Fireman's Carry: Carry Me, #1

By Charlie Richards

Carl Lewis has little joy in his life. He's recently struggled through a painful divorce, has partial custody of his two kids, and is learning to rearrange his schedule so work as a detective is no longer first. It's not easy. Then he meets his new neighbor, Vincent Androse, an openly gay firefighter who just went through a bad break-up of his own. He gives the man a hand moving furniture, and they strike up a friendship that starts to fill holes in Carl's life he didn't even know were there.

Vincent moves to get away from his cheating ex-boyfriend, Lonnie. His new house is big and empty, and he finds himself enjoying the Friday night BBQs with his new friend, Carl, even with the man's kids there. When Lonnie shows up, begging for him to come back, again, and refuses to leave, Carl steps in, pretending to be the new boyfriend. Vincent discovers Carl can kiss—really kiss, and he starts wanting things the straight cop can't give him. Can he?

• Language: English
• Publisher: eXtasy Books Inc
• Release date: Sep 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781771112543

Book preview

​ Carl Lewis has little joy in his life. He’s recently struggled through a painful divorce, has partial custody of his two kids, and is learning to rearrange his schedule so work as a detective is no longer first. It’s not easy. Then he meets his new neighbor, Vincent Androse, an openly gay firefighter who just went through a bad break-up of his own. He gives the man a hand moving furniture, and they strike up a friendship that starts to fill holes in Carl’s life he didn’t even know were there.

Vincent moves to get away from his cheating ex-boyfriend, Lonnie. His new house is big and empty, and he finds himself enjoying the Friday night BBQs with his new friend, Carl, even with the man’s kids there. When Lonnie shows up, begging for him to come back, again, and refuses to leave, Carl steps in, pretending to be the new boyfriend. Vincent discovers Carl can kiss—really kiss, and he starts wanting things the straight cop can’t give him. Can he?

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Fireman’s Carry

Copyright © 2012 Charlie Richards

ISBN: 978-1-77111-254-3

Cover art by Angela Waters

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by eXtasy Books

Look for us online at:

www.eXtasybooks.com

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition

Fireman’s Carry

Carry Me: Book One

By

Charlie Richards

To all the firemen in Utah for constantly risking their lives putting out our many, huge forest fires!

Chapter One

Carl didn’t notice the moving van right away. He was too busy trying to wrap his mind around the events of the last eight months…his wife leaving, the lengthy divorce, the settlement, child support, and shared custody. The creak of Carl’s porch steps finally brought him out of his reverie. His head snapped up, taking in the stranger moving toward him.

The man stood maybe a couple inches over six feet, had broad shoulders, and appeared muscular without looking like a body builder. The strong legs and arms were easily discernible in the form-fitting, faded and worn blue jeans and black George Strait t-shirt he wore. The man’s short, wavy brown hair flopped across his sweat glistened forehead. Carl’s cop instincts took all the information in with a glance.

Good morning, the man greeted, stopping five feet away from where Carl sat on his porch swing.

If you say so, Carl replied, cringing internally at his surly tone. Seeing the man’s dark brows shoot up, he sighed. I’m sorry. I’m not usually an ass. He rose, moved the bottle of Budweiser to his left hand, and held out his right. Carl Lewis. What can I do for you?

Nice to meet you, Carl. Vincent Androse. He nodded to the beer Carl held. I guess the morning must have been rough. It’s not even noon yet. After a second, his brows ratcheted up a notch. Unless this is normal for you. Vincent shook his head and chuckled. I’m sorry. I’m not making a very good first impression. Lonnie always said I let my mouth run away with me.

A chatterbox. Interesting. Not too many men that looked like this one suffered from that particular affliction. Carl held up a hand, stopping Vincent’s stream of nonsense. No, I don’t normally start this early in the morning, but I’ve already dealt with an angry ex-wife today. Now, can I help you with something? You’re not selling anything, are you? Vincent didn’t look like a salesman, but what the hell did he know?

No! Of course not, Vincent assured him quickly. I’m moving in across the street. He shoved a hand through his dark curls and cringed. "My buddy just bailed on me. The U-Haul truck is due back in three hours, and I need to be at the fire house right after that. I wouldn’t normally do this, but I’m in a bit of a bind. Is there any way I could talk you into helping me for half an hour? I only have a couple big things."

Carl took a lazy pull on his beer, thinking maybe this man’s morning wasn’t so hot either. What the hell. I’ve heard a little physical activity is good for relieving stress.

Vincent let out a relieved, if somewhat strained laugh, and Carl smiled for the first time since Rhonda had called that morning. I owe you one, Carl. I’ll buy you a case to make it up to you.

