ll have to pass on dinner.”

“Good point,” Tyler said. “There’ll probably be food at the after party, anyway.”

“Knowing Russell, he’ll have the works.”

“Can I pick you up?” Tyler asked. “I think that makes the most sense.”

Nya wanted to object, but then she realized she would be protesting too much. What was she going to do—drive to the theater and fight for parking just to make a point? “Sure,” she said. “That’ll be fine.”

“What’s your address?”

Nya hesitated, not because she didn’t want to give him her address, but because she was suddenly remembering how this story had played out in her past relationships. The guy would pick her up for their date then take her home. Head upstairs with her. It all led to moving too far too fast.

Was she setting herself up for that exact scenario right now?

But she told him her address nonetheless. “I can be downstairs at six fifteen, if that works for you.”

“That’ll work.” Tyler told her. “See you then.”

* * *

Later that day, Nya had the firefighters’ calendar open to November and the picture of Tyler. Wearing only his turnout pants and suspenders, Tyler was standing in front of the engine truck. One arm was extended above his head and resting on the truck. His magnificent chest was exposed, showing off his muscular pecs and washboard abs. He was one helluva sexy man.

Nya lifted her smartphone and took a picture of the picture.

“Is that the calendar?”

Nya quickly closed the calendar. Then she whirled around to face her friend. “Sabrina. I didn’t hear you.”

“That’s a sexy picture of Tyler,” Sabrina said, coming to stand around the front of the reception counter, where she placed her Canon 5D camera. “I thought you weren’t interested.”

“I—I’m not,” Nya stuttered. “I—I was just looking at the calendar again. Checking out your amazing work.”

“And you took a picture of Tyler’s photo because...?”

“Because...because I told a friend in Texas about him, said he’s exactly her type. And she wanted to see a picture.”

Sabrina gave her a doubtful look, but didn’t press the issue. “Can you please call Dan Silver? Tell him we’re going to have to rebook his appointment because I have another appointment in fifteen minutes?”

“Of course.”

Sabrina took a moment to stretch her body, leaning backward, then letting her body fall forward. Nya stood and picked up Sabrina’s camera. By the time Sabrina was rising and pushing her hair out of her face, Nya snapped a photo of her.

Sabrina threw her a curious gaze. “Hey.”

“You’re always taking everyone else’s picture,” Nya said. “It’s about time someone took yours.”

As Sabrina approached her, Nya checked out the photo on the screen. She’d caught Sabrina in a completely candid moment, and she looked beautiful. Sabrina’s hands were in her hair, her eyes gazing ahead. The photo was gorgeous in its simplicity.

“Let me see that,” Sabrina said, extending her hand.

“Don’t delete the picture,” Nya pleaded. “I think you look beautiful.”

Sabrina’s lips were twisted in doubt as she took the camera. But her eyes quickly filled with wonder, and she actually smiled. “That’s a great picture.”

Nya smiled proudly. “I told you.”

Just as the door chimes sang and a harried-looking man came rushing in, the telephone rang. Nya answered it, and Sabrina tended to the customer.

Once Nya was off the phone, she emailed the photo of Tyler to herself, then accessed it on the computer. Knowing that Sabrina would be busy with the customer for a while, Nya quickly punched in a web address Sabrina knew nothing about.

Within seconds, the pale blue-and-pink swirls on the background of the page loaded, along with the page’s logo.

No More Casual Hookups!

Support From Friends Who Care.

Nya had found this site accidentally while on a lark searching the web for support groups for people who were swearing off sex. One night, after a few glasses of wine, she had decided to see whether there were other people out there like her.

Lo and behold, there were. She’d found this support group for people who were renewing vows of celibacy in an effort to find love.

Some were born-again virgins, which of course Nya didn’t completely understand. You were either a virgin or you weren’t. But she did get the sentiment. Psychologically, they were refreshing their spirits and their sexual beings, saving themselves for marriage.

