The Men of CLE-FD updated Read online

  She’d help create the monster he’d grown into by willingly putting her career on hold until he finished law school and established himself as an industry leading entertainment attorney. At the time, she didn’t mind supporting his career. But as his job had them bouncing around the globe catering to his clients, she became homesick and lonely for attention.

  As exciting as it was in the beginning, his lifestyle began to grate on her nerves. She enjoyed meeting celebrities she had read about in magazines. Some were exactly how the media portrayed while other celebrities were palatable.

  However, she grew restless living in Mark’s shadow. She had put it off long enough. She was ready to plan a career in journalism. She longed to return to New York where they had a permanent residence and to attend college. Mark would repeatedly hound into her that she didn’t need to work. She had a successful husband who provided luxuries beyond her imagination.

  Regan didn’t dispute that. She had money, closets full of designer clothing, and a beautiful penthouse apartment in Manhattan. What she did disagree about was her state of mind. She was not happy and felt alone. While he was leaving his footprints in the sand, she had to take a backseat and watch and began to resent him for not being supportive of her dreams.

  As the years passed, the traveling became excruciating for Regan. The woe-is-me from whining celebrities irritated her as Mark began paying less attention to her needs and more attention to the needs of his clients; especially the female clients.

  His pull into the celebrity limelight caused him to drift further away from her and their perfect marriage. She sensed their marriage hung in the balance by the arguments they would have when alone. So intense, Mark counter-argued she was becoming a pain in his ass and instead of embarrassing him by appearing unpleasant to his clients, he agreed she should return to New York to attend school or do whatever she needed to do to make her happy.

  She took his advice and did just that. But it wasn’t long before rumors surfaced Mark was having an affair with Naomi, his personal assistant who began traveling with him. Regan did not believe the rumors until Mark confirmed it was true and moved out of their penthouse. However, the affair was short-lived, and Mark begged her for a second chance to salvage their marriage.

  Stupidly, she agreed and put off filing for divorce after he agreed to stop traveling and work from his New York office. Although she refused to quit school, they did reunite after a three-month long separation and weekly sessions in marriage counseling. Shortly after reconciling, Lincoln, produced proof to Regan, Mark continued to keep company with Naomi. Regan confronted him, and Mark tried to deny the affair was still going on, only the pictures showed evidence it clearly wasn’t over between the boss and his attractive blonde assistant.

  No longer able to trust the man who’d taken her virginity as a teenager and what seemed to her ‘the best years of her life’, Regan filed for divorce, packed her bags and moved to Chicago to live with her older sister to embark on a career and work on closing the chapter of her life with Mark Richards.

  Regan sighed coming to the present. She could only drool over Anthony’s dark creamy complexion and manly physique. He was a firefighter, tall and muscular, but attached to her sister.

  Lincoln continued needling Anthony and pushed him hard on the shoulder with her index finger. “Where are your single friends I asked you to bring?”

  Anthony rubbed his shoulder. “They will be here. One of my partners couldn’t make it until the end of his shift but promised he’d stop by for a drink.”

  Regan released a breath shaking her head listening to them banter back and forth. Suddenly a wave of depression washed over her. Her attention was not on whatever they were talking about any longer and she needed a change of scenery. “Lincoln, I’m going up front to mingle for a bit.”

  “Okay, but don’t be stay away long. We have other people coming.”

  *****

  Regan lifted her hand dismissing her sister. Anthony’s eyes widened as Regan turned to walk away from them. “Damn! Why is she having a hard time finding a man?”

  Lincoln crossed her arms. “Baby, I told you about her divorce from her idiot husband. She is going through a rough transition and I think she is lonely.”

  “I still don’t get what the hell was wrong with that fool leaving her fine ass for another woman.”

  Lincoln thinned her lips holding in a jealous tone. “He could not keep it in his pants. Anthony, I want Regan to meet a trustworthy man; can you help me out with that or would you rather salivate over my sister wishing you could have her?”

