Up In Flames (Flirting with Fire Book 2)

by Jennifer Blackwood

  Still, he wasn’t going to stick around to see what she was going to put down on the next round.

  He pushed back from the table and stood. “I should probably get home to check on Peaches.”

  “Yeah, it’d be a shame if she peed on those floors of yours,” Erin said.

  “Always a pleasure. Jake.” He nodded to his friend. “Sloane.” He went to give her a nod, but she cut him a frosty glare that made his neck tense.

  Jake followed him out to his car. “Anything going on between you two?”

  “She hates me. I apparently piss her off to no end.” He shrugged. “I’d say it’s just the usual.”

  “Not that it’s any of my business, but I think maybe you need to smooth things over with her. For the sake of, well, everyone.”

  He cut a glance to Jake. “You mean because you’re with her best friend.”

  Jake shrugged. “Yeah, exactly.”

  “She’s a big girl. If she can’t handle one word, that’s on her.” Now Reece was sounding like a dick. This was why he liked being at home by himself. He didn’t mess up conversations. He didn’t make people feel bad about themselves.

  “Just think on it. She’s more fragile than you think. Karma’s a real thing, brother.”

  To hell with karma. If there really was such a thing, what about all the good people who had devastation rip through their lives? Just last week he’d been on a call where a four-year-old was crushed by a TV. He didn’t think that kid had that coming to him. And Sloane? Fragile? He scoffed at that. The Sloane he knew was tougher than any machine he operated. He thought back to that look that had flashed across her face. Maybe there was something more to it.

  “Yeah. Will do. See you tomorrow.” And with that, he got into his Jeep and turned the ignition.

  Twenty minutes later, Reece fumbled with his keys and finally found the one for his apartment. The door swung open, and the pungent aroma of dog crap hit his nose. He recoiled. Peaches must have taken a beast of a dump because Reece was gagging on the fumes. He walked into his apartment, and his foot skidded across the hardwood as he reached for the light.

  He choked back a guttural cry as he surveyed his apartment. There was Peaches, at his leg, jumping and prancing, peeing while she did so. The Roomba was making its way around his couch. And every single inch of floor was smeared with dog shit. Every. Single. Inch.

  Fuck.

  He grabbed a towel from the hall closet, unhooked the leash from the front doorknob, and clipped it onto the dog’s collar.

  He cleaned her paws off and then led her into the hallway, shutting his apartment door behind him. Without knowing exactly what to do, he dialed Jake’s number.

  “What’s up?”

  “That thing you said about karma? Yeah, I believe it now.”

  Chapter Twelve

  A week had passed since the whole Scrabble-night debacle. Thanksgiving had come and gone. The city was in full Christmas mode, with carolers strolling down rain-slicked sidewalks and wreaths decorating storefront doors. Sloane hadn’t bothered messaging Reece or asking for a third favor. In fact, she was ready to end this whole thing. It was stupid anyway. She had better things to do with her time, like focus on work and buy a couple of Christmas gifts for Erin and Madison. There’d be no obsessing about how she missed getting texts from Reece. And how she’d gotten used to seeing him over the past few weeks. Sloane needed to get with the program. They were incompatible. Couldn’t even get along during a family game night. Even knowing this didn’t change the fact that she did miss their messed-up, back-and-forth verbal sparring. So much so, that there were only three weeks until Christmas, and she wasn’t feeling the spirit of the season. Not even in her tacky Christmas sweater.

  She pulled her coat tighter around her as she made her way down the riverfront. Sometimes, before she met the girls for coffee, she’d come down here and walk along the water, staring at the waves. At this hour, it was mostly older couples walking and young business types running with dogs.

  Sloane pulled out her phone and called her mom, the one person who could always make her feel better.

  Her mother picked up on the third ring. “Hello, sweetheart. How are you doing?”

