Page 80 of Carnal Risk

“Garrett,” she called softly.

“Hmm…what, baby?”

“Why didn’t you tell me I talked in my sleep?”

“Because I wanted to tell you myself that I was falling for you.” He wound a finger into her silky hair and played with a strand. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this before.”

“Do you think it’s real? We haven’t known each other very long. It seems so crazy. But I just…that day I left you, I knew for sure. I couldn’t believe it, but I kept thinking, how could this happen?”

“I think sometimes in life we like things neat and tidy. We like predictability. People like to say with certainty that they did all the right things in the right order. But that’s not how life works. It’s the complete opposite. Life is messy. It’s unpredictable. And like with us…”

“Hmm…”

“There’s this chemistry. You can’t fight it. You try. But it’s so strong. And you want to explain it away. You want to say that for it to be real, you must absolutely know a person for so long. Or maybe do certain things. But again, life is not full of absolutes. Life is flawed, indefinite. Who are we to say our chemistry isn’t worthy of our love? That day when you walked out…no, even before then, I knew I needed you in my life. Maybe I couldn’t put the words to it, but you were in my heart.”

“Do you really want me to come live with you?”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

“I just thought maybe because we were…you know…”

“Selby, I love you. There is no in between with me. If there is one thing this past week has taught me, it’s that we need to live each day like it’s our last. You think when Evan woke up the day he died, he thought that would be his last? No way. So why wait to be with each other? Yeah, it’s soon, but you’ve already been in my home.”

“I don’t live the kind of life you do.”

“If you’re talking about the money, I’m not going to let you use that as an excuse. I’ll give it all away before that happens. Besides, you’ve seen how I live. Does it bother you?”

“No, I just want to make sure you know who I am.”

“I know you better than you think I do. And I’m looking forward to spending lots of days and nights finding out all of your secrets.” Garrett squeezed her tightly to him, pleased when she snuggled closer.

A pregnant pause followed and Garrett closed his eyes, relaxing into the embrace of his lover. Within minutes, however, Selby stirred, pressing herself upward, with her hand to his chest.

“Garrett.”

“Hmm?” he responded, drifting into sleep.

“Garrett, wake up. Do you smell smoke? I smell smoke,” she said, her voice laden with panic.

His eyes flew open and although he didn’t see any evidence of her concern, the familiar burning scent teased his nostrils. He quickly sat up, reached for his phone, and dialed 911.

Garrett put his hand to the door, its wooden surface still cool to the touch. But as he opened it, smoke billowed throughout the hallway. Instructing Selby to crawl on her hands and knees, he guided them down the hallway and stairs. When they reached the bottom, some of the smoke had cleared. Panicked guests poured through the foyer out the front of the building. As they went to exit the patio, they bumped into Beckett, who called for their help.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Lars,” he said, panicked. I’ve looked for him everywhere. We were all in the ballroom when the fire started. He said he was going to the wine cellar to get some champagne and he wasn’t there. I can’t find him.”

“Why the hell would he go down there? The caterer is supposed to be handling all of this.”

“I don’t know. He said something about a special bottle for Cormac.”

“Selby, I need you to go with Beckett. Beckett, find Seth and stay with him, do you hear me?”

“No, Garrett, don’t go back in. Let the firemen handle it.” Selby clutched at his arm.

“The firemen aren’t here yet. I’ve already lost two friends in the past month, I’ll be damned if I lose another one.” Garrett’s voice went cold. Lars was as close to a best friend as he had and there was no way he was letting him die.

“Please don’t do this,” she cried.