  He stretched his neck to get the last glimpse of Regan before she disappeared out of his view. He caught sight of Lincoln’s scowl and switched gears. “I’d be glad too. You know—help you find her a man. Not me, help her out.”

  “Be serious, Anthony. That’s my sister you’re ogling like a dog.”

  “Baby, she is fine but can’t hold a candle to you,” he said puckering his lips attempting to kiss her.

  Lincoln pulled her head away. “Nice try, Anthony. You better be glad I’m used to your sense of humor or you would need a rescue squad about now.”

  “I wouldn’t do anything to ruin our relationship, Lincoln. And definitely not with your sister,” he added.

  She softened her tone knowing he was kidding. “I know, baby. So are you in?”

  “All right, I’ll see what I can do. Orlando needs a good woman. Lord knows his ex-wife is a freaking nutcase.”

  “Ex-wives mean drama. Regan does not need that in her life. I think she is still carrying some feelings for Mark, and if he manages to worm his way back into her life for a third time, there is a chance she would take him back. I cannot let that happen.”

  Anthony asked. “Well, if he has changed his ways, then why not?”

  “Mark is not capable of changing his ways; he only looks out for himself. Furthermore, I do not like him. That bastard will not get another chance to hurt my sister.”

  “You women are brutal on us. We make a mistake and can never be forgiven.”

  “That’s not true. Regan did give him another chance, and he screwed it up. He does not deserve my sister’s heart to crush a third time.”

  “All right. What are her requirements? There aren’t many brothas in my firehouse. Those that I know personally are married or ready for retirement. I mean will it bother her Orlando is Hispanic?”

  Lincoln bit her lip, unsure. “I guess it wouldn’t matter, but I don’t know for sure, she’s only been with Mark. I keep forgetting he is Hispanic. If it weren't for his last name, I would never connect him to the Hispanic culture.”

  “Well, a lot of Orlando’s family is from Puerto Rico and he does speak Spanish fluently and he embraces the Hispanic culture. However, his mother is African-American, and he embraces her culture. So, I’m not sure what you would call him.”

  She rolled her eyes. “God, Anthony, I don’t care what his race is as long as he isn’t involved with another woman. And since Orlando is one hot specimen of a man, how can you be sure is not involved with a woman? I’m trying to hook Regan up with a nice guy she can trust.”

  Anthony clicked his tongue. “I know Orlando for sure is not involved in a relationship. The damn job has been his relationship lately.” He eyed her asking. “Exactly what do you mean by ‘he is one hot specimen of a man’?”

  “Oh shoot, I forgot he is a workaholic. I’m trying to get her out of the house for fun.” She lifted her brow amused she had got a rise out of him. “You know what I mean—he is not only handsome but has one hell of a body. I can say that after the way you were looking at Regan’s ass.”

  “We are even now. I won’t look at Regan anymore and you sure as hell won’t be slobbering over Orlando. Anyhow, I have other friends besides the guys at the firehouse coming tonight. Firefighters don’t really have a good record when it comes to relationships. Are you sure you want me to introduce her to Orlando?”

  Lincoln snickered after hitt
ing a nerve with him. “Anthony, are you saying we aren’t going to last?”

  “Damn, I’m going to shut-up and stop talking because now you are taking it personal and this is not about us.”

  “I’m sorry. This is not about us. Go ahead and finish what you were saying,” she said pretending to zip her lip.

  “On a real note, Lincoln, your sister may have lost her trust in men since she’s been burned twice by her ex-husband. Our rotations at the firehouse are crazy and we are out of reach a lot. Will Regan be able to deal with that? Orlando won’t be able to drop whatever he is doing to be with her.”

  “She will know what Orlando is doing while at work since firefighters don’t sleep with the staff like that asshole Mark was doing. Baby, Regan needs an adventure with a hard-working man that gets dirty, not the suit and tie corporate drone whose job is to wine and dine clients in order to get business.”

