RESCUEME

PARKCITYFIREFIGHTERROMANCE

TAYLORHART

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FirsteBookEdition:2015

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsareeitherthecreationoftheauthor'simaginationorareusedfictitiously,and

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IntroductionbyDanielBanner

ConversationfromSummer2016

Between3BestsellingAuthors(Checketts,Hart,andKersey):HeyDaniel,we’rewritingafirefighter

romanceseries.Doyouwantin?

Me(ontheinside):YesItotallydo,oh,Ican’twait,howlongshouldmybookbe,whenshouldIhave

itdoneholycowyouladiesarethegreatesteverofalltime!

Me(ontheoutside):Cool.Whyme?
3BestsellingAuthors:You’reafirefighter.Oh,anduh,youhavemadwritingandeditingskills.
3BestsellingAuthors(toeachother):ShouldwetellhimNicolasSparkswasn’tavailable?
Sixmonths,sevenmillionemails,anddozensofinterviewslater,fourParkCityFirefighterRomance

booksarereadytothrillyou,touchyou,inspireyou,andmakeyouswoon.

Inmy15yearsonthejob,I’veworkedside-by-sidewithoverathousandofAmerica’sBravest.The

menandwomenI’veknownmakeexcellentstudiesforromancecharactersbecausetheyarefit,selfless,
daring,passionateandwithoutexception—imperfect.Kersey,Hart,andChecketts(dareIinclude
myself?)havecapturedtheessenceofthebeautifullyflawedlivesthatsooftenresultfromacareerthat
injectsitsmembersintothepublic’sworstday.Whentrueloveisaddedtothemix,sparksflyandthings
reallyheatup.

Experiencethebravery,thestruggle,theemotionalpain,andthepassionofheroesastheyfacetheir

fears,theirdemons,andtheirpastsenroutetofindinglastinglove.Itmayjustsurpriseyouwhoisthe
heroandwhoistheoneinneedofrescue.

ItismypleasuretointroducetheParkCityFirefighterRomanceSeries.
DanielBanner,AuthorofTwoHeartsRescue

ForewordbyCamiChecketts

hedayImetTaylorHartisforeveremblazonedinmymemory.Wewereatawriter'sconference,and

throughafriendofafriendendedupatlunchtogether.IimmediatelydecidedthatTaylorandIcouldbe
bestbuddies.ShehasawickedsenseofhumorandIlovethatshealwayshasasmileonherfaceanda
positive,never-backing-down,attitude.

Aswe'vebecomeclosefriendsoverthepastcoupleyears,Ihavesaidmanyprayersofgratitudefor

Taylor'sexpertise,talents,andwillingnesstohelpothers.Itisunrealtomethatsheisalsooneofmy
favoriteauthors.

IhopeyouloveTaylor'slatestnovelaspartofthefabulousParkCityFirefighterRomances.Rescue

Meisfast-paced,fun,andheartfelt.

Happyreading,
CamiChecketts,AuthorofthebestsellingBillionaireBridePactRomanceseries

Dedication

I’msogratefulforthemenandwomenwhorisktheirlives—believinginthebestpartofhumanity,

believingpeopledeservetoberescuedevenatthepossiblecostoftheirownlives.Thisbookis

dedicatedtothebravemenandwomenwhorunintoburningbuildingseveryday!Thankyou!

amonFreestonestareddownatthefive-miletrailrunhe’djustdone.Ithadbeenfun.AsfunasDamon

coulddealwithatthemoment.Truthfully,hehadn’tevenfeltit.Allhe’dknownwhenhe’dgottenoffhis
firstfullforty-eight-hourshiftatParkCityFireDepartmentwasthatheneededtodosomethingtogethis
mindoffeverything.

Suckinginair,hepulledthewaterbottleoffhishipandtookalongdrink.Honestly,ithadn’tbeenthat

badofashift,consideringitwashisfirstonesincehehadcomebackfromBoston.Andhehadbeen
demotedtoatruckie.

HismindflashedtohisfirstdayascaptainsixmonthsagoinBoston,totheburningbuilding.Atthis

point,heusuallyclampeddownonthememoryandrefocusedhisthoughts.Atleast,thatwaswhathe’d
beentaughttodobythestupidshrinkhe’dbeenforcedtoseeforweeksonendafterithadallhappened.
Theonewhotoldhimnoneofitwashisfault.Afterall,he’dfollowedprotocol.Squeezingthebottle
betweenhisfingers,hecrusheditandthentuckeditbackintothewaterholsterathiship.Forgetthe
shrink.

Hismindopenedtothatday—hisfirstcallasthecaptainatBostonFire.He’ddoneeverythingright.

Theyhadventedthebuildingfirstandthensentinthetruckcrewtomakeentryandstartsearchand
rescue.

They’dpulledouttwentybodies.
Thefirewasmovingfast.Hecouldhearhismenclearingtherooms.Hecouldseeitinhismindas

easilyasifhe’dbeenintherehimself.Theyweregoodmen,trainedproperly.Hismindwasclearashe
barkedoutorders.Everythingwasgoingdownperfectly.

UntilheheardTrevcallout.“Chief,she’shurt!”
Atthatpoint,itwaslikelightningstruckhisheart,andheinstantlyknewwhoTrevwastalkingabout.
Jamie.Thecandidate.Thenewgirlwhohadonlyshownupaweekago.
Withoutthinking,hisfeetwentintomotion.
“Whatthe—!”Hecalled,runningtothetruckanddonninghisairmask.He’dalreadyhadturnoutsand

SCBAonbeforetheyevenarrived.

Coreywasbyhissideashemovedtowardthebuilding.“Cap,youcan’tgointhere.Youhave

command.Weneedyoureyesouthere.Therearestilltenguysinthere.”

Butcomehellorhighwater,Damonwasgoinginthere.Timelostallmeaning.Hebargedthroughthe

burningdoors,suckingairfromhistankandtryingtoseeher,tryingtofeelher.Hekeyedhisradio.“Trev,
whereisshe?”

“I…partofthewallhasfallenuphere,Ican’tgetherout.”
Climbingthestairsquickly,herushedstraighttowherehe’dsentTrevor.Thesmokewasawful,and

hecouldbarelyseethroughit.ThehungryflamessnappedathimashemadehiswaytoTrevwhowas
tryingtofigureouthowtogetherfree.Springingintoaction,herushedtothebeamthathadfallen,using
allhisforcetopushitoff,butitwouldn’tbudge.

Ontheradio,heheardthebattalionchief.“Freestone,whatareyoudoing?Getyourbuttouthere.”
Heignoredit,strugglingtofindawaytofreeJamie.
Thebattalionchieforderedeveryonetoabandonthebuildingthenstartedcallingouthiscrewoneby

one,tellingthemtogetout.Airhornsblaredlongblastsoffourtones,thesymboltoevacuate.Thefire
hadburnedlongenoughthateitherthisthingwouldflashoversoonorthewholebuildingmightcome
down.

EventhoughDamoncouldfeeltheblowwascoming,hecouldn’tleaveyet.Hescrambledtoget

anotherboardandmakealevertopushthebeam.

Trevstayedbyhissidewithoutaskingandhelpedhimpushthelever.
“Freestone!Clark!”Thebattalionchiefbarked,callingthetwoofthem.
DamonpointedatTrev.“Getout!”
Trevshookhishead.“I’mstayingwithyou,Cap.”
Thebattalionchief’svoicepiercedtheradio.“Thenyouarebothfoolsthataregoingtoloseyour

jobs.”

TheypushedandleveredthewooduntilJamie’slegcameloose.Damonpickedherupandcarriedher

outoftheapartment,downthestairsandintothepandemoniumoutside.

ThebuildinghadthedecencytonotflashuntilbothheandTrevwereout.Flamestumbledovertheir

headsandthepressureforcedDamondowntohisknees.Heclimbedtohisfeetandrantowardthe
medics.

Ashelaidherbodyonthestretcher,ambocrewsandfirefightersswarmedthem,helpingthemtakeoff

theirequipment.DamonsuckedinthecoolBostonnightair.

Thebattalionchiefwalkedoverwithangerinhiseyesandstaredathim.“Freestone,youmadethe

wrongcall.”

AllDamonwasconcernedwithatthemomentwasmakingsureJamiewasokay.Hesawthem

intubatingher.

“Isshebreathing?”heaskedCraig,themainparamedic.
WhenCraigdidn’tanswer,hebeganinvestigatingtheequipmenttheywereusing,andthentheother

medicpulledoutanAEDandshockedherchest.

“Breathe.”Hecommandedher,gettingonhiskneesandfeelingemotionbubbleupinhisthroat.

Emotionheneverletoutanywherebesidesapunchtothefaceofhissparringpartneratthegyminthe
morning.

Hisbattalionchiefwasnexttohim,hishandonhisshoulder,asDamonwatchedthecrewfrantically

trytogetapulse,getallthesmokeoutofhersoshecouldbreathe.

Sheddinghisturnouts,hehoppedintotheambowiththem.Themedicsworkedefficiently,doing

everythingtheycould,butintheshortridetothehospital,hewatchedherunresponsivelipsgoblue.He
watchedherdie.

Whentheypulledthestretcheroutandranherintothehospital,heranwiththemdownthehall,

listeningtotheparamedicsgivetheirreporttothedoctors.

Can’tfindapulse,toomuchsmokeinherlungs,gaveheralbuterol,cortisone,aplethoraofother

drugs.

Hismindcouldn’tdecipherallofit.Intruth,itwasthefirsttimehedidn’tfeelabsolutelyinvolvedin

thescene,butmorelikeabystanderwatchingitallunfold.

Ashewatchedthemcoverherwithasheet,heknewitwashisfault.She’ddiedbecausehe’dsenther

intoosoon.

Hewishedithadbeenhiminstead.

sSamanthastoodatthecoolwater’sedgeatopthecliffslookingoverParkCityLake,shedidn’tknow

whatshewasgoingtodo.

Well,ofcourseshewouldjump.Allthroughlawschoolshe’dbeenteasedforheradrenalinejunky

ways.EventhoughshewasatypeApersonalityandacompletegoodytwo-shoes,ashersisterZoey
obnoxiouslycalledher,heronedark,guiltypleasurewasdoingsemi-crazystunts.

Toher,theydidn’tseemallthatcrazy.Shegrinned.Okay,yeahtheydid.Lastyear,whenshe’d

graduatedfromlawschool,sheandZoeyhadjumpedoutofanairplane,skydivingasacelebration.
Whethercelebratingornot,Samlovedthethrilloftheoutdoors.Theclimbs,pushingyourbodytoits
max.Shedidn’truntostayfit,thoughthatwasamajorperk.Sherantopushherself.

She’dheardaboutthecliffsonthislake.That’swhyshe’dparkedatthebottomtodayafterworkand

comehere.

NewtoParkCity,shequicklyfoundshelovedtheambianceofthetown.Allofitwasonebigrunning

trail,inherbook.Thoughitwasspring,shecouldn’twaitforwinter.Downhillskiingwasgonnakillit.

Ithadn’tbeenherchoicetomoveherefromDenver,butwhatcouldshesay?Lawschoolwasn’t

cheap,anditdidn’tpayherjackcraptotakeastupidjobaroundDenver.

ThisjobwithaprivatepracticeinParkCityhadsoundedperfect.Shewouldstillgettodoher

passion,familylaw,butthefirmhadabunchofdepartments.Unfortunately,forrightnow,shewasstuck
inrealestate.Yawn.Theheadhoncho,Luke,hadabunchofholdingshewassubdividingandneededher
helptoruntheprojectswiththedevelopersandmakesureallthecontractswereinplace.

Snore.
Hepromisedeventuallyshecoulddofamilylaw;hejustneededsomeonemoreasaprojectmanager

forthemoment.

He’dthrowninlivingaccommodationsintheformofanoldcabinwiththeperfecttrailstorun,soall

ofherincomecouldgotopayingherloansorhelpingoutZoey.

Herothersister,Janet,hadtoldhernottohelpZoey,butJanetwasabrat,soSamtriedreallyhardto

avoidanytextsandcallsfromheratallcosts.

Sometimesthebestkindsoffamilyweretheoneswhoweren’tthere.
Sheddingallherclothesexcepttheone-pieceredswimsuit,sheputherTevasinplace.Ifshedidn’t

haveherTevas,climbingbackupherewouldbepainful.

Thenshewentrighttotheedgeandstareddownattheclearwater.She’ddoneherresearchthenight

before.Thiswastheperfectplacetojump.Mostofthepeopleonthewebsiteshadencourageddiving.
Thesideofthecliffwascraggy,andthewaterlookedbiting.Samknewitwouldbecold.Notfreezing,
butitwasonlyJune,andmountainwaterinJunewasanythingbutwarm.

Sheimaginedaperfectdiveandpreparedherself.Coloradohadbeenfilledwithlotsofopportunities

foroutdoorsystuff,butshehadn’tlivedrightnexttothem.She’dhadtotakeextratimetodriveuptothe
mountains.Here,shewassmackinthemiddleofitall.Itwasoneofthereasonsshe’dtakenthejob.

Truthfully,theonlythingshemindedaboutbeingawayfromColoradowasbeingawayfromZoey.

“Besafe,mysister.”Shewhispered,puttingoutherarmsandgettingreadytojump.

“Stop!”Someonecalledfrombehindher.

Theintensityofthevoicetookheroffbalance,whichwasn’toptimalsinceshewasstandingonthe

edgeofacliff.Shetriedtolookback,butthemomentumfromleaningforwardcarriedherover.So,
insteadofabeautifuldive,shefoundherselfflailingthoughtheairandhittingthewaterlikesome
teenageroutonadatewiththeirfriendsjustmessingaroundandcliffjumping.

Afterthepainfulimpactwiththewater,shefeltsimultaneouslyirritatedwiththeguyandconcerned.

Washehurt?Didheneedhelp?Regretfully,sheemergedfromthecold,clearwaterandlookedup.He
stoodatthetop,staringdownather.

“What?”Sheshouted.
“Thatwasstupid.”Heboomedoutthewords.
Shewantedtogivehimagesture,butshedidn’t.
Shebegantoswimfortheothersideoftheshore,ignoringthemanatthetop.
Suddenly,ahugesplashcamenexttoher,andshewatchedasthemanpoppedupoutofthewater.
Truthbetold,hewashandsome.Hisdarkhairwastheperfectlength.Hehadchiseledfeatures,with

complimentaryeyebrowsandpiercingblueeyes.Atthatexactmoment,theyweremadeyes.“Whatwere
youdoing?”

Instantlyputoff,sheswamharderforthebeach.“Idon’tknowwhoyouare,butIamnoneofyour

business.”Justthen,herfootgotcaught.Notjustcaught,itfeltlikesomethingwaspullinghershoeoffas
shesteppedonit.“Ah!”Shehesitatedandstopped,treadingwater.Ortryingto.“Whatthe—?”Arockor
somethingsharphadhookedhershoe,andnowshecouldn’tgetfree.Realizingthis,sheunvelcroedthe
Teva.

“What?”Hewascomingtoherside.
Moreandmoreirritationsweptthroughher.
“Nothing,”shesaidassherippedtheshoecompletelyoffandfreedherfoot.Theeffortittookputher

offbalance,andshefellbackintothewater.Aftergettingbackup,sheswamforthebeach,annoyedthe
guyhadmadeherscrewupwhatwouldhavebeenaperfectlyexecuteddive.

Somehow,whenshepulledupattherockybeach,hewasalreadythere.
Hischestwasbare,andallofhisperfectlydefinedmuscleswereondisplay.Helookedlikea

bodybuilder.Hewasalsotall.Shefiguredhehadtobesixfoottwo.Hiswholebodyglistenedwith
water,andshecouldn’tdenythefeelingsstirringinsideofher.

ShestoodandthenkneeleddowntoputonherTeva.“Whydon’tyoutellmewhyyoumessedupmy

dive?”

Helookedincredulousandpointedtothecliffabovethem.“Doyouknowwhattheycallthatcliff?”
Herheartraced.“ParkRockCliffs.”Sheanswered.
Aderisivelaughcameoutofhim,andhesmoothedahandthroughhishair.“Uh,yeah,butdoyou

knowwhatthelocalscallit?”

Shedidn’tevenwanttostillbespeakingtohim,butnowshehadtoknow.“No.”
“Satan’scliffs.”Hisfacescrewedintoarudeface.“Thereareacoupledeathsthereeveryyear.”He

broketheconnectionandsteppedfartherupontothebeach.“Ithinkyoushoulddosomeresearchbecause
jumpingoffthosecliffswilleventuallygetyoukilled.”Hestoppedthenlookedbackdisdainfully.
“Especiallywhenyou’regearingupforaheadfirstdive.Stupid.”

Itwasonethingthathemaybeaconcernedcitizenwatchingoutforher.Itwasatotallydifferent

matterthathethoughthecouldbeallsuperiorandtellherwhatdoto.“Look,Idon’tknowwhoyouare,
butnexttime,letthedeviljusttakeme,okay?Becauseifyoudidn’tnotice,Ididn’tneedanyhelp.”

“Yeah,whatever.”Lookingtotallyputout,theguytrudgedquicklyoutofthewater.
Shetriedtofollow,butslicingpainwentthroughthebottomofherfoot.“Ouch!”Sheyankedherfoot

outofthewaterandhelditup,seeingamedium-sizedpieceofglassstuckinthearchofherfoot.Blood
oozedaroundthewound.“Dangit.”

Suddenly,hewasthere.Withoutasking,hepickedherup,andifshehadbeeninaromanticmood,she

wouldhavenoticeditwasn’thardforhimtopickherup.Infact,itseemedlikesheweighednothinginhis
arms.“Niceone.”Helookedattheblood.

“Myshoegotstuck,andIhadtotakeitofftogetloose.”
Hedidn’tsayaword,justgottothebeachwhereitwasclearandputherdown,takingherfootinto

hishands.

Again,hedidn’taskforherpermission.Shedidn’tlook,justflinchedasheworked.Withinwhatfelt

likeonlyafewseconds,shefeltasharppainasifsomethingbitherhard.“Ohmygosh.”

Holdingupalongpieceofglasswithbloodonit,hequicklydiscardeditandthenlookedatthe

bottomofherfoot.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouhadatetanusbooster?”

Shefrowned,thinkingabouttheneedleshe’dsteppedonthelasttimeshe’dsearchedforhersister

underthatdarndruggiebridgeinDenver.“Surprisingly,Ihadonelastweek.”

Grimacing,heheldherfootintotheair,surveyingitlikehewasadoctor.Shewonderedifhewasa

doctor,giventhetake-chargewayhehadabouthim.Reluctantly,sheacknowledgedthefactthathewould
bethehottestdoctorshe’devermet.Thenshefrownedasshethoughtabouthowshewasgoingtowalk
backtohercar.

Seemingtoreadherthoughts,helookedather.“Whereareyouparked?”
Sheshrugged.“Atthebottomofthetrail.”
Makingthedecisionbeforetalkingtoher,hemovedtoherside.“I’mgoingtopickyouupandcarry

youtoyourcar,okay?ButI’mgoingtogogetmyshoesonfirst.”Heboltedaway,andshewatchedhim
runatfullspeedupapathonthesideofthemountain.

Shewantedtotelloffthebeautiful,take-chargeman,whosheabsolutelydidn’tlikeonthegrounds

thathewasbossy,butrealisticallyshewasinnoshapetowalktohercar.Shesettledforquietlysaying,
“Okay.”

Hewasbackinjustafewminutesandexpertlyscoopedherupinhisarms.“Putyourarmsaroundmy

neck.”Hecommanded.

Thentheywereoff.Hemovedwithease,strongenoughtoeasilycarryherupthroughtherocks.It

wasn’ttoosteeponthisside,anditdidn’tseemthatdifficultforhim.Shesmelledalightscentofcologne
onhisneck.Orwasthataftershave?Shedidn’tknow,andithadbeensolongsinceshe’dbeenthisclose
toaman.Shedidn’tknowifshewasgettinglightheadedbecauseofherfootorbecauseofhim.“My
clothesandbackpack…”

Hestoppedatthetopofthecliffandputheronarockthenranoverandcollectedherstuff.
Whenhegotback,heefficientlyputhersocksandshoesonher.Ashelacedherboots,hesaid,“I

thinktheprotectionisgoodforyourfootrightnowtogetyouhome,butwhenyougethome,youneedto
gotoadoctororyouneedtocleanitthoroughlyandusebandagesandanantibioticointment.Keepit
cleananddryforatleastacoupleofdays.”

Itfeltlikehewasarealdoctor,andshewasalittlekid.Onceagain,theonlythingshecoulddowas

say,“Okay.”

Shedidn’tlikefeelingthisvulnerable,butshecouldn’tdecideifshehatediteither.Therewasa

goodnessabouttheman.Heseemedtobeinhismidtolatetwenties,obviouslystrong.Amillion
questionswentthroughhermind.Whatwashedoinghere?Washelocal?Whatwashisjob?

Pickingherbackup,hetookoffintoajog.Evenwiththeadditionofherbackpack,hisbreathing

didn’treallychange.Luckily,itwasn’tthatfartothebottomofthetrail.Okay,itwasacoupleofmiles,
butshewasprettysurethisguycouldhavecarriedherdownandthenbackupandthendownagainandhe
stillwouldn’thavebeenoutofbreath.Whowashe?

Holdingtightlytohim,shethoughtabouthowshehadn’tfeltthiscaredfororprotectedinalongtime.

Probablysincebeforeherfatherdied.Sherememberedherselfonherfather’sshouldersastheystoodin

thelivingroom,hermothersnappingapicture.She’dbeensmall,onlyeightornine,butshevividly
rememberedhermother’ssmilingfaceandherfather'sboominglaugh.Shehadlovedfeelingsotall,
almostpowerfulwiththemthereliterallysupportingher.

