Page 54 of From the Embers

Denver doesn’t look away, a sadness falling over his face. “Sometimes. We’re only human.”

I nod, looking away. The look in his eyes spells a sorrow that I can’t bear witness to.

“You’re a good person,” I whisper. “Truly, D.”

He pulls me closer as we reach the elevator. “I’m better when I’m with you.”

sixteen

Denver

My phone pings just about on cue when I get back home. Adelaide and I parted ways after our stop at The Inked Teacup as she had a few errands to run, but I’m cooking her dinner tonight so I’ll Uber her over in a few hours.

Daryl

Just checking in—you good, bud?

Holy crap.

I stare at the message and blow out a long, exaggerated breath. I do not know how to respond to that. A lot has happened since I texted Daryl—obviously before me and Adelaide hooked up at the club.

He’s back in a few days so I know I need to get my story straight with where me and Adi are at. And honestly, I really don’t know how he’s going to react. But she’s in my veins now, and I can’t stop it, even if I wanted to. The way she was just now with Hope in the hospital, too… She cares about people. She cares about me.

I knew from the get-go, when asking her to be my fake girlfriend, that I wanted more than that. There was always so much more to discover with her. And every time I see her, I’m learning something new. It’s not just the hot sex either. It’s Adi as a whole.

Her moving back to Chicago could very well be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The enigma that is her just lights me up inside and takes all the dark parts away. I don’t know exactly how she does it, but it’s there. Maybe it’s the history we have, that connection to our childhoods. But it’s special and I feel it deep in the center of my chest. That’s how I know it’s real.

I let myself in my apartment before I fling myself down on the couch and cuddle Bodhi to pieces. After kicking off my shoes, I get comfortable and tap out a quick reply.

I obviously can’t tell him via text that I’m seeing his sister, and I need to talk to Adi a little more as to how we’re going to broach this. She seems to think it’s all going to be okay, so I can only hope that’s true. I want her in my life. I can’t imagine going a single day without her in it.

Denver

Everything’s good here. How are you? Getting bored of all the conventions yet?

Daryl

It’s going ok. I’m missing home. Will be good to get back to a routine

Denver

You’ll be back with us at Sinners in no time

Daryl

Adi said you’ve been walking her home from the bar after her weekend shifts. Thanks man

I gulp my guilt way, way down. But in my defense, I did walk her home the past three weeks before we hooked up. Her safety has always been paramount to me, I would never compromise that for anything. And I know Daryl did not mean protecting her by taking her into my bed—I’m sure he’d having a fucking fit. So I need to break the news to him gently, the both of us do. He’s got no idea, and that’s what I feel bad about.

Denver

She seems to be settling in well

Facepalm of the century. What the hell else am I supposed to say? I glance at Bodhi, and even he’s giving me the side eye. “I can’t help who I fall in love with, Bodes,” I mutter, giving him a ruffle for good measure. My cat is always a welcome distraction, especially in my line of work when things get tough. After the worst kind of days imaginable, there’s nothing like getting home to Bodhi with him greeting me at the door and I hug him within an inch of his life. Luckily for me, he likes cuddles. Much like the other night after the car wreck.

His purrs. His soft fur and gentle nature. It calms me. Bodhi makes everything better—come to think of it, so does Adi. I can’t wait for her to meet him tonight.

Daryl