“I–”
“Don’t.” He raises his hands in the air. “I’m not done. Despite giving my sister a hard time, I love her. She’s a great person, and she deserves someone who’s ready to settle down. Someone who wants to start a family and will put her first.”
I might not be ready to have a family, but I’m ready to put her first.
When I open my mouth again, he raises his hand–once more. If I were closer, I’d use it to slap his stupid face, but I keep my mouth shut. Let him spew his stupid words and then set him straight.
“How many girls did you date in college?”
I raise my eyebrows. “Are you going to let me speak now?”
“Yes.” His eyes flash with irritation.
“None.”
“That’s right.” His phone goes off, but he continues as he slides it out of his back pocket. “You just screwed them and went on.” He swipes his finger across the screen, lighting it up.
“So, she deserves a virgin who’s been saving himself for her?”
“That would be good.” He scans the message and shoves the phone back into his pocket. “But not necessary. I already told you what she deserves.” He strides toward the door, twisting the knob and yanking it open.
A cool breeze flows in from the dark night air. It feels at least fifteen degrees cooler than it was this afternoon.
Right. Someone who isn’t me.
I press my lips together and wish there was time to strangle him, but I’m assuming he has a fire to put out. “Big fire?”
“Two alarm.”
“Location?”
“The corner of Maple and 2ndStreet.”
My gut clenches. That’s near Emily’s apartment. “I’ll be there.”
“Dude.” He glares at me. “You don’t need to go. I just told you to–”
“I fucking live here now. This is my town, and I’m a cop. Would I be the only police officer who’s shown up at a fire after hours?”
“Of course not.”
“Then shut the fuck up. I’m here to stay, and I’m here to protect my town and the people who live in it. That fire isn’t far from my mom’s house and Emily’s apartment building is next door. Of course, I’m going to go and make sure everyone’s safe. Now get your ass to the fucking fire station and do your fucking job.”
“Asshole.” He jogs out the door and disappears down the steps.
As I shove my socks and tennis shoes on, I contemplate getting a new best friend. One who keeps his mouth shut and minds his own business. Suddenly, the thought of waiting the five minutes it’ll take to get into my vehicle and drive to Maple and 2ndStreet seems too long.
I click on Emily’s phone number and shoot her a text message.
Me: Are you okay?
Instead of waiting, I lock my front door and jog down the porch steps. The erratic beating of my heart pounds in my temples. When my cell phone beeps, I glance down while still walking to my pickup.
Emily: Yes, I’m good. I got a call about the fire, but I’m not home.
Thank God. At least, she’s not there, but that doesn’t mean other people aren’t in danger.
Me: I’m glad you’re safe. I’m headed to the fire. Kaleb is already on his way there.