Draining the last of his beer and setting it on the porch rail, Carl shook his head. Don’t worry about it, he said, following his new neighbor down the porch steps and across the street. That’s what cops are for, right? To protect and serve?

A cop, huh? Vincent replied, his tone deepening, probably since he was no longer stressed out by having to ask a complete stranger for a favor. How long?

Fourteen years. And technically, I made detective nearly five years ago. He followed Vincent up the truck’s ramp and into the cavernous box hold. You’re a fireman? he asked, picking up one end of a deep brown leather couch. Vincent grunted, nodding curtly as he hefted the other end. Fucking hell, man. No wonder your buddy bailed. Your couch weighs a damn ton! he growled out through clenched teeth.

Vincent’s chuckle sounded strained again, but this time from exertion. Yeah, when it was bought, weight wasn’t going through the mind. The comfort more than makes up for the weight, though.

It better, he grunted back.

Once down the ramp, they spun the couch so Vincent walked backwards. Tilting it at an angle, they maneuvered it through the door. Fortunately, Vincent wanted it in the front room. They settled it perpendicular to the fireplace with the back to the front window. Carl turned and dropped onto the heavy piece of furniture, checking Vincent’s claim.

Vincent smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. I’m right, aren’t I?

He stretched his legs out, leaned his head against the back, and let out a sigh. Not bad, Carl had to admit. He grinned at the ceiling. My wife took most of the furniture. Where’d you get this? Something similar would be nice.

Uh, I’m not sure actually, Vincent said, frowning.

Well, if you remember, let me know, Carl said, pushing to his feet.

The fireman shook his head. It’s not that, he said. Carl paused, cocking his head in interest. Vincent opened his mouth once, then snapped it shut.

Carl frowned. It’s not hot, is it? You didn’t steal it, did you? He wouldn’t have thought that about a fireman, but…

Vincent laughed nervously. No. My boyfriend brought it home while going through a western phase. I’m not sure where he got it, but it ended up in our study after he got tired of it.

His boyfriend? What…Oh! From the set look on the man’s face, Carl figured Vincent expected him to walk out without helping him move the rest of his stuff. Or maybe take a swing at him, but with the man’s powerful build, he couldn’t imagine that happening too often. Carl shrugged. Whatever. It had never bothered Carl who other people decided to screw.

I was married sixteen years, Carl said, which made Vincent blink in confusion. Rhonda and I married just out of high school. How long were you and…Lonnie? he guessed, remembering the name from earlier. Vincent nodded after a second. How long were you and Lonnie together? The man didn’t need to tell Carl that he and Lonnie were no longer together. The fact that the couch was once again in the living room, coupled with the missing friend, not boyfriend, was proof enough.

Vincent let out a low breath. Wow. Not that long. Eight years. What happened to you?

Memories of the fights, his wife screaming, the threats, still painful after nearly eight months, pulled at his mind. Carl shook his head, dislodging their hold. Heading toward the door, he opened his mouth, but Vincent beat him to it.

His hand landed on Carl’s shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. I’m sorry. That’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked.

Carl’s lips curled in a depreciative smirk. Naw. I’d much rather just have a few drinks in me before laying that out. He sighed and forced a smile. When’s your next night off, Vincent?

Vincent’s brows shot up, and he dropped his hand. Friday. Why?

Friday, huh? he said, heading out the door and back to the U-Haul. He noticed Vincent followed close behind. He stared at the old fashioned big screen TV. Let me guess. Lonnie picked this out, too, and then replaced it? At the big fireman’s blush, Carl laughed. Front room? he asked hopefully.

After Vincent nodded, the pair hefted the TV and carried it into the house. Once they’d settled it across from the couch, Carl leaned on it and looked at the other man. He saw lines of stress around the fireman’s firm lips, and fatigue filled the man’s brown eyes. Look. I have my kids Friday night, but if you don’t mind hanging out with them, I’ll make you dinner. Vincent’s brows creased and he looked away. Carl realized the man got the wrong idea. He chuckled and held up a hand in placation. I’m straight, so don’t worry about me coming on to you. After the kids go to bed, we’ll get drunk and swap war stories. You look like you could use a night to relax, so what do you say?

He watched Vincent let out a slow sigh and close his eyes. You don’t mind? he asked, still not looking at him.

Mind? he asked, uncertain what the other man was getting at.

That I’m gay?

Blunt. Carl liked that. He scoffed and rolled one shoulder. Not really. You hit on my fifteen year old son and then we’ll have a problem, he said with a grin, trying to set his mind at ease.

Vincent laughed. No worries there, Carl. He sobered, but a smile still lingered on the corners of his wide mouth. The lines had eased somewhat, making the man look younger. What time?