Painrippedthroughherchest,andshepushedawayallthoughtsofthecarwreck,allthoughtsofher

littlestsisterbeingdraggedawayfromherinthemiddleofthenight.Thathadbeenalongtimeago,butit
stillhauntedherdreams.

Focusingonholdingtightlytohisneck,shefelthimgriphercloserasheranfasterandfaster.
Truly,shewasinaweathisphysicalcapacitytocarryher.Andsinceneitherofthemhadalotof

clotheson,itfelt…intimate.

Oncetheyreachedthebottomofthemountain,shepointedinthedirectionofhercar.
Whenhegotthere,heasked,“Canyounavigatethistherestofthewayhome?”
Shenoddedandtriedtogetoutofhisgrasp.
Hetightenedhishold.“Seriously,Idon’tmindfollowingyouandmakingsureyougethomeokay.”
Okay,shewasdonebeingbabied.“I’mfine.”Shegruntedandpushedhardawayfromhim.
Hisarmsloosened,andhegentlyletherdownontoherfeet.
Assoonassheputpressureonthatfoot,shestumbled.Unabletobelievehowmuchitreallydidhurt,

shecursed.

“Areyouokay?”Hereachedouttoher.Shegotoffbalancetryingtoavoidhimandlandedflatonher

bum.

Irritationsurgedthroughher.
Hedidn’tcomment,justreachedoutahand.
Shestayedonherbumlettingoutaslightlaugh.
Hestoodtherewithhishandout.“Whydon’tyougetup,andwe’llgetyouhome.”
“Whyareyoutalkingtomelikethat?”
Helookedconfused.
“Likeyouknowbestandlike…thisisallsotypicalforyou.”
Liftinghiseyebrows,heletoutabreath.“Why’dyoujumpoffthosecliffs?”
“’CauseIwantedto.”
“Anddoyoualwaystakesuchriskswithyourlife?”
Gettingherangstback,shetriedtostand.“Doyou?”
“What?”Helookedfloored.
“Ifyoudidn’tnotice,youjumpedtoo.”
“Oh.”Heclearlydismissedthethreattohisownlife.
“See,youdidittoo.”
Then,beforesheknewwhathappened,thesideofhisliptuggedup,anditlookedlikehewantedto

smile.Unfortunately,thatonehintofhumorvanishedalltooquickly.

Shewonderedwhyherheartbeatsorapidlyandcouldn’tdecideifitwasbecauseofthisstupid

situationorthisstupidguy.Decidingitjustmightbethestupidguy,shesmiled.

“What?”heaskedandtookastepclosertoher.Theireyesmetandbutterfliespoundedthroughher

gut.

“Nothing,Ijust…You’rehandsome.”Shefroze.Hadthosewordsreallycomeoutofhermouth?
Thetoneandlookinhiseyesgotserious.Lookingconcerned,hisbigeyebrowsdippedtogether.He

flippedsomekeysoutofhispocket.“C’mon.I’llgiveyouaridehome.Youlookpale.”

“No.”Sheputherpackdown,extractedthekeys,andunlockedherHyundaiElantra.Sheslippedher

packintheback,butshedidfeelweak,whichwasn’tnormalforher.“Mybloodsugarisprobablyjust
low.Ihaven’teatensincelunch.”

Itwasalmostseven-thirtybecauseshe’dcomestraightafterwork,unabletodoanythingelseexcept

beoutinnature.Shetriedtosmileathimandputoutofhermindthefacthewassohandsomeandhehad
literallycometoherrescue.“Idon’tlikebeingthedamselindistress,butthankyou.”

Hejuststoodthere,notmoving.
Shetriedtogetpasthim,limpingonherfoot.
Hegotinherway.“Idon’tcareifyouwanthelpornot.Youneedit,soI’mhelpingyou.”
Blameitonthebloodloss,theadrenaline,orthefactthatshefeltmorethanalittlebitlikethe

princessinafairy.Forwhateverreason,thefiercelookinhiseyesdidsomethingtoher.Beforesheknew
whatshe’ddone,sheslippedherhandsontohisbarechestandleanedup,touchingherlipsgentlytohis.

Bam.Boom.Itwaslikefeelingfireworks.Itwasnothinglikeshe’deverfeltbefore.Hishands

grippedherwaistandpulledhertohim.

Thekissdeepened.
She’dneverfeltsuchphysicalstrengthinamanbefore,andneverhadanykissbeensointoxicating.

Soblatantaboutclaimingher.Soaddictingthatshewantedmorealready.

Abruptly,hepulledbackandstaredatherlikehe’djustwokenup.Mesmerized.
Shedidtheonlythingshecouldthinktodo.Sherearedbackandslappedhim.
Pullingbackhishands,hetooktwostepsback,lookingstung.
Shewantedtodie.
“Whydidyoudothat?”heasked,holdinghischeek.
Butshedaren’tanswer,gettingintothecarandpeelingout,lettingthedustcoverhersinsinher

taillightassheracedbacktohercabin.

“W

hyamIgoingtothisBBQ?”DamonwalkednexttohisyoungestbrotherNick,thebrotherhe’d

alwaysbeenclosestto.ThebrotherwhohadflownouttoBostonanddraggedhimoutofthatpitofa
room,packedacoupleboxesofhisstuff,andbroughthimbacktoParkCitylastweek.Thebrotherwho
hadmadeitrightwithCaptainCastro,whohadmadeitrightwiththeFireChiefhere.Theyhadhiredhim
immediately,grandfatheringhiminfromthetimeDamonspentthesummerasavolunteerfirefighterthe
summerbeforeheleftforHarvard.CaptainCastroknewabouttheinvestigation,knewthewholeugly
story.He’dalsoknowntheirfatherandmother,hadbeentherethroughtheaccidentwithhismom,andhad
takenaninterestintheFreestoneboys.He’dbeentheonewho’dofferedDamonajobwhenhewas
eighteen.

TheChiefwasdoinghimafavor,andCaptainCastrohadputhisreputationonthelinetopullthat

favor.TheonlythingDamonknewwasthathehatedfavors.Itseemedlikeyoualwaysneededtopaythem
atthewrongtime.He’dlearnedlongagoonhisoldsquad—youdidn’tdomanyfavorsunlessitwaswith
thepeopleyoutrustedmost.AlthoughhetrustedCaptainCastro,Damonknewsecretsaroundafire
departmentalwayshadawayofgettingout.

“DoesLukeevenknowI’mgoingtobehere?Youhaven’ttoldhimabouteverything,haveyou?”
Nickignoredhim.
CarswerelinedupthemountaindrivewaytothemansionhousehisbrotherLukeowned.Lukehad

takenovertheirfather’sbusinesses—hislawfirm,therealestate,allofit.There’dbeenaportionof
moneysetasideforeachbrother,butthebusinesswasLuke’s.HadreallybeenLuke’ssinceDamonhad
walkedawayfromHarvard.

AdrytastesettledinhismouthasDamonthoughtabouthavingtofaceLuke.Threeyearsagoathis

father’sfuneral,ithadn’tendedwellbetweenthem.

“SohowwereyourfirstcoupleshiftsattheFD?”
“Fine.”
Nickdidn’tlethimoffthehook.“Howareyou?”
ItpissedDamonoffthathefeltlikehehadtocoddlehim.“Fine.”
Nickletoutasigh.“Listen,Iknowyouhaveproblems,okay?I’myourbrother.AndIdon’tcare.We

allgotcraptohandle.Youdon’tthinkI’veseenmyfairshareofcrapontheforceandhaven’thadtogoto
FatherHansenandconfessmygutsouttomakemefeelbetter?”

Damondidn’twanttoadmithe’dbeensoselfishastonoteventhinkaboutit.SohemimickedNickin

apatronizingway.“Youokay?”

Givinghimanincredulouslook,Nicksaid,“Getoveryourselfalready.”
Damonsmiled.
“IthelpstogotoFatherHansenonceinawhile.ThestuffMomtaughtusmakesadifferencefor

peopleinourprofession.”

Damondidn’trespond.
“Itdoes.”Nickinsisted.
Damonsighed.“Dude,look,Idon’tthinkI’llbegoingtoseeFatherHansen.Atthemoment,Idon’t

eventhinkIbelievethere’saGod.”

Nickhesitated.“Howcanyousaythat?”
“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”
“Well,youneedto.”Nicklookedallsuperior.
“Whatdoyouwantmetosay?GodusedtotalktomeuntilIbecamecaptain,andthenhe…thatday,

thedayIreallyneededhim,Hewasn’tthere,andIdon’tknowwhereHe’sbeensincethen.”

Nickpointedathim.“SoifHeusedtotalktoyou,thenHeexists,right?”
Damonscowled.“Just…shutup.”Damonenteredthehouse,sawalltheposhpeople,andturnedto

Nick.“You’reafraidofLuke.That’swhyyoubroughtmetoapartywherehecan’tkillyou.Us.”

Nicklaughed,butlookednervous.DamonwasproudofNick.Hewasaboutthesameheightas

Damon.AlltheFreestonebrothershadbeengiventhetallgene,histinymotherhadalwayssaidasmuch.
NowNickwasacop.Savvytoo.EventhoughDamonhadn’tstayedclosetoeitherofhisbrothers,Nick
hadstayedclosetohim.UsuallycallinghimonSundaysandtalkingsports,weather,andwomeninthat
order.

Damonwasn’tnervoustoseeLuke.Thatwouldberidiculous.Heranintoburningbuildingsfora

living,forheaven’ssake.Sohedidn’tknowwhyhispalmsweresuddenlydry,andhefelthisheartrate
increase.MaybeheshouldgoseeFatherHansen.Hedidfeelguiltaboutalotofthings.

Nickgrabbedtwodrinksoutofaverypolished-lookingtableofappetizersanddrinksandhandedone

toDamon.

Therewaslight,classicalmusicplaying.Damonwasremindedofpartieshisfatherusedtothrow

whenhewasgrowingup.They’dhadtomakeashortappearanceandthenstayinthebasement.

TheybothsaunteredouttothedeckthatoverlookedtheOlympicOvalthatwasbuilttenyearsbefore.

Damondidn’trecognizeanyofthepeoplethere.

HeturnedtoNick.“So,amIright?”
Poppingthetopoffhisdrink,Nicktookasipthenletoutabreath.“You’reneverrightaboutanything,

butifyou’rereferringtoLukeknowingyou’reback,well,Ihaven’ttoldhim.He’sbeenoutoftownall
weeknegotiatingsomeresortbeingbuiltinMidway,andIknowhowyoutwoare.”

Damonsnorted,suddenlyfindingthehumorinthewholesituation.“Sohedoesn’tknowI’mlivingin

oneofDad’scabins?”

Nickshruggedagain.“Thosearetechnicallyyourcabins.Dadleftthemtoyou.”
Damonshookhishead.“No,Isignedthemovertoyouguysafterdad’sfuneral.”
Nick’sjawset.“TheonethingI’llsayaboutLukeisthateventhoughhe’sajerkninetypercentofthe

time,heneverevenconsideredsellingyourcabins.”

“What?”Thiswasnewstohim.
“Incaseyouhaven’tnoticed,I’vebeenfixingthemup.Man,theywerecrap.Dadletthemfallinto

majordisrepair.”

Damonhadn’treallythoughtaboutthetwelvecabinshiddeninthetreesnexttotheonehewasliving

in.He’dbeeninhisownheadwithhisownproblemsthelastweek.“Well,okay.”

Nickglaredathim.“Youcouldsaythankyou.”
Damonhesitated,notknowingwhatthegiftputhimonthehookfor.“Thanks.”
Nicksnorted.“You’rewelcome.Sonowit’stimetokissthering,tellLukeyou’reback,andtalk.”
DamonwastickedbecauseheknewwhatNickwantedhimtotalkabout.“No.”
“Yes.”
Damonwenttoleave.
Nickputaclamp-likevicegriponhisforearm.“No.”
AllDamonhadtodowaslookatthehandonhisforearm,andNickpulledaway.Buthedidn’tmove.
Dang.Hedidn’thaveachoice.Therewasnotimeforleaving.Lukehadjustwalkedthroughtheback

doorsandoutontotheporch.

Theireyesmet.
Damondidn’tknowwhathewasgoingtosay.Hehadn’tbeenbacksincethefuneralwhenthey’d

gottenintoashoutingmatchthatalmostendedwithLukegettinghisteethkickedin.Damonhadrefrained,
butonlyoutofrespectfortheotherpeopleatthefuneral.Thenhe’dignoredallthestupidlegalmumbo
jumboandbasicallyleftLuketodealwithDad’sbusinessesandestateallonhisown.

Searing,laser-likefocuswasputontoDamonbyLuke,whowasofequalheightbutnotasmuscularas

him.Notasstrongforsure,andDamonknewhecouldbeathiminafight.TheonethingLukehadgoing
forhim,hadalwayshadgoingforhim,wasthathewaskick-buttsmart.Thekindofbrilliantsmartsthat
strategistsused.Billionaireswhoemergefromnothing.DamonhadbeenproudofLukeinaresentful
brotherwayforawhile.Then,afterDad’sfuneral,hefeltguilty,butstillproud.

LukehadbeennamedoneofUtah’sleadersinlaw.He’dalsogottenhimselfonthelistofSaltLake

City’s“TopTenMostEligibleBachelors.”

Hewouldn’thaveknownthatifsomeguyinhisstationbackinBostonhadn’tbroughtittohis

attention,askingifLukewashisbrother.WithanamelikeFreestone,youkindofstuckout.

Truthbetold,evenwithhowproudhewasofLuke,Lukehatedhim.Hehadarightto.Forallintents

andpurposes,Damonhadabdicatedthecrownwhenhe’ddroppedoutofHarvardandthenmadeitworse
whenhehadn’tcomeback.Atthefuneral,LuketoldDamonhe’dabandonedallofthem.He’dbeencrying
too,andDamonhadn’tforgottenthatimage.It’dbrokenhisheart.

Nowhewasn’tcrying.Nowhelookedfittobetied,andbothNickandDamonputtheirdrinksdown

androsetofulltheirheight,unsurewhatLuke’splanwasforwhenhegottotheothersideofthepatio.

Neverthepoliticaldisappointment,Lukepastedonafakesmileandstuckouthishand.“Well,the

prodigalsonreturns.”

“It’snotprodigalifthere’snofather.”Damondidn’twanttothinkofhisfatheratthemoment,but

whenhehadinteractionswithLuke,italwaysturnedtobeingabouthisfather.Hesitatingbrieflyand
seeingtheangerinLuke’sface,Damonputhishandout.

Luke’sgripwastough,buthedidn’tshakeforlong,almostinstantlypullingawayandlookingaround

attheotherpeopleabitnervously.

Nick’sstrategyofavoidingaconflicthadworked.“Theparty’snice,Luke.”
Unspeakableangerflashedinhiseyes,buthekepthisjawtight.“Yeah.”Abitofaforcedlaughcame

out.“SowhatbringsyoubacktoParkCity?”

Damonsmiled,knowingthewordhe’dpurposefullyavoidedwashome.Itwasn’thishome.Itwasn’t

theplacehe’dbeenloyalto.That’sforsure.

Damonletoutabreathandtriedtorelax.
Beforehecouldsayaword,Nickfilledin.“Hegotonwiththefiredepartmenthere,andhe’sliving

inoneofhiscabins.”

Luke’seyesshottoNick’s,andsomethingpassedbetweenthem.Damoncouldonlyimagineallthe

craphe’dmissedinthelasttenyears.HewassurprisedtoseesomethingforcefulaboutNick.Something
thatsaid,I’mnotgivinginonthis.

WhichmadeDamonfeelstupid.Morestupidthanhe’dfeltatthestationwhenhe’dgoneinafterthe

accidentandhadfrozenup,staringoffintospaceforwhoknowshowlong.

It’dbeenstrange.
Butthepastweek,gettingbackintothegrooveofjustbeingatthefirestation,haddonewondersfor

him.

Yeah,hewasajerkwithanattitude.Heknewit,andheknewitwastheonlywayhecouldsurviveat

themoment.

LukegaveDamonanevaluatinglook.DamonknewhewaswonderingthesamethingDamonwas

wondering:whenwouldtheycometoblows?Couldhetakehim?Damonsmiled.Italwayscameto

blows,andthey’dalwaysbeenprettywell-matchedinafight,buttheywouldn’tbenow.Fromthelookon
Luke’sface,heknewittoo.Hetookastepclosertohisbrotherssotheyweretheonlyoneswhocould
hear.“Therewasunfinishedcrapwithdad,andyouspilleditintoourlapswhenyouleft.”Hescowled.
“Thisisnottheendofthis.”

Thenhesteppedbackandmovedontootherpeople.“Mr.Wilkinson,welcome.Sogladyouguys

cameout.Yougettomeetthestafftonight,andyoucanaskanyquestionyouhaveaboutyourestate.”

Damonfeltalltheairgooutofhim.
Nickpickeduphisdrinkandtookaswig.“Nottoobad,huh?”
Damonpickeduphisdrinkandgrunted.“Yeah,toobadthetsunamiiscoming.”
Nickleanedbackintothedeck.“Naw,Ithinkit’smoreofahurricane.He’llriseup,crash,tryto

breakeverything,andrecede.It’llbefine.”

Damongrunted,unsureofbeingbackinthisnewParkCityworldwithhisbrothers.Brothershe

truthfullyhardlyknewanymore.Figuringhehadtostartsomewhere,heasked,“Sohow’swork?”

Nickrelaxedevenmore.“Hadanincidenttodaywithsomepunkkidstryingtolightsomefiresinthe

campgrounds.Itwouldhaveturnedintoyourproblemifwehadn’tbeencalledin.”

“Howoldwerethekids?”
“Aw,Idon’tknow,fourteenorfifteen.Wetook’embacktothestation,shook’emupabit,andcalled

theirparents.”

Damonsmiled.“Weretheyasbadaswewerewithfire?”
Nickstopped,andaslowsmileplayedathislips.“Man,we’reluckywedidn’tburndownthewhole

town.”

Damonsmiledwidely,thinkingaboutallthetimestheyhadmessedwithfireatthecabinshisdad

owned.Therehadbeenlotsofweekendswhentheystayedupthere,especiallyaftertheirmomdiedand
Dadwassobusy.Theyhadcampoutsandwouldchaseoutalltheraccoonsfrombeneaththeboardsand
bringupsomecannedfood,andtheyhadalwayslitfiresatnight.Hethoughtoftheonecabinthathad
burned.

“Thatwasacrazynight.”ObviouslyNickwasalsothinkingofthenightthefiredepartmentwas

called.

Damonlaughed.“IcanstillrememberCaptainCastro’sfacewhenheindenturedustotwentyhoursof

communityservicecleaningthefirestation.”Damonshookhishead.“That’swhenIgottoknowhim
reallywell.”

Nicknodded.“Iknow.Iwasbankingonthefactthathe’dstilllikeyou.”
Damonhadn’tsaiditsincehe’dbeenback,sohefinallydid.“Thankyou.”
Nickstaredathisshoes.“You’rewelcome.”
“Ladiesandgentlemen.”EveryoneatthepartyturnedtoLuke,whohadsituatedhimselfatthecenter

ofthelarge,expansivedeck.“IwanttointroduceyoutonewestadditiontoFreestoneLaw.We’reluckyto
haveher.PleasejoinmeinofficiallywelcomingSamanthaWorthington.”

Damon’sheartalmoststoppedasshemovedintothelight.
AllDamoncouldthinkaboutwasherredhair.Notthewayitwasnow,straightenedtoperfectionand

combedgentlyaroundherheart-shapedface.Thoughitdidframeheralmond-shapedeyesnicely.

No,hethoughtofhowwhenitwaswet,itbegantocurl,andhowwhenhe’dkissedher,ithadsmelled

likestrawberry.Orrather,whenshe’dkissedhim.

Hergreeneyesswepttheaudienceandlandedrightonhim.
Theireyesheld,andhethoughthefeltsurpriseandabitofinterestinthem,butshelookedawayand

shookahandbeforehecouldtellforsure.

“Dang,she’spretty.”Nickwhisperedintohisear.“Icalldibs.”
“I’vealreadycalledit,bro.”Damonshotback,surprisedathimself.

ThenhenoticedLukelookedlikehemightbealreadycallingdibs.Hehadhishandlightlyonher

lowerbackasheguidedhertothenextgroup,introducingherandthenmovingontoanothergroup.
Finally,whentheyhadtogopastDamonandNicktogettothenextone,everthepolitician,Lukekepthis
facepleasant.“Letmeintroduceyoutomytwobrothers.”HenoddedtoDamonandNickandintroduced
them.Hekeptuptheactandturnedtothem.“ThisisSamanthaWorthington.Shegraduatedatthetopof
herclassatDU.We’reputtingherinourrealestateprojectsatthemoment.”Swiftly,calculatingly,he
gesturedtoDamon.“You’llbeworkingcloselywithDamonbecausehe’sbackintown,andhe’s
overseeingthecabinestatewe’reredevelopingandgettingreadytosell.”

“Sell?”Damondidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.
Lukeclenchedhisjaw.“Unlessyouwanttotakecareofthem?”
Heheldhisbrother’seye.Lukehadmadehismove,butgavenothingaway.
SamanthaputherhandouttoDamon,andhelookedintohereyes,seeingworry.“Nicetomeetyou,

Mr.Freestone.”

Damontookherhand,pretendingliketheotherdayhadn’thappened.
Whentheirskintouched,hefeltasparkandwonderedifitwasjustinhishead.
Shegently,carefullypulledbackherhandandthenshookNick’shand.Nick,everthesuaveand

annoyingone,pulledherincloser,astupidgrinonhisface.“Whenyou’retiredoftakingmybrother’s
crap,youcanfindme,andwe’llgooutforagoodtime.”

