Page 29 of Embers in the Dark

“Baylee, look at me.” I stop the car at the loading zone.

“Tucker, listen, I appreciate what you’re doing for me. But”—she takes a deep breath—“I texted you for months. I thought you didn’t respond because you had something going on with Abby. I... um... I just feel stupid right now. I just... forget it. I appreciate the ride. I’ll see you at your apartment.”

She doesn’t wait for my response and slams the door. Fuck. The thing is, Baylee has no idea how I felt about her. How Ifeelabout her. That day in her parents’ house, I almost said something, but Rios walked in and everything changed. Istarted to feel this attraction between us rise and I never got to act on it. He doused a dose of reality on it and then she ran off and I focused on my friendship with Rios.

That’s what these last few months have been about for me. Then my mom got sick and that’s been my only thought lately. When Baylee started dating Myles, I thought her life was headed in a different direction. I never imagined she was in an abusive relationship. This path is more fucked up than I imagined. How have things gotten this messed up? I honestly thought I was doing the right thing last year by accepting that date with Abby and letting Baylee go.

That’s the thing, we don’t have a Magic 8 ball to help us figure out if one simple decision will lead us in the right direction. My one decision led us down a path of destruction for her. She texted me for months and I left her unanswered because I feared what that would do to my friendship with Rios. The common denominator here has always been her brother.

Everything changed a few nights ago though. Rios has been giving me the silent treatment and I don’t give a flying fuck anymore. I choose Baylee now and it’s freeing. I know having her living with me is the right decision.

Myles never met me in the months he dated Baylee because I kept my distance. So, he won’t connect us together, and he won’t come looking for her at my place, hopefully keeping her safe while we wait for him to be arrested.

Laying hands on someone so precious is something I still can’t wrap my head around. I can’t let my mind go down that road, especially as I’m about to take my mom to the hospital for her treatment. I need to keep myself calm while I prepare for the hours ahead.

Before getting back on the road, I connect my phone to the Bluetooth and pull up my audiobook. Baylee was right, I have to finish my current read. Book club is coming up and I've got to finishBeneath the Sheets.

I laughed when we pulled this book out of the jar last month, but it is an addictive listen. Kennedy was the one that put this one in and she was giddy when it got chosen. Her eyes gleamed and I swear I almost gagged. I know she’s going to be trying some of these fucked up positions with River. She overshares when we meet, knowing it makes me uncomfortable. It’s messed up. Although I’m not saying anything because Kennedy is so fucking scary sometimes, especially when she gets riled up.

Days later I find myself at the firehouse, still unable to shake my car ride with Baylee. We were never together and yet, it looked like she was heartbroken over something I did to her. Like the realization that my date with Abby was fake broke something between us. I still can’t figure it out. I’m lost in thought when River saunters in the kitchen.

“Let me get this straight, you have thousands of followers and you know your way around a kitchen? The ladies must be lining up at your door.” He grabs an apple and looks over at our probie with a gleam in his eye.

He loves pointing out that our newest recruit has a huge social media presence when he can barely understand how to post a reel. How are we nearly the same age?

Hunter just smiles his easy-going way as he lines up the lasagna on the tray and continues cooking. He’s still getting used to all the guys at the station, but he’s quickly learning to tell River and Clay apart. Hunter is a man of few words, but so far, he’s fit in well with the crew here. If he’s not cooking, he’s working out with us and helping around the firehouse.

“Hey, Malloy, we still good for a run tomorrow after shift?” River looks over at me.

“Yeah, that works for me. Your brother joining us?” I ask.

“I think so, after he sees his girls.” He’s scrolling through his phone while taking a bite of his apple.

His comment brings a pang to my heart. It’s a reminder of how much I lack in my own life, because I have little to run home to after my own shift.

“You have room for another if I were to join you?” Hunter chimes in.

We both look up to see the probie waiting for a response. River and I swing our gaze to each other then back to Hunter.

We both shrug and I answer, “Sure, why not? But no groupies allowed. We run and don’t stop for selfies with strangers, got it?”

“Yep, no problem!” He flashes his charming smile, something I know probably wins over hearts online.

Clay saunters in, the biggest smile on his face. Since reconnecting with Abby and having his daughter, this guy is always happy instead of sulking. I haven’t known him long, but I have noticed a lightness to him now that his life seems to be coming together with the person he loves by his side.

“Hey man, how’s everything going?” I ask him.

“Good.” He’s looking down at his phone.

“What’s got you smiling like that, man?” River asks his twin.

“Ella’s smiling at everything now and I swear it’s the best phase.” He turns his phone and it’s a video of his daughter babbling and smiling at herself in the mirror.

It’s hard not to react and soon we’re all watching her in amazement. It seems she’s doubled in size since I last saw her, even though I know that’s not the case. I’ll have to text Abby to make sure she brings her to book club so I can snuggle her.

“I think she needs some time with her uncle River. That girl adores me. Last time she saw me, she reached for me instead of this guy.” He juts his chin over to his brother. “I swear she prefers me.” He puffs out his chest.

“Fucking hell. How many times do I have to tell you? Shedoesn’t think you’re her dad, Riv. You nearly yanked her out of Abby’s arms. You barely give her space when you’re around. I think even she’s exhausted around you.” Clay rolls his eyes.

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