Page 146 of One Touch

He looked back at the apartment building, then wiped his face, wincing as he touched the gash on his forehead. There was genuine shock in his eyes. “You . . . you saved me?”

I nodded, feeling a complex mix of emotions. “Well, I was part of a team, but . . . yeah, I guess I did.”

He reached out, grabbing my arm with surprising strength. “Thank you,” he said, his voice raw with sincerity. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry. I need to ask you something.” He coughed roughly. “Apologize to Lily for me?”

I frowned, caught off guard by the sudden mention of Lily. “What are you talking about, Vlad?”

He looked away, shame written across his face. “I sent her a stupid message. She rejected me, of course. So I got nice anddrunk. Had a couple of joints. Passed out. I’m an asshole. Say sorry for me.”

I felt a pang of sadness. “Lily and I don’t really talk anymore.”

His eyes widened. “Why? You two . . . you’re perfect for each other.” He coughed again, and the paramedics prepared to move him.

I knew I shouldn’t say anything, but I couldn’t resist. “Thought you said she’d get bored of me. That I wasn’t exciting enough for her.”

Vlad shook his head weakly. “I was just jealous. Truth is, I'm a fuck-up. But you . . . you’re a good man, Ethan. That’s what she needs.” He smiled faintly. “A brave man. A hero.”

As they wheeled him away, I stood there, stunned. Vlad’s words echoed in my head, mixing with the cacophony of sirens and shouts around me.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Mitch, his face streaked with soot but wearing an expression of unmistakable pride.

“Well done, McCoy,” he said, his voice gruff but warm. “Your quick thinking and actions made all the difference today. You went above and beyond what we expect from a trainee. You should be proud.”

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. “Thank you, sir.”

Mitch nodded. “By the way, your head is bleeding. Make sure you get it checked out by the paramedics, son.”

As Mitch moved away to coordinate with the other firefighters, I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in.

An hour later, I had been checked over by the paramedics and given a couple of butterfly stitches for a wound. Now, I was driving home, the acrid smell of smoke and the iron tang of blood clinging to my clothes and skin. My muscles ached, and exhaustion tugged at me, but my mind was racing.

As I pulled into my driveway, I saw something: a flash of red fur. A fox? Maybe it was the fox. The one I’d seen at my garage.

I got out of my car, but the fox didn’t run. It looked curious. I kneeled down, and the quiet, beautiful creature padded toward me.

Each step it took made me catch my breath until it was right in front of me.

I didn’t shout. I didn’t flinch.

It sniffed me once, and then calmly, confidently I reached my hand out and stroked its bristly, but warm fur. Then, a moment later, it disappeared into the bushes.

I felt a thrill bloom in my chest. Iwasbrave. I didn’t need to be afraid of anything.

Not even love.

Chapter 25

Lily

Ishould’ve known myfairy tale job was doomed when that damn bird showed up.

It wasn’t just any bird, either. This was a bright blue bird with a black band around its neck. It looked like something from a nature documentary, and it landed right on the windowsill of my office window.

“Lily,” Mary-Beth whispered, “what is it with you and birds?” She’d just stepped through my door to bring me a cappuccino, and now, the two of us were frozen, staring at the feathered creature.

“I’m not letting this one sit on me,” I said. “This isn’t my wedding dress, but I’ll be damned if get bird poop on this thrift-store gem.” It was a vintage ‘70s maxi dress printed with warm orange, brown and yellow sunflowers. The fabric was a little faded, but that just added to the charm. Bird poop, on the other hand, wouldn’t.

I stood up and waved at the creature. To my surprise, it didn’t flinch. It just looked at me with confident, curious eyes.

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