“Fuck off, Grizz. You keep your big trap shut. Now, get me up to speed with what’s been happening.”
As Grizz and Zander give me the lowdown, I try to keep my mind on what they’re saying. But every bone in my body wants to run back and make it right with Poppy.
Once I’ve done my duty, I’ll be back here as soon as I can.
Chapter Seven
POPPY
I’ve been such an idiot. And I have nobody to blame but myself.
Pushing Flint away yesterday because I was embarrassed was stupid. I went back to my comfort zone, playing out my familiar schedule in a daze. Started a new batch of orders, made some meals to take to Mom and put them in the freezer, and walked Scamp around the yard. I tried not to think about Flint, but his face kept popping into my head.
Kimiko calls as I’m drinking my morning coffee. “Are you all safe? We had so much snow at the shelter, but all the animals are okay.”
“Yes, we’re fine. Scamp’s back and he’s good.”
“That’s brilliant. Unfortunately I have some bad news, Poppy.” Her tone gets serious.
“Yes?”
“The people who were going to adopt him changed their mind. So you’ll be with him for a while longer. Can you manage?”
“Sure. He’s a pleasure to have around.”
Kimiko laughs. “He’s a sweetie, alright. I’m still sure we’re going to get him his happy ever after.”
Once we’ve finished the call, I try my sister’s number.
“Pops! The network’s back. I hear you’ve had an adventure. I’m glad you’re okay. Don’t worry, Mom and Dad know you’re fine.”
I smile at Mari’s rush of words. “Iamfine. Thanks to Dean’s search and rescue buddy. Flint was amazing.”
“Oh, he’s super brave. Dean says he’s the lifeblood of the firehouse. Worksallthe shifts. His parents died in an accident when he was young, he doesn’t have much family. So Dean says he’s the most dedicated guy he’s ever met. Brave too. But then, they’re all brave…”
I start to speak and it turns into a sob. “Mari, I’ve been a fool.”
“Pops, are you okay? And yes, I know you’re a fool.”
I choke out a laugh. “Thanks for the sympathy. Something happened with Flint. And then some of his colleagues turned up unexpectedly, and I told him to go. I guess I got embarrassed.”
She’s silent for a moment. “But now you want him to come back?”
“Yes. Do you know if the roads are safe? And can you give me his number?”
“I’ll text Dean. It might be a while, the whole firehouse is out clearing up after the storm. Some hikers were stuck on the mountain overnight, it’s a dangerous job, Flint’s probably up there dealing with it. I’ll text you back when I get his number.”
“Thanks, sis.” A cold dread rises in the pit of my stomach. What if something happens to Flint? I’ll never get the chance to apologize to him. To nestle in those big, strong arms. To tell him how much I want him.
I walk over to Scamp, burying my face in his warm fur. “Looks like you’re with me for a little longer, buddy. Sorry about that.” His tail thumps against the floor.
I lie down on the sofa next to him. My eyes are closing, despite the coffee. I didn’t get much sleep last night, going over and over what’s happened in the last two days.
I’m woken by a knock on the door. Yawning, I get up. Scamp’s waiting by the door, his tail wagging. I open it and Flint is standing there. His clothes are covered in grime, his face streaked with dirt, and there’s a scratch across his cheek.
I fling myself into his arms, covering his face with kisses. He kisses me back, one hand wrapped around my waist as he shuts the door.
I pull away from him as Scamp leans against Flint’s knees. “I’m sorry. I’ve been worrying about you, you must think I’m such an idiot. I didn’t mean for you to go…after all you’ve done for me.”