LukepushedhimbackintoDamon’schestandletoutadismissivesnort.“Ignorehim.He’sanape.”
Nicklaughed,butLukewasalreadypullingSamanthaaway.
AllDamonwantedtodowastalktoher.Whichwasweirdforhim.Hewantedtocheckonherfoot

andaskherwhyshe’dkissedhimthatday.Ifhewerehonest,hewantednothingmorethantokissher
againandfeelherinhisarms.It’dbeenastrangethingthathadhappenedtohimsincethatday.He’dbeen
thinkingofherconstantly.Theredhairthatlookedcurlyandfrizzy.Notthisperfectstraighthairthat
lookedtooput-together.Hewantedtofindawaytotalktothatwomanandmessherhairupagain.Itwas
ridiculous.Andimpractical.Andwouldn’tbegoodforeitherofthem.

Nickelbowedhim.“Okay,I’veputyouthroughenoughfamilyreunionstoday.Doyouwanttohit

Pineapple’s?”

Eventhoughhewouldhaveleaptattheofferearlier,Damonknewhewasgluedtowherehestood

untilsheleft.“Uh,nope,IthinkI’lljusthaveadrinkandwatchthesunset.”

Nickgavehimadisbelievinglook.“Youwanttostayatthisstuffyparty?”
HelookedatLuketraipsingalloverwithher.Thenhesawherstumbleabitintheheelsshewas

wearingandshookhishead.Shewasprobablyrippingopenthecutshe’dhopefullybeentakingcareof.

“Hello?”Nicksnappedinfrontofhisface.
“I’llmeetyouthereinanhour.”
Nickstillwaited.
Finally,Damonlookedathim.
Nickleanedintohim.“Newsflash:Lukelikesher.Thesmartthingforyoutodowouldbetoleave.”
Damonglaredathisbrother.“Whendidyoueverknowmetodothesmartthing?”
Nicklaughed.“Catchyoulater,bro.”
Halfanhourlater,Damonfoundhimselfstandingnexttothewaterfallthatledtothehottub.Man,his

brotherhaddonemorethanfineforhimself.Eventhoughhewantedtotalktoher,hedidn’twanttobea
creeperjustwatchingherallnight,sohe’ddecidedtodistracthimself.

He’ddoneconstructionparttimeinBoston.Starteddoingittopaythebillsandthenrealizedhetruly

likedcreatingstuff.Takingastepclosertothehottub,herubbedhishandontherockwallandsurmised
ithadtobecustommade.Itwasnicework.

“Areyougonnajump?”

Heheardhervoiceandknewexactlywhoitwas.Unabletostophimself,hesmiledasheturned.The

airwasimmediatelychargedbetweenthem.

Sheworeaprofessional,lawyer-likepantsuit,withapinkshirtandasnugjacketthatgaveherfigure

alltherightcurves.Hefrownedwhenhegottoherfeet,seeingthetwo-inchstilettoheels.

Heshookhisheadandtookaswigofwater.“Yougottagetoutofthoseshoes.”
Shrugging,shecrossedherarms.“I’mfine.”
Likingtheprideinhereyesandthewayshepushedherchinup,hefeltthatattractiontoheragain.“I

sawthatcut.Youneedtotakecareofit.”

“Didyoubringyoursuit?”sheaskedinaflirtingtone.
Hedidn’tsayanything.Theireyesstayedlocked.
Beforehecouldsayanything,shegotinhisspaceandwasclosertoeyelevelwithhimthananyother

womanhadeverbeenbefore.“Justsowe’reclear,thereisnothingbetweenus.”Hereyesgotwider.“I’ll
beworkingwithyouonyourproject,butthere’snothing.Gotit?”Shepointedbackandforthbetween
them.

Hethoughthemightbeabletosmellthatshampooagain,butshehadsomeotherscentontoo.Itwas

lightandlemony.Hewonderedifsheapplieditbehindherearsinthemorningafterashower.

“Didyouhearme?”
Knowinghecouldnotgetintoarelationshipatthemoment,hebroughthimselfbackandfocusedon

thefactthatshe’dslappedhim.“Ididn’tdeservetheslap,andyouknowit.”Heleanedbackontohis
heels,givingherspace.

Hercheeksreddened,pleasinghimimmensely.
“I…”
Hepushedpasther.“Iknowitdidn’tmeananything.That’swhyyoudidn’thavetosmackme.”Then

heturnedbackandsmiledather,likingthatshewasalloutofsorts.

Shecockedaneyebrow,andagrimacefilledherface.“LuketoldmeyouflunkedoutofHarvardand

youmightbebitterthathewasthetopdogaroundhere.”

Ireroseupinsidehim.IthadalwaysamazedDamonthatbrotherscoulddothat,couldsayonething,

giveonelook,andyoujustwantedtopoundthem.Lukehadclearlydonethepettything.He’ddisplayed
allthefamilycrapinfrontofawoman.Damonexhaledandshookhishead.Lukewouldpaylater.“For
onething,lettherecordshow,counselor,thatIdidn’tflunkout.”Hisvoicewascontrolled,butthatwas
theonlythingincontrolatthemoment.“IdroppedoutbecauseIdidn’twanttoendupsomeknow-it-all
jerkthatlikestotoutaroundtheirlawyerlyeducation.”

Thismadethesmirkgooffherface.
Butheknewhewasdonetoo.Morethandone.Withoutsayinganotherword,heturnedandmovedfor

theinsidedoorthatledupthestairsfromthehottubandtothefrontdoor.

Ifthingshadgonehisway,ifthestarswouldhavebeenaligned,hewouldhavebeenabletoslipout

ofthehousewithoutitgoingbadly.Butthestarshadn’taligned,andrightbeforethefrontdoorstood
Luke.

Hewastalkingwithsomeone,doinghisfakepoliticalsmileandlaugh,butwhenhesawDamon

bearingdownonhim,hetoldtheguyhe’dseehimlaterandopenedthedoorbeforeDamongotthere.
“Night,Damon.”

Damonstoppedandsizedhimup.“YouliketogoaroundtellingpeopleIflunkedout,huh?”Hisfist

clenched,andhewonderedifthiswasthetimetoteachhisyoungerbrotheralessonforrunninghis
mouth.

Luke’snostrilsflared,andheshookhishead.“Don’tthink,bigbrother,you’regoingtocomeintomy

homeandteachmesomething.I’lltellwhoeverIwant,anythingIwant.Remember,I’mtheboss.That’s
whathappenswhenyouabandonyourfamily.”

Theystoodinaface-offforafewseconds.Damonhadworkedsohardthepastsixmonthstogetback

incontrolofhimself,butateveryturnhefelthimselfspiraling.Reigninghimselfin,heknewhewouldn’t
dothethinghewantedtodo.PoundLuke’sface.Turningaway,herushedoutthedooranddownthesteps.
Instead,hewouldgohomeandgoforanotherrun.

hewokewithastart,gaspingandhalfwaysittingup.Samfeltthesweatonherforehead,andherheart

wasracing.Thistimeshe’dbeengoingthroughajungle,amacheteinherhand,butthehardershehitthe
vinescominguptogether,thefastertheygrew.Shecouldhearavoicecallingtoher.ItwasZoey.She
knewit.

Sam’smotherhadtoldherfromayoungageshewasclairvoyant.Ithadn’treallymeantmuchthen.She

couldtellwhensomeonewasgoingtocallbeforethephonerang.Sheknewwhensomeonewasgoingto
knockatthedoor,andthenfiveminuteslater,theywouldbethere.Itbecameabundantlyclearshehad
somespecialsensewhenshecouldalwaystellwherehersisterswere.Hermotherneverhadtocallthem
ifSamwasaround.Samhadalsoalwaysknownexactlywheretheywereinthehouse.Astheygotbigger,
itwaskindofajokeinthefamily.“Sam,gogetyoursisters,”herfatherwouldsay.Never“gofindthem”
becauseeveryoneassumedSamwouldknow.Evenifitwasafterschoolandoneofthemhadstayedlate
forsomething,shejustalwayshadavisionofrightwheretheywouldbe.

Ithadneverfreakedherout.Shehaditwithherparents,too.She’dhaditonthatnighttheyhadn’t

comehomefromtheconcert.Thenightsheforcedherselfnottothinkabout.Thesamenightthey’dtaken
heryoungestsisterawayfromsheandJanet.

Thesocialworkershadseparatedthem.Then,whensheandhersisterJanethadbeendeclared

emancipated,thecourtswouldn’tletZoeygobecauseshe’donlybeenfifteen.

Sothey’dkeptherinthesystem,andthepeoplehadbeenhorrible.
Shecouldstillrememberthatnight—Zoeyscreamingfrantically.
Itwasthesolereasonshe’dgoneintofamilylaw.Tomakesureitdidn’thappentootherchildren.
Pushingitoutofhermind,shepushedthecoversoff,grabbedherblanket,theonehermotherhad

madeherwhenshewasten,andpaddedthroughthecabin.

Themountainairwascool,justthethingforchasingawaytheheateddreams.Shewenttothekitchen

andpouredherselfaglassofwaterthenwenttothefrontdeck.Eventhoughthecabinswereolder,this
onehadbeenfixedup.Thewraparoundporchwasnice.Itwastwointhemorning,andthenightseemed
tosmotherher.Butthestarswerebright,soshesankintotheswingontheporch.Holdingherphone,she
pressedZoey’snumber.

“What?”Zoeyansweredtooloudly.
“Hey.”Amillionworryingthoughtswentthroughherhead,andjustlikesomanytimesbefore,Sam

knewwhereZoeywas.

“Whyareyoucallingmeatthishour?”
EventhoughZoeyhadlivedwithherallthroughcollege—notthatZoeyhadreallygonetocollege—

thedamagethathadbeendonetoZoeyemotionallyseemedtoneverhavebeenfixed.She’dstartedusing
drugsduringthelastyearshewasinfostercare.Sampetitionedtobeallowedtotakeoverasguardian,
andninemonthslateritworked,buttheoldZoeyhadbeengone.Evennow,shewasn’tthesame.Butshe
wasZoey.

“Areyouhigh?”
Zoeysnorted.“Isthatwhyyoucalled,sisterofminewhoabandonedme?”
Ouch.Well,shehadcertainlyplayedthepitycardearly.“YouknowIhadtotakethisjob.Thebills

don’tpaythemselves.”HeavenknewZoeywasn’tpayingbills.

“Whatever.”
RightbeforeSamhadleftDenver,shetalkedtoJanetandaskedifshewouldhelpwithZoey,butJanet

hadanewhusbandandanewlifeandshe’dbeentoobusy.

Zoey,meanwhile,hadinsistedonnotmoving.
“Zoey,areyouokay?”
“Ifyouaskmethatagain,I’mhangingup.Iknowyouprobablyhadoneofyourdreams.That’swhy

youcalled.”

Zoeyknewhersowelltoo.Evenifshewasascrew-up.“Yeah.”
Zoeysighed,andSamcouldseeherwalkingintoanotherroomatsomepartyandfloppingdownonto

abed.“TellmeaboutParkCity.”

Sowhatiftheirsisterlyrelationshipwasn’tperfect?Theyweresisters,anditwasnicetotalktoher.

“It’sokay.”Shestoodandmovedbacktothekitchenwhereshe’dsetuphereaselandpaints.

“Areyougoingtopaint?”
ItwaslikeZoeyhadreadhermind,andSamsmiled.“Whynot?I’mawake.”
“Oh,dooneofyourcoolflowers.”
Methodically,Samopenedthepaintsandthenwenttothesinkforwater.
“Talk.”Zoeyordered.
Shesighed.“Idon’tknowwhattomakeofmyboss.HeputmeinrealestateprojectswhereImanage

hisholdingsandhispartnersandmakesureallthecontractswork.”

“What?Ithoughtyouweregoingtobewithmomsandbabiesandallthat.”
“Ididtoo.”
“Didyouaskhimaboutit?”
“Hetoldmeheneededmeonthisandthatitwouldgivemeexperience.”
“Forgetexperience.Tellhimyouwanttodoyourpassion.”
IfonlythingswereassimpleinreallifeastheyweretoZoey.
“Iknow.”
“Butyou’renotgoingtotellhim.”
“HetoldmeIwouldgetachancetogetexperiencedoingeverything,soIhavetobepatient,Zoey.”

Zoeysighed,andSamcouldseehertakingadragonacig.“Wouldyoupleasequitsmokingpot?”

Shelaughed.“Idon’tknowhowyoudothat,sis,butlifeisbetterwhenI’msmokingpot.”
Despitethehorriblenessofthesituation,Samsmiled.
“So,anyhotguys?”
SamthoughtofDamon.“Nope.”
“Liar.”
Samknewshecouldn’thideitfromZoey.Shedippedherbrushinblueandthenstrokeditontothe

canvas.

“Youalwaysclamupwhenthere’sahotguy.”
“He…”
“How’dyoumeethim?”
Samrecountedthestoryofthecliffs.
“YoutellmeI’mcrazy’causeIsmokealittlepot,butyouweredivingoffcliffs?Really?”
Itwasslightlyrefreshingtohearhersisteractuallycare,butshebrushedherworriesaside.“Itisn’t

sodramatic.”

“Well,iftheguythoughtitwasdramaticenoughtodiveinafteryou,itmusthavebeenbad.Andthe

guyisafirefighter?”

“That’swhathisbrothertoldme.”

“Ishehot?”
Samdidn’tanswer.
Zoeygiggled.“Heishot,isn’the?”
ThenSamsmiled.“Yeah,heis.Sowhat?HisbrotheralsotoldmehedroppedoutofHarvardandjust

camebacktotown.Tenyears.Hewasgonetenyears.”

“Why?”
ItwasfunnytoSamthatshehadn’tthoughtaboutwhy.Notreally.Shecontinuedmakingthepetalsof

theflower.“Idon’tknow.”

Hersisterlaughedagain,andSamenvisionedhersuckingdownmorepotsmoke.“Forbeingsucha

hotshotattorney,yousurehaven’taskedtherightquestions.”

Samthoughtaboutkissinghim.Shecleanedtheblueanddippedthebrushinyellow.
“Ohmygosh,youkissedhim,didn’tyou?”
Nowitwasjustgettingeerie.“Whatever.”
“Nowhatever.Ijusthadaperfectlyclearvisionofyouandthishunk-o-maniafullonmakingout.”
Zoeyalwayslikedtopretendshewasclairvoyanttoo.“Whatever.”
Shegiggled.“Okay,Ican’tseeit,butyoudid.Tellme.”
Theonlythingshetoldhersisterwastheworstpart.“Islappedhim.”
“What?”
Shelaughed,thinkingaboutthewholecrazyattractionthing.“I…Iactuallykissedhim.ThenI

slappedhim.”Shefinishedthecenter,cleanedthebrushwithwater,andthoughtaboutredforalayering
petal.

Zoeytskedhertongue,lettingoutmorelaughter.“Man,youhaveissues.”
Shelaughed.“Shutup.”
“Whendoyougettoseethemysteriousguyagain?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Givehimachance.”
“Uh,no.Ihaveaplan.”Theredwasbrilliant,andthepetalsaroundthepetalswerebeautiful.
Zoeylaughedharder.“Plansaremeanttobemessedup.Plus,youneedtogooutandhavemorefun.”
“Okay.”Bothofthemknewshewouldn’tdoit.“Bye,sis.”Shewhispered,thinkingshewasreadyto

gobacktobed.Shehadtobeupearlytocheckonsomeprojects.

“Loveyou.Anddon’tworryaboutme.”

amonenteredthefirestationtostarthisgo-round.Droppinghisbagontohisbed,heimmediately

beganinspectinghisroom.Itwasnormalfortheshiftyoufollowedtobegoodaboutthehandoff.They
typicallykeptthingscleanandorderly.

Thatwasprocedureandstandard,butitdifferedfromguytoguy.Whatwouldbetoleratedand

consideredstandardalsovariedbetweenthedifferentcaptainsoneachshift.

Ithadonlybeenaweek,andhealreadyknewhedidn’tlikeworkinginParkCity.
Shocker,right?TherewerefarfewercallsthanathisoldfireengineinBoston.Thepeoplewere

differenthere.Andsure,fine,hecouldadmitit—hewasn’tcaptain.

Itwashisownfault,butstill.
Whatever.Heknewheshouldbegratefuljusttobehereandhaveajob,buthedidn’tfeelgrateful.
Hebegantheprocessofputtinghisownsheetsonthebed,puthisclothesaway,andheadedstraightto

thekitchentograbacupofcoffee.

Theguysweresittingaroundthetable.Therewereonlysixpeopleonhisshift,andtheywereA

Platoon.ItwasdefinitelyasmallercrewthanBoston.

Hetookaseatatatableandwaitedtoreceivehisassignmentsforthedayfromthecaptain.
TommySwenson,akathejerkfromhighschool,droppedintothechairnexttohim.“Hey,Boston,how

areya?”

Hepinchedhislipstogetherandtriedtoignorethejibe.LastweekTommyhadcomeupwiththecute

name.Damon,ofcourse,wouldneverlethimknowitbuggedhim.

“It’syournewnamenow,soyoumayaswellgetusedtoit.”Hegavehimascrewyfaceandsipped

somecoffee.

“Oh,I’mfinewithit.”
“Youare?”Tommygavehimadoubtfullook.Jakedroppedintotheseatnexttohim,thenHeather,

thenTyler

“Yeah,I’mfinewithit.”Damontriedtogiveoffhisbestjerkpersona.Whichwasn’thard.“Aslong

asyoudon’tmindyournicknameof‘TommyTommytwo-by-four,can’tgetthroughthekitchendoor.’”

Theotherslaughed,andDamontookabitofpleasureinseeingTommytickedoff.Hewasabitthick

throughthemiddle.

Tommylaughed.“Allright,sure.Whatever.WanttomeetusatPineapple’safterourshift?He’llsetup

aringinback.We’redoingsometrainingforthatboxingthing.”

Damonwaitedabeatthenlookedattheothersandgrinned.“No.”
Theothersroaredwithlaughter.
Thecaptain’sliptuggedup,andheglancedawayfromhiscoffeetoTommy.“Thenamekindoffits.

Maybeyoushouldupyourtrainingifyou’regoingtorepresenttheFDintheboxingmatchinacoupleof
weeks.”

Tommystood,glaringatallofthem.“Nobodycantakeme.”HegesturedtoDamon.“Ifhethinkshe

can,we’lljusthavetohaveourselvesaprivatematch.”

“Nope.”Damonflashedhimatauntinggrin.“Don’tfightpeoplewhoaren’tanycompetition.”
Jakeleanedback,abiggrinonhisface.“Ithinkyou’regoingtofitinaroundhere,Boston.”

Thenicknamedidn’tsoundbadcomingfromJake,butheplayedhispartandignoredthenicety,

scowling.

Therestofthemlaughed.Thiswasthepartoffirefightinghe’dalwaysenjoyed.Thecamaraderie.
CaptainCastrostoodandjottedafewthingsonthewhiteboardashegavethemarundownoftheday.

Ofwhatneededtobedonechorewiseandintermsofmaintenance.Andanythingelsehethoughtthey
shouldknow.Attheend,hehesitated,turningtoDamon.“AsTommymentioned,theboxingmatchis
comingupinacoupleofweeks.I’dprefertobeatthecopsthisyear.”

Tommyscoffed.“Itoldyou.I’vebeensparringandpracticing.Igotit.”
ThecaptainkepthiseyesonDamon.“NickFreestonewonitlastyear.I’mthinkingwemighthaveto

changeitupthisyear.”

AlleyesfelltoTommy,whowasticked.Hestood.“What?Youdon’tthinkIgotit?”
CaptainCastrocoollyspreadhishands.“Ididn’tsaythat,Isaidmaybeweshouldtrysomeoneelse.”

Again,helookedatDamon.

Damonshookhishead.“Notgonnahappen.”Hestood,andhischairscrapedagainstthecementfloor.
Jakepushedhischairback,grinningandturningtoDamon.“Let’sdoit,I’lleventrainyou!”He

startedjabbingtheair.“RockyBalboa,baby!”

Tommystoodtoo.“Howaboutwehaveanearlyfighttoseewhotakesonthecops?Likeadayortwo

before?”Heturnedtothecaptain.

Thecaptainshrugged.“Soundsgoodtome.”
Damongavethemallacoldstare.“I’mnotdoingit.”
CaptainCastropointedathim.“Iwanttotalktoyouinmyoffice.Therestofyouyahoosgetchores

done.”

“He’sgonnaripyouanewone.”TommyquippedquietlyasDamonwalkedpasthim.
Damonignoredthecommentandfollowedthecaptainuptohisoffice,abitnervous.
ThecaptainsatbehindhisdeskandgesturedforDamontosit.Normally,Damonwouldn’t,buthe

respectedthecaptain.

“What’sup,Cap?”
Heletoutabreath.“Damon,IknewwhenIvouchedforyoutherewouldbecomplications,butI

reallyneedyoutoplaybetterwiththeotherguys.”

Hefrowned.“Whereisthiscomingfrom?”
Hesighed.“Tommytoldmethatafterlastshiftyouharassedhim.Wecan’tbehavingthat.”
Damonburnedinside.“Oh,really,Iharassedhim,huh?”
Captainnodded.“Hefilledoutaformonyou,andithadtobetakentoHR.Ihatetoseethesekindsof

thingshappen.Hesaidsomethingaboutnotfeelinglikeitwasasafeworkenvironment.”

NowDamonreallywantedtoramhisfistintoTommy’shead.
“ButIknowTommy,soI’mgoingtositonthisincident.SometimesTommytakestimegettingtoknow

theotherscomingin.”

