Page 61 of Scorched

“She’s a financial advisor for an investment firm.”

“How in the world did you meet her? I’m not saying you aren’t sophisticated, but firefighters and financial advisors don’t usually run in the same circles.”

He chuckled. “No. She was at a bachelorette party for one of her friends. They were bar hopping and came into the same bar I was in. We chatted a bit and she gave me her number. To my surprise, she answered when I called a few days later.”

“You were together a while, weren’t you?” She stepped up to the counter, looking at the menu.

“About a year and a half, yeah. It was all long distance, though. We typically only saw each other on the weekends I was off.”

They placed their orders and stepped off to the side to wait. Maggie leaned against the counter while Declan took up residence against a wall.

“You don’t date much, do you?” she asked.

“No. I’m not that social. I like my small group of friends. The only reason I was at that bar when I met Lilah was because a Marine buddy of mine was in town. You don’t really date, either, though.”

“I don’t. Too busy.” She looked away, hoping her inexperience didn’t show. Her gaze landed on a woman watching them. Maggie’s eyes widened as she recognized her. “Deck.” She nudged him and gestured with her head.

He turned to look and stifled a groan. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t think she’d be here this late.” He waved at Lilah and forced a smile.

Maggie couldn’t help but stare as the other woman sauntered over. Lilah was tall and perfect. Every dark hair on her head was precisely placed. Her makeup flawless. A light gray linen dress hugged her slender frame under her black trench. Sleek black pumps and a strand of pearls finished her look.

Jealousy reared its head, but Maggie squashed it, remembering how this woman held beauty over fun, and that it was part of the reason she and Declan broke up.

“Declan. It’s been a long time. How have you been?”

Geez, even her voice was perfect. Melodic, it floated through the air.

“I’ve been good, thank you. You look great. Things still going well for you?”

She nodded. “I made senior partner over the summer.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks. Who’s your friend?”

“We’ve met.” Maggie held out her hand. “Maggie Archer.”

Lilah took her hand. “Oh, yes. I remember you now. You look a little different.”

Maggie imagined she did. At the last gathering where Declan brought Lilah, Maggie had helped her dad round up some stray calves when the fence broke in a storm. She’d shown up in her ripped jeans and dirty t-shirt. “I’m not chasing cattle today, so I dressed a little nicer.”

“I see that. I love your dress.”

“Thanks.”

“So, what brings you two to Colorado Springs?”

“We were getting vases to make table decorations.”

“Oh? Is your family having another party?” Lilah looked at Maggie. “I seem to remember they were fond of their family get-togethers.”

“We are, but it’s more than a party. It’s a wedding.”

Shock crossed Lilah’s face, and her eyes bounced between the two of them. Maggie thought she saw a dose of regret there too. “You two are getting married?”

“We are,” Declan said, as Maggie opened her mouth to answer in the negative. She looked at him sharply.

Expression more somber now, Lilah’s shoulders straightened. “Oh. Well, that’s wonderful. I’m happy for you, Declan. Congratulations.” She forced a smile.

---