Nya wasn’t saving herself for marriage. Her self-imposed celibacy was about reconnecting with herself, finding joy in her own skin, and escaping from the feeling that she needed to be with a man in order to be happy.

Nya hadn’t told Sabrina about this site, because she felt silly about it. There were live chat forums, and there were private messaging options. She’d read some of the forum discussions and had found other people who’d gone through similar experiences. Women and men who had jumped into relationships with hope, only to be hurt. People who wanted to forgo relationships and concentrate on being happy with themselves.

Nya had joined more out of curiosity, because she was surprised that such a group even existed. But she found herself signing on at least once a week to discuss how the week had gone and whether she had been able to withstand the temptation.

Nya had created a username then had started interacting with the group. Even though she’d done so more out of curiosity, she found that they understood her and truly were a source of support for her.

THEONLYWAY, the site’s administrator, was logged in. Nya had never come on and not found her logged in. While the members didn’t give any identifying information about themselves, Nya figured that THEONLYWAY was unemployed, independently wealthy or far too invested in this site to allow herself a personal life.

Within a few seconds of logging in, there were hello messages coming at her from various members who were online. FOOLMEONCE was a male. NOMOREHEARTBREAK, ANDBRAINSTOO and RESPECTME_1 were females.

RESPECTME_1: Hey, MAKING_ACHANGE! How r u?

MAKING_ACHANGE: Feeling stressed. Just need some support from you guys as I’m dealing with an awkward situation.

THEONLYWAY: What’s going on?

Nya glanced over her shoulder, fearful that Sabrina might appear. But she knew that Sabrina was busy with her appointment, which would give her the time she needed to get support from her online friends.

Nya loaded the picture of Tyler, then cropped it to obscure his face.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Recently met this guy. Exactly my type. I think he’s interested, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to resist him.

THEONLYWAY: You want to end up devastated again? That’s what will happen if you get involved with this guy. I promise you that.

Nya frowned. THEONLYWAY was hardcore when it came to remaining celibate. For her, the only way to happiness was to abstain from sex until marriage.

RESPECTME_1: No doubt as to why you’re tempted! The sexy firefighter? But don’t let a hot bod keep you off track! You’ve been celibate for five months, which is awesome. Did you sign up for a course in photography yet?

Nya had shared with the group that she was interested in photography, and they’d enthusiastically told her to pursue courses in part to distract herself from dating, but also as a way to find herself and concentrate on her passion.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Not yet. But I plan to. Soon.

NOMOREHEARTBREAK: Be careful! The hot ones always break your heart.

ANDBRAINSTOO: Yeah, I remember guys like that. Hot and bothered and wanting to get in your pants. Hot guys like that are used to women throwing themselves at them. They’re not used to hearing no. I’d stay away!

FOOLMEONCE: Not all attractive guys are heartbreakers. But I agree, don’t let yourself get sidetracked.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Thx.

RESPECTME_1: Things with Bill are going well. Four months and he hasn’t pressured me for sex. Says he’s willing to wait.

As the forum members began to write congratulatory responses and supportive messages for RESPECTME_1, who was a born-again virgin saving herself for marriage, Nya shot a glance over her shoulder again. She didn’t want Sabrina to catch her in this chat group.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Great to hear, Respect! He sounds like a keeper.

RESPECTME_1: Who knew I’d give up sex and actually find love?

MAKING_ACHANGE: Hate to do this, but I gotta go. At work. TTYL.

As Nya signed out of the chat room, she again felt a little silly that she was even taking love advice from a group of strangers online. She had signed up on a whim, and hadn’t truly expected to interact with anyone, much less make any meaningful connections. But she had. She liked these people, even if she didn’t truly know them.

Nya was happy for RESPECTME_1, who’d had too many sexual partners and more broken relationships than a person should at the age of twenty-eight. She had decided to swear off sex until marriage—it had apparently worked for her. Nya didn’t plan to take her own vow that far, but what she hoped was that the next man she got involved with sexually would be the man she married.

And she held no illusions that that man would be Tyler.

Chapter 6