Burn with the Flames

Chapter 1: Juxtaposition

"Why the hell did I agree to this?" Stan groused as he stood by the open door of the closet with nothing but a loose towel, hung around hips. Droplets of water dripped from his hair, down his perfect muscular chest, over his toned abs, and down to his chiseled v-line.

He had a scowl on his face as a frown tugged on his thin lips.

"Anything for charity, right?" a slow, indolent voice came from the hallway.

Stan turned and shot an irritated look over his broad, damp shoulder. "Yeah, right."

"Inspector, the studio is ready. Your stylist is waiting, follow me please," called the photographer. A slow sexy smile curved over her red lips.

Stan eyed the tall, lean body as his eyes soften. God, the woman moved like a lynx. Just the sight of her made Stan wanted to pull her down on the bed, let go of the towel, and forget all about the morning's ensuing madness.

He followed her to the makeshift studio they set up in the firehouse, as he shook the lustful thoughts out of his head.

It was a busy week for the San Isidro Fire Station. The Mr. Firefighter Philippines was just over a month away and the team was busy with preparations for the big day.

The Mr. Firefighter Philippines was a national male firefighter pageant sponsored by Firefighters of the Philippines Charities Inc. This annual competition was the result of the commitment to uplift and empower role models of handsomeness, health and leadership for fire men in the Philippines, and support a good cause.

The winner will represent the country in the annual Mr. Firefighter World where they could showcase their stunning physiques, show off their intellects, rescue skills and techniques and to compete with other representative from all over the world. The titleholder will travel to raise money to provide food and clothing for the under privileged.

With an immediate superior like Stan, slacking off was out of the question, even if he was told by Chief Inspector Calma to focus on the 'pageant' and avoid any injuries or burns.

Stan had already worked an hour before this shoot, and he found himself with a chewed up pen on his hand, while he chugged down his second espresso. He ran his hands through his hair, with regret flowing through his veins for being such a know-it-all.

"Okay, Inspector, your chief has already instructed what you need to be for this shoot. You need to be dark, while being scruffy and hot. We're going to show the light and dark side of you, like a juxtaposition. Redeemed and damned. It's gonna be fabulous!" the photographer explained.

Stan's mouth twisted into a cringe. "It's the most embarrassing thing I've ever done."

"Darling, you'll do great. Now get dressed," the photographer instructed as she set up her camera equipment.

Stan's lips curled in irritation, a headache formed behind his eyes.

"It's for a good cause, remember?" the stylist said earnestly.

"She has a point, Inspector," commented Eric, one of their emergency medical technicians, who popped his head in the room.

"We could raise so much money to get new equipment for a cause that you already support," a paramedic named Mike bumped in.

"Lagman, Arguelles, step out," Stan said, while he strived for patience.

"Yes, sir," they responded in unison, their soft chuckles echoed in Stan's ears, as they stepped out of the room.

When the boys left, Stan fixed his own gear and pulled the turnout trousers on over his bare skin. He looked at himself in the mirror appreciatively.