  “Damn, baby, give the man a break. He provided a good living for your sister. You don’t know what was going on with them or what really happened in their marriage. So don’t you think it is unfair to put all the blame on him?”

  “Okay, maybe I am being hard on Mark and taking my sister’s side. All I know is another woman is benefiting from what my sister help create and all she got is a broken heart. She really felt they had a fairytale marriage.” Lincoln cuddled closer to him. “Regan wants what I have, Anthony. And I admit there is something very sexy about being with a firefighter,” she said caressing Anthony’s bald head.

  “Well, what can I say? We are the center of women’s wet dreams.”

  Lincoln laughed. “I’m surprised there is a helmet big enough to fit your bloated head.”

  He chuckled. “Exactly the reason I joined the fire department. Besides saving lives, I can gloat and not seem conceited while doing it.”

  “Anthony, we could have been together a long time ago. We wasted a lot of hours flirting instead of getting it on.”

  “You were young and I didn’t want to push you into something you might not be able to handle—me. Plus, I was scared of your mother and that big gun she carried.”

  “Anthony, my mother didn’t rule my life.”

  He called for a waitress to order a drink. “She might not have ruled your life, but she knew how to shoot a gun. When she moved to Chicago, I was able to make my move and lower the risk of getting my butt shot. You know it makes me nervous that you go to the gun range.”

  Lincoln fluffed the curls of her hair. “Remember that in case you decide to step out of line.”

  Anthony let his eyes travel along Lincoln’s body. She wasn’t as curvy as her sister was but thin with an athletic build. She was definitely pretty with light brown eyes, high cheekbones, and shoulder length brownish-black hair. But he noted all the Hathaway sisters were beautiful women. He cracked up when heard the names of her other sisters. Carter was the oldest, then Regan. Lincoln was the baby of the bunch, and they had become friendly when she took a job as temporary office assistant to the Battalion Chief at the firehouse. When that job ended, they remained in touch.

  He nodded smiling. “Damn straight I will, but you know I love you.”

  “I love you too, baby. Now, tell me more about Orlando.”

  Anthony sat back in the chair. “Baby, there isn’t really much more to tell. He loves the outdoors. He is very athletic and into fitness. I hope Regan likes to ride bikes, hike, and shit. I know he is killing me Jon with the workout routine he set for us. The man is a sadist when it comes to training for something.”

  “From what you’ve told me, he is determined to win that charity event you all have entered. Baby, Orlando says very little about himself. About how old is he?”

  Anthony folded his hands behind his head. “I don’t know for sure but I think he’s thirty-six or thirty-seven years old. He has worked hard to get where he is and is a damn good firefighter and leader. If I had to explain him in one word, it would be ‘honorable’.”

  Lincoln rubbed her hands together. “He sounds perfect for Regan. I like that he has focus and determination. And I like even better that he doesn’t have a wandering eye.”

  “No, he doesn’t play around anymore after Maggie. He is more serious about himself and not the playa he was when he first entered the fire academy.”

  Lincoln hemmed. “His marriage made him rigid? That could be a problem for Regan since she is friendly and outgoing. She might get on his nerves with her bubbly personality, although, she has been in the dumps lately and kind of sulking.”

  “Baby, I know Orlando very well. He stays to himself since his divorce, but that is by choice and not because he is not a sociable person. Will Regan will like him—yes. Hell, all women are attracted to him but he just brushes it aside and moves on. That is why I am not sure he is ready to get back into dating.”

  “He is coming tonight to meet Regan so that must mean he is ready to start dating again, right?”

  Anthony tugged at his ear. He did not exactly tell Lincoln the whole truth. Orlando had made it clear he was not interested in a relationship and was only coming to the party as a courtesy to Lincoln.

  Anthony squirmed in his seat. “Um, Lincoln, just don’t press him. If there is any chemistry between them, let them handle that. After the introduction, we are not going to have any more to do with getting them together, okay?”