“I’veknownhimsincehighschool,”Damonsaidcoldly.
CaptainCastroshrugged.“Well,IjustwanttobeclearthatIneedagoodcommunityhereatthe

station.WhateverhappenedbetweenyouandTommyinhighschoolneedstobekeptinthepast.Arewe
clear?”

Hewasstunned,havingproblemsgettingagriponwhatexactlyhewassupposedtodowiththis

information.HeneededtofigureitoutbecauseitwasmorethanjustDamon’sreputationontheline.
“We’reclear.”

CaptainCastrogrinned.“Idowantyoutowinthatboxingmatch.Ifigureyouowemethat.Ilikethe

ideaofanearlymatchtoseewhogetstogofightthePD.Whatdoyouthink?”

EventhoughDamonknewhe’dbeensetup—Tommybeingajerk,thenCaptellinghimaboutthe

report—heactuallythoughtitmightbefuntopoundtheguy.“Fine.”

CaptainCastrosmiled,abouttodismisshim,buthedidn’thavetobecausethetoneswentoff,alerting

everyonetoacall.

Whenhewasrushingtogethisturnoutson,Tommycameupnexttohim.“Howwasthetrouble?”
Damonignoredhim,puttingonhisclothesquickly.
Tommyshovedhisarmintohisturnoutcoat,blatantlygivingDamonanelbowtothefacebefore

turning.“Oh,oops.”Heflashedagrin.

Theyrantothetruck.
“Hey,Tommy,”Damoncalledoutinfrontoftheothers.Tommystaredathim.“Theonlywayyou’re

fightingmybrotherisifyougetthroughmefirst.”

“Ohh!”Jakecalledout.“It’son!”
HeatherandTylertauntedTommyaswell.
Fiveminuteslater,thetruckpulleduptoaresidentialneighborhoodinParkCity.Assoonasthey

arrived,theysawthethick,darksmokepouringthroughthetopoftheroof.

ThecaptaincalledforanothercrewtoshutoffthegaslineinthebackandorderedJakeandDamonto

doaprimarysearchofthebuilding.AsDamonwentinside,henoticedtherewasfirecomingfromthe
ceilingandburningdown.Itlookedlikegasolinehadspilledandexplodedallover.

Hestartedtogoupthestairsandfeltthemgivingalittlemorewitheachstep.Theymightbestrong

enoughtosupporthimgoingup,butthey’dbegonebythetimehehadtocomebackdown.

Hismindflashedbacktothatnightwhenhewasinsidethehotel.
Forasecond,hehesitated.AllthoughtsshiftedtofindingJamie.Ontheground,pullingherupand

haulingherout.Theambulanceride.Watchingtheparamedicsgivehercompressions,herlifelessbody.
Hefrozeup.

“Hey.”Jakesteppednexttohim.“Let’sgetupthere.”
Joltingbacktoreality,hisheartraced,buthenodded.“Okay,butwearegoingtoneedadifferent

routeforegress.”Hetookthestairstwoatatime,knowingtheywouldbegoneanyminute.Hispartner
calledthecaptainandtoldhimtoladdertheeastwindow.

ThenDamonheardit.Atfirstitsoundedlikeacat.Ameow.Hepaused,listenedcarefully,and

realizeditwasababy.

Asurgeofadrenalinewentthroughhim,andhepoundeddownthehalltowardthesound.
Heandhispartnerwentthrougheveryroom.
“Clear!”
“Clear!”
Theyeachyelledwhenthey’dlookedunderthebedsandintheclosets.
Whenhecameoutofthesecondbedroom,hecouldn’thearitanymore.
“Jake!”Heyelledout.
Jaketurned.
“Canyouhearthebaby?”
“What?”Heshookhishead.“Idon’thearanything.Let’sgetout.”
Damonknewsomethingwasn’tright.Hehesitated.
“Comeon!”Jakeyelledathim.“Let’sgetout!”
DamonranwithJaketowardtheeastsideofthehousewheretheirescaperoutewaited.Butasithad

somanytimesbefore,hefeltthatnigglingfeelingtogoback.

Thesamenigglingfeelinghe’dhadthatday.TheonethathadurgedhimnottosendJamiein.
Thefeelinghe’dalwaysreliedon.Somecalleditcrazy.Somecalleditanangel.Somecalleditfaith.
Hismotherhadcalledithissaint.Whenhewasnine,he’dgottencaughtplayingwithmatchesathis

father’scabins.He’dburnttheplacedownandwalkedoutwithoutascratch.

Hehadbeentolditwasamiraclehehadsurvivedthat.
Hethoughtofthatday—whenJamiehaddied.Thatmorningshe’dbeeninhisoffice,complaining

abouthowshefeltlikeheprotectedhertoomuchbecauseshewasnew.

Hesitatinginfrontofthewindowwheretheladderhadbeenraised,Damonsuddenlyturnedand

rushedback.

“Damon!”Jakecalledout.
Damonignoredhim.
Hesawahanginghandlefortheattic.Hegrabbeditandpulleditdown.
Climbingupthestairs,hesoonrealizedhewouldn’tfittheroughtheopening.Hepausedandlooked

aroundcarefully.Hecouldbarelyfitthroughthenarrowopening.

Thenhesawalittlegirl,passedoutwithababysnuggledunderneathherarm.
Theatticaccesswastoonarrowforhimtofitthroughwithhisgear.Somehowhehadtoreducehis

profileandgetupthere.

“Damon,getdownhere!”Jakewasbehindhim.
“There’sababyandgirl.”Heradioed.Withouteventhinking,heswunghisairpackoffhisback,

threwitupintotheattic,andcrawledupintothetinyspace.Theairhosewasstillconnectedtohismask,
supplyinghimwithcleanairtobreathe,buttherewasn’tenoughroomtoputthetankonhisback,andhe
wasn’tmobileenoughtoperformarescueifhehadtodragitaround.Therewasonlyonechoicehecould
make.

DamonsuckedinadeepbreaththendisconnectedhisairhoseandlefthisSCBAbehindashewalked

likeahunchedoveroldmantothegirlandthebaby.Heshookthembuttheydidn’tmove.Iftherewasany
hopeforthem,hehadtomovefast.

Smokewaseverywhere,buthecouldseelightcomingfromawindow.Hekickedoutthewindowand

yelleddown,“Here!”Buthewasimmediatelychokedoffbythesmokepouringoutofthebuildingaround
him.

Someoneonthegroundmusthaveseenhimbecausetheladderstartedmovinghisdirection.
Damonwentbackforthevictims,scoopingthembothupthensqueezinghiswaybacktothewindow.

Itseemedlikethefloorwasgettingspongyunderhisfeet.Thebigladderwasstillcomingtheirway.

Butitwouldn’tbefastenough.
Thenhehadanidea.
Henoticedtheroofconnectedtothegarage.Theonlywayhewouldfitthroughwhileholdingthekids

washorizontally.Anotherfewbreaths,andhewouldlayingonthefloorjustasthisgirlandbabyhad
been.Turninghisbacktothewindow,Damonpropelledhimselfbackwardthroughthenarrowopening
likeahighjumperdoingtheFosburyflop,andmiraculouslytheyfitthrough.

Landinghardonhisback,Damonpulledthegirlsintightashesliddownwardlikeasledwithtwo

limppassengers.Afterasmalldropoff,theycametorestontheroofofthegarage,thegirlandbabystill
heldsecurelyinhisarms.

Heheardthefirefightersbelowyellingandbarkingoutorders.Heheardthetruck’sladderbeing

diverted.

Thenhecoughedandpleadedwiththegirls.“Comeon.Comeon.Breathe.Breathe.Please,God,let

thembreathe.”Heheldthemtighterandprayedharderthanhe’dprayedinalongtime.

Thenthebestsoundhe’deverheardhappened.
Boththelittlegirlandthebabystartedcoughing.Thenthebabystartedcrying.He’dneverbeenso

happytohearababycry.

amdrovedownthelanetohercabinandtriedtoignorethefirstcabinshepassed.

Damon’scabin.
Shehadn’trealizedituntilLukehadgoneoverallthepropertiesshewasinchargeof.Alltheprojects

hewasrunning.Untilshe’dcheckedtheexplicitcontractinplacebetweenherandFreestoneRealEstate
Enterprises,shehadn’trealizedthecontracthadDamonlistedastheowner.Lukewasactingastheagent,
takingcareofit.

Earlierintheday,Lukehadcomeinandputthecontractsdownonherdeskandsaid,“Getmybrother

toputuporshutuponthecabins.I’mtiredofcarryinghim.Tellhimhe’stakingoverallthedaytoday
maintenance,collectingrent,allofit.”

IthadsurprisedherthatLukehadseemedangry.Reallyangry.Ittookawhile,butafterhe’dshowed

hersomeotherprojects,he’dbeenfine.

Asshegotoutofhercarandwentupthesteps,enjoyingthealmostsummerair,shestopped,struckby

theview.Thecabinsweren’tperfect,buttheviewwas.Thebestpartwasthejoggingtrailsledstraight
upthepathtothetopofParkCityMountain.

Shewonderedwhythismountainhadn’tbeenmadeintoaskiresort.Itwouldhavebeenagood

investment.

Sheopenedthedoorandwentin,lovingthesmelloftheItalianchickenshe’dmadeinthecrockpot

beforeshe’dleftthatmorning.

She’dlearnedearlyonhowtobefrugal,andithadhelpedtolearnhowtousethecrockpot.Removing

thelid,shetookinabigsniff,realizingshe’dputtwopiecesofchickeninwhensheonlyneededone.
TherewasaslightstaboflosswhensherememberedZoeywasn’twithheranymore.

SheblockedoutanythoughtsofZoey,notwantingtoeventhinkaboutwhatmischiefshewasupto.
ThedistinctimpressioncametoherasshethoughtofhersisterJanet,thathersisterwassomewhere

inaplacethatsmelledlikeahospital.Knowingshewouldregretit,shecalledher.

“Hello.”Janet’svoicewassnooty.
“Whereareyou?”
“Don’tdoyourmentalvoodoo,Samantha.”JanetalwayscalledherSamantha,neverthenickname

everyoneelseused.

“Well,whereveryouare,itstinks.”
Shesighed.“Ifyoumustknow,I’minthehospital.I’mabouttogetsurgeryonmynosetomorrow.”
Thistookheraback.“Yournose?”
Shegaveanotherlongsigh.“YouknowI’vealwayshatedit.Yougotthecutenubnosethatallthe

boysliked.Petite.TheoneI’vealwayshatedyoufor.”Shesnickered.

Samalreadywantedtothrowthephone.Thisiswhysheshouldn’tconcernherselfwithhersister.

“Youmeanoneofthethingsyou’vehatedmefor.”

“Shutup.”Hersisterbarked.
“Whatever.”
“Well,aslongasIhaveyouontheline,Zoeyshoweduplastnight.”
Herheartstoppedbeatingforasecond.ThingsmustbebadifZoeywasresortingtogoingtoJanetfor

help.“Okay.”

“Yeah,shecamewiththeloserboyfriend.Sheaskedformoney.”
“And?”
“Igaveherathousandbucksandtoldhernottocomeback.”
Thisburnedher.“Janet,we’vetalkedaboutthis.Youshouldaskherifsheneedsfoodorgobuyher

groceries.Ifyougivehermoney,itwillallgotodrugs,youknowthat.”

“Shewouldn’tleavemydoorstep,andIdon’twantpeopleseeingherinmyneighborhood.”
“Ugh!”
“Ihavetogo.Thedoctor’shere.Bye.”
Pullingbackthephone,Samheldittightly,wantingtocrushit.Janethadpromisedherwhensheleft

thatshewouldbemoremindfulofZoey.Haveherover.Checkinonher.Justgivinghermoneyfromher
newhusband’sestatewasn’tthesolution.

Puttingthephonedowncarefully,shepulledthefolderoutforDamonandputitonthetable.Shehad

plannedtogooverthereandgivehimthefolderandtellhimtolookitoverandgetitbacktoher
tomorrow,butatthemoment,shecouldn’thandlethat.Shecouldn’thandleanythingexceptarun.

Anhourlater,shecruiseddownthetrail,lovingthewayherbodyfeltlooseandfree.Lovingtheloud

rockmusicpoundingthroughherearbuds.Lovingthefactthatshecouldjustgooutherfrontdoorandrun
rightintonature.

Assheapproachedhercabin,shewasstoppedshortbyDamon.
Hewassittingonherporchsteps,dressedinabluet-shirtthathuggedhisbicepsinalltheright

places.Whenhestood,shenoticedhowgoodthedarkjeanslookedonhimtoo.Danggood.

Nervousbutterfliesfilledthelowerpartofhergut,andshesloweddown,pullingoutherearbuds.
Hegaveheracompleteup-and-downlook,andthesideofhislipturnedup.“Haveagoodrun?”
Suddenly,shenoticedthesideofhiseyewasblack,andtherewereafewstripsofmedicaltape

wherethecreaseofhiseyemet.Shefrowned.“Whathappenedtoyou?”

Heturnedaway,shakinghishead.“Nothing.”
Thepitofherguttoldherhewaslying.“Whathappened?”
Atthatmoment,hestaredbackather.Therewasaplayfultauntinhiseyes.“Jumpedoffacliff,died

onimpact?”

SheknewitwasaquotefromoneofAdamSandler’smovies,butcouldn’tplaceit.“Okay.”
Hegrinned.
Sherushedpasthimupthestairs.“I’mgladyou’rehereanyway.Yourbrotherwantedmetogoover

somethingswithyou.”

Shepushedintothehouseandwentdirectlyforthefileonthetable.
Hewaitedoutside.
“Comein.”Shewavedhimin.
Heopenedthedoorandlookedaround,lookinglikehiseyeswerescrupulouslytakingineverything.
“Soyourbrotherwantsyoutotakeovertheday-to-daymanagementofthecabins.Collectrentsand

doallthatstuff.”Shepushedthefileathim,feelingnervous’causeshecouldsmellhiscologne.Itwas
likefreshcutgrassafterarainstorm.Hishairstilllookedabitwet,andhisfacialhairwasthatperfect
balanceofsexyscruff.Shecouldn’tbreatheforasecondbecauseallshecouldthinkaboutwaskissing
him.

Hetookthefile.
“Ifyouhavequestionsorneedhelpunderstandingthelingo,letmeknow.”
Hegrinnedather.
“What?”
Hetookherbysurprise,poundinghischestwithathud.“Meman.Mecanread.”

Hisjokeandhiswitmadehersuddenlylaugh.Shethoughtoftheothernight,tauntinghimwith

Harvard.Shewasembarrassed.Itseemedtobeahabitofherswhenitcametohim.

“Howwastherun?”heaskedagain.
“Good.”Nowshefeltdisarmed,andsherealizedshedidn’tknowwhattosay.
Henodded.“Ilikethosetrails.”
“Doyourunthem?”Notthathedidn’tlooklikeheranthem;hedid.
“Early.”Henodded.
“Oh.”Shesighed,notknowingwhattodo.
Hetookinabreath.“Smellsgood.”
Shewasstupefied.Didhewantdinner?Sheshrugged.“Yeah,Ieatcheap.Gottapaythestudentloans

off,yaknow.Someofusdon’towncabinsandpropertyandallthat.”

Forasecond,hedidn’trespond,andshefeltlikeaheelforevensayinganything.Thenheletouta

breath.“I’mtrainingforthepoliceandfiredepartmentboxingmatch.”

Thiswasoutoftheblue.
“Okay.”
“Youaskedearlierwhathappenedtomyface.”
Atthatmoment,sherealizedsomething.Maybehewasnervoustoo.Knowingthatstilldidnothelp

herbreaktheawkwardsilence.

Hebeganwalkingtowardthedoor.“Youshouldcomeattheendofthemonthandwatch.It’llbefun.”

Heopenedthedoorandturnedtoher.“Haveagoodnight.”

Itunsettledherthathehadthisaffectonher.Nowhermindwaswhizzingwithmorequestionsthan

she’dhadaboutaguyinalongtime.

Withoutthinking,sherushedtothedoorandflungitback.“Doyouwanttoeatdinnerwithme?”
Atfirst,shethoughthemaynothaveheardher,butthenheturnedback.
Shewasstruckagainbyhowbeautifulthemanwas,evenwithablackeyeandastitch.
Hestoppedthennodded.“Yes,butnottonight.HowaboutIpickyouuptomorrownightatseven?”
Herheartraced.Adate?No,no,no.Buthadn’tshejustaskedhimtoeatdinnerhere?Shemeantthe

stupidcrockpotchicken,notanofficialdate.

Hespreadhishands,andhisgrinwidened.“Imean,I’mnotaHarvardman,butIcanstillswing

dinner.”Hewinkedather.

Shewasalloutofsorts.“Fine,”shesaid,rushingbackintothehouseandshuttingthedoorbehindher.
Itannoyedherthatshecouldhearhimlaughingthroughtheopenwindows.

henextevening,DamonclimbedintohisJeeptopickupSam.

Whatwashedoing?He’dbeenaskinghimselfthatquestionallday.Hedrovethenotevenquarterofa

miledowntohercabin.Pullingin,hetookinalongbreathanddecidednottooverthinkit.Itwasjusta
date.Shedidn’thavetoknowallhisstuff.Shedidn’thavetogetdrawnintohiscrapfestofalife.

Hewouldn’thavetotellheraboutthepastsixmonths.Wouldhe?No.Notafirstdatething.
Tobehonest,hedidn’tknowwhatafirstdatethingwasanymore.It’dbeenoverayearsincehe’dhad

adate.Hehadgottentiredofthesameol’sameol’.Theneverythinghappenedwithwork,andhehadn’t
eventhoughtaboutdating.

Hishandsshook,andheclenchedthemaroundthesteeringwheel.Lately,they’dbeenshaking

sometimes.Hedidn’tknowifitwasanervoustwitchorwhat,buthedidn’tappreciateit.Heletout
anotherlongbreathandwatchedhercabin.Herblindsweredrawn,sohecouldn’tseeanything,buthe
sawlightseepingoutofthecracks.He’dbeenoffshifttoday,andhe’dstartedtheprojectofcleaningup
thecabins.He’dborrowedNick’struckandtakenacoupleoftripstothedumpwithabunchof
underbrushandtreesthatneededclearing.Thepropertywasdisappointinglyovergrown.Granted,hehad
noonetoblamebuthimself.

Evenafteralltheexertion,hewasstillfeelingpunchy.He’dgoneforalongrunthismorning,buthe

feltlikehecouldeasilydoanotheronerightnow.

“Suckitup,Freestone.”Hewhisperedtohimself,lookingathiseyesintherearviewmirror.Itwas

justonedinner.

Hewashalfwayupherstairswhenherealizedheprobablyshouldhavebroughtflowers.Chocolates.

Hedidn’tknow;hewasalloutofsorts.TheonlythingheknewwasthatSamanthaWorthingtonwasthe
onlywomanhe’dbeenhalfwayinterestedinsince…everything.Andshehadaskedhimtodinner.Okay,
heknewshe’dbeentalkingaboutthecrockpot.Fromthewayshe’daskedhim,hefeltitwasalmostoutof
pity.

Hedidn’tneedpity.Sohe’daskedheronanofficialdate.
Hebangedonthedoor,anditcameouttooloudly.Hetookastepback.
Itwasn’ttwosecondsbeforethedoorwasopen,butshehadthephonetoherear.“IhavetogoZoey,

butImeanit,don’tdoanythingstupid,okay?”Shepulledthedoorshutbehindher.“Iloveyou,”shesaid
justbeforehangingup.

Eventhoughhehadn’texpectedhertobeonthephone,hewasabitgladbecauseitunnervedhimhow

goodshelooked.Sheworeawhitesundresswithasmalljeanjacket.Shehadflip-flopson,soshewas
quiteabitshorterthanhim.Herbrilliantredhairwasstraightandfancytonight.Hethoughtaboutthe
fuzzy,curlsshe’dhadthedayhemether,andsomethingstirredinsideofhim.Whentheireyesmet,hefelt
caughtinatrance.

“Hey.”Shehalfwaysmiled,andallhewantedtodowaspullherintohimandkissher.Thesmellof

her.Lemonyrightnow,butheknewifheputhisfaceintoherneckhewouldsmellthatstrawberry
shampooagain.That’sallhewantedtodo.

“Hey.”Shefrowned.
Heshookhisheadandtriednottohavearubberysmileorthinkabouthowamazingshelooked.“Are

youready?”

Shegavehimanotherlooklikehewasanidiot.“Yes.”
“Right.”Hewonderedifheshouldtakeherhandorsomething,butthengingerlyclimbeddownthe

stepswithoutreachingout.“Thenlet’sgo.”Thelaststaironthestepsgaveabit,andhestumbled.

Withoutmissingabeat,shesmiledandwentforthepassengersideofhisJeep.“Yeah,talktothe

landlordaboutthat,wouldya?”

Itstruckhimthathewasresponsibleforherhomebeingindisrepair,andhedidn’tlikeit.Herushed

uptohersideandopenedherdoorjustasshereachedoutforit.

Shepaused,turningandcockinganeyebrowathim.“Thanks.”
“I’llgetthatstepfixed.”Hepromisedbeforeshuttingthedoorandjoggingtotheotherside.
Whenhegotin,thesmellofherintheclosedspacewasevenmoreintoxicating.
HestartedtheJeepandputitintogear.
Shedidn’tspeak,sohesearchedforsomethingtosay.“Sowasthatyoursisteronthephoneor

something?”

Lookingabitsurprised,shenodded.“Yep.”
Hewantedtoaskmorebecauseitfeltlikeshe’dbeenworriedabouther,buthedidn’tknowwhatto

ask.

