Page 26 of Wild Fire

“Where are my clothes, AJ?”

He grins.

“Sit your ass down, and I’ll tell you.”

It takes everything in me to listen to him, because the anxiety is building like a hurricane and reality is hitting me hard about just how stupid I’ve been. How trusting I’ve been.

I wonder if Lacey’s home yet, and if she’s noticed I’m gone…

I sit down, glaring at the stupidly hot firefighter whose smile could melt the polar ice caps.

“Good boy,” he says as he crosses his ankle over his knee. The motion draws attention to the definition of his ankles and his feet, which are pretty sizable. And hot. Just like the rest of him.

I really do have the worst luck in the world.

“They are in the dryer,” he says, reaching for his own glass of water.

“You washed my clothes?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“Didn’t think you’d want to walk around with vomit all over your sweater.”

I pout in defeat. “Change my name to Eminem, I’ll be fine.” I let out a sigh.

“Wouldn’t be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”

There’s a silence blooming between us that feels less awkward, but not quite comfortable yet.

“I rather like Nate,” he says carefully. “It’s a good name.”

I sit back in the chair and cross my arms, feeling equal parts guilty, anxious, and like no matter what I do, I can’t seem to get this train that is my life on the right track.

No matter what I do.

A moment later, I hear the screech of a chair, and the scent of smokey cedar engulfs me. I turn to see AJ beside me, sitting in the chair.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asks, his voice soft. Warm.

“No,” I answer honestly. I don’t know why, but I feel like I can be honest with him, and he won’t judge me. And he won’t try to be positive, either, like Lacey. “But I’ll manage,” I say, fighting to hold his gaze.

His hand comes behind the chair, and I almost wish he’d just settle it on my arm.

But that’s highly inappropriate given the circumstances. AJ seems like a decent guy. He saves people. Has a better moral compass than I do, clearly.

He’s the kind of guy that you want but you can never have because they’re too good for you and you know better.

“What are your plans today?” he asks carefully.

“Repent for my sins?” I joke, but he doesn’t laugh this time.

“Get stuck in a tree?” I try again.

Still, no laugh.

“I have to find a job,” I admit. “And sign some papers for the house.”

He nods.

“I’ll take you.”