  Lincoln’s jubilation spilled over the loud music as she squealed. “Yeah, whatever you say. This is too perfect! Call him to make sure he is coming. Go ahead, call him,” she urged.

  Anthony removed his cell phone from his pocket mumbling. “I swear I will never understand women and what you actually hear when we talk to you. But, after tonight, I’m sure I will be down one best friend.”

  *****

  Orlando entered the nightclub looking for Anthony. His late arrival was due to him stopping home after shift to change into something decent before heading out for the evening.

  Making his way to the bar area he did not see Anthony or Lincoln, but was concerned with the number of people occupying the space. He was off duty but never off the clock when safety was a factor.

  He decided to ignore it for now since the party was for friends of his. Rapping his knuckles on the surface of the bar to get the bartender’s attention, he noticed a woman standing less than ten feet from him talking with another woman. The red mini dress she wore clung to her curvy body. He watched her posture. She didn’t slouch but stood straight with her shoulders erect.

  Besides the red dress being chic but basic, her accessories were modest and not gaudy. He loved the way a woman’s legs looked in heels and the dark- red shoes she wore had very high heels. Her smooth brown legs were sexy slender and sleek. Her head slightly turned and in the dim light of the club, her eyes sparkled as she laughed at whatever she and the woman were talking about.

  He could not take his eyes off her. The bartender broke his gaze. “What can I get you?”

  Orlando cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’ll have a Heineken, and a shot of tequila.”

  “Coming right up,” the bartender said disappearing.

  Orlando returned his attention to the woman who was now with a group of people talking. It seemed years had passed since he had last been intimate with a woman. His divorce was not amicable and to deal with it, he threw himself into work. He volunteered to take extra shifts and used the money towards the expense of updating his house. The judge awarded him the two-story brick colonial he shared with his ex-wife and he decided to remodel it and put it on the market.

  The bartender returned with his drink order. Swallowing the shot, he took a swig of beer never removing his attention from the woman with a body causing his heart to skip beats. A sudden urge of wanting to have a conversation with this woman came out of nowhere. This was not the first time he had been in a place surrounded by beautiful women. Some had even approached him with offers to buy him drinks or prepare dinner for him. This woman, however, he had zeroed in on as soon as he walked in the door
, and that had to be a sign.

  Hell, he was at a party and due for a night of fun, and if her status was single, he wanted to spend it with her. He eased closer to shorten the distance between them. He felt sweat tent on his forehead. He had been out of the game of making the first move too long. He was not sure if he had any game left that women had not already seen or heard.

  He’d always been able to attract women by flashing his boyish smile or flexing his muscles; that wasn’t the problem. At thirty-six-years of age, his confidence was strong, but not as it was when he played the field. Women today expected men to show their worthiness upon introduction or face the hand turning them away.

  He took in a deep breath and decided to go for it. He inched his way in her direction until he was standing less than a foot away from her. He could smell the citrus aroma of her perfume. Wanting to avoid tired pickup lines, he settled on, “Hello.”

  She turned her head to him, smiled, and said, “Hello.”

  Ouch, so much for my big approach he thought as her attention went back to the people dancing. He rocked back and forth on the heels of his shoes not ready to throw in the towel and walk away. “I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t say how stunning you look in that dress.”

  She gave him a smile sliding her hands down the sides of her dress, and answered, “Thank you. Are you here for the birthday party?”

  Bingo! I got her attention. “Yes, I was invited by some friends but I don’t see them,” he said shifting his body to look around the room. “By the way, my name is Orlando.” He offered his hand hoping she would accept it.

  “I’m Regan and it’s nice to meet you, Orlando.” She slipped her hand into his making firm eye contact with him.

  He mirrored her eye contact letting his body posture relax. “What a beautiful name, Regan.” The music playing was R Kelly’s Love Letters. He loved to dance and was good at it. “Would you like to dance?” He asked observing her moving to the beat of the music.

  Regan looked at the couples on the dance floor hand dancing. She smiled at him and said, “I’d love to, but the song is almost over.”