Seven work for you?

Carl strode toward his desk, eager to fill out the last of his paperwork so he

[tam2603 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was not so good for me. Partially it felt like a porn script ("the sexy fireman moaned", "the sexy cop groaned" - you get the picture). Also included in the cliche deal: the mean homophobic ex-wife. Also a lot of fairy tale stuff like the fabulous bed room skills the newly gay cop has (he is a natural...), the acceptance of the other cops, including the captain, the convenient homosexuality and thus acceptance by the sexy cop's 15 year old son...It all sums upt to some suspiciously convenient turns and the life threatening drama in the end was also included.

The two stars are solely for having a sexy cop and sexy fireman :-)

[jules0623 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Solid story. Likable MCs, nicely written secondary characters, obligatory cheating scum ex-boyfriend and a harpy ex-wife who spent most of her spare time screwing her hubby's friends. Sweet and sexy.

One quibble was with Vincent's impatience with Carl's uncertainty about coming out. The two hadn't been seeing each other long and after thinking he was straight for his entire life and knowing what a homophobic community he worked in, I thought Carl was entitled to a little less foot-stomping about not going back into the closet from Vincent.

[macyj_8 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Carl is a Detective, divorced with two children and straight. Vince an out an proud Fireman. When Vince moves across the street from Carl the two become fast friends bonding over their exes who cheated on them.

When Vince's ex Lonnie shows up demanding for a second chance Carl steps in pretending to be Vince's new boyfriend. A kiss meant to drive the point home to Lonnie sparks an intense attraction between the two. Carl is now faced with the fact that he may be attracted to his friend and if so then what now?

This is a really quick easy read. It was the kind of story you read if you just want a short, happy and easy book. If you are looking for a angsty, emotionally raw read, this is not it but it is enjoyable. 3.5 stars!

[bugetta-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet and hot but completely unrealistic friends to lovers/gfy m/m romance. I enjoyed it but nothing I haven't read before.

[bea_writer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not a bad book, but the plot line was pretty tropey. I enjoyed the writing, just wished the tension could have been a little more complex. Indeed, if the book had been longer we could have gotten that.

I will check out other books by the author.

[rtb_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed by: Patti
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I was set up to think from the beginning one of the prime characters was wretched. Carl Lewis was a straight, recently divorced father, cocky, angry cop. I have to say he quickly became a character I will love for a long time. Okay, I like flawed men, I admit it but they have to be redeemable and he was. He found love in an unexpected place that could also cause potential disaster on a few different fronts. Vincent offers Carl the chance to take him on a journey to discover the pleasures he has been searching for and the love that has eluded him. I felt that the way the story was written was probably an accurate scenario for how a man could possibly react in his position.

Vincent Androse the other main character stepped right into my heart from the first page. Vincent was a proud, friendly, easy-going, fireman with a positive attitude. He immediately saw Carl as a man that was off limits, but he also could not deny that he was hot. I am sure that isn’t easy when you fall for a straight man but add to that, you know is also dealing with an ex-wife, kids and he is a cop, the chances start looking pretty slim. I loved the way they come together and his reactions to their first few encounters are precious. That first kiss alone is worth a great scene. This character stayed true to who he was and what he believed. He was also pretty special IMHO.

Carl and Vincent become friends, and then a little more, after Vincent moves into the neighborhood. Then Vincent’s ex comes and trouble begins. When it all goes bad, lives are forever changed. There were a few sub-stories within this story and at first I wasn’t sure if they were all necessary. My feeling is that this is a series and the author may be giving us a few little crumbs of characters that may appear again. I liked this one so much I have already re-read it a few times. I would want to refresh my memory and then I would read the whole thing again.

[maybedog · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really shouldn't read two books of the same type in a row. I enjoyed this and probably would have rounded it up to four stars, but then I read a really amazing story in the same sub-genre and this just pales by comparison. I'm going to try to review it based on its own merit, though.

(All specific examples happen early in the book.)

Things I did like:

The police captain isn't the angry grumpy type nor the best friend perfect type, but one that makes sense and is realistic.

With a couple of minor exceptions below, Carl is an excellent father. He tries to keep the kids out of the disputes between himself and their mother, even when she's awful. He tells the kids to treat their mom with respect and to listen to her. medium spoiler: When the mom initially freaks that the boy is gay, Carl says not to worry, that she's the boy's mom and she loves him. She'll come around.

Carl's (police) partner is really cool.

They shared being top and bottom.

The couple was very sweet and I liked them both.

The kids aren’t annoying and aren’t perfect.

The love is fast but it’s not instalove.

Pretty good sex.

