“Maybe we should take separate showers next time. You know, to save time.” She giggles.
I kiss her nose. “Not a chance in hell, firecracker.”
Chapter Eleven
SERA
Iroll over and tug the duvet around my neck. The scent of cedar and sea salt lingers on his pillow and me. I reach my hand out for him, but the bed’s empty and cold. Blinking open my eyes, I search the room. Sun shines through the gaps in the blind, and I slump out of bed, my chest tight, wondering if Flint will regret everything in the light of day.
My phone buzzes on the bedside table. Flint must’ve taken it from my jeans pocket and set it there.
Tammany: Sera, are you okay? I heard about the fire.
Russ: What fire? Has the chief combusted again with another dramatic exit?
Arlene: He’s probably still smouldering after the other night.
JoeyJo: Her bungalow went up in smoke.
Hellzz: Along with her panties.
JoeyJo: No, her actual bungalow was on fire.
Hellzz: OMG, are you hurt?
Russ: What? FR?
JoeyJo: She wasn’t home. We were at the movies. Came back to the fire crew surrounding her place. Looked bad.
I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath, my chest tight, skin hot at the memory.
Tammany: Sera, let us know if you need anything
Arlene: Sera? You there?
JoeyJo: She’s staying with the chief.
Arlene: Oh
Russ: Of course she is. That man would run through fire for her.
JoeyJo: That man did run into fire for her. He thought she was inside.
Hellzz: I knew it. I’ve seen the way he looks at her.
Russ: Is he okay?
JoeyJo: Yeah, the roof collapsed, but he made it out.
Tammany: Thank heavens.
I’m here. Not sure what’s left of my home, but Flint says I can stay with him.
Arlene: Sweetheart. I’m so sorry.
Tammany: Let us know if we can do anything.
Thank you.