“Sothisisn’treallyadate,right?”
Itstruckhimatthatmomentshewasnervoustoo.
“Imean,IjusthavethispolicyaboutnotdatingatthispointinmylifebecauseI’mtryingtogetmy

loanspaidoffandstayfocused.Imean,I’mnotgoingtobestayinginParkCityoranything,andIdidn’t
wanttogetattached.”

Hedidn’tknowhowtotakethiswoman,butfoundherabitfunny.Ontheoutside,shelookedsocalm

andcollected,buthesawthewayherlegtappednervously,andnowshewastwistingherhair.Hedidn’t
sayanything,whichseemedtomakehermorenervous.

“Right?”Shepressed.
“Okay,whateveryouwant.Thisisjustaneighborlydate.”Heconceded.
“Imean,Iknowwekissedtheotherday—”
“Youkissedme.”Heinsisted,interrupting.
Shesuckedinalongbreathandthenletitoutinaskitteringlaugh.“Ah,no.Ididn’t.”
“Yeah,youdid.”Heshiftedgearsandswervedoutofthecabinsandontothemainhighway,heading

intotown.Hedidn’tknowexactlywheretotakeher.Hehadn’tbeenoutforawhile.Well,notformore
thanaburgerorpizza,andhesuddenlywantedtoreallytakethisgirlout.Obviously,shedidn’tdatethat
much.Probablyhadn’thadanicedinnerinalongtime.

“Look,allI’msayingisIdon’twantyou—”
“Togetthewrongidea?”Hefilledinforherandflashedherasmile,likingtheideathathewas

flirtingwithher.Hehadn’tflirtedinalongtime.

“Idon’t…”
Hecutheroff,notwantingtofightaboutthefactthatshehadkissedhim.Heonlywantedtofigureout

awaytokissheragain.Kissheralot.Maybeeven…hepushedthosethoughtsaway.Onemoment.He
hadtobeinthismoment.“Tellmeaboutyoursister.”

“What?”Thisstoppedhershort.
“Tellmeaboutyoursister.You’reclearlyworriedabouther.”
Whenshelookedoutthewindow,hecouldtellshewasdebatingifsheshouldtellhimornot.
“Look.Youdon’thaveto.Ijustthoughtwecouldbeneighborly.”
Abruptly,sheturnedbacktohim.“Right.Neighborly.Whereareyoutakingme?”
Knowingshewastryingtodeflect,hemessedwithher.“IthinkthisisthepartofthebookwhereIkill

youandhidethebody,right?”

Sheletoutapuffofbreathandgentlypushedhisshoulder,whichheliked.“Seriously,wherearewe

going?”

Untilthatmoment,hehadn’treallyknown,butjustthen,theycameupononeofthebeststeakhousesin

ParkCity—Ruth’sChris.Heswervedtoswingintotheparkinglot.“Here.”

Shefrownedandlookedatit.“Itlooksexpensive.”
Heappreciatedthatshewasn’tentitledandprissy.“So?”
“Well,itjustlooksexpensive.”
ParkinghisJeep,heturnedtoher.“It’sokay.Iinvitedyoufordinner,soI’mpaying.”
Lookingskeptical,shestartedtoopenherdoortogetout.
“Wait.”Hepointedtoherdoor,dashedouthisside,andranaroundtoopenherdoor.
Shestareddownathim,clearlynotknowinghowtotakehim.
Hereachedupforherhand.
Shelethimhelpherdown.Onceagain,theywereclosetoeachother.Kissableclose.Hesworehe

couldsmellstrawberries.Maybe.Buthemightneedtobeabitclosertoher.

Hesitatingonlybriefly,hefeltthetensionbetweenthem.Heknewhimself.He’dneverbeenthetype

todrawoutthedatingthing.Oncehedecidedhelikedawoman,hewentforit.Kindoflikedecidinghe
wouldn’tbackdownfromafire.Ifhewasin,hewasin.Hefelthimselfalreadyonthescorchlinewith
her.

Unfortunately,shequicklymovedaway.“Thankyouforopeningmydoor.”
Shuttingthedoor,helockeditthencaughtuptoher,matchingherstride.“So,yoursister.”
Finally,shestartedtalking.“MysisterisbackinDenver.Sheusedtolivewithme.Myparentsdied

whenIwasseventeen,andit’sacomplicatedstory.”

“Everyonehasapast,”hesaidquietly.
Shestoppedtalkingastheywalkedthroughtheconventioncenterlobbyofthehotelandstraightback

totherestaurant.

Theygottothefront,andhenoticeditwasprettypacked.
“Doyouhaveareservation?”thehostessasked.
Heshookhishead.“Nope.”
Frowningathim,shelookedoverherfloorchart.
Hedidn’tliketheuppitywaysheseemedtobedecidingifshewouldlettheminornot.Sohedidthe

thinghe’dneverlikeddoinggrowingup.Hereallydidn’tevendeservetodoitbecausehehadn’tbeen
herefortenyears,butheknewitwouldgetthematable.

“LookforareservationforFreestone.”
Herheadjerkedup,andhereyesnarrowed.“Well,therearealwayscertainreservationsweholdfor

VIPs.”Shehesitated.“AreyouaFreestone?”

Herresponsemadehimputontheairshe’dseenhisfatherputonahundredtimes.Givingheran

annoyed,elitistlook,heflashedagrin.“Athoroughbred,youmightsay.I’mtheoldestoftheFreestones.
Damon.”

Hereyeswidened.“Oh,right.”Shescrambledandpennedsomethingontotheseatingchartinfrontof

her.“Your…anotherFreestoneishere,butwecanaccommodateyou.Ofcourse.Letmegetyoutoan
excellenttable.”

Samonlycrackedahalfsmile,clearlyinonthegame.Theyfollowedthehostesstoabeautifulpartof

therestaurantwithhugewindowsthatopenedupintotheforest.Eventhoughthesunwassetting,the
gazebointhegardenswaslitup,anditlookedbreathtaking.Herememberedcomingasakid,ormeeting
hisfatherforlunchesoraplethoraofotherevents.

Unsurprisingly,LukewastheFreestonethatwasthere,butluckily,hewasleavingwithhisdate.

SomeoneDamondidn’trecognize.

Lukepausednexttohim,givinghimaonce-overandthenrollinghiseyes.
“Hey,bro.”Damontriedtosoundobnoxious,anditworked.
ThesideofLuke’sjawtightened,buthesmiledpolitely.“Damon.Imagineseeingyouhere.”Thenhe

flashedasurprisedlookatSam.“Samantha.”

Samheldhisgaze,andDamonwasproudofherfornotlookingembarrassed.“Luke.”
Theymovedpast,andLukecalledafterhim.“Damon.”Hestartedbacktohim.
Damonheldhisground,butLukewaitedhalfway,clearlynotwantingeitherofthewomentohear.
Damonmethim.“Yeah?”Hedidn’tliketobecalledlikesomelapdog.
Lukeleanedin.“Don’tthinkyougettocomebackandenjoyalltheperksofbeingaFreestone.You

walkedaway,remember?”

Damonglaredathim.“Oh,okay,bro.Iwon’ttakeyourreservationagain.Happy?”
Lukeglaredback.“Notsinceyougotback,I’mnot.”Thenheturnedandwalkedaway.
Damonshookhishead,tryingtoletgooftheangerhisbrothercouldbringtolifeinsideofhim.
HeturnedbacktoSam,tryingtobenormal.
Theywereseatedquickly,andhetooknoteoftheelegantsettingwithcandlesfloatingamidstwhite

liliesonthetable.Theambiancewasserene,andtherewasasmallwaterfallnexttothem.

Samwatchedthehostesswalkawayandopenedhermenu.“YouFreestonessureknowhowtoname-

dropwhenyouneedto.‘Athoroughbredyoumightsay.’”Sheimitatedhisvoice.

Heletoutalightlaugh.“Guessso.”
“AndittickedLukeoff.”Shesmiledathimlikeshe’dheardeveryword.
Avertinghiseyes,heshrugged,notwantingtogetintoitaboutLuke.Shewasworkingforhisbrother,

soshe’dprobablywitnessedtheelitismoozeout.Lukewastheworst,alwayshadbeen.Partofthereason
allthebrothershadabadnamewasbecauseofthewayLukehadbraggedandshownoffallthrough
school.DamongotwhyguyslikeTommyhatedhim,buthestillwouldn’trolloverandlettheguyhavehis
waywithhim.“Let’sseewhatwewant.”Itonlytookhimamomenttoconfirmhisfavoritewasstillthere.

Aserverappearedwithanotherfollowinghim,waiting.“CanIinterestyouinwine?”
Damonturnedtoher,waitingforherlead,knowinghewouldn’tbedrinkingit.
Sheshookherhead.
“No,”hesaid.
Thesecondservermovedforward,efficientlyremovedthewineglasses,smoothlyputdownwater

glasses,andfilledthem.

Thefirstserverwaited.“MayIsuggestthefiletwiththemushroomandonions,smotheredinblue

cheese?Orifyoulikefish—”

“Idon’t,”shesaid.
Hegrinnedather,thinkingtheywouldgetalongjustfine.Heatefishforthehealthbenefitsofit,butit

wasn’thisfavoriteeither.

“I’llgiveyouafewminutes.”
Theserverleft,andDamonputhismenudown.
“Doyoualreadyknowwhatyou’regetting?”sheasked.
“Yep.”
Cockinganeyebrow,shekepthereyesonthemenu.“Howdoyoualreadyknow?”
Leaningback,hetookintheambianceandthoroughlyenjoyedit.Hewasoutwithabeautifulwoman

atabeautifulrestaurant.“BecauseIalwaysgetthefilet.”

Itlookedalmostasifshewasworryingoverthemenu.“Hmm.”Shewasexaminingit,likeshewas

studyingsomethingreallyimportant.

“Soyoursister.”

“Oh.”Shelookedup.“Whydoyoucaresomuch?”
Hedidn’tknowwhy,buthejustknewthathedid.“Ijustwanttoknowmoreaboutyou.”Herealized

thatwashonestandtrue.Ofcourse,hewasalsolookingforasafetopic.Safeforhim,anyway.

Shuttingthemenu,sheletoutabreath.
“Whatdidyoupick?”
Shesmiled.“Thefilet.”
Holycow,helovedthewayshelookedathim.Helovedhowhewasfeelingabouther,likehe’d

struckgold.

“Ihavetobackwayupifyouwanttounderstandaboutmysister.”
“Backup.”
“ItoldyoumyparentswerekilledinacarcrashwhenIwasseventeen.Well,mysisterwasputin

fostercare.She…pickedthewrongfriends.EventhoughIdideverythingIcoulddotopetitionthe
courts.BythetimeIgotherback,shewasofftherails.”

“I’msorry.”
Shewavedhimoff.“Itwasalongtimeago.”
Hecouldseeinhereyesthatitstillmattered.“Soyouchosefamilylaw.”
Shenodded.“Thus,mypassionforlaw.Ispentalotoftimelearningthelawbeforegoingtolaw

schoolbecauseIwasfightingtogether.”Tearsmistedhereyes,butsheblinkedthemaway.

Darn,shewaspretty,andshehadaheartofgold.
“Anyway,sonow,hereweare.I’mtwenty-five.She’stwenty-twoandstillacompletewreck.She

waslivingwithme,butsomeonehastopaythebills.Ihadtomovehere,andshewouldn’tcomewith
me.”

“Whereisshe?”
Shesighed.“Livingwithherdruggieboyfriend.”Shepinchedherlipsindistaste.
“Issheokay?”Hefoundhimselfactuallycaring.
Sheshrugged.“I…it’shardtoexplain,butIknowshe’snot.Icanjustfeelthingssometimes.My

obnoxioussister,Janet,saysIhavesomethinglikeahoveringmother’sintuition.That’snotitthough.Ijust
knowthingssometimes.”

Hefoundthisintriguing.“Likewhat?”
Sheblushed.
“What?”Nowhewascurious.
“It’s…”Sheletoutabreathandtookasipofwater.
Theservercameback,andtheyorderedtheirfood.Anotherservercameandputdownaloafof

bread.

Shepickeduptheknifeandcutslicesforbothofthem.Hewaitedforaminutethendecidedtoforget

hiscarbintakeandputsomebutteronaslice.

Shekindofpickedatit,notcommittingtoafullbite.“It’shardtoexplain.Ijustkindofknowwhere

theyare.”

“Soyou’reawitch.”
Shelookedup.“Yeah.Okay,cat’soutofthebag.”Sheflashedhereyeswider.“I’mawitch.Whatcan

Isay?”

Somethingdeepinsideofhim,somethingthatdidn’tthink,wantedtoadmithedidn’tcareifshewasa

witch.“Okay,”hesaidsoftly.“Thenyou’reawitch.Nowthatthat’soutoftheway…”

Shelaughed,andherealizedhelikedherlaugh.
“Seriously,isyoursisterallright?”
Sheputthebreaddown.“Idon’tknow.Iaskedmyothersistertocheckonheryesterday.”
“Didshe?”

“Janetistoobusygettingnosesurgery.”
Hefrowned.
“Notforanymedicalnecessity,justbecauseshewantedit.Apparently,Igotthegoodnose,andshe’s

alwayshatedmeforit.”

Damonsmiled,thinkingofthestupidthingsheandhisbrothersfoughtover.“Sweet.”
Hearinghermumblewhatheassumed,butcouldn’theartoverify,werechoicewords,hesmiled.

“Well,it’snicetohearweallhaveajerkfacesibling.”

Sheletoutalightlaugh.“Yeah,Iwantedtoaskheriftherewasasurgerytocureherjerkiness,butI

don’tthinkshe’dgetitdoneanyway.”

Nowhewasroaringwithlaughter,laughingharderthanhe’dlaughedinaslongashecouldremember.
Shakingherhead,shewavedahandintheair.
Theirmealcame,andtheserverspenttimeadjustingeverythingjustrightonthetableandfillingup

thewater.

Samcutintothesteakandthenputapieceinhermouthandclosedhereyes,lettingoutasound

Damonknewhewantedtohearagainandagain.“Thisisdelicious.”

Damontookabite,andallhistastebudssanginagreement.“Itis.”
Theyateforafewminutes.Thenshesaid,“Thankyou.”
Hesmiled.“You’rewelcome.”
“No.”Shewipedherlipsandleanedback.“Ireallyneededanightout.Asneighbors.”
Shewasfunny,smart,witty,andcaring,andshecouldtellitstraightwhenshewantedto.Heliked

that.

Damonletoutabreath.“Ineededittoo.”
Itlookedlikeshewantedtosaysomething,butshetookanotherbiteinstead.
Hegrinned.“Sowhatareyourwitchypowerstellingyounow?”
Shesmiled.“Itdoesn’tworklikethat.Ican’treadthoughts.”
Itwasfunnytohimthatsheactedseriousaboutit.“Oh,thenwhatcanyoudoexactly?”
Sheshookherhead.“Iknowitsoundsridiculous.”
Hewaitedamomentbeforesaying,“Itdoesn’tsoundridiculous.”
Turningtohim,sheseemedtomeasurehim.“Youbelieveme?”
Uncomfortablewiththequestion,hewipedhismouthandtookasipofwater.“Whathasmybrother

saidaboutme?BesidessayingIflunkedHarvard.”Itwasstupid,butitdidsmart.

Notsayinganythingforamoment,sheleanedback.“Well,everythinghesaysaboutyoueithersounds

angryorabitjealous.”

Thiswasinteresting.“Praytell.”
“Oh.”Shesmileddelightfully.“QuotingShakespeare,arewe?”
Likingfeelingasthoughheimpressedher,heanswered.“Tothineownselfbetrue.”
Sheblushed.“Well,Nickwasintheofficetheotherday,andIheardhimtellingLukeaboutsomefight

you’rein.Itmustbetheboxingmatchyouweretellingmeabout.WhatIdidn’trealizeisthatit’sbrother
againstbrother.You’refightingNick?”

Hesighed.“IguessIam.Don’treallyhaveachoice.”
Obviouslypuzzled,shefrowned.“Why?”
“Well,mycaptainpulledafavortogetmebacktoParkCity,sohesaysIowehimthisfavor.”
Sheshookherhead.“Thedaysofthegladiatorsstillrule.”
Hewantedtoblowhermind.“WhatdidJuliusCaesarsay?Givethembreadandcircuses,andthey

willbehappy.”

“Ah,Idon’tthinkthatwasCaesar.ItwasJuvenal,theRomanpoet.”
Ofcourseshegotthereference.Herealizedshemightbethesmartestwomanhehadeverdated.Not

thattheotherwomenweren’tsmart,butshewasthemostculturedandwell-readwoman.Notthatthey
weredating,heremindedhimself.

Shegrinnedathim,almostasifshewasseeinghimforthefirsttime.
“What?”
“Iwanttoknowthetruth.”
Hedidn’tunderstand.“Aboutwhat?”
Sheleanedforward.“IwanttoknowwhyyoureallydroppedoutofHarvard.”

amwatchedhisfaceturnfromfunandopentoclosedandthoughtful.Itbotheredherthatshewantedto

know.Reallywantedtoknow.

Beforetonight,she’dbeenthinkinghewassomejerkwhocamebacktotowntocashinonhisdaddy’s

cabins.Now,sherealizedhedidn’treallywanttheproperty.Everytimeshespokeaboutdoingwhathe
hadtodotostartcollectingrents,hebasicallybrushedheroff.

Allshesawwasaguywhohadsomuchpotential,butjustseemedtickedoff.
Hetookalongbreath.
Theservercametogathersomedishesandfillthewater.
Hestudiedherintently.“DoyoureallywanttoknowaboutHarvard?”
Shegrinned.“Hey,Itoldyouaboutmywitchlikepowers.”
Helookedskeptical,liftingbothbrows.“Yeah.Allright.”Heputbothhandsonthetable.“I’lltell

youthetruth.”

“Okay.”
“IgotabouthalfwaythroughthefirstsemesterwhenIbeganrealizinglawwasn’twhatIthoughtit

was.”

Hehesitated,andshepressed.“Goon.”
“IwantedtobelieveIcouldmakeadifference,thatIcouldreallyaffectchangeintheworld,butthe

moreIstartedlearning,andthemoreconnectionsmydadstartedputtinginplaceforme,themoreIbegan
torealizeallofthewholeshowofHarvard.Itwasallabouttheconnectionsandthenextthingandallthe
moneyyoucouldmakeandblahblahblah…Itjustwasn’tforme.”

Mildlyinsulted,butkindofunderstanding,shecrossedherarms.“Thenwhoisitfor?”
Heflashedagrin,andsherealizedhowmuchshelikedhisteeth.Theywereabrilliantwhiteand

perfectlyeven.Itwasshallowofher,butteethwereathingforher.“Look,I’mnotsayingit’s
dishonorableoranything…”

“That’swhatitsoundslike.”
Henodded.“Iknow.”
“Thenthat’swhatyousaid.”
“No,you’renotunderstanding.”
“What?”
“Ijustfeltlikethereweretoomanyhoopstojumpthrough.Toomanytargets.IfeltlikeifIsatinclass

alldayeverydayforthreeyears,tryingtogettoapointtohelppeople…Iwouldwasteaway.ThenI
wouldneedtospendevenmoretimegettingareputationandbreakingintothesystem.Youknowabout
that.Youknowhowharditis.”Hegesturedtoher.“Youcamehereexpectingtoworkinfamilylawand
doyourpassion,butmyjerkbrothertellsyouthatyouhavetopaysomeduesbydoingthisrealestate
crap.”

Shehadtolaughbecausehe’djustdescribedhisbrothersowellandhersituationperfectly.“Soyou

gaveup.”

Hesnorted.“No,Iwantedtobeafirefighter,andBostonFireDepartmentisthebest.”
Shesmiled.“Aren’tallofthembest?”

“No.”Heansweredimmediately.
“Why’dyouleave?”
Helookedaway.“Stuffhappened.”
“What?”
Givingheranintenselook,hechallengedher.“Areyoueveryone’sshrink?”
Nowshesmiled.“IfyouaskZoey,Iam.”
Hescoffed.“Yoursister.”
“Yep.”Shecouldtellhedidn’twanttotalkaboutit.“Thatbad?”
“Ijust…stuffhappened,andafterwardsIjustfelt…well,you’llunderstandthis.LikeIwasn’t

clairvoyantanymore.”

“Youwereclairvoyant?”
Hegrinned.“I’mjustusingthatasananalogy.Ifyoucanunderstandwhatthatis.Imean,sinceyou

didn’tgotoHarvardeither.”

Man,shelikedthisguymoreandmore.Hecoulddishitbacktoher.She’dneverdatedaguywho

coulddothat.

“Explainwithoutananalogy,please.”
Heshruggedandlookedawayevasively.
“Explain.”Shepromptedquietly.Forsomereason,shewasinvestedandwantedtoknow.
Turinghispiercingblueeyestoher,helookeduncomfortable.“Mywholelife,IjustbelievedIwas

goingtodosomethingtohelppeople.MaybeitwasmymotherandmyCatholicupbringing.Shealways
saidmypatronsaintwasSt.John,theonewhowardsofffires.Ilovedfire.Startedamillionfires.Infact,
it’swhyIworkedwiththefiredepartmenthere,volunteeringbeforeIwenttoHarvard.Ialwaysknew
someonewasthere.IthoughtIhadSt.John.But…”Hetrailedoff.“Imessedup.”Heflashedasarcastic
grin.“Leteveryonedown,especiallymydad.”

