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My eyes flutter closed. I’m so tired I’m hearing the voice of an angel, but I don’t even question my possible descent into insanity because I’d give anything to see the owner of that voice again.

“Seriously, are you having some type of attack or are you blocking the carts on purpose just to be an ass?”

A smile cracks across my face. “See, I’m pretty sure angels aren’t supposed to cuss.” I turn, catching Callie’s gaze. Her hair is swept into a messy ponytail, and she’s in workout clothes. Flushed skin. Heaving chest. She may as well be dressed for the red carpet, because to me, she’s as gorgeous as ever.

“What the hell are you talking about?”

And an attitude I love. “Honestly, I don’t even know,” I admit. Callie isn’t an angel, she’s a goddess.

“Ooookay.” She searches my face, eyes widening after a moment. “Oh my god. Are you okay?”

“I am now, why?”

She squints at my quip but decides to let it go and gestures at my body. “You’re covered in. . . actually, I don’t know what it is.”

“Ash, soot, sweat. All of the above.”

Planting her hands on her hips, she lifts an eyebrow. “Jaxon Williams. Did you set someone’s house on fire?”

I love it when she scolds me. “Why? Need me to do it again?”

“Jax,” she murmurs, checking to make sure no one is around. “You didn’t⁠—”

“Relax, Alley cat. I helped put out the fire this time.”

She pulls back. “You did?”

Nodding, I pull out a cart and step aside. “You’re looking at an almost employee of the BRFD.”

For a second, all the bullshit that passed between us evaporates. “Holy shit! That’s amazing!” And then she immediately tempers her reaction. “I mean, that’s really good, Jax. Are you happy?”

Not without you by my side.

I haven’t been happy since you left.

The sun isn’t the same color of yellow when you’re gone, and the sky isn’t as blue.

I think I love you, and I have for a long time, but I don’t know how to tell you without making you run away again.

“Almost,” I tell her instead.

Her features fall. It seems our time apart hasn’t completely erased our bond. She either knows what I’m thinking or knows I’m missing something. I wonder if she knows that my brothers and I would do anything to turn back time and keep her with us. That every year that she’s been gone we’ve all been dying inside a little more.

We exchange an awkward goodbye, and as I head off in my own direction, I wonder if she realizes the thing I’ve been missing is her.

Chapter Nine

CALLIE

It’s been nearly a week since I started working at The Bar, and falling back into the rhythm of life in Big Ridge has been disturbingly easy. Almost like I never left. My fifth shift was last night, and as soon as I got home, I collapsed in the bed and fell asleep. I must have slept like a rock. There are pillow wrinkles on my cheek. Yawning, I roll onto my side and check my phone, rubbing at my face to smooth the wrinkles. It’s almost ten.

If I lived alone, I’d probably stay in bed all day, but my parents might hover outside my door if I stay here for too long. With a groan, I stretch. First a run, then coffee. Running is the only thing keeping me sane right now, and the two miles fly by, probably because I’m desperate for caffeine. Once I get home, I practically sprint up the steps, rushing into the kitchen with heaving breaths.

I barely woke up and I’m ready for a nap. Maybe a run was a bad idea today. But at least it’s Monday. These next two days I have off will be a much-needed reprieve. Bartending is exhausting work, but my big stack of tips makes it easier to endure.

“Morning, honey.” Mom is at the kitchen counter slicing fresh peaches. The sweet scent mingles with coffee. “Did you have a good run?”

Trying to steady my pants, I grunt and pour myself a cup of cream with a splash of coffee. Kidding. It’s half and half at least. Who in their right mind drinks black coffee? Devil worshippers, that’s who.