Turn Up The Heat

Chapter 23 - Riley

It's been two years since Matteo's birthday party, where I thought I was losing my mind. It's crazy thinking that Blake was there but was even crazier is someone slipped something into my drink. It's no wonder I thought Blake was everywhere. I finally went to counseling to help me with everything that has happened. I can honestly say things are starting to get better.

Four years since Blake left me and I did have a couple of relationships. But like everything else in my life they ended. They couldn't deal with the nightmares I had from time to time.

Speaking of nightmares

"Everything is not as it seems Riley Ann." The man with jet black hair and emerald green eyes says from outside my kitchen window.

"Who are you?" But the man disappears and then I hear my parents argue. I tiptoe my way to where they are to see what is going on. They have been arguing quite a bit lately.

"John we need to tell Riley, it's only right."

"Enough Helen! I'm not going to lose her too. She will hate us."

What the hell are they talking about? When I try to listen to more it's silent.

"Wildfire!" I turn around and there he stands. "Baby you need to get out of here."

I look at him bewildered."What are you talking about?" But he never answers because there is a big bang and all of the sudden I'm surrounded by smoke.

"Mom! Dad! Please help me!" All I hear is screams and the fire engulfing me.

I scream and feel my body shaking.

"Damn it Riley wake up!" I jolt awake looking at Sam.

When did she get here?

"Ry are you okay?" I feel the tears fall down my cheeks.

"Why does it always get worse around the anniversary of their death?"

"Oh sweetie come here." She opens up her arms and she hugs me tight.

"It's been five years Sam why can't I let this go?"

She rubs my back as I hug her tighter. "Maybe because we really don't know why it happened or who did this "

I pull away from her and wipe my tears. "I just want it to go away." I run my fingers through my hair and move away from Sam pacing. "I mean I am scared to death of fire. I can't even cook Sam, I freak out over the flames."

She shoots up off the bed and stands in front of me. "Oh I got it!" She has the biggest smile on her face. "We'll get an electric stove. See there problem solved."

I couldn't help but smile at the gesture. "It's okay, I'll have to learn to deal with it just like everything else."

Just then my door swings open. "Morning bitches! What do we have going on in here." Lendze strides in with a bright smile on her face. I'm glad to have these two woman here with me. I put them through a lot after my parents died.

I wipe the tears from my face as Sam hugs me again. Lendze fakes being hurt. "What I don't get to get on this hug action? I might as well leave." She starts walking towards my door but then turns around. She runs towards us tackling us into a hug on my bed. We all start laughing hysterically.

"Lendze get off me."

Sam let's out a strangled laugh. "Ya get off me Lendz your squishing my boobs."

Lendze laughs even louder."Haha nope not going to happen." We start tickling each other like we are in grade school. I have tears in my eyes but this time it from having fun  little did we know someone was watching us

"Well, well,well. Look at what we have here. Every man's fantasy."

I know that voice. I freeze on the spot as Sam jumps up and runs to the person standing at my door.

"Blake!"Sam screams as she jumps into his arms. Then she swats him in the arm. "Eww gross."

He laughs as he gives her a hug. "Oh come on sis. I was only kidding."

How the hell is it that he got hotter than he was four years ago? His eyes turn towards me and I can't look away even if I want to. I want to hate him so much, but I can't.

"When did you get back?" Sam asks as we continue to stare at each other.

"Just now, I start my new job next week." He looks damn good in his uniform. But why is his worry lines showing on his forehead? I shake the thoughts from my head. I don't care anymore he is just Sam's brother to me now.

"Hi Blake. You look mighty fine." Lendze says in a flirtatious tone. I know I shouldn't get jealous, he's not mine. I'm not sure he ever was.

"Hey Lendz, good to see you too."

I put my hands on my hips and glare at him. "You know you can't just barge into someone's home Blake."

"Well Riley Ann I'd one of you heard the door when I was knocking. I wouldn't have had to use the spare key now would I."

I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out. So I just shut my mouth and don't say anything. We use to banter back and forth but now it just feels strange. I guess it is fitting since we are strangers now.

To break the awkwardness Sam breaks the tension. "So what's this new job?"

Blake looks towards me and chews on his bottom lip. He seems nervous, but why?

"It's at the firehouse. I start training to be a fireman."

I'm frozen in my spot. I feel my lip quivering. I'm on the verge of tears but Lendze claps her hands together like a kid ready to open up Christmas presents. "Oh a fireman. You can out my fire out anytime baby."

Blake laughs and shakes his head  God I miss that smile. "You haven't changed Lendz."

She winks at him and laughs, "I never will Blakie boy."

I have nothing against firefighters. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be alive today. The thing that scares me is Blake running into burning buildings and possibly getting hurt.

When Sam told he joined the service I was so angry but at the same time I was scared for him as well. If anything happened to him I don't know how I would take it.

"Why?" Is the only thing I could say and the tears fall down. I hate that he is seeing me so vulnerable again after four years. He walks over to me in a matter of seconds and pulls me into his embrace. I should push him away but I can't. He feels warm and safe. He feels like home.

He looks down at me and wipes the tears from my eyes.

"Because of you."