“How?”
Heshruggedthenletoutalightlaugh.“No,itisnotthetimetotalkaboutallmyproblems.”
“Okay.Youjustgavemeamajorhookinthestory,butnowyoudon’twanttofinishit.”
“Someothertime,maybe.”
“Fine.Butyou’reherenow?”
Heshrugged.“Yes,Iam.”
“DoyoustillbelieveyouhaveSt.Johnwithyou?”
Heblewoutabreathandturnedaway,lookingoutthewindow.“Idon’tknow.”
Sheletoutalongbreath.“Ithinkyouknow.Ijustthinkyou’reoneofthoseguys.”
Lookingback,hegaveheranincredulouslook.“Whatkindofguyisthat?”
“Thekindwhoextractssecretsbutnevergivesawaytheirown.”
Shewonderedifhewasupset,butthenhesethisjawandturnedbacktoher.“Youwanttohearit?”
Shenodded.“Yep.”
Hesighedandhesitatedforafewseconds,seemingtodecidesomething.Thenheshrugged.“Fine.

Yesterday,Iwentintothishouse.AnolderhomeintheolderpartofParkCity,theoneswithyardswhere
youcan’thardlyfitthefireengine,andyouhavetoclimbabunchofstepsintheyardjusttoreachthe
house.”

Shegrinned.“Yeah,Iknow.”
“Anyway,Iwasbustingdowndoorsandclearingouttherooms,andIheardthissound.Itsounded

likeababy.Mypartnerdidn’thearit,andthecaptainkeptcallingusout.Inmygut,Iknewsomeonewas
there.Someonewasmissing.”

“Okay.”
“Andthen,rightbeforeIwasabouttogetout,Icouldn’tdoit.Iturnedawayfromthewindowtogo

back.That’swhenIsawalevertopulldownanatticcord.ItwaslikeIwasledtoit.LikeGodshowedit
tome.Ipulleditandgotupthere.ThespacewassosmallIcouldn’tgetthroughit.Ihadtoshedmyair
tank,butIcouldseethislittlegirl.Shelookedlikeshewasaboutfourorfive.Shewaspassedout,and
shewasholdingontoababy.”

Everythinginsideofherfeltlooseandfree.Tearsrushedintohereyes.Shewascaptivated.“Sowhat

happened?”

“Itmightsoundfunny,butwhenIgetintosituationslikethat,it’slikemybrainhasthishyperfocus,

andIcanseethreedifferentwaystodosomething.ThenIcanpickthequickestway,thewaythatwill
savesomebody,andmybodyjustgoesintomotion.Itdoesn’tmatterifthere’sanobstacle;itdoesn’t
matterifsomeoneisyellingatme;itdoesn’tmatterifitdoesn’tseempossible.Ijustmakeithappen.”

Shewasmystified.“Sowhathappened?”
Heshrugged,tearsinhiseyes.“Ipickedupthelittlegirlandthebaby,andwhenIlookedatthe

bottomoftheladder,mypartnerwasgone.IknewifIkickedoutthewindow,wewouldgetair.Ilooked
fortheladderwhichwascomingmyway,butweweresmoldering,couldn’tbreathe.Iknewthelittle
girlsneededair,andthatIcouldn’tlastlongeither.SoIheldthembothinmyarms.”Heshowedherby
makingacuppingintothechestmotion.“AndIprayed.ItoldGodthesewerehischildren,andifhe
wantedthemalive,thenIneededhishelp.”

Tearsblindedherbeforesheblinkedthemback.
“ThenIbasicallydidabackdiveoutthewindowandslidonmybackdowntherooftothegarage.I

didn’tknowifIwouldliveoriftheywouldlive.Isaythat,butdeepdownIknew.Yaknow?Iknewit
wouldbeokay.Iknewthattheywouldbeokay.”

Shewasn’tsurehowit’dhappened,butnowshehadariveroftearsrunningdownhercheeks.Hehad

onestomatch.

Hesmiled.“Itwasagoodday.Ihaven’thadthatgoodofadayinsixmonths.”Heshrugged.“Maybe

St.John’sback.Idon’tknow.”

Sheleanedoverthetableandputherhandoverhis.“Soyouhaveasaint,andI’mawitch?”
Theysatthereforamoment.Thenhesmiled.“C’mon,let’sgo.Iwanttoshowyousomething.”

***

Twentyminuteslater,theywereatthelookoutofanothermountain,onethatwasclosertoMidway.
Neitherofthemhadspokenaftertherestaurant.Somehow,she’dfeltmovedanddifferent.Differentthan
she’deverfeltaboutanymanbefore.Humbled.Insync.Itwasjustlikesheknewhersistersandfelt
wheretheywere.Whenhehadtoldherthestory,shefeltlikeshe’dbeenthere,partofit,insidehishead.
Mostguyswouldhavebraggedaboutitthewholenight,butshe’dhadtodragitoutofhim.Thatmade
everywordmorereal,anditmovedher.

Hegotoutandwentaroundandhelpedherout.
Shewasfreezing.
HewenttothebackofhisJeepandpulledoutabigcampingblanket.“Here.”Hehesitatedfora

secondandthenopenedhisarms.

Shemovedintothem.
Hepulledtheblanketaroundher.
Theystoodthere,staringoutatthestars,andshesmelledhisfreshrainscent.Sheclosedhereyesand

realizedthat,somehow,DamonFreestonewasdifferent.

Withoutwantingto,shelookedupandsawhewaslookingdown.Theireyesseemedtopourouttheir

soulstoeachother.“Ihavetotellyousomething,”

Heswallowed.“Okay.”
“Ithinkyouchosetherightprofession.”
Hesighed.“I’vebeendoubtingthatlately.”
“Don’t.”Sheinsisted.
Heshookhishead.“Easyforyoutosay.Youdon’tknowmeyet.”
Herheartfluttered,andshewonderedifthiswashowitwaswhenherparentsusedtotalkabout

fallinginlove.Shedistinctlyrememberedbeingeightandfinishingafairytaleandsittingwithherdad
andaskinghimwhenhehadfalleninlovewithhermother.Hermotherhadcomeintotheroom,andher
fatherpattedhislap.Shewalkedoverandsatonit.Hehuggedbothofthemandstaredupathermother
withthislookshestillrememberedtothisdayandsaid,“SincethedayImether.”

“What?”heasked,searchinghereyes.
Itwasamemoryshe’dneversharedwithanyone.Somethingshekeptlockedtightlyinsideofher.One

thatgaveherhopewhenshewasinherdarkestmoments.Shesmiled.“Whenyouweretellingmethat
story,IthoughtwhatawasteHarvardwouldhavebeenforyou.”

Hesmiled.“Yeah.”Thenheblewouthisbreathandsmiledwider.“Iwishyoucouldhavetoldmy

fatherthat.”

Shefelthimtense,andsheknewwithoutaskingthatwasthereasonhehadn’tbeenback.“Sam.”
Hearinghimsayhernamethatway,inthatsointimatetone,madeherstomachflutter.“Yeah?”
“Don’tthinkI’mcrazy,butIkindabelieveinyourwitchypower.”
Warmthfillher,startingfromherchestandradiatingoutward.“Youdo?”
Henodded.“Yeah.”Gently,hepushedherhairbehindherearandthenbrushedhishanddownher

cheek.“You’resobeautiful.”

Sheshookherhead.Sheknewshewaspretty,okay.Butthewayhelookedather,likeshewas

magical,sheknewshedidn’tdeservethat.“No,don’tsaythat.”

“What?”Hestrokedhercheekagain.“You’rebeautiful.Doyouhaveamoreflowerywayyouwant

metosayit?MaybewithallyoureducationyouknowFrenchandcouldteachmetosayitthatway.”

Lettingoutalightlaugh,shesmiledathim.Herheartraced,andshecouldn’tletthishappen.She

couldfeelithappeningtoher,andshehadtostopit.“Wait.”

Hewaitedonlyamomentthensaid,“We’rejustfriends,right?”
Itsuddenlystruckherasfunnythatheretheywere,wrappedupinablanket,staringatthemoonlight,

baringtheirsouls,sayingtheywerejustfriends.“Right.”

“Right.”Henodded.Then,withoutaskingorwithouthimneedingtoask,theirlipsweretogether.
Shewassoaring.Hishandcuppedthebackofherheadandpulledhercloser.Hisotherhandwason

thebackofherwaist,andhisstrengthwasoverwhelming.

Morethanthat,hissoulseemedtohookandintertwinewithhers.Sheknewshewaslost.
Hetrailedkissesdownhercheekanddownherneck,andshepushedhercheekagainstthescruffof

hisface.

NolongerdidsheworryaboutZoeyorthinkaboutjerkfaceLukeorwonderwhyshewashereor

howshewouldpayoffloans.Shewasjusthere.Withhim.Inthemoonlight,circledbyhisstrength.Inthis
moment,sherealizedtherewasnowheresheeverwantedtobeexceptwiththisman.It’dhappenedso
fast.Itfeltlikeshewasfalling,butitwasn’tlikeshewasworriedaboutwhereshewouldland.

Whenhepulledbackandstareddownather,sheaskedwithoutwantingto,“Isthisadream?”
Heshookhisheadandpushedherhairawayagain,gazingather.“AllIcansayisifthisisadream,

thenIdon’twanttowakeup.”

Laterthatnight,afterhedroppedheroffatthefrontdoorandkissedherforanotherfifteenminutes,

sheslippedinside,feelingallgooeyandwarmandhappy.

Forthefirsttimethatnightsinceshe’dlefttogooutwithhim,shelookedatherphone.Itwasalmost

oneinthemorning.Immediately,allherworriesoverZoeyassaultedher,andshepressedhernumber,but
thenshefeltbetter,knowingZoeywasactuallyhome.

“I’mnotpartying,areyouhappy?”
Hervoicewasgroggy,anditdidmakeSamhappy.“Yes.”
“Howwasyourdate?”
Shewantedtoprotestandtellheritwasn’tadate,butthinkingaboutallthekissingmadehernotdo

that.Itwasapositionshecouldn’tdefend.

“Aha,itwasadate,”Zoeysaid,hervoicecomingtolife.
Movingtoherkitchen,shepulledoutaglassandfilledit.“Itwasnice.”
“Bynice,doyoumeanthefoodwasgood?Ordoyoumeanhiskissingwasgoodorsomethingmore?”
“Zoey.”
“Iknow.Iknow.You’rewaitingformarriage.”
ObviouslyZoeyhadn’twaited,givingherselftothedruggiealongtimeago.Itwasatopicthey

avoidedbecauseZoeydidn’tliketobelectured.

Samtookhergrandmother’squiltandsatonastoolbythekitchencounter,staringatthepaintingshe’d

donetheothernight.Thenshestood,lookingpasttheflower,andshepickedupapencilandstarted
outliningDamon’sface.“Zoey,itwasthebestdateI’veeverbeenon.”

henextdayDamongotupandfeltbetterthanhe’dfeltinalongtime.Afterlacinguphisshoes,he

drankaproteinshakewhilehestartedaloadoflaundryandthoughtabouthisdatelastnight.Thought
aboutkissingher.Thoughtaboutholdingher.Thoughtaboutthelemonandstrawberrysmell.

Itwasstrangetohim.He’dhadgirlfriendsonandoff,buthe’dnever…it’dneverbeenlikethis.
Thethinghelikedmostaboutherwasthemorehegottoknowabouther,themoreherealizedhow

smartandcaringshewas.Helikedthat.

Itwouldn’tservehimwelltothinkabouthertoomuchtoday.Hehadtogoforhisrunandthengotrain

atPineapple’swithJake.CaptainCastrohadbeenprettyspecificaboutwinning.

ThetruthwasthathedidlookforwardtoteachingTommyalesson,buthedidn’tlookforwardto

beatingNick.HethoughtofSamandwonderedifshe’dcometothematch.Itmotivatedhimevenmore.
Hedidwindsprintstostart,upanddownthetrail.

Itwasnineinthemorning,butParkCitywasperfectbecauseitstayedcooluntiltheafternoonwhenit

heatedup.Ashedidhisdrills,herealizedhehadmissedthisplace.

Bostonwashotandmuggyinthesummerandmuggyandcoldinthewinter.
Itwasironictohimthatyeah,hemissedthefirestation,missedthebusynessofastationthatgotalot

ofcalls.He’dlikedtheguysandthetraining,butthislifewasstartingtofeellikeitfitmoreandmore.

Allwarmedup,hehitthetrail.Itwasfivemilesin,thenfivemilesback.Hesetthetimeronhiswatch

sohecouldkeeppace.Asix-minutemilewaswhathewasshootingfortoday.

Usually,hetriedtoclearhishead.Sure,ifhehadto,healwayskepthisearbudshandy.Ifheneeded

musictopumphimselfup,hewouldpulloutthebudsandblastoldschoolrock.Buttoday,hewantedto
thinkabouther.Herelivedthedate,goingthroughitlikeaprosecutoranddisassemblingeverypartofthe
case.Inhisbachelor’sprogram,he’dbeenonthedebateteam.Itwashisexperiencewithdebatethathad
pushedhimtothinkhewantedtobeanattorney.Whenhediscoveredlawschoolwasn’tforhim,and
firefightingwas,itwasinterestingashemoveduptheranksfromfirefightertolieutenanttocaptain,how
muchhisolddebateexperienceandpullingapartissuesandproblemsandthenputtingthembacktogether
hadhelpedhim.Itwasthethingthathadgivenhimanedgewhenthey’dpromotedhimtocaptain,citing
thefactthathewasagoodproblemsolver.

Nowhedidthatwithhisdate.Startingatthebeginningandrunningitallthroughhismind,hetook

aparttheirconversations.HerelivedthemomentsatthetopofParkCityMountainandlookingdownon
theresortandthetown.Herememberedthefeelofherinhisarms,thewayherhairwassoft,buthe
thoughthemightprefertoseeitallcurledandcrazyliketheotherdaywhenshe’dcomebackfromher
run.

Shakinghishead,hetoldhimselfnottogettooinvestedthissoon.Hefeltlikehewassteppinginto

quicksand,andhewasalreadypulledin.Hedidn’tthinkhewantedtogetout.Itmightbeokaytojustletit
consumehimforabit.Notalongwhile.Hewasn’treadyforaseriousrelationship.

Plus,shewasleavingParkCityaftershepaidofftheloans,goingtobenearhersister,right?So

obviously,itwasfine.Themoreheconvincedhimselfthiswasjustapart-timething,themorehethought
ofallthethingstheycoulddotogether.AllthethingsaroundParkCitythatwouldbefunforhertotry.
Hadshedonethesimpletouristthing?Thezip-liningandextremetubingattheOlympicPark?Thehotair

balloons?Whenwasthatfestivalagain?Hetriedtoremember.Orhadsheeverriddentheliftupand
hikeddown?Hegrinned.Hadshebikeddownthemountain?Thatwouldbefun.

Whenhefinishedhisrun,itwasirrational,andheknewit,buthewassmiling.Smilingevenashe

pantedforbreath.Hediscoveredhehadn’teventhoughtofalltheproblemsbackinBoston.Maybethis
couldbedifferent.ThenheflashedtoJamie’sface,lyingthereinthehospital,andhefeltawfulagain.

Gettingbackfromhisrun,hechangedthelaundryandgrabbedhisgymbag.Hehadtoleavesohe

wouldn’tbelateforhistraining.

Tenminuteslater,whenhegottoPineapple’s,thepitofhisstomachtightenedashesawTommy

comingoutofthefrontdoor.Itlookedlikehe’djustfinished,hishairwasstillwet,andhisbaghungover
hisshoulder.

Damongotoutofthetruckandstartedtowardthedoor,intentondoingeverythinghecouldtoignore

him.

“Boston.”AripplinglaughcameoutofTommy.“H-hey.Guessyou’reheretotrain.Well,I’lltellya.

I’menteringthisfighttoo,andwehaveamatchthedaybeforethematchwiththecops.I’mgoingtokick
yourbutt.”

Hedidn’tslowhisspeed.“Sure.”
Otherguyswereheadingintothebuilding,andhethoughtherecognizedoneofNick’soldfriends

fromhighschoolthatheknewwasonthepoliceforcetoo.

Tommyswervedandinterceptedhim.“Didyouhearme?”Hepushedhisshoulderagainsthim.
DamonstoppedandlookedTommyintheeye.Themanwasthesamestinkheadhehadbeeninhigh

school.Thesameidiotwhohadtakenthatgirltopromandlefthertherealone.

Damonfocusedonhim,tryingtokeephisexpressionneutralandhisegoincheck.“Listen,we’lltalk

intheringthen,won’twe?”

Tommystaredathimthenletoutalaugh,pokinghimhardinthechest.“ItoldSandra,butI’lltellyou

too.Idon’twanttoseeyoutwotalkingorhangingaroundeachother.”

ItwascompletelyasininetothinkDamonwouldtalktoTommy’snowwife,soDamonpokedhim

back.“Ifyoupokemeagain,thisfight’sgonnahappenrightnow.”Hesethisjawandwastotallyprepared
tomakegoodonhisthreat.

TwootherguysfromCplatoonwalkedoutofthebuilding.Damonrecognizedoneofthem,Link.
Tommysneered,butpulledback,puttinguphishands.“Look,it’sjustagame,right?It’sallforfun.”

Thenheturnedandstartedrazzingtheotherguys.

Damonignoredallofthemandwentaroundtothebackoftherestaurantwherethemakeshiftboxing

ringwassetup.Afewotherguysweredoingvariousboxingexercisesinthearea.

Jakewasstandingonthesidelines.HelookeddownathisphonewhenDamonwalkedup.“Good,

you’rehere.WegottagetgoingsowecangetinallthedrillsIplannedforus.”

Damonsmiled,thinkingitwasfunnyandlikingthatJaketookhisroleaspersonalcoachsoseriously.
TwoguysDamondidn’trecognizevacatedthering,andheandJakesteppedin.Damonpulledonhis

glovesandthenbeganprancingbackandforth.

He’dboxedabitinBoston,hadactuallywononeofthesefiremanversuscopmatchesbackthere,but

hehadn’twantedtoadmitit.Hewonderedifmaybethecaptainknewthatandthat’swhyhe’dbeenso
insistentonhimdoingit.Hegrinned.CaptainCastrowassavvy,andhewouldn’tlettheotherguys
bulldozehismen.

“Okay.”Jakeheldupsomepadsonhishands.“Ab,quick,quick,quick.”
Forthecourseofthenexthalfhour,theyranthroughthedrillsJakehadlinedup.Whentheirtimewas

up,theyleftthering,andJakepointedtothecornerwiththepunchingbag.“Okay,let’sdothis.”

JakeheldthebagandtookDamonthroughmoredrills:uppercuts,hook,jab,crossovers.ThenJake

madehimdojumpingjacks,andhedidthemwithhim.HeevenhadDamondosomeold-fashionedjump

rope.

Jakegrinned.“IfigureifitworksintheRockymovies,itcanworkforus.”
Damonlaughed,finallyabitoutofbreath.“Isthatwhereyoulearnedyourtrainingtactics?”
Jakeflashedagrin.“WhydoyouthinkI’mtired?”Hestoppedandwenttohisbagandpulledouta

notebook.“IstayedupmostofthenighttakingcopiousnotesfromallfiveRockymovies.Oh,Ialso
watchedabunchofoldTysonfights,soifyouwanttodosomeearbiting,I’mokaywiththat.”

Damonsmiledandkeptjumpingtherope,lovingthewayhisbodyfeltwhenhepushedittothemax.

Thesweatdrippingoffofhimfeltgood.

Hewasbarelydone,gettingreadytohittheshower,whenNicksteppedintothegym.Therewasa

scowlonhisfaceasheapproachedDamon.“Soyou’regoingtobemymatchthisyear,huh,bro?”

Damonwinkedathim.“Brotherlylove,man,brotherlylove.”
Nicksethisjaw,andDamonrealizedhehadneverseenhimsocompetitive.
Nickputhisgymbagdownandglaredathisbrother.“Hey,youweren’taroundforstufflikemylifein

highschoolandcollege,soyoubetterunderstand,bro,thatI’mgoingtotakeyoutotask.”

Theotherfirefightersandpolicearoundthemwerehowlingandlaughing,relishingagood

competition,nowmadeevenbetterbecausethereweretwobrothersinvolved.

DamonwonderedexactlyhowNickthoughthewouldbeatDamon,buthethoughtheshouldjustcan

thetrashtalkandnottickoffhisbrother.He’dactuallyfelthimselfgainingmoreandmorerespectfor
Nickasaman.Nickhadhelpedhim.Draggedhimoutofthementalpithewasin.Physicallybroughthim
here.GothimonwiththeFD.Soifhewantedtothinkhewouldbeathim,Damonwouldlethim.“Okay,
bro.”

Nickwinkedathim,showinghisplayfulsideandthensteppedcloser.“Pizza.Tomorrownight.Atthe

usualspot.”

IthadbeenatraditionwiththeFreestonemensincetheirmotherdiedthatSaturdaynightswerepizza

anddrinksatSicily’sdowntown.

Damonshookhishead.“No.Way.”Itwouldnotbehiscupofteatohavepizzawithhisbrother.
Nickcockedaneyebrow.“TheRockiesareplaying.C’mon.”
Damonshookhisheadandpulledhisglovesoff.“No.”
Nickpulledsometapefromhisbagandbeganwrappinghishands.“Youoweme.”
Damonletoutalittlelaugh.“Yaknow,I’vebeenhearingthatalotlately,andI’mgonnatellyouI

don’tacceptyourinvoice.”

“What?”Nicklookedstunned.
“Iwilltakeoverthestupidcabins,cleanthemup,dothisstupidfightandwhateverIgottadoformy

crew,butpizzaanddrinkswithLuke?That’scrossingaline.”

Nickshookhishead.“He’snotasbadasyouthink.”
ThatmadeDamonreallylaugh.“Yes,heis.”
Nickshookhisheadagain.“Fine.Butyoubetterbereadyformetobeatyourbuttnextweek,and

that’sapromise.”

