My mind is blown. We’ve always been the same, Boone, Derek, and me. Not interested in anything serious with anyone. To realize that one of us is actually dating the same girl for over a month is making my head spin.
SAWYER: Sorry. You just took me by surprise.
COWBOY: Can’t be single forever, bro. Someday we gotta grow up and find a woman who makes us better men.
D-MAN: Look at you. Regular pussy and you get all philosophical.
COWBOY: Better than staying a scared of commitment dumbass.
D-MAN: Okay let’s focus boys. Lance’s weekend, what’s the plan?
COWBOY: Find somewhere to get drunk? Same as every year?
We’re discussing the weekend where we remember our friend who lost his life because he was distracted by his girlfriend cheating on him while we were out fighting wildfires. At the same time Boone announces he’s in a steady relationship. The irony is not lost on me.
None of us will ever forget that day almost ten years ago now. We were with Lance when the text came through while at base camp, some well-meaning friend back in his hometown thinking Lance should know his girl was out with another guy while he was fighting fires. Lance lost his shit. And then went out on the line, his emotions a mess.
A change in wind conditions can come with very little, if any, warning. But even so, on that day, the only one caught unaware was Lance. And for a guy who normally erred well on the side of caution with environmental shifts when fighting fires, to say his death was a shock is an understatement. As far as I can figure, the only thing different that day from any other was that Lance must have been really fucking distracted by the shit going on at home.
Ever since then, I swore I would never let anything distract me like that. I keep my career, my family, and my friends perfectly compartmentalized in my brain so I can focus on one at a time and not let anything interfere.
And there’s never been space for anyone else. But one fiery blonde angel is forcing her way in, whether she means to or not. Last night was a bit like pouring a glass of water on a grease fire. Instead of dousing the heat, it only made the flames burn stronger.
Somehow, I’ve got to get her out of my head before things get any hotter.
Chapter twelve
Tori
Taking a deep breath, I push open the door to Camille’s café. The room is full of close to a dozen women, all chatting animatedly as they sip on cups of what must be tea or coffee.
When I left Cooper with my mom back at the house, I was full of excitement for tonight. But now, faced with a bunch of strange faces, I remember why I love my career: I don’t have to interact with people all that often.
“Books. You’re here because you all love books,” I whisper under my breath, trying to calm my nerves. An introvert at heart, normally talking about romance books brings me to life. But this feels overwhelming.
“Tori, I’m pleased you were able to join us for tonight’s gathering.” I turn at the sound of Paige’s voice. She’s the only one I really know here, even though I think I’ve seen some of the other women around. Pretty sure I recognize the brunette standing behind the counter dishing out cookies, and there’s another one I’m sure I’ve seen at school. But Paige is the only one whose name I know.
“Hi. Yup, I’m here.” God, could I possibly sound more awkward? That was embarrassing. I force my face to relax into what I hope is an honest-to-goodness smile. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“Of course. May I presume you are unfamiliar with many of the attendees tonight?”
A new voice cuts in. “I think you can, Paige. Here, I’ll take her around and introduce her to everyone. Tori, was it?” I look over at the woman I recognize from the school and nod. “I’m Abby. My husband is the principal at the elementary school, and my daughter is in grade five. I think I’ve seen you at pickup a few times.”
I take her outstretched hand gratefully. “Right, I thought I recognized you, too.”
Abby gives me a gentle smile that eases even more of my nerves. “C’mon, let’s meet everyone.” I let her lead me over to a group of three women, one who is very definitely pregnant and slightly familiar, somehow.
“And these are the Donnelly girls.”
Shit. Donnelly? They’re related to Sawyer. But that means I’ve slept with their… brother? Husband?
No…Ohmygod. The room starts to feel stifling, like I’m trapped in an absolute nightmare.
I realize Abby’s still talking and I tune back in, hoping to hear something to reassure me as I pray my worst fear isn’t about to come to life. I can’t be the other woman. I’d have to move, just when Cooper’s settling in, and…
“Well.” Abby laughs. “I suppose for now, only Kat and Cam can claim the name, and technically Kat’s not a Donnelly anymore. But I’m guessing you will be soon, right, Lily?” Pulling out her phone from her pocket, Abby frowns. “Oh shoot, I’m sorry to abandon you, Tori, but this is my babysitter. I’ll leave you with the girls, you’re in good hands.”
Except, I’m not. She might as well have left me in a pit of vipers, depending on what comes next. The three stunning women are smiling at me, completely unaware of the danger I might pose. I already can’t remember their names, thanks to my absolute panic that I might have fucked one of their husbands.
