Page 67 of Into the Fire: Before

“Breathe, baby,” I said, soothing the hair at her temples with my thumbs. “Take a deep breath for me. Come on, in”—I demonstrated, waiting for her to follow suit—“and out.” We each blow a stream of air from between pursed lips.

She shook her head. “This is so fucking stupid.”

“No, it’s not.”

“People are allowed to visit the same coffee shop without being criminals, Brooks. God, even my regulars from before all this happened, they pick up their drinks and my stomach turns over because what if their coming here was just a trick to watch me? Which isridiculous.But I can’t get the thought out of my mind.”

Gently, I pulled her face closer to mine so I could drop a soft kiss on her forehead before resting mine against it. “Fear is a natural reaction, sweetness,” I whispered.

“But it shouldn’t control my life. I shouldn’tletit.”

“Your emotions don’t understandshould. And who said it’s controlling your life?” My lips twitched with a smile. “You’re here. You’re doing life, even when scared. I’d say you’re kicking fear’s ass right now, love.” I kissed her forehead again, backing up and drying her tears with a few swipes of my fingers. “I’m in awe of you, Taryn.”

Fresh tears rose in her eyes, but her smile told me they weren’t the same as the ones that had come before. “Well, you’re easily impressed then.”

“Nuh-uh,” I said. “I haven’t been this impressed since Lin managed to hit every green light from Farendale to Fort Matamir. So you’re inincrediblecompany.”

A weak laugh tripped from her throat, and my heart absolutely sang. With a sharp sigh, she collapsed forward into my chest, her arms circling me. I circled her right back, running my hands over her back and through her hair.

“Brooks, would…I mean, do you mind…”

“I’m here all day, sweetness,” I whispered against her hair before planting a kiss there.

“You don’t have to—”

“I want to.”

She backed away, and her face finally broke into a relieved smile. “Then you get whatever you want today, on me.”

That,I wouldn’t say no to. With a last kiss on her cheek, then her lips, I grabbed her hand and slowly pulled her back toward the main room, no one the wiser. “In that case, I’ll take a triple espresso and coffee bean cookie, if you please.”

Brooks has added you to a group chat.

Brooks

Feels like this should’ve happened weeks ago, but better late than never.

Lin

Whoops, dropped the ball on that one. That’s my b, guys.

Brea

You’re not B.

Taryn

But Brooks is B!

JINX!

Brooks

Caine is having an aneurysm right now

Brooks

Caine rn: ????

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