Damongrinned.“Lookingforwardtoit.”
DamonandJakeagreedtogohomeandshowerandmeetbackinhalfanhourforlunch.Itwasn’tlost

onDamonthathewasactuallybeginningtolikeJake,whichwasoddbecausehe’dbeendeterminednot
tolikeanythingabouthisnewcrew.

Halfanhourlater,Damonorderedalowcarb,highproteindouble-chickensandwichonlettuce.He

satatPineapple’sbarandwaitedforJake.Admittedly,itwasnicetohaveamomenttohimselfand
reflect.HethoughtabouttheupcomingfightandwonderedifNickreallythoughthehadachance.Itmade
himsmiletothinkaboutteachinghisbrotheralesson.

TylerandHeather,acoupleoffirefightersfromhiscrewwalkedintoPineapplesandimmediately

wenttohisspotandsatnexttohim.

“Hey.”Tylercrackedamenu.“Jaketextedandsaidyouguysweremeetinghere.”
Rightthen,Jakewalkedinandmovedtowardthem,noddingtoTylerandHeatherandtakingtheseat

nexttoDamon.“Sup.”Heopenedamenu.“I’mstarving.”

Damonhadtoadmititfeltgood,realgood,tobebackinthesaddle,sotospeak.Tobearoundother

firefighters,feelinglikehehadpurposeagain.Nothavingthemalllookathimlikehewasdamaged
goods.

Theyordered,andTylerturnedtoJake.“Soisourguygood?”
Heatherleanedover.“Yeah,canhetakeTommy?”
Jakeletoutaripplelaughandslappedhisleg.“Oh,man,I’dbeplacingmajorbetsonourboyifI

wereyouguys.”

Tylernudgedhim.“Doyoutrainlikeallthetime?Imean,forsomething?Ipictureyouwinningthose

firemancompetitionsandstuff.”

Damonwouldn’ttellthemhehadwonacoupleofthosecompetitions.Thefoodwasputinfrontof

him,andhepickedthesandwichup,pausingbeforetakingabite.HelookedatTylerandthenHeather.
“I’mtrainingtosavelives.”Heknewitsoundedcliché,andgavethemanexaggeratedwinkasheflashed
asmile.

Heatherletoutalaugh.“Superherotype.Nice.”
Jakebumpedhisshoulder.“No,Rockytype.”Hebeganhummingthe“EyeoftheTiger.”
Therestofthefoodwasdeliveredastheyallwatchedwhateverfightwasonthebigscreensandfell

intoacomfortablehalf-talking,half-eatingcombo.Whentheywerewindingitdown,henoticedacouple
comeintoPineapple’s.Hedidadoubletakewhenherealizeditwasher.

Sam.
Shewasdressedallofficialinapantsuitwithherhairperfectlystraight.Shecarriedabriefcasekind

ofbag,orabagwithalaptop.

Shewaswithamaninasuitwhowasn’tquiteastallasSamwithherheels.Mayberightaboutthe

sameheight.Jealousywovethroughhisgut,andittookhimbysurprise.

Damontriedtoseewhothemanwas,buthedidn’trecognizehim.Ofcourse,heinstantlydidn’tlike

him.

Themangesturedtooneofthetables,andtheysatinacornerbooth.HewatchedasSamlaughedat

somethingthemansaid.Damoncouldseethemanscootclosertoher.

Shepulledoutafileandtooksomedocumentsout.
Aservercame,andtheyordered.
Samseemedtobewantingtogettobusiness,buthewatchedtheguyputhishandoverthepaperwork

andstareatSamin…thatway.Thewaythatsignaledhewasinterestedinmorethanbusiness.

Damonfoundhimselfholdingback.
Theservertookwaterstothetable.
HewatchedSampullawayfromtheguy,shufflingthepapersovertogetspacebetweenthem.
Themanscootedbackcloser.
Samshookherhead,puttingupherhand,andDamoncouldseeadetermined“don’tmesswithme”

lookonherface.

Itmadehimhappyshewassuchafirecrackerwhensheneededtobe.
Themanheldsteadyandleanedbacktohisside,pickinguponeofthepapers.
Jakenudgedhim,seeingwherehewaslooking.“What’sthatabout?”
“Nothing,”Damonsaidquickly.Hedidnotwanthertobesomethinghewasteasedaboutbecause,

frankly,hecouldn’ttakethejokesheknewwouldensueabouther.

Jakegrunted.“Right.Becauseyoudidn’tjusttenseuporanythingwhenyousawher.”

ItslightlyannoyedDamonthatJakewasright,anditannoyedDamonfurtherthatshehadn’tnoticed

himyet.Hedidn’tknowifheshouldinterruptorwhat.

Luckily,hedidn’thavemuchtimetothinkaboutitbecauseNickcameoutofthegymandsethisstuff

downbyDamon’stable.“Besttrainingsessionyet,bro.”Hedidacoupleairjabs.“Goingdown.”

OneofNick’sfriendsjoinedthemtoo,andthentheywereallengrossedintheconversation.
Damonwascarefulnottostareordrawanyattentiontoher.
Atonepoint,Nicktappedhisarmanddrewhiseyestoherspot.“DidyouseeoneofLuke’sattorneys

isjustleaving?”

Damonactedlikeitwasnobigthing,butheavertedhisglancetowatch.“Yeah.”
Nicklaughed.HestoleafryfromJake’splateandstuffeditintohisface.“Dibs,man.Totaldibs.”
Damondidn’tsayanythingbecausenowhewaswatching.Hesawtheguypausebyhercarandopen

herdoorforherthengrabherwristandpullherback.

Hestood,poisedtogosaveher.
Shepushedthemanback,givinghimadisgustedlook,beforeslippingintohercar.
Unabletostophimself,Damonwasoutthedoorbeforehecouldthinkbetterofit.
Hisbrothercalledouttohim.“Damon,youleftallyourcrap.”
Damondidn’tpause.Hewatchedtheguystarthiscarandpulloutoftheparkinglot.Therewas

somethingnotrightabouttheguy,butDamoncouldn’tputhisfingeronit.Hememorizedtheplatenumber
thenwentbackintothesportsbar.

HesatbackdownandNickgavehimacuriouslook.“Whatwasthatabout?”
Damonleanedover,notwantingalltheothersintheirgrouptohearhim.“Ineedyoutorunaplatefor

me.”

Nickshookhishead.“No,that’sunethical,tosaytheleast.”
Damonhaddealtwithcrimescenesandcopsbefore.“Bro,comeon.Iknowyoucandothis.Youdoit

allthetime.”

Nickshookhisheadandletouthisbreath.Hepouredmoreketchupontohisplateinasplattering,

messyheap.“No.Way.”

Damonsighedandlookedattheothercopsatthetable.Hedidn’tknowthemthatwellyet.He

couldn’taskthem.

Thenhehadanidea.“Ifyourunit,I’llgotopizzatomorrownight.”
“Really?”Nicktookanotherfryandslathereditwithketchupbeforestickingitinhismouth.
Damonfrownedathim.“Pig.”
Nickgrinned,pickingupmorefriesandstuffingthemin.Hechompedforaminutethensippedsome

water.“You’llreallygo?”

Damonnodded.“Yep.”
Nickshrugged.“Okay.”
Suddenly,Damonknew,fromthesmuglookonNick’sface,thatthiswastheoutcomehe’dwantedthe

wholetime.Hehadbeenwaitingtoblackmailhim.“Youjerk.”

Nicklaughed,slappinghisleg.“Youmaybetheoldest,butyouhavetorememberyou’renotthe

smartestanymore.”

henSampulledintohercabinatsixo’clockandturnedoffthecar,sheleanedbackintotheseat,

closinghereyes.It’dbeenoneofthosedays.Thekindthatstartedthemomentshehittheofficewith
meetingsandalistamilelongofstuffLukeneededhertodo.Projectsheneededhertorun.Shesuckedin
abreathandthenletitoutslowly,longingfortheyogaclassshe’dgonetoinDenver.Sheneededtofinda
newclasshere;shejusthadn’thadtimeyet.

Pushingopenthedoor,shegrabbedherlaptopcaseandthenanotherbagfulloffiles.Sheneededto

lookthroughallthefilesfortheprojectstomorrow.

Itwasamazingtothinkshewasworkingatasmallfirm,shethought.Shehadn’texpectedtobe

workingfiftyorsixtyhoursaweek,butshecouldtellthatitcouldeasilyturnintothatifsheletit.

Shewentupthesteps,andthefirstonegaveabitattheedge,makinghertripslightly.Shebarely

caughtherselfbeforeshefell.

Pausing,sheshookherhead.“Where’smylandlordwhenIneedhim?”SheflashedtoDamon’sface

andknewshewantedtorazzhimaboutthestep.

Shemovedforward,unlockingthedoor,happyshe’dputItaliansausageandspaghettisauceinthe

crockpotfordinner.Shehadn’treallyeatenthelunchshe’dorderedtoday.

TherewasnoavoidingthatcreepdeveloperDonJohnsonfromMidway.Sheshookherheadandput

herbagsonthesmalldeskinthekitchen,thenwenttoherroomtochange.Shewouldgoforathree-mile
run,comehomeandeatdinner,takeabath,thenspendanhourlookingoverallthefiles.

Then,shemighthavesometimetopaint.
Yes,thismadeherhappy.Shethoughtoftheoutlineshe’dnearlycompletedofhisface.Shecouldn’t

waittogetthepaint,fillinthelines,andaddlifetothedrawing.

Truthbetold,ifshewouldhavebeenfromoneofthoserichfamilieswhosenttheirdaughtersto

collegejustsotheycouldsaytheywenttoVassarorStanfordorHarvard,shewouldhavemajoredinart
history,withanemphasisontheart.Sheloveditandhadtakenacoupleofclasseswhenshe’dgottenher
bachelor’sdegree.Zoeyalwaystoldhertogiveuplawandpaint.She’deventoldherlastnightshe
shouldfinishsomethingandputitintooneofthose“ritzyrichpeoplegalleries.”

Changingintoherrunningclothes,SamthoughtaboutZoey.Shetriednottothinktoohardabout

peopleshewasconnectedtoorhadtheweirdsyncthingwith.Shedefinitelytriednottosynctothem.

Assoonasshethoughtabouther,sheknewZoeywasatthecoffeeshopsheworkedat.Well,atleast

shewasatwork,shethought.Thenshelaceduphershoesandputonherwatch.

Shegrabbedalightjacket,knowingshemightnotneeditandwouldendupwrappingitaroundher

waist,butthesunwasbeginningtoset,andsheknewthemountainscooleddownthesecondthesunwas
gone.

Shefeltluckythetrailwasrightnexttoherhome.Hittingthetrailatarun,sherelishedthesunonher

faceandthefreshmountainair.

“Hey.”
Joltedabit,shesuddenlynoticedDamonnexttoher.Almostlikehe’dbeenwaitingforher.Hehadon

runningshoes,T-shirt,shorts,andhisownrunningwatchwhichhewassetting.

“Wereyouwaitingformeorsomething?”Herheartratepickedup,andthebutterfliesfromlastnight

returned.It’dtakenhermostofthedaytokeeprefocusingherthoughtsawayfromhim.Admittedly,her
daywastoobusytoreallythinkabouthim,butsomehow,shestillhad.

“No.”Helookedguilty.“Iruninthemorningandatnight.That’sjustwhatIdo.”
Thatdidn’treallysurpriseher,becausehelookedamazing,butsuddenlyshefeltintimidated.“Well,I

cantellyouI’mnotgoingtokeeppacewithyou.”Evenasshesaidit,shekickeditupanotch.

Hegrinned.“I’llkeeppacewithyou.”
Itputheroffhergametoberunningwithhim.She’dbeenlookingforwardtobeingbyherselfand

havingsomedowntime.Nowhewashere,andshedidn’tknowwhattosay.

“Unlessyouwanttobealone?”
“Uh…”Shelearnedalongtimeagothatexceptincourt,shewasn’tgoodatfakingheremotions.
Heshookhishead.“Noworries.I’llbeoff.WhatifIcameoverinalittlebitandfixthatstep?”
Foraminute,shethoughtshesawvulnerabilityinhiseyes.Ifitwasthere,hecovereditwithanother

greatsmile.Shethoughtthiswasthemostsmilesshe’dseenfromhimsincetheirdatelastnight.Of
course,shethoughtaboutkissinghimand,impossibly,herheartspedupevenmore.Butshewasalso
worriedhewouldthinkitwasthat.Whenitcouldn’tbethatforher.Shehadaplanforherlife,andit
didn’tincludehim.

“Sure,”shesaid,hopingshewouldn’tregretitandmentallyreorganizinghernight.Cuttingtherun

shorter,takingtheshower,eating,thenwork.“Ifyouwantspaghetti,youcansharewithme.”Shefeltlike
anidiotbecausehe’ddeniedhertheotherday,andshedidn’twanttobeovereager,buthe’daskedto
comeover,right?Soshecouldn’tbetheovereagerone.

Henodded.“Soundsgood.”
Hetookoff,anditremindedherofoneofthoseNationalGeographicdocumentariesthatZoeylikedto

watchatoneinthemorning.Shecouldalmostheartheannouncer’svoice:‘Nowthecheetahtakesoffinto
thewild,sprintingandlookingforhisnextprey.’TheBritishaccentinherheadwasprettymuchspoton.

Samshookherheadandgiggledtoherself,thinkingthatZoeywouldfindthatreallyfunny.Shewas

definitelygoingloopy.

Anhourlater,shehadfinishedshoweringandwashingherhair;itwassomucheasiertotakecareof

inthemorningifshewashedandcombeditoutatnight.Alittleflatironinginthemorningandshewas
good.

Shestirredthesauceandnoticedhernoodleswerealmostdone.Shewenttothefridgeandpulledout

stuffforasimplesalad.

ThenshesynchedheriPhonetothelittlespeakerandputonwhatZoeyaffectionately,andvery

annoyingly,calledherelevatormusic.Itwaslightclassical.

JustasshewasthinkingofZoey,herphonerang.Shedidn’thavetocheckthecallerIDtoknowwho

itwas.

“Hey.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Whatareyoudoing?”NowshewastryingtofocusonwhereZoeywas,butcouldn’tgetaclear

picture.Driving?

“Justgotoffwork.TimandIarefighting.”
Samdidn’twanttothinkofthescruffy,homeless-man-beardeddruggie.“Shocker.”
“Iknow.”Shesighed.
Ofcourse,Samusedthisasanopportunity.“Comeouthere.Justmoveoutherewithme.I’llhelpyou

findajob.”

Zoeysighed.“YouknowIcan’tdothat.”
“Yes,youcan.”
Shesighedagain.“Youdon’tgetthatIlovehim.And…”Hervoicestartedtoshake.

“Zoey.”Samfeltbad.“Hey,areyouokay?”
Zoeysuckedinaloudbreath.“Yeah.Iam.Ijust…hehurtsme.”
Samwantedtoknockherupsidetheheadandthenshakesenseintoher.But,likemostabusedwomen,

shewouldn’tlistentosense.“I’msorry.”

Herbreathcalmed.“It’sokay.Ihavetogo.He’shere.”
“Bye.Loveyou.”
“Loveyou.”Shehungup.
SaminhaledalongbreathandwonderedagainifsheshouldjustmovebacktoDenver.
Thenshenoticedherpainting.Shewasrunningtograbasheettocoverthecanvaswhentherewasa

lightknock.

Torn,sheoptedforgettingthecanvascoveredbeforelettingDamonin.Itwouldnotsuitforhimtosee

theoutlineofhisfaceontheir…couldthisbeconsideredaseconddate?Nervousbutterfliesdrilledher
gut.“Coming.Justasec.”

Sherantoherlinenclosetandpulledoutasheet,goingtothecanvasandputtingitlightlyoverit.
Satisfied,shewenttothedoorandpulleditopen.
Again,therewasthefreshrainscent.Hispiercingblueeyes.Theperfectfacialhair.Andhisheight.

Wasittoostupidorsuperficialtolikethefactthathewastall,sotallhemadeherfeelshort?Sheknew
allthetallgirljokes,hadlivedwiththemherwholelife.Shehadconstantlybeenaskedifsheplayed
basketball.

She’dtypicallydatedguysaboutherheight,maybeasmidgetaller.
Buthewasagoodfourinchestaller,andwhenhesteppedupbesideher,warmchillsflushedhotand

coldalldownherarms.

Helookedlikehewasinatrance.Heheldatoolbox,butshesawhimstaringatherlips.
Shesteppedbackbecauseshedidn’twanttogivehimthewrongideaifhewashereforthat.“Come

in.”

Pullinghishandfrombehindhisback,shesawabouquetofwildflowers.Theywerenewlybudded

Indianpaintbrushinhalfadozendifferentshades,andsherealizedhemusthavegottenthemonhisrun.
“Thanksforinvitingmetodinner.”

Smiling,shetookthem,immediatelypullingtheminandinhaling.Shewasremindedofherchildhood

inBoulder,whenherfathertaughtattheUniversityandhermotherstayedathomewiththem.Hermother
wouldalwayshavethempickflowersonthepaththeytookwhentheywentforwalksonsummer
mornings.

Shakingherhead,shewassurprisedatthefiercenessofthememory.It’dbeenalongtimesinceone

hadtakenherwithsuchforce.

Thenhishandswereonherbiceps,holdingher,steadyingher.“Areyouokay?”Hesearchedherface.
Shepulledback,shakingherheadandfeelingutterlyridiculous.“Yeah.Iam.Ijust…”Shedidn’t

knowwhyshewastellinghim.“Ijustrememberedpickingflowerswithmymotheronthispathin
Boulder,Colorado.”Shepulledawayfromhimandmovedintothekitchen,quicklyfindingaglassand
puttingthemin,thengoingtothesinkandfillingtheglasswithwater.“Thankyou.”Heremotionsgathered
quickly,andshewasgratefulforthat.

“WhatcanIdotohelp?”Damonwasalreadynexttoher,rinsinghishandswithsoapandwater.“Ican

makeameansalad.”

“Soundsgood.”Shewenttothefridgeandgotafewmorevegetablesoutforthem,thenstirredthe

noodles.

“Itsmellsheavenly.”Damontooktheknifeandwenttowork.
Sheturnedandwatchedashecutupvegetablesinchef-likefashion,liningthemupandthen

obliteratingthem.

Shegrinned.“YoutakeyourvegetablecuttingseriouslyIsee.”
Hegrinnedatherandthrewsomeveggiesintothebowl.“IprettymuchtakeanythingI’mfocusedon

seriously.”Hisbrowswentup.“Don’tyou?”

Feelingliketheyweresomehowtalkingaboutsomethingelse,shetriedtojustrelax.Shegotastrainer

out.“Yep.Iheardonetimethathowsomeonedoesonethingisthewaytheydoeverything.Like
successfulattorneys,theyarecompetentandorganized.”Shewasgettinglostinherlittlespeechand
didn’trealizehewasrightbehindheruntilhisbreathwasonherneck.

“Hungry.”Hewhispered.“Aren’tambitiouspeoplehungry,too?”
Chillswentthroughheragain,andthenherkneesweakened.
Hekissedherlightlyontheneck,andshestayedfrozentothespot.
Withoutmakinganymoremoves,hewentbacktodicingvegetables.Herbrainhadbeenerasedand

reset.“Yeah.”

“Sohowwasyourday?”
Knowingshewasblushing,shewenttothesinkanddrainedthenoodles,lettingalittlelaughescape

her.“You…”

Helaughed.
Shelookedhimover.
Hewasblushingtoo.“Sorry,Ijust…I’vewantedtokissyouallday.”
Itwasfunnyandfeltveryteenage-ishtotalkaboutit,tobegivingeachotherfunny,embarrassed

looks,butshelikedit.Eventhoughsheknewsheneededtomakewhatthisnight,andwhather
expectationsabouttheirrelationshipwere,clear.“I’msorry,Ijust…”Sherinsedthenoodlesthenput
themdownontheedgeofthesink.Thewaterfloodedontothecounter.Shepickedthemupandheldthem
overthesinkandtookatoweltocleanupthedrippingwater.Shewassoflustered.“I’mnotsleepingwith
you,”sheblurted,instantlyregrettingshe’dsaidit.

Hestoppedcuttingandwatchedher.
InhermindtheBritishguywasback:‘Thelioncircleshismate,hiseyesintent,hisgazepenetrating.’

Sheshovedthenoodlesbackintothepanandthendroppedthecolanderintothesink.Therewasnoway
shecouldevenlookathimatthemoment.Sherushedtogetplatesoutofthecupboardandthecutting
startedupagain.Herhandwasshaking,whichwasridiculousbecauseshedidn’tevenknowhim,andshe
didn’twanttobelikethis.Therehadalwaysbeensomanythingsinherlife,andZoeywasalwaysthere,
soshedidn’thavetoworryaboutit.But…Sheputthelittleplatesonthetable.

Hegentlyputahandonherwrist.“Idon’twantthat.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Imean,I’m…”He

floundered.

Shelaughed.
Heleaneddown,andshefoundherselfreachingupandwrappingherarmsaroundhisshoulders.His

handswereonherhips,andsheletherselfkisshim.Lovingthefactthathisbreathtastedmintycleanlike
aListerinecommercial,sheletherselfreachupandrunherfingersthroughhishair.

Sheheardhimmoan,andeverypartofherwasonfire.
Hislipswereonherneckbrieflybeforehepulledback,gentlypushingheraway.
Shewantedtograbhimandyankhimbacktoher.
Hiseyeswereserious.“I’mheretohavedinnerwithyouandthentofixyourstep.That’sall.Ifwe

hangoutabit,great.”

Shesmiled,completelyembarrassedatherreactiontohimphysically.Atherreactiontohim

emotionally—tellinghimshewouldn’tsleepwithhimandthenattachingherselftohim.TheBritishguy
returned:‘Andthelionessshowshertruecolorsasshesniffsthelion.’

