Page 23 of Holiday Flame

My bottom lip quivers and with a groan of sympathy, he pulls me into his arms for a tight squeeze.

“Baby.” His voice cracks ever so slightly. “I know it sucks. But how about you head to the party with the girls. I promise to meet you there just as soon as I can.”

I open my mouth to tell him that isn’t it. I don’t care about not having a date. I don’t care about the party. I don’t even care about the stupid goal I set for myself and my stupid virginity.

And I hate that he thinks any of those are even a consideration. I don’t care about any of it. I only care about his safety. I only care about him.

I want to say that. I try. But the words won’t come. Instead, I make a weird squawk from the back of my throat.

“I’ll do everything I can to be there by midnight. I can’t have anyone else kissing my girl.” To accentuate the point, Remington presses his lips to my forehead. It’s so impossibly tender, my heart would ache if it wasn’t already shattered.

I shiver. With a squeeze, he pulls back. His dark gaze roves over my body. The heat init makes me tingle. Even though my stomach is churning. “You look beautiful, Jade. Just… fucking beautiful.”

He lingers for another few seconds. Words still escape me as fear pulses through my veins.

With a parting hug, he turns toward the door. He’s nearly to it when I snap out of my stupor.

“Wait!” I race toward him, tripping over my high heels.

“Whoa.” He grabs me by the elbows to hold me steady. “I’d ask ‘Where’s the fire?’ But I already know.”

I don’t laugh at his joke. I physically can’t. Not when my soul aches so badly.

“Please.” I nearly choke on the word. Like there’s sticky molasses in my throat. “Please be careful.”

Remington’s furrowed brow relaxes. His signature smirk graces his lips. “I always am.”

When I give him a dubious look, he chuckles. “I mean it. I may not take life too seriously. But I’m damn good at my job. Safety first. Now”—he releases his hold on me—“I have to get out of here before Calloway chews me out. See you later?”

I swallow hard, but the lump won’t go away. “See you later.”

Because I totally will.I know the crew will all have each other’s backs. I know they’ll be as safe as he can. I know all that.

But as he walks out the door, my heart won’t believe what my brain keeps saying.

They’re trying. They’re really trying to help me have fun at the mayor’s party tonight.

Maxine told me her most embarrassing dating story.

Paisley and Piper ordered a round of shots with an embarrassing name.

Astrid tangoed with Old Mandy Lucas, red rose and all.

Even Mabel offered to hit on the single-and-ready-to-mingle mayor for my amusement.

But no matter how many toasts they propose—no matter how many times they ask the DJ to playFreebirdwithout success—my friends can’t knock me out of my poor mood.

I hate that Remington overheard my conversation with Mabel. Not because he didn’t deserve to hear it. I just… hadn’t figured out how to confess everything.

I also hate that he had to rush off before I could finish my explanation or beg for forgiveness.

And… I hate that he had to rush off to fight a fire. Not because it means I’m here at the mayor’s swanky party without him. I hate that he’s fighting a fire, because I know all too well the dangers involved in this line of work.

“Cheer up.” Mabel hands me a glass of champagne. “Or, at least, drink up and then cheer up.”

“I’m fine.”

She arches an eyebrow that clearly says she doesn’t believe me.

---