  Sloane’s body relaxed. Her mom’s voice always had that effect on her. They’d always been close, but ever since she’d graduated college, they’d grown closer. “Good. Just taking a walk before I grab some coffee and go to work. How are you and Dad?” It felt like that was all she was doing nowadays. Working and overloading on caffeine. Maybe she did need a mini vacation.

  “We’re going to the casino later today and then maybe going to the beach. Sloane, you’d die if you saw just how white the sand is on this one beach. Are you sure you don’t want to come out here for New Year’s?”

  “I wish. I’m just slammed lately.” She fingered the cracked piece of plastic on her phone case that had broken when she’d dropped it in the parking lot last week. “Maybe next year.”

  She had enough PTO accrued that she could take the entire month of January off, but she had no desire to go somewhere hot and humid. She loved Portland. Loved the rain. The cold air that turned her cheeks rosy. She especially loved that there was snow in the forecast. It’d been a mild winter so far, not even that much rain, which was surprising. If snowboarders wanted any chance to carve it up on the mountain, they’d better be praying for the ultimate storm, because half the passes weren’t even open yet, and it was the first week of December.

  It never felt right, going to another state for the holidays. She’d always associated Christmas with rain and the smell of pine. She didn’t even think they sold real Christmas trees in Florida.

  “We’ll be home in January, so if you change your mind, we’d love to have you come.”

  “I appreciate it,” Sloane said.

  She imagined her parents there. They were the lovey-dovey type. The ones who were always touching each other. A hand on the shoulder. A caress to the cheek. With the lackluster streak of guys Sloane had endured in years prior, she didn’t think any more good men were out there.

  “Are you doing okay, honey? You sound a little sad.”

  “I’m good.” Sloane’s throat constricted. At least she thought she was fine. And then Reece had to go and make another BS comment about her being frigid, undatable. It was one thing if she joked about it on a dating profile, but another hearing it from someone else. She knew he wasn’t doing it to be mean. That was the game they played. One insult after another. But he’d struck something deep in her. Because she feared that maybe the problem wasn’t with the dud guys she’d dated. Maybe the problem was her. And she didn’t know how to fix it if that was the case.

  “I’m here to talk if you want.”

  “I know, Mom. Thanks. I just wanted to check in with you, though. I really should be going so I’m not late for work.”

  “You make us so proud. I know all those patients of yours must love you to pieces.”

  “Thanks. Love you.”

  Sloane hung up the phone. What was with her? She had never been too worried about dating before. But now with her best friend in such a great relationship, she suddenly wanted that for herself. To feel that little bit of joy. The weight of a man pressed against her, between her thighs.

  She folded her arms and leaned on the rail overlooking the river.

  “Rough morning?” a deep voice asked. The voice immediately put her on edge.

  She turned to find Reece and Peaches. Peaches stood on her hind legs, dancing in place as Sloane bent down to pet her.

  Sweat slicked Reece’s skin, and his shirt suctioned to his torso. The wet fabric showcased each muscle of his chest and abs. Her tongue pressed to the roof of her mouth as she fought to keep her eyes on his face.

  “Come to throw some more shade at my undatability?”

  She hated the fact that this bothered her so much. She’d never cared what he thought about her before, and she sure as heck shouldn’t care now.

  Gir
l, you are a l-i-a-r.

  Seriously, what was with that pesky voice of reason?

  “I wanted to talk to you about that. I’m sorry. That was out of line.” He stretched his neck and shoved his free hand in his pocket.

  “You really think a Scrabble game would rattle me?” Okay, it had, but he didn’t need to know that. She didn’t like that he was able to home in on the fact that she had, in fact, been hurt. Normally she did a better job of hiding those types of reactions, wrapping them up in a pretty little bow of shiny red lip gloss and sarcasm.

  “I saw you, Sloane. I know you like to think I don’t know you, but I do. I know that when you suck in your top lip, you’re thinking of a good comeback.” His eyes searched hers. The type of look that felt like it was digging past the surface to something much deeper. “And when your teeth pull at your bottom lip, you’re upset.” He pointed to her eyes. “And I know your eyes crease in the corners when you’re uncomfortable.”

