Page 53 of When the Smoke Clears

Jamie’s gaze drops to my chest. “I didn’t know you had breast augmentation. Whoever did it did a nice job.”

I blush. “Thanks. I think so too.”

“Do you worry about them leaking?” Maren asks.

“No. I mean, I know it’s a possibility, but worrying about it won’t prevent it.”

“Well”—Maren rolls her eyes—“I’m sure Will loves them. He’s a breast guy.”

Jamie snickers. “Fitz is too. I think all men are.”

When they laugh, I join in because, for the first time since we arrived, I feel included, not scrutinized. This is it. We’re friends. Let the bestie threesome begin.

“Are you close with your father?” Jamie asks, pouring ice water on our cozy friendship.

“You think I’m interested in Will because he’s older? A father figure?”

She shakes her head, yet shrugs as if that might be what she’s implying.

“Fitz is older than you.” I stop short of asking if she has daddy issues because we know that answer. She grew up without him and learned some pretty shocking things about his past.

“He is,” Jamie says with a brave smile, like she’s fine with me talking about her father.

Maren clears her throat, nervously fiddling with the ends of her blond hair that’s pulled over one shoulder. “Has Will met your father?”

“No,” I say, glancing down at my drink.

“Have you told your father about your past relationship with Will?” Maren prods.

“I was thinking of going with modern decor for my barndo, but I’ve seen some really cool designs on Pinterest that incorporate reclaimed wood. So now I’m leaning in that direction. What do you think?”

Maren and Jamie share a look. I fear this bestie threesome is not happening today.

Chapter Nineteen

Will

The Missoula Fire Department gets called by the US Forest Service dispatch to help with a wildfire eight miles south of town. I spend my forty-eight-hour shift on that fire. By Monday, it’s still at zero containment.

As I climb into my Bronco to head home, I get a text.

Fitz: Heard your house got called

Will: Yeah. Heading home to crash. U?

Fitz: Just sent out a group. Staying at the base today

Fitz: Jamie said there’s sexual tension between u and the Dr

I slide my sunglasses onto my head to make sure I’m reading his text correctly.

Will: WTF

Fitz: That’s what I figured. Go sleep

I grumble a few expletives and then drive home. After removing my boots at the back door, I glance up and freeze. My kitchen is a disaster again. Dirty dishes in the sink. Crumbs on the counter. An open bottle of AriZona tea on the coffee table beside a pair of wadded pink socks.

“Sleep first,” I mumble on my way to the stairs, “and kill her later.”