Page 60 of Memories with Fire

“I got everything from you. From that very first day when you didn’t just melt at my feet like everyone else. You give me attitude and anger. You give me a fight that I can’t turn down. Then you turn around and give me this honesty that totally contradicts that spirit, but shows me how real and raw you can be.” I take her face in my hands, running my thumbs along her cheekbones, glancing at all the freckles there. “Maybe the best part of all, the most thrilling part to me, is that you give me your trust. Even in those moments you contemplate my murder, you still hand it over willingly.”

For a long moment she just stares at me, emotion swimming in her eyes, soaking in everything I told her. Then her arms wrap around my neck and pull me down, crushing my lips to hers.

In that moment, there are no other words that need to be said by either of us. She doesn’t need to say anything. I know she’s giving me the best part of all.

Her belief.

CHAPTER 19

HAILEY

“And no funnybusiness anywhere in this house, on the rigs, or while on duty, you got it?” Nate says to both Luke and me.

It’s my first day back to reality. At least that’s how it seems. After an impromptu week off, it’s my first shift back at the firehouse. I took last shift off because everyone seemed to think it was a good idea to take the extra day and relax. Relaxing was not something I needed to do, though, so I spent most of the day with Savanna rather than sitting around idly with my thoughts.

We’re standing in Nate’s office after having filled him in on our new relationship status, something we didn’t do on Luke’s last shift when I wasn’t working. I made it very clear to Luke last night that I wouldn’t go one working second in this house without reporting things to Nate, though. If we’re going to be together, we’re doing it the right way. I’m not sneaking around behind everyone’s back only to get caught and in trouble later. I’m good with never being in trouble again after the talk I got from Nate the first time around where Luke was concerned.

I look at him, aghast. “Do you know who you’re talking to?”

Nate looks at me pointedly, his bright blue eyes buzzing with amusement. “I don’t know that I do. He," he points at Luke standing beside me, “got you to participate in Tree Toppers. I’m not sure who you are anymore, or what he might be capable of talking you into.”

Luke snickers which triggers me to elbow him in the side.

“Aye, aye, Lieutenant. No funny business while on shift. I’ll make sure she stays in line, and keeps her hands to herself,” Luke declares, saluting.

I swivel my head to glare at Luke, unsure which one of them is more entertained—him or Nate. They both know damn well I would never do something like that.

“I’m sure,” Nate replies dryly. I can hear the eye roll in his voice without seeing it. “Now get out. I’ve got paperwork to do.”

I’m still scowling at Luke when he pushes me towards the door, a hand at my hip so I don’t fall. As if to validate all of Nate’s warnings, Luke gives me a little smack on the ass as we cross the threshold into the hall outside of the office. I yelp in surprise, turning to fling my hand at his chest, but he’s quick to wrap his arm around my torso and pull me into him so I completely miss.

“You’re so bad,” I hiss at him, squirming in his arms. I may not want to get into trouble, but I secretly love the way he’s got hold of me right outside the boss’ office. “You’re gonna get us into trouble.”

“Just don’t get caught. Problem solved,” he grins at me, those dimples deepening with his enjoyment.

Things with Luke have been nothing short of magical. They were amazing when it was just the two of us holed up at his house, but they’ve gotten even better since he took me on our first date. I know I’m falling for him. Hard, fast, and deep. I suppose it’s not difficult to believe since I never got over him, but we’re also not the same people we were ten years ago. It’s been fun learning about present day Luke, instead of remembering what he was like, or imagining what he might be like. Which I did. Often.

He's better than my wildest dreams. I know I thought I wanted the safe option, but he’s the reason I wanted it that way. Now that I have him back in my life, I want nothing more than to be with him, and only him. Even if that means dealing with all the daredevil interests he has. Like jumping out of airplanes. Ugh, I don’t even want to know what else might be on the list.

“I think they fucked,” Liam’s voice comes from down the corridor.

We both glance down the hall to find him and Quinn standing there. He’s got an arm hanging over her shoulder, and one of her hands is planted on a jutted out hip. They both look thoroughly satisfied while they stare at us.

“Oh, I know they fucked,” she counters with the utmost confidence.

My eyes narrow as Luke and I meander towards them. I haven’t talked to Quinn much in the last week, other than to tell her that I’ve been staying with Luke. That seems to be enough for her to make assumptions. She’d be right, but that’s not the point.

“You don’tknowanything,” I tell them.

“Oh really?” She smirks while raising a perfectly arched eyebrow above vibrant green contacts. I hate that she knows me so well. She can see right through me. “So, you’d deny it if I ask? Would you lie to your best friend?”

I lift my chin in defiance. I am not going to answer her on this. Beside me, I can feel Luke trying to contain his laughter. I want to elbow him again, but he’s got me pinned tight to his side, so I can’t. I settle for a poke in the back of his ribs.

“Did you two fuck?” Quinn pressures when I don’t respond. I can see the amusement dancing in her eyes, just as I can see it in Liam’s.

When her eyes land on Luke, he puts up a hand to stop her. “First, I don’t use that word if I can help it. Second, I don’t kiss and tell.”

He may say the words, but when I glance at him, he’s wearing a shit eating grin that says everything his words don’t. This time I poke him harder in the ribs. When he throws his weight in my direction with a little yip, I feel rather pleased with myself.

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