Page 39 of From Air

Betty’s a slut. I love her. She’s kind and funny, with years of nursing experience that she shares with the other nurses. A true role model at work. But her legs spread like my spring-loaded kitchen shears. I don’t need a full hand to count my sexual partners. Betty needs a spreadsheet.

Spread-sheet.

“Have you gotten some lately?” Betty asks, snagging a stale donut.

“Some what?”

“Oh my god. If you have to ask, then I know the answer.” Betty’s face sours when she discovers how long that glazed donut has been in the pink box.

“Sex?” I glance up from my tablet.

“Yes. That’s when a guy puts his penis—”

“Stop.” I laugh. “It’s been a hot minute. But I’ve recently been kissed.”

“Oh, tell me where.”

“In my kitchen and by my Jeep after a party.”

“No. Where did he kiss you?”

“Um ...” I glance over her shoulder to the nursing student waiting for Mentor Betty. “The lips,” I murmur.

“Which lips?” Betty waggles her eyebrows. “Do you know what I mean?”

She must think I’m still a virgin and not just a Montana virgin.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I wink and toss her a conspiratorial grin while brushing past her to get to Mrs. Edie.

“You little hussy.”

I cringe, and my face flushes when themalenursing student eyes me. He heard her. Now I’m Nurse Hussy because I let Betty think my labia was recently serviced.

It’s going to be a long day.

Chapter Thirteen

CALVIN

During my years as a firefighter, I’ve heard my fair share of bloodcurdling screams. However, as I get out of my truck, I don’t expect to hear one coming from my house.

I sprint through the door, resisting the urge to kick it down. When I race past the entry, I find Jamie standing on the kitchen counter, one hand gripping the top of the fridge and her other hand cupped over her mouth.

Eyes wide.

Legs shaking.

I don’t smell smoke. Is someone in the house? I can’t get a read on the situation other than that she’s paralyzed with panic.

“Run!” She points toward me.

A mouse runs past my boot and hides under the sofa.

I follow the mouse’s path, inspecting every kitchen corner before glancing at Jamie. “Where is it?”

Her brow lines with as much confusion as I have in mine. “You just watched it run under the sofa.”

“No. Where is the rattlesnake? The bear? The mountain lion? The escaped convict? Where is the scary thing that was chasing the mouse?”

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