Page 29 of Burned By Fire

13

EMBER

Friday, May 27th

The warm tingle between my legs has me squeezing my thighs together. I haven’t slept with Sol since he confessed he’s looking for more than a girlfriend, but my body hasn’t got the memo. His smell, touch, and even his smile turn me on. My vibrator is getting more action than usual, but it’s not quenching my thirst. Sol’s hand slips into the popcorn and it moves on my knee. I pretend to watch The Hating Game movie, but I can’t concentrate.

“Do you want a Coke?” he asks. He stands and walks to my fridge. I watch him out of the corner of my eye.

“Yes. That would be good.” I follow him into the kitchen, and he hands me a cold can.

“This is usually your type of film, but you don’t seem that into it.” He taps the metal on the top of his drink.

“I’m tired, that’s all,” I say, although that’s not the reason I’m struggling to focus.

“Do you want me to leave?” He frowns, putting his Coke down on the side without opening it.

“No. Once the caffeine kicks in, I’ll be fine.” I open my drink, listening to the fizz.

“Do you want to watch something else?” He studies me for a few seconds before feeling my forehead. I’m not ill, but I let him check me over. When he’s satisfied I’m okay, he opens his drink and takes a slurp.

“There’s nothing wrong with the movie. It’s me.” I take a sip of my own drink. “Does this taste off to you?”

“It’s Coke. It tastes like every other can I’ve ever had. Are you sure you’re not getting sick?”

“Maybe I need some fresh air. Do you want to go for a walk?”

“Sure. Let me grab our coats.” He puts his on before handing me mine. We exit the building and set off down the street. “What time are you working tomorrow?”

“I’m on the early shift. Will I see you in the evening?” Sol has made everything so easy between us, but also confusing. He hasn’t mentioned wanting a relationship since the other day. I try to picture him with a serious girlfriend. If he was dating someone else, I wouldn’t like it. Rage fills my chest, and I grip tighter onto him.

“Yes. I want to spend all my time with you.” His words warm my insides and some of my worries fade.

“That’s sweet of you to say.” Lately, he’s been giving me more compliments, but this one feels like more. I wouldn’t want him to trade me for someone else. Butterflies erupt in my stomach. He’s all I’ve wanted for so long, and I should tell him how important he is before I miss the opportunity. My mouth becomes dry and the words get caught in my throat.

“Clint sent the contract over today,” he says, breaking the silence.

I blink a few times while I wait for my brain to clear the fog clouding my thoughts. “Oh, yeah? What do you think?”

“It sounds good. I’ve signed the papers already, and I’m starting on Monday.” We turn the corner, taking the path towards my local park.

“That’s amazing. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. I have a good feeling about working with him.” He holds the gate for me as we enter the grassy area.

“He’s a great guy.” Clint is a silver lining kind of person, and the positivity he has created has to be a good thing for Sol. “When someone’s injured in sport, it’s hard for fans to see past what it means for the team, but Clint helps those guys get their life back. That’s worth more than any trophy.” We head down towards the lake, and he puts his arm around me.

“I never thought of it like that. It is easier to see the game rather than the player.”

“It’s a bit like my situation. Everyone thinks I’m a hero for saving those kids, but when I look in the mirror all I see are the scars. I don’t see their futures.”

I never understood why he didn’t think he was courageous, but now I’m seeing it from his point of view. “If there was someone in a similar situation to you at the time of the accident, do you think that would’ve helped you?”

“It definitely wouldn’t have hurt. If I had seen how others had repaired their lives, I think it would’ve given me focus.”

“Now you’re going to be the one setting the example, just like you used to do.” I smile.

He grins. “I guess you’re right. What about you? Have you considered Prescott any further?” He rubs his hand over my lower back.

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