One More Step

by Lillian Schneider

So the Hottest EMT in the World is named Ash. Makes sense. He sets panties on fire.

up. “Can’t you just piggyback me out?” “For two miles?” Asher’s brows furrowed. “And on whose back?” “You look more than capable.” “As fun as that sounds, we’re using the chopper.” “How are you going to land a helicopter on a waterfall?”

I don’t cry. I never cried. I was allergic to being emotional, but suddenly I felt so helpless and stranded

I’m going to take a little nap. If that’s possible with your stellar driving.” I grinned. “That bad, eh?” She settled herself against the window and closed her eyes. “The helicopter was less traumatic.”

“It’s ironic, isn’t it?” “What is?” “I came here to rescue myself.” She leaned her elbow on the back of the couch, her head on the back of her hand, watching me. “But I needed rescuing. Again. From another man.” I frowned. “Another man?”

A soft smile I’d never seen him wear touched his lips and his hand reached across the table to hold mine. “I don’t know where this is going to end up, but the last fucking thing I want to think about is saying goodbye.”

I’d never had sex like this before—where I wanted the man as himself and not just his body. Where half of my pleasure came from his, which I was creating in him just as much as he was creating in me. Give and take.

He wasn’t expecting this, but neither was I. I wasn’t expecting him at all. And that’s the point of everything—to embrace the unexpected.