Good danger, casualty, and professing undying love, all stuff I love.


Things I didn't like:

When guy is explaining gay guy to 15 year old son, he makes sure 10 year old girl is in her room first and then he proceeds to tell his son that there is no homophobia in their house. Why can't a ten year old know that two men love each other just like a man and a woman love each other? It's not about sex. He redeems himself later sort of but still.

In the same scene, he consciously decides it's okay to get drunk with his children at home and awake no less. He says it's okay because they're safe, they can come to him if they need anything, and they're busy doing other stuff. What if there's an emergency? What about modeling responsible behavior? I just don't think it's okay to intentionally get drunk when there are children around. I can understand getting carried away but intentionally? Statistics show the more kids are exposed to drugs and alcohol, the more likely they are to start using and/or have a problem.

When complaining about his ex-wife, Carl then tries to be fair:

"Don't get me wrong," he added, "She still always made sure dinner wsa waiting for me and my uniform was cleaned and pressed."


Really? How 1956 does that sound? He could say she always did the cooking and laundry, like they were household chores that she did because he worked, but the way it was worded is so sexist it galled me. Dinner waiting for him, like he couldn't help figure out what to eat or cook on occasion. Just, ick.

Carl has his wife followed by a P.I. because he suspects she's cheating. If your relationship has gotten to the point where you need to hire a P.I. because you don't trust your spouse, then its already over and you don't need proof. If I found out my partner had me followed because s/he didn't trust me, I'd leave him/her. That's just disgusting. Later another character admits to following his partner when he suspected cheating. That isn't great but it's a hell of a lot better than hiring someone else to do it.

A fireman thinks that a family was being stupid by not putting out a grease fire with baking soda and instead leaving the house. Every fire safety thing I've ever read says to use a fire extinguisher if its close, otherwise get out. In order to use baking soda, you have to get much to close to the fire and you need a hell of a lot of it. They should have had an extinguisher by the stove but if they didn't, what they did was right. What they did wrong was not make sure everyone was out of the house as they left.

In the same scene, a guy is overcome in the fire and is found unconscious. Once he is dragged out and woken up, he is deemed okay. Uh, no. If he ingested enough smoke to knock him out, he's in trouble. The smoke damage might exhibit itself later and the person would need to go to the hospital right away and get checked out.

A homicide detective is called to a traffic accident with a canine unit because someone is high. Seriously?

One characters "shaft" is nine inches long. This kind of ridiculousness just makes me think I'm reading porn.

Hazel eyes are referred to as a mood ring. I can't tell you how many stories I've read where hazel eyes change color with mood. It's bullshit. I have hazel eyes and they remain the exact same color all the time. They look different when I'm wearing different colors or in front of a colored wall because they contrast. That's the other thing books do wrong. They say someone's hazel eyes look greener when they're wearing green. Nope, they would look more whatever other color(s) they have in them. I am lucky in that mine are blue and green with specks. (It's my favorite part of my lackluster body.) When I am wearing blue, they look green. When I am wearing green, they look blue.

All the powerful characters in the book with the exception of a doctor are men. All.

The boy is taking Driver's Ed and doesn't have a learner's permit yet, but says he's dad is going to let him get it. A learner's permit is required to take Driver's Ed. His father, the cop, allows him to drive in a parking lot without anyone in the car.

Continuity: At one point someone says Carl hasn't taken a vacation in forever. He had just been on a fishing trip a few days before. It couldn't be on his off day because he talks to his partner who asks why he's calling in when he should be fishing.

A trial for attempted murder lasts a month and a half. Seriously. Not even a plea bargain would happen that fast.

Big spoiler The MCs go a month and a half without any kind of sex because one guy is recuperating. No freakin' way. These are men. No blow jobs or hand jobs? Nuh unh. They hadn't even had intercourse before then and still waited.

Big spoiler: One of the men tells the other he loves him while the second guy is in the hospital but he’s kind of loopy. A month and a half later he tells him again and the second man is surprised and thrilled, like he hadn’t heard it before. Maybe it didn’t sink in but why didn’t the first guy say it again in all that time?

Minor spoiler: Straight guy adjusts to his attraction to another guy way too easily.

Gay guy is WAY too impatient for straight guy to come out. He wants it almost right away. Doesn’t he remember how hard it was to come out? The guy’s a cop! He needs to take a chill pill and be WAY more patient.


Now, with all this negative stuff you’d think that I’d hate the book but I didn’t. I really did enjoy it. 3.5 stars rounded down because of the sexism and having a fireman character and making major mistakes around that. Also, because it was so inferior to the book I read after it which was incredibly good and still only got 4.5 stars (rounded up, of course).