“Fuck, I want him so badly,” I murmured as I scrubbed at my face. “He doesn’t get scared away if I send a thousand rambling texts, and he fucks like a dream.”
“So when’s the wedding?” Rory teased, his eyes sparkling. “But seriously, if I can survive dating my friend’s dad and the weirdness with that, I think you can overcome his sister being your ex. You and…Salamandastron? You guys were barely dating. I didn’t even meet her.”
Rory was too far to kick, so I lobbed a crumpled-up napkin at him. “Serena. And yeah, I hadn’t met her family either. But what if Drake says it’s not worth the risk? Then I’m back at square one, loveless and alone.”
“August, my sweet baby child, you’ll never be completely alone. Even if your parents move, even if I live with Wyatt, you have peoplewho love you who’ll never let those connections wither away. And I know even if you don’t end up with Drake, you’d find another roommate, and you’d win them over with your easygoing charm. And now I’m a little jealous because they better not take my place.”
A laugh burst from me, but Rory’s words were a lifeline, and I clung to the reassurance he offered.
“No one could take your place,” I responded. “No matter what changes.”
Rory arched a brow. “Now turn that back around and take some of your own advice.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Rude. I get the message, though. I’ll talk to Drake and my folks soon.”
My heart thrummed a little harder at the prospect. While my folks might be disappointed, they’d love me no matter what I chose.
Drake, on the other hand….
In the short time I’d known him, I’d gotten deeply attached. Each hangout, sleepover, date, just brought us even closer. I couldn’t imagine losing what we’d found.
But only the truth would tell if we would last.
Chapter eighteen
Drake
“How’re things coming with the fundraiser?” Chief Mahoney strolled into the kitchen.
Enthusiasm thrummed through me. Spring Fires was signed on, and Ethan seemed just as excited as I was for the event. I’d started coordinating ticket sales, and we’d be using the firehouse grounds for the show itself.
“So good,” I said. “And you’re sure the date works?”
“Yeah, I cleared it out,” Chief said with a grin. He clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re doing good, Drake. I can’t wait to see how this turns out.”
Warmth flowed through me. Even though I might always feel second-best with my family, here, I thrived. That was proof positive Iwas in the right place.
Just like the feelings August inspired in me were proving he was the right one.
I only needed to tell him.
“These guys are talented, and they’re excited to help out the firehouse.”
Ethan had mentioned he had a personal reason to, but he hadn’t elaborated on it. I was just relieved August had made the initial connection. Who knew if my message would’ve gotten looked over otherwise?
“Considering the amount the guys are already discussing, I think it’s fair to say you’ve got the younger folks interested, which was my hope.” Chief leaned back against the counter. “Quiet day here?”
I was halfway through a twenty-four, and we’d barely heard a murmur, which was pretty normal for a Tuesday. In a small town like Kennett, we weren’t facing a huge amount of constant fire crises. While working in a more high-profile area would be interesting, I enjoyed the peace and downtime too much to want to move.
When I imagined a future with August, which had been happening more frequently as of late, the pace of my job worked well for our life together. Which was fucking insane that I was even going down that train of thought.
I was so far gone on him, but I’d been too chickenshit to say anything on our date.
And I was even more chickenshit when it came to Serena.
The fire alarm bell began to ring.
“Spoke too soon,” Chief said, striding in the direction of the PPE room. “Let’s go get our turnout gear on.”