  Her gaze settled back on his chest. It was more comfortable to stare at sweaty muscles than to confirm that he had just called out all her tells. It made her feel naked, exposed.

  “I don’t think you’re undatable. Some lucky bastard will date you someday. You just have to show him the real you. Not the one you show me.”

  “I am completely cordial to you.”

  “Would you like a Works Cited page of references?”

  “Okay, fine. I may have been a bit harsh on you.” More than harsh. But what was she supposed to tell him? Oh hey, I’m really scared about getting back in the dating game after an epically failed relationship.

  “Sloane.”

  She looked up at him.

  “Listen, if we could just put this behind us. We have two friends who are obviously sickeningly in love with each other. They deserve to not have us fighting like a bunch of rabid squirrels.”

  Peaches barked in response, jumping on her hind legs, the rhinestones on her sweater and collar glinting in the sun. Sloane suppressed a smile at the thought of how Reece must have hated dressing Peaches in this outfit.

  “Is that why you apologized? Because of Jake and Erin? Or because you had dog crap smeared all over your apartment?” It would make more sense than him coming out and saying all this stuff of his own accord. Although maybe she was wrong about Reece. Maybe there was more to him than the jerk he’d become. She wanted it to be true. But if she’d learned anything from her failed attempt at a relationship, it was that no matter how hard you try to see the best in someone, sometimes it’s just not there.

  “Don’t look so pleased about that one.” His lips twitched in the corner. “And to answer your question, no. I was a jackass, and I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong.”

  “Fine.” Really, this grudge had lasted long enough. She was tired of carrying it around. And he did look truly sorry. It was in his softened gaze. “But we’re not besties now or anything.”

  He gave a curt nod. “Fair enough. Hope you have a good rest of your walk. Peaches still has some extra energy to burn through.”

  Peaches was still on her hind legs, dancing around.

  Sloane reached down and scratched Peaches behind the ears. “See ya around.”

  Once Sloane stood, Reece turned and started in the opposite direction, the pooch’s tiny legs keeping pace with him. Sloane smirked at the sight. She’d never pictured Reece as the dog type, especially with a little Yoranian. But it was very cute.

  She let out a shaky breath. She had never expected Reece to apologize. And twice in the same calendar year? It was unexpected . . . and nice. The Reece she’d grown up with shimmered through in that moment. The nice guy, the protective one who made sure everyone was okay. She sighed and pulled out her phone.

  Sloane: Apology accepted.

  Reece: My services are available if you need any more help with your dating profile.

  The thought of Reece trying to delve into her mind and whip up something for her profile was about as appealing as taking her eye to a cheese grater. She didn’t doubt Reece was sorry, but she also didn’t think he’d do her any favors on her profile description.

  Sloane: I can take care of that on my own, thanks. Plus, you’ll be too busy with my next task.

  Reece: Looking forward to it.

  Sloane: You working tonight?

  Reece: Off till Friday.

  Sloane: I thought you had to work every three days?

  Reece: Keeping track of me?

  Damn it. Why did she know these things? Never mind the fact that she didn’t care which days he had off, but it did make it easier to know when he was available.

  Reece: It’s my Kelly day.

  She’d heard Reece and Jake talk about these types of days before. It apparently was a forced day off to make sure they didn’t work overtime. She could definitely use a Kelly day. Or six.

  Sloane: Just need to know when to avoid certain firefighters while at work.

  Reece: I’m a much better face to see than anyone on A shift.

  She smiled. So cocky. Anyone other than Reece and she might actually dislike it, but that was Reece’s personality. Sure of himself. Even if sometimes he came off . . . well, like an ass.

  Sloane: Looks don’t have anything to do with it. I’m more worried about the mouths. Yours tends to open too much.

  Reece: I can do plenty of nice things with my mouth.

  Sloane: I’m going to ignore that.

