Page 32 of Saved By the Firefighter

Marcus studies me for a long moment, eyes narrowing. "Since when are you so paranoid?"

Shit. I force a chuckle and move from the doorway, hoping that will break his suspicious gaze. “I’m not. But she really is napping. Hasn’t been sleeping so I don’t want to wake her. But…come in.”

He finally relaxes and walks inside, setting the unicorn on a side table. He heads for the living room. "So, enjoying your time off? When do you go back?” He settles into the leather couch and I sit in a chair angled toward it.

“Fine. Getting a lot done around here. Repairs. I’m on schedule in a couple of weeks. How’s your work?”

Thankfully, he goes on for a bit, talking about some recent work calls and a tough situation with an apartment fire. I nod, really hating myself for not being able to pay attention. I can’t get my thoughts off of Ellie, who is just down the hall. I’m picturing every worst-case scenario, all involving Marcus discovering she’s been in my house. In my bed.

“Jake?”

My gaze shifts to him. “Hmm?”

“You think the campground is closed for the rest of the season?”

“Mmm. Probably.”

"Right." He drags the word out, skepticism etched into every syllable. "You're acting strange. Everything okay?”

Shit. Shit. I clear my throat. “Yeah. Sorry. Just been worried about…Charlotte. If she’s sick much longer, I’ll take her to the doctor.” Fuck, I really am the worst, playing into this lie and using my daughter’s sickness like this.

Marcus’ face turns serious. “That bad?” I’m about to respond, when Marcus spots something on the carpet and leans over to pick it up. It’s Ellie’s glossy pink lip gloss.

My heart drops to the floor.

Marcus eyes it a moment, turning it over. Then he lifts an eyebrow and looks at me, waiting.

I snatch the lip gloss. “That’s Char’s. She’s too young for makeup but wanted to play dress-up last week. I figured this was innocent enough.” I blurt out the excuse, praying he buys it.

Slowly, a knowing smile spreads over Marcus’ face. "Or maybe Jake Wilder's got himself a lady friend?"

“Nope,” I shoot back quickly, squeezing the lip gloss tub so tight I’m afraid it might crack.

"Come on, man, if you've got a girl, I'm happy for you."

I swallow hard, grasping for another excuse. "There's nothing to tell. I'm not seeing anyone."

"Bullshit." Marcus folds his arms, eyes narrowing. "You're a terrible liar, Wilder. Always have been."

Panic rises in my chest, choking me. I open my mouth but no words come out. How did I get into this mess?

Marcus sighs, expression finally softening. "Look, I'm not trying to interrogate you. I'm just concerned, alright? We've been friends a long time. You can tell me anything." He offers a wry smile. "I'll keep your secret. Scout's honor."

Yeah, but you won’t keep our friendship. The urge to tell him the truth wells up inside me because he’s right: I’m a terrible liar. But I clench my jaw. I can't tell him. I can't.

But his eyes hold a glimmer of knowing, a hint of triumph at cracking my resolve.

Shit. I'm so screwed.

"Fine," I start, fumbling for a way to shift the conversation and then get him out of my house before he discovers Ellie. "There's someone, but it's casual."

"Really?" His face lights up with a grin. He leans in like he's expecting some juicy details. "Anyone I know?"

My response is curt, the words clipped as I cross my arms defensively. "Someone from out of town."

He nods thoughtfully, looking like he’s finally going to drop it. “Well, whoever she is, I’m happy.” He leans forward to pat my knee. “Honestly, I worry about you sometimes, man. I know it’s been really tough since, you know…and I’m relieved to see you opening yourself up again. Taking a step. I support it.”

My head bobs up and down because I’m feeling a bit sick from the lies and secrecy. Marcus has always been that supportive guy and he’s always had my back. After Sarah died, he stayed at my place for months just helping out with Charlotte so I could have those moments to myself to grieve without worrying if my daughter was taken care of. His company helped out Charlotte a lot too when she just couldn’t stop crying about Mommy being gone. Marcus is a friend you thank God for, and I’m a fucking bastard for betraying him.

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