Gently,heputhishandonhercheek,cuppingherchin.
Shefelttheblistersonhishand,thecallusesofahandthatdidstuff.Manstuff.

“What?”heaskedher,gentlykissingheragain.
Shesmiled.“Itsoundsstupid,butImissedyoutoday.”
Hishandwasbackaroundherwaistinaprotectiveway,awayshehadneverevenrealizedshe

wanted.“Imissedyoutoo.”

Shesmiled.“Imean,justasneighbors.”
Hegrinned.“Exactly.”

***

Thenextmorning,Samrushedoutofthehouse,andwhenshegottothebottomofthestepthatdidn’t
matchbecauseDamonhadputdownanewtwo-by-four,shesmiled,thinkingoftheplayful,easyevening
they’dhad.

Ithadbeenbetterthanshe’deverimagined.Light,fun.Easyteasing.They’deaten.Thenshe’d

watchedhimfixthestepasshepulledoutherfiles,spreadingthemoutontheswingontheporchand
halfwaypayingattentiontothemandhalfwaywatchingthewayhisbicepflexedwhenheworkedthe
hammer.

Whenhewasdone,they’dsattogetherontheporch,wrappedinhergrandmother’squilt,holding

handswithherlegsonhislapandtheirhandsentwined,teasing,andsharinglittlekisses.

He’dabruptlyleftateight,tellinghertogetrestedandhewouldtexther.
Ofcoursethenshe’dspentanhouronthephonewithZoey,breakingdowneverymomentofitand

thenchastisinghersistertoquitthepot.Shealwayshadtomakeacaseforthat.

Whenshearrivedattheoffice,shewassurprisedtoseeDonJohnsonwalkingintotheconference

roomwithLuke.ShewasevenmoresurprisedwhenLukeinvitedherintotheirmeetingtodiscussthe
Midwayproject.

Forthemostpart,Donhadbeenprettyprofessional.Shehadonlycaughthimlookingdirectlyather

breastsortryingtolookdownherblouseonceortwice.Notthatshehadthatmuchthere,butcreepers
likehimcouldneverkeeptheireyesup.

Intheend,Lukegaveherexpressinstructionstobetheprojectmanager.
AfterDonwalkedout,shepulledLukeaside.“Um,look,IknowI’mnew,butthatguycreepsmeout.”
Lukehadgivenherasurprisedlookthatturnedskeptical.“Really?Why?”
“Well,wemetforlunchyesterdaytodiscusstheproject,andhemadeapassatme.Severalpasses.”
Lukedidn’tgiveawayhisemotions.SherecognizedthistraitasonehesharedwithDamon.They

werebothexcellentatkeepingapokerface.

“I’msorry.”Shehatedcomplainingatall,butatanewjob,itwastheworst.
Lukeexhaled.“Listen,Ihiredyoutotakeovertherealestatesideofthings,andIneedyour

cooperationontheseprojects.I’lltakeyouoffastheleadprojectmanager,butyouknowyou’rethe
consultantattorneyonallofit.SoyouhavetobecrossingT’sanddottingI’s.”

Sheknewthis.Sheresentedthis.Shewantedtobringupthefactsheshouldn’tevenbedoingthis,but

shedidn’t.ParkCitywasjuststartingtofeellikeaplaceshemightlike.HermindflashedtoDamon.She
knewshehadtomakeherendofthingswork.Whatwasthestupidspeechshehadgivenlastnight?The
oneaboutdoingonethingthesamewayyoudidallthings.“Fine.”Sheletoutabreath.

Lukehesitated,andshetooknotice,withoutmeaningto,ofhowthesimilaritiesanddifferences

betweenhimandDamon.Theywereaboutthesameheight.ThoughhewasblondwhereDamonwasdark.

Hehadgreeneyesinsteadofblue.Hehadamoreopen,politicalkindoffacewithlaughlinesaroundthe
eyes.Damondefinitelylookedmorehaunted.Well,nottoher.Notanymore.

Shethoughtofsittingwithhimontheswing,theirhandstanglingtogether.Thesmellofhiscologne

andthetasteofspaghettionhislips.

“Sam?”Lukeasked,lookingconfused.
Man,shewaslosinghermarbles.“Sorry.”
Hehesitated,andthensheheardthesoundofatextchirpingfromhispocket.Hetuggedouthisphone

butstilllookedather.“AreyougettingsettledintoParkCityokay?Isyourcabinokay?”

It’dbeenkindofLuketoletherliveinthecabinforfree.Granted,hewasn’tpayingheraterribly

largesum,butitwasmorethananyotherjoboffershe’dhadcomingoutoflawschool.“Yes,thankyou.”
Helookedathisphoneandthencursed.“Stinkin’Nick.”

SherememberedNickwastheirotherbrother,andshewantedtoaskwhattheproblemwas,butshe

didn’twanttobenosy.

Helookedbackather.“Okay,well,keepupthegoodwork.LetmeknowifDongivesyouanymore

problems,andI’llhaveachatwithhim.”

Itdidn’treallymakeherfeelbetter.Shedidn’tlikebeingadamsel,didn’twantLuketohavetohavea

chatwithhim.Didn’tliketobethesqueakywheel.Butitwaswhatitwas.

Turningbacktothehall,shemovedtowardheroffice.
“Uh,Ms.Worthington,Sam.”Thegirlatthefrontdesk,Tina,wasstaringather,lookinglikeadeerin

headlights.

“Yes?”Samstopped.
“Well…”Shelookeduncertain.“Iwantedtoinviteyoutogooutwithabunchofgirlsfromtheoffice

tonight.Well,abunchofusstaffers.I…Iknowyou’reanattorney,andyoumightwanttoonlyhangout
withotherattorneys,butwealwaysgooutonSaturdays,andIdidn’twantyoutofeelleftoutincaseyou
wanttojoin.”

Pleasedwiththeinvite,Samrealizedshedidwanttogoout.Hadyearnedforsomewomentogoout

with.Zoeyhadlivedwithherforforever,sotogoabruptlyfromthattolivingonherownhadbeenquite
theadjustment.Shehadbeenlonely.Almosttoolonely.ThepastcoupleofnightswithDamonhadbeen
nice,butitwouldprobablybegoodtohaveotherfriendsinParkCity.ShesmiledatTina.“OfcourseI
wanttogoout.”Shewinkedather.“AndTina.”

“Yes.”
“Ineverwantyoutothinkthere’ssomuchbetweenuswecan’tbefriends,okay?”
Tinabeamed.“Okay.”
“Webothhaveourrolestoplayattheoffice,butoutsideofwork,we’realljustwomen.”

amonwalkedintoSicily’s,andmemoriesinstantlyassaultedhim.MemoriesofalltheSaturdaynights

he’dspentherewithhisbrothersintheback,whereallthemengatheredwithalargetelevisionscreen
andtablesfullofdifferentgroupsofmenwithpizzaanddrinks.Allthelaughter,allthecheering.Itwas
thehangoutforsports-investedmeninParkCity.Theold-timers.Notthenewmoney,nottheskibumsor
therichtourists.No.OldmanAntoniowasprettyspecificaboutwhoheallowedbackthere.

Assoonashesawhim,Antoniosmiledathimandmovedforward,takinghishandandshakingit.

“Damon,yourbrotherNicksaidyouwereback.”

Damonsmiledandshookhishand.HelovedtheItalianaccent.“Howareyou?”
Therewasasincerityintheoldman’sfaceandeyes,andDamonwasslightlyhumbled.Hehadn’t

wantedtobe“back”tohavetofaceeveryone.He’dnevertakenthetimetofacethembeforehe’dleftfor
Harvard,andhehadn’treallybeenbacksincethen.Well,hehadreturnedforthefuneral,butthatdidn’t
count.Notlikelivinganeverydaylifeandcirclingthetownandenjoyingfriendshipsdid.Surprisingly,he
wasgladhe’dcomebacktoAntonio’snow.

“I’mgood.Howareyou?Howareyourgirls?Theymustbegrownupnow.”WhenDamonwasin

highschool,Antoniohadbeenonhissecondmarriageandhadthreetinygirls.

Antoniogesturedtooneoftheverywell-endowedwaitresses,whowasleanandtallandwearinga

veryrevealingtop.“MyJessica.I’llintroduceyou.Come.”

DamonfollowedAntonio,notknowingifhewantedtobeintroduced.
Jessicafinishedtakinganorder,turnedherverybrown,darklylinedeyestohim,andbrokeintoabig

smile.

“ThisisJessica.Jessica,DamonFreestone.”
Hereyebrowslifted,andshetookhishand.“Nicetomeetyou.”
Antoniogesturedtothebackroom.Damoncouldseethroughtheopendoorsthatthetelevisionwas

on,andthereweremenseatedintherealready.“Takehimbackthereandgethimadrinkonthehouse.”

“Thanks,Antonio.”HelethimselfbeledbyJessica.
Sheseemedtoscourhimwithhereyesandstickherchestoutabitfurther.“Well,let’ssee.Iknow

LukeandNick,soyoumustbethebrotherwholeft.Iguessyou’vefinallycomehome.”Shesmackedher
gumandwinkedathim.

Damonlookedanywherebutather.Henoticedasignpointingtothebasementthatread“Danceclub.”

Changingthetopic,hepointedtothesign.“Youhaveaclubnow?”

Jessicasmiledwider,herredlipsshowingoffherstartlinglywhiteteeth.Teeththatlookedlikethey

couldeasilyeathim.

Hetookastepback.
“Wedo.Popopeneditafewyearsago.”Shewinkedagain.“Ifyouwant,Igetoffatten,andthenwe

cango?”

Damonshookhishead,nothavingaproblemturningherdownflat.Shewasdefinitelynothiskindof

woman.

HethoughtofSam,theirhandsentwinedastheybreathedinthefreshmountainair.Thewayshe’d

pulledthehoodofherhoodieoverherwethairastheysatontheswingtogether.Herlegsdraped

comfortablyoverhis.

Herealizedthatwaswhathewanted.
Itwasshocking,howpowerfultherevelationwastohim.
“Excuseme?”Jessicasnappedinfrontofhisface.
“Sorry.”
Shefrowned,andhecouldtellallthehuntresshadgoneoutofher.“Goaheadandgetseated.I’ll

bringyouadrink.”

DamonmovedintotheroomandnoticedAntoniohadupgradedit.Theboothsandthetelevisionwere

fancier.Therewasalotmoreroomforpeople.

Herecognizedatableoffirefighters,somefromCplatoonatStation1,andsomefromdifferent

stationsonAplatoon.Damonwalkedovertothetable.“Well,wouldyoulookatthis—abunchofpigs
whocometothesameslopbucket.”

TheCaptainfromCplatoongrunted.“Andlookatthis—toocoolforschoolBostondecidedtojoin

us.”

Damonfrownedatthenickname,buttriednottoshowtoomuchemotion.
Anotherguysaid,“Yougonnaordertheclamchowda,Boston?”Itwasastupidjoke,buttherestof

thetablecrackedup.Eventhehorribleaccentmadehimcringe.

Wavinghishandinfrontofhisnose,Damonsaid,“Judgingbythesmellofthistable,youalready

finisheditallupandfarteditout.”

Theguyslaughedevenharder,elbowingandpointingattheclamchowderguy.
Capkickedoutthechairnexttohim.“Takeaseat.Thegame’sgoingtostartsoon.”
Damonshookhishead.“Nope,can’thangoutwithyouladiestonight.Meetingmybrothers.”
“Yourbrothers?”askedyetanotherguywhoDamoncouldn’tname.“Whatdoesthatmakeus?”
“Mysisters,obviously.”Yeah,Damonhadmissedthis.Nowayhewouldadmitit,butthisbanterand

brotherhoodwasjustoneofthereasonsSamhadbeenrightonwhenshesaidhe’dpickedtherightcareer.
“Allright,fellas,asthemayorofBostontoldthecityduringWorldWarII,”Damonsaidinhis,much
moreaccurate,Bostonaccent,“‘Keepclamandchowdahon.’”

Damonsmiledastheyalllaughed,andhemovedontoanothertable.
Someonebehindhimcalledouttohim.“RedSahxaregoingdowntonight.”
Perfect.PizzanighthadtofallduringtheonenightthenearbyRockiesplayedagainsttheRedSox.

Damonwalkedpastacoupleopenbooths,notwantingtobepartofthefiremensparringbackandforthall
night.

Jessicabroughtthedrinkandputitdown,notsayinganything.
Thatwasfinewithhim.
Hesatbackandwatchedthebigscreenwherethepitcherswerewarmingup.Hehadn’tpaidmuch

attentiontosportsthepastfewmonths,andhiscabindidn’thaveanywaytohookupatelevision,which
hadn’tbotheredhim.Baseballhadneverbeenhisfavoritesportanyway.Now,hetriedtolistentothe
announcersanddiscoverwhowasfavoredandhoweachteamwasdoingthisseason.

Beforeherealizedit,Nicksatnexttohim,callingouttothefiremantable.“Ican’tgetawayfromyou

guys.Iknowyouallwishyoucouldbecops,butyoudon’tgottafollowmearound.”Heignoredthe
repliesandlookeddownatthedrinkonthetable.“Hey,thanksforwaiting.”

ItmadeDamonfeellikeaheel.“Sorry,Antoniogavemethisoneonthehouse.”
Nick’slook,onethatsaid‘ofcourse,thefamousbrotherreturnsandgetsitfree,’madehimfeel

doublyworse.

DamonleanedupoutofhisseattocatchJessica’seyeandwavedherover.Heputuptwofingers.

“CanIhavetwomorejustlikethis?”

ThinkingofhisotherbrotherjoiningthemgaveDamonasmalltwingeofnervousness.“Where’s

Luke?”

Nickcheckedhisphone.“Shouldbehereanysecond.”HeseemedtosenseDamon’snervousnessand,

likeatruebrother,pouncedonhisweakness.“Readyforfamilytime?”

Damonshookhishead.“DidyougettheinformationIwanted?”
Nickpulledoutasmallstickynoteandhandedittohim.
Damonreadthepaper.“DonJohnson.Midwayaddress.Cleanrecord.Thisisn’thelpfulatall.”
NicksighedasJessicabroughttwodrinksandsetthemdown,winkingatNick,whowinkedbackand

followedherwithhisgazeasshewalkedaway.“Well,youdidn’tsay,‘Nick,beaprivateinvestigator
andfindoutallthetrashonourboy.’No,yousaidruntheplate.That’swhatcomesbackwhenyourunthe
plate.”Hepointedtothepaper.“AndwithaneightiesnamelikeDonJohnson,really?Ijusthavetoknow
onething.DoestheMiamisoundtrackcomeonwhenhewalksintoaroom?”

Damonscrunchedupthepaperandstuffeditintohisjeanspocket,notwantingtothrowitawayyet,

butnotgettingmuchreassurancefromit.HesmileddespitethefactNickhadn’tgivenhimmuch
information.“I’dforgottenaboutthatoldshow.”

“Why’dyouwantitanyway?”
Justthen,Lukeslidintothebooth,lookinglikehewasrunningforoffice,deckedoutinajacketand

tie.“Wantwhat?”heaskedcasually,takingthedrinkinfrontofhimandimmediatelyguzzlinghalfofit
down.ThenhetookthelittlenapkinJessicahadputdownbeneaththedrinkandusedittowipehisface.

Neitherofthebrothersreplied.
“Hey.”Nickoffered.
ButLukewasn’tonetoletthingsgoeveniftheyweren’tabigdeal.“Wantwhat?”heaskedagain,but

hefocusedonDamon.

Damoninstantlyhadthefeelingthathe’djustwalkedintoa“cometoJesus”momentwithhisbrother.

Onethatwouldeitherresultinmendingthingsorblowingthemup.SohefocusedonLuke,givinghima
challengingstare.“Noneofyourbusiness.That’swhat.”Hetookanotherswigofhisdrinkandavertedhis
eyestothetelevision.

Nickletoutaripplinglaugh,thekindthatsoundeduncomfortable,likeachilddealingwithdivorced

parentsandtryingtomediate.“Lookguys,canwenotdothis?Iwantedtobringustogetherbecause
we’relivinginthesametown,andit’dbenice.”

“It’dbeniceifsomeonehadtoldmeDamonwasmovingbacktomytown.”
“You’vetrademarkedit,haveyou?”Damonshotback.
LukestaredatDamon,returningthechallenge.“WellIdidn’tleaveit.”
“Stop.”Nickputoutahand.
DamoncouldfeelLuke’sdesiretoswingathim.Helongedfortheopportunitytoswingback.“What’s

yourproblem,Luke?”

Hegrunted.“You’vebeenmyproblemsinceIwasborn.”
Damonknew,onceagain,Nickhadchosenapublicplacetoensuretheydidn’tripeachother’sheads

off.

Morepeoplefunneledin,andsomepeopleDamondidn’trecognizesaunteredovertothetable,saying

hellotoLukeandNick.Ofcourse,Nickpolitelyintroducedthemtohisother,inhiswords,“lessgood-
looking”brotherandblabbedabouttheupcomingfight.

LukeseemedsurprisedwhenheheardaboutthefightandglancedatDamoninquestion.
Damonshruggedandsippedhisdrink.“Hewantstogethisbuttkicked.”
Lukeactuallysmiledandhailedthewaitressover,askingherforapepperonipizza.
Allthreebrotherswatchedasthefirstpitchwasthrown.
Luketurnedtohim.“IsupposeSamspoketoyou.”
Damondidn’twanttogiveanythingaway,sohejustnodded.“Yep,yourwisheshavebeenfulfilled,

KingFreestone.”

Lukedidn’tcomment.
NickgrinnedatDamon.“Ithinkyou’regoingtobesurprisedwhenIpoundyou.Beenworkingonmy

lefthook.”

“Yourfuneral.”Damonshrugged.
Luke’slipstwitchedagain.
Itwasacommondisputeamongstthebrothers—theyalwayswantedtoseewhotopdogwas.
DamondecidedtothrowabonetoLuke.“Ibetthisout-of-shapelawyercouldevenhandleya,Nick.”
Nickalmostchokedonhisdrink.“Hewishes.”
Luke’seyesconnectedwithDamon’sagain,bothofthemclearlymeasuringeachother’smoods.
“How’retherealestateprojects?”Damonasked,partlytomakepeaceandpartlytoacquire

informationaboutthisDonguyfromMidway.

Thepizzacame,andplateswereputdownwithastackofnapkins.Luketookapiece.“Good.I’m

developingalotofpropertyatthemoment.Deadlinesarecrazy,butIguessthat’sgood.”

Damontookapiece,andsodidNick.Theyallfellsilentasalongflyballwenttowardtherightfield

wall.TheRedSoxplayer—whoDamoncouldn’tevenname—caughtitinthewarningtrack.

“Whatprojectsareyouworkingonclosetohome?”Damontriedtoaskcasually.
Luketookabiteandchewed,andDamonwatchedthegearsinhismindturn.He’dalwayshadthat

samepensivelookwhenhewasthinkinghardaboutsomething.“There’sonejustoutsideofKimball
Junctionthat’satimesuck.Can’tgetthecontractortostayaround,andthecrewtakesafterthecontractor.
We’rebehindschedule,andpeoplearewaitingtogetthehousesdone.Rich,elitistpeoplewithattitudes.”
Hesighed.“That’spartofthereasonSamisherenowtohelpmanageallthat.”

Damonnodded.
“Thenthere’saprojectinMidway.Mytimetableiscomingwaytooquick.Mighthavetohiresome

guysmyself.”

Nickturnedtolookathim,understandingbutnotgivinganythingaway.DonwasfromMidway,He

mustbetheguy.

“Theguyincharge,Don,isarealjerkwhoownstheland.Nowhe’ssubdividingandworkingwith

ourbuilder,buthe’salwayschangingthings.”

DamonthoughtaboutMidway.“IsitbytheZermatt?”He’dheardabouttheresortafewyearsbefore

whenhe’dbeenskimmingtheParkCityNewspaper.Sometimes,eventhoughhewouldhavenever
admittedthistohisbrothersorfather,hewantedtoseehowthesportsteamsweredoingorwhatthe
communitywasupto.

Nickshookhishead.“Nope.It’sontheothersideoftownbetweenMidwayandHeber.Youknowthat

oldelementaryschoolthatusedtohostthefootballtournamentswhenwewerelittle?”

Damonlikedhoweasilythey’dallfallenbackinagain.Herealizedinthatmoment,whenhisbrother

hadreferredtohispast,he’ddesperatelymissedit.“Yep.”

Lukeactuallysmiled.“RememberthatyearourteamcreamedMidway?Andthatkidpunchedyouin

theface.”Helaughed.

“Hey.”Damonprotested.“HewasmadbecauseI’dscoredseventouchdownsonhim.”
Theyalllaughed.
Nickwipedhisface.“IthoughtDadwouldkillyouandLukebecauseLukejusthadtograbthekid

frombehindandpantshim.”

Theyallcollapsedtogether,roaringwithlaughter.
Damonrealizedhowgoodthisfeltandhowmuchhehadmissedit.TheBostonFDhadneverbeena

totalreplacementforthebrotherhoodthatrealbrothersoffered.

Thebottomofthefirstinningstarted,andtheyallsettleddownabit,watchingacoupleofRedSox

playersgetonbase.Someofthenameswerefamiliar,buttheonlyreasonDamonenjoyedwatchingwas
thecamaraderieofwatchingagametogether.Itwasjustlikeintheeveningsatthestationbetweencalls,
watchingwhateverlocalsportstimewasinseason.

Damoncouldn’tbelievehowcomfortableitfeltbetweenthem.HethoughtabouthowLukehadn’tsold

thecabinