“We’re outside. The fire department just got here.”
“Is everyone out?” I ask as Easton pops into my head.
“I don’t know.”
“Fuck.” My stomach drops. “I’m on my way, okay?”
“Okay.” She sniffs.
Hanging up my phone, I don’t bother trying to find socks before slipping on my sneakers.
I’m out of the house and running down the street in seconds. A wave of horror hits me as I see massive flames in the distance.
I can’t believe this is really happening. I was just there a few hours ago. It was a good night for the most part. I had fun with Roland. He’s a good guy. I could see myself dating someone like him.
Then why was I thinking about Easton when my cock was down Roland’s throat?
What was he doing there? Why was he watching?
Doesn’t matter. What matters is that he made it out safe.
I’m out of breath, heart pounding against my chest, lungs screaming in pain by the time I reach the crowd of people, across the street from the football house.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, eyes widening in horror as I stare up at the burning building. This is bad. So bad.
“Bennett!” My head snaps to the side to see Aria running to me.
“Ari,” I breathe in relief, wrapping my arms around her in a bone-crushing hug. “I’m so damn glad you’re okay.”
“We were sleeping when the alarm went off. Tyler told me to get out, and he stayed in to wake up as many of his teammates as possible. Most of them were still passed out, he said.”
My eyes frantically search the crowd, looking for a familiar set of hazel-green eyes.
“He made it out,” Tyler says, coming over to join us. I sigh in relief as Tyler nods his head. I follow his direction when I see Roland standing off to the side with a few of his buddies.
He’s not the one I’m looking for. I give Tyler a fake smile, but keep looking.
“Bennett,” Liam’s voice sounds behind me. I turn around to find my ex. He throws himself at me, practically shoving Aria out of the way. “Thank god you’re here.”
I stand there stunned, not sure what to do. The man just lost his house, so I give him a hug before stepping away.
Liam starts to talk, but I’m not paying attention. I need to know he’s okay.
I feel a soft, warm hand in mine, giving it a squeeze. I look down at Aria, who’s giving me a subtle, sad smile. She nods her head to my right, and my head snaps to the side. Further down the street, I see Easton. He’s leaning against the hood of a car, watching the inferno before him.
The look on his face is pure devastation, and my heart breaks for him.
But he’s okay. He’s safe. He’s out.
I want to go over there to check on him, but I won’t. It’s not any of my business. We’re not friends. He made sure of that.
Turning my attention back to my actual friend, I make sure she’s okay.
“Can I stay with you tonight?” Liam asks, catching me by surprise.
“Ah.” I blink. “I mean, you’re welcome to sleep on the couch.”
Liam looks disappointed, but nods. I’m sure the guys on my team wouldn’t mind sparing some room for the night.
