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CHAPTER3

LEXI

When I arrived in Chicago yesterday to visit my best friend, only to find out that she’s working most of the week, I was annoyed to say the least. I mean, I never see Cam. She hasn’t been home in years, and Jacksonville and Chicago aren’t exactly a short drive apart.

It took planning, and money to get up here to visit. I’m not sure what I expected in coming here, but a warmer reception was on the list.

Campbell Stevens and I have been best friends for as long as I can remember. Our deep bond was my saving grace growing up. Everything about my life—my school, my parents, my teachers—were a downer but all of it was made possible because of Cam. She was the yin to my yang. The light to my dark. My person. Everything was better when she was around.

Somehow it all changed.

I’m not sure how or why, or even when but one day I woke up and realized we weren’t the same friends we used to be. There was an evident change when she left Florida for Chicago to attend DePaul University where she’d received a full ride scholarship. Campbell has always been brilliant, so, of course, she earned a massive scholarship. Me—not so much. School was not my friend. I stayed beyond after graduation and have basically been making nothing of my life since.

Yet even before her big move up north, the change in our dynamic was in motion. I simply can’t figure it out. Here’s the thing, though, we may not be as we once were, but she’s still my best friend. When you truly love someone, you love them forever. Cam is my forever friend whether she likes it or not, and the number of times she’s rolled her eyes in my direction tonight, I’m guessing—not.

I’ve learned not to let her utter disregard bother me. All I can do is be myself and be her friend. Once upon a time, that was all she needed. Maybe someday she’ll remember.

Cam comes back to the table and hands a bill to Boss, and another water to me. I’ve drank so much water over the past couple of hours, I’ve had to use the bathroom like six times. It’s ridiculous.

“It’s closing time.” She smiles toward Boss as she sets the bill on table.

“I can’t drink any more water, Cam.” I glare at the glass.

“That’s fine.” She shrugs. “It’s there if you need it.”

A long, muscular arm reaches in front of Boss and snatches up the bill. “I don’t think so, birthday boy,” the firefighter known as Tiny says. “It’s on us.”

Tiny has a cool vibe. He’s one of those people who are real easy to like. I didn’t question his name a few hours ago but now I’m realizing they must call him Tiny because he is anything but. The guy is huge.Hmm…maybe I was tipsier than I realized.

“Tiny! What’s your real name?” I ask.

“It’s Tiny!” Pauly, the loudest of the group answers for him.

“Archer.” Tiny shoots me a wink.

“Huh, really? I didn’t know that.” Boss teases.

Convincing Cam’s roommate Claire and her boyfriend to come hang out at the bar where Cam works had been a gamble. I knew Campbell would be annoyed, which she was. But I didn’t come to Chicago to see Claire, as nice as she may be. I figured if Cam had to work all week, I’d hang out at her bar and drink all week. Yet it worked out far better than I could’ve imagined. If I hadn’t come out tonight, I wouldn’t have met this sexy group of firefighters—especially the hottest one sitting beside me.

There is something about Tony “Boss” Boston that does something crazy to my insides. Yes, I may have been a handful of drinks in, when he arrived, but it didn’t impair my vision. The guy is smoking hot.

He has perfect skin, dark brown and smooth. It begs to be touched which I’ve been doing all night. As a firefighter, I’d imagine his skin would be scarred or burnt, at least somewhere but it’s not, at least over all the parts I can see and touch. Which isn’t nearly enough, and something I plan on rectifying tonight.

His eyes are big, a deep and welcoming shade of coffee, framed by dark lashes. There’s something so incredibly soulful about him. When he catches me in his stare, I feel seen. Maybe for the first time. I know that sounds ridiculous to say about someone I’ve just met, but I can’t help feeling that it’s true.

I have a thing about auras. It’s hard to explain, but when I look at someone, I can tell whether they’re a decent or immoral person. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an equal opportunity girl—I hang out with them either way. I don’t usually care if someone’s bad news. In fact, I tend to be drawn to the losers.

Tony Boston’s soul radiates goodness. It shines so bright, it’s almost blinding, yet I can’t turn away. I don’t want to. I would dive headfirst into his fire if he’d let me without a thought to the consequences. I crave him, desperately. I know I don’t deserve him, but I need him anyway.

“Hey.” His bright smile pulls me from my thoughts. “You still game to hang out tonight?”

“Yes, definitely.” I grin, sliding my hand across his arm as I go to stand. “Let me just tell Cam.”

I find Cam behind the bar, washing glasses. “I’m going home with Boss.”

“Okay,” she states. “Be safe.”

“You’re funny.” I snort. “See you later.”

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