Our conversation drifts naturally to the things we’ve missed out on about each other’s lives like past relationships—or lack thereof—and our careers, as if trying to piece together the time lost between us. I voice my uncertainty about what to do now that my plans for office space have crumbled.
“You could always look for other space nearby,” he suggests casually. “Sky Mountain isn’t that far away if nothing opens up here. A buddy of mine has been working construction over there and says there’s some big things coming down the pipeline.”
I can't help but tease him. “So I should pick up and move back to Scarlet Ridge with no set plan... Just fly by the seat of my pants... Some things never change with you,” I say with a laugh.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“I didn’t say it was.”
“Would it be so bad though? You coming back here?”
“I guess it wouldn’t be terrible... For you.”
His lips curve into a half-smile as he looks down at me. “Never claimed I wasn't selfish.”
“Maybe, but you can't be all that selfish,” I counter. “Running into burning buildings to save people takes a special breed of people.” A shadow crosses his face then, so fleeting I almost miss it. “I'm proud of you,” I say softly. “For being such a brave man.”
He lets out a sigh that seems to carry more weight than just air. “Not sure I still want to be a hero.”
Curiosity piques my interest, mingled with concern.
“What do you mean?”
“I've been thinking... Maybe it's time for something new.” He pauses, his gaze searching mine. “I’ve really been thinking about something... Maybe it’s crazy... But I think I might want to open my own business. Teach survival skills or lead tours around the mountains. Outdoor adventure type of stuff.”
“That sounds amazing,” I say, not surprised one bit. He always loved the outdoors and adventure and he’d be absolutely perfect in that sort of role. “You should go for it if that's what you want to do.”
Angel nods slowly, a tentative resolve taking shape in his eyes, a glimmer of the future he's starting to picture for himself.
If I let myself, I can see it, too.
Chapter 13Angel
Iturn the corner onto the street where her parents live, the same route I’ve driven every morning this past week.
“I’ve really enjoyed our time together,” Iris says, her voice breaking through my thoughts. She rests her hand on mine where it lounges on the gear shift.
I glance at her, taking in the way her black hair falls around her face. “It’s been amazing.” The words feel inadequate for the hurricane of emotions inside me. It’s been more than amazing. It’s been like finally living the dream I’ve been chasing for so many years.
She gives me a soft smile, and it warms me more than any fire I’ve ever fought. “You’ve been so good to me while I heal,” she adds. “I’m feeling a lot better now.” There’s a playful tone to her words that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Her words send my mind down a dangerous path, imagining all the things I want to do with her now that she’s on the mend. Images flash behind my eyes. Tangled sheets, naked bodies, whispered names, shared heat... But those thoughts stay locked away in my head. Can’t act on them right this second, though the thought to call off work does sound enticing. I’m working this shift with my brother Lucas though, and he’d kick my ass if I don’t show up.
As we pull up to her parents’ house, her phone rings. She fumbles a bit before answering with a cheerful “Hello?”
I put it in park and watch her face light up as she listens to whoever’s on the other end of the line. There’s that big smile that could light up all of Scarlet Ridge.
“Thank you,” she says enthusiastically. “It’s something I’ll definitely think about... Yes... In a few days... Okay... See you then.”
When she ends the call, she turns to me with eyes shining brighter than any flame I’ve faced. “That was my boss,” she starts, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. “He just offered me a raise... and he wants to make me partner at the firm.”
A partnership? My stomach drops like I’ve missed a step going downstairs.
“He doesn’t want to lose me,” she continues, practically bouncing in her seat. I don’t want to lose her either. “He knew about my plans to open my own firm here, but he wants me to stay.”
“Wow, baby, that’s... that’s great news.” The words scrape out of me rougher than I intend. It takes everything in me to keep my smile from faltering.
Her expression shifts, picks up on something in my tone or maybe my eyes. Hell if I know, and suddenly she looks apologetic. “I’m sorry,” she says.
“Don’t be... I’m not the same kid I was back then. I get it. This is good for you... For your career. The last thing I want to do is hold you back.”
She searches my face for something, I’m not sure what, and then adds softly, “I didn’t give him an answer yet... It’s something I need to think about.”
My chest tightens at those words because they give me hope and hope is a dangerous thing.
She gives my hand a squeeze and lets go as if releasing me from something more than just our touch. “I don’t want to make you late,” she says and leans in, her lips are soft and insistent against mine, and then we part ways with promises of ‘later’ hanging between us.
As I drive off toward the station, toward another day fighting fires and saving strangers, my mind churns with thoughts of Iris and what this all means for us now.
Pittsburgh isn’t too far away from Scarlet Ridge, so it’s not like it would have to be goodbye forever. Could I? Should I? Questions gnaw at me like flames licking at old wood.
It would be hard to go back and forth, hard to leave my family... Whichever way I chose, it’d be a struggle, but at least I wouldn’t lose her for good.
But what about that tour company dream? What about those woods that call out to me? Can those dreams mesh with big city buildings, bumper to bumper traffic, and lights that drown out the stars?
It breaks me thinking we’re right back where we started. Two kids too scared to hold onto each other because we wanted what was best for each other more than what we wanted for ourselves.
Scarlet Ridge is in my blood, but Iris... She’s in every beat of my heart, every breath in my lungs.
