Page 270 of Better When Shared
“Aimee!” I protested, shooting her a betrayed look.
She shrugged, unrepentant. “What? It’s true. You’ve been mooning over them for an eternity.
I couldn’t argue with that. I’d talked Aimee’s ear off about Skylar for years, and later about Kiaan too. About their brilliance, their humor, the way they made me feel seen and understood in ways no one else ever had.
“I think we want to be together,” Skylar’s voice continued, making my heart skip. “As partners. All of us. But we haven’t really talked about it.”
The recording continued for another minute before Aimee closed her phone, looking at me expectantly. “Well? Aren’t you going to thank me for this invaluable insight into your partners’ minds?”
I leaned back against the couch, processing what I’d just heard. “They miss me.” A smile spread across my face despite my embarrassment. “They want me to come back.”
“Of course they do, dumbass.” Aimee rolled her eyes. “The question is, what are you going to do about it?”
I took a deep breath, then met her gaze. “I already gave my notice at the station.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You what?”
“Yesterday, on my first day back.” I ran a hand through my hair, nervous energy making it impossible to sit still. “I knew I wanted to move the minute I got home, so… I’m moving to San Juan Island. I just promised the chief I’d stay for a few weeks so they’re not short-staffed.”
Aimee stared at me, speechless for possibly the first time in her adult life. “But... your career. The department. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are.”
“There are fire departments in Washington state, Aims,” I said gently. “I’ve already applied to San Juan Island Fire and Rescue. And to the closest island over. I guess some people commute by boat or ferry?”
“And you didn’t think to mention this minor life change to your only sister?” Her voice had gone high and tight, the way it did when she was trying not to show she was hurt.
I reached for her hand, squeezing it. “I wanted to be sure first. Make sure it wasn’t just post-vacation brain making me crazy.” I smiled crookedly. “Turns out, it wasn’t. I’m crazy about them, Aimee. Both of them. In ways I never thought possible.”
She studied my face, then sighed, squeezing my hand back. “I can see that. You look... different. Happier. Even sitting here pining over them.”
“I am,” I admitted. “Happier than I’ve been in years.”
“What about this place?” She gestured around my apartment. “Are you selling?”
I shook my head. “Subletting. To Rhett and Troy from the station.”
Aimee’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “No. You’re kidding. Please tell me you’re kidding.”
I suddenly became very interested in a loose thread on my jeans. “What? They’re great guys.”
“Ryker James Hale,” she said, voice dangerous. “Please tell me you are not subletting your apartment to your firefighter bros so they can keep an eye on your baby sister.”
I couldn’t look at her. “They needed a place closer to the station,” I mumbled. “It’s convenient for everyone.”
“Oh my god.” She shoved my shoulder, hard enough that I rocked sideways. “I’m twenty-five years old! I have a master’s degree in human sexuality! I run a successful podcast about relationships! I do not need babysitters!”
“They’re not babysitters,” I protested weakly. “They’re... friendly neighbors who happen to be trained in emergency response.”
“You’re unbelievable.” She flopped back against the couch, arms crossed. “Mom’s been gone for five years, and you still can’t stop trying to parent me.”
The mention of our mother sent a familiar pang through my chest, but it wasn’t the crushing grief it had once been. Time had softened the edges, and now the pain came with fondness too, with memories of her smile, her laugh.
“Old habits,” I said softly. “I promised her I’d look out for you.”
Aimee’s expression softened. “I know. But I’m okay, Ry. Really. You don’t have to put your life on hold for me anymore.”
“I’m not,” I assured her. “That’s what Rhett and Troy are for. They’ll help with my guilt over leaving.”
She studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “I’m happy for you. Truly.” A wicked grin suddenly spread across her face. “But seriously. I can handle myself. Are you sure about this? Moving across the country for a relationship that’s only been physical for such a short time?”