  But she couldn’t. Because now all she was thinking about were his pale pink lips pressing against her own. Moving toward other places . . .

  Reece: Missing out.

  Sloane: Not according to what my friends have said.

  Reece: You wound me.

  Sloane: Come by the hospital. I can give you some ice for that burn.

  Reece: I thought of another thing you can put on that dating profile.

  Sloane: ?

  Reece: “I’m a nurse, so I can bandage you up when I give third-degree burns with my very rude mouth.”

  Sloane: It has a certain ring to it. I might use it.

  Reece: Glad I can be of assistance. Does that mean I am done with my chores?

  Sloane: Not a chance.

  Reece: It was worth a try.

  Sloane: I’ll be over tomorrow. Be ready.

  Reece found himself smiling. Why was he smiling? Maybe because this was the first time he’d really texted something longer than the clipped messages he sent to his buddies telling them he was on his way or running late. And he liked it. He’d been texting her for most of the day, and even though it was well past eleven, he found himself glued to his phone, waiting for her next message to come in. For the first time since this auction, he was excited to see what crazy task Sloane had for him tomorrow. But before he could wonder about that too much, a text came in from his sister.

  Andie: Come over here NOW. Emergency.

  He grabbed his jacket and was at his mom’s house in less than fifteen minutes. Before he could open the door, Andie beat him to it and put her finger over her lips, signaling Reece to shut up. And then she dragged him to her room.

  Andie had always been messy. Since day one. When they were younger, Reece and Erin had always picked up their toys and kept their rooms tidy. Andie was the type who had ten glasses of water on her nightstand and trail-mix crumbs crushed into the carpet. It didn’t look like twenty years of their mom yelling to keep their rooms clean had done anything to change this.

  Reece moved a pile of clothes from Andie’s chair, dropped them to the floor that was home to scattered magazines, and sat. “What’s up? Why the SOS?”

  She took a deep breath and then turned to him. “I’m finally ready to turn in my stuff.”

  He raised a brow.

  “My applications.”

  “I don’t get it, Andie. Why can’t we tell Mom about this? And why do you need help at midnight with college apps?”

  “You’re the only person I can talk to about this. Mom gets all Game of Thrones with strategy, and Erin ju
st wants to correct my grammar.”

  He could tell that Andie’s relationship with Erin was still on the mend. The night after Erin had left for California ten years ago, Andie had locked herself in her room for two solid days. Reece had worked a double and had just gotten off his shift when his mother had called him, frantic, not only because one daughter was gone, but because the other was inconsolable. Andie had always looked up to Erin, tried to copy everything she did. When Reece had knocked on his sister’s door, she’d surprisingly let him in. They’d eaten gummy bears and watched Hannah Montana for five hours straight. Erin had a long road ahead to gain back the relationship she used to have with Andie.

  “Are you sure you want my opinion on this portion? I can help with the community service, but maybe you should pick someone who’s taken an English course to look over the paperwork.”

  Andie shook her head. “No, I want your help. I want to start over. I know you’ve had to do that with . . .” She trailed off, seeming to search for the right words. “Other stuff. I thought you’d be helpful.”

  She meant in the relationship department. Reece had wondered if this had been the reason she hadn’t gone to college in the first place. Who gave up a full ride to a great university? But digging for answers wasn’t part of their relationship. She’d cough it up if she wanted to explain.

  “I’m here, aren’t I? Just tell me what to do.”

  She pulled up a document on her computer. “This is my essay. Just promise me you won’t freak when you read it.”

  He shot her a look. What was she so worried about? “Isn’t that why you picked me?”

  Andie pulled her hair back into a ponytail. Her skin was swollen, and it looked like she had a new addition to her ever-growing tattoo list. This one was a bird in flight by her clavicle. “New work done?”

  She nodded but didn’t explain further. He got it. Tattoos were personal. His own arms were covered from shoulder to elbow with designs he’d accumulated over the years.

  She pushed the laptop into his lap, and he settled into her computer chair, rocking back and forth as he read.