Page 78 of Burn With Me

“I haven’t thought that far ahead. Maybe? I might just stay at the rental so my mom doesn’t get any ideas and scare Am away.”

I walk into one of the bunk rooms and sit on the bed, realizing we never really talked about how we moved in together and I all but moved out. I still pay my half of the rent and will continue to do so, but now I feel like a crap friend.

He looks at me. “I see that look in your eyes. It’s fine that you aren’t at the rental. It’s not like you just dropped me. You did it to take care of someone who’s like my sister. It’s not like I never see you. We hang out both in and out of work. I promise it’s fine.”

I’m glad I didn’t need to explain myself or defend my choices. “Speaking of your sister, I need Pam’s number. I want to text her to ask her to plan a girls’ night with Am and the girls one day this week.”

“Ya know you’re so in love, it’s gross. But I know Am and the girls need this, and while the farm has gone back to a semi-normal state, she’ll keep focusing on just that. So I approve.”

He rattles off a number, and I text Pam as he walks out of the room.

Me: Hey, it’s Luke

I have two favors to ask

Pam: How can I be of service. Also, you need to let my best friend out for air.

It’s been like a week since I’ve seen Am

Me: That’s why I’m texting.

I want you to plan a girls’ night.But maybe at her house and you guys can sleep over?

Pam: Wait . . . you want me to plan one?

You don’t want to hog her to yourself? Huh, I knew I liked you.

Me: No, she needs you and you know it. I won’t keep her from her friends

She’s just hyper focused on work and needs a push

Pam: Okay, that’s easy

You said you needed two What else do you need?

Me: I want to plan a date night, maybe something overnight. But pet-friendly so Penny can come with us

Ideas?

Pam: Lemme think on it

As I put my phone in my pocket, the alarm goes off, and I go running to get in my turnout gear and hop on the fire truck. I throw on the headset to hear the call come through. It’s a fire on the border of town at an abandoned warehouse. I look at Sam, and I know he’s thinking the same thing as me. The firebug has struck again, and it’s going to be a long day.

Thirty-Three

Ameila

Ilook at Luke as he peels Ginny off his shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay with staying at your place tonight while I hang out with the girls?”

“Yes, I promise it’s okay. We’re planning to work on this investigation between rounds ofMario Kart.” He pauses and draws in a breath. “Also, before I forget to tell you, my parents are coming for a visit in two weeks,” he says as he leans against the counter and crosses his arms across his chest.

“Okay, if you’re sure.” I cringe when I realize how needy I sound.

“I won’t keep you from your friends, sweetness. You need this. You’ve been working long hours and busting your ass. Spend time with the girls. I’ll text you, yeah?” he says as he walks toward me.

Out of instinct, I take a step back. I bump into the wall, and he braces his hands on either side of my head.

I don’t know why I’m nervous about him not staying the night, and then I process the second part of his statement. “Wait, what! Your parents are coming for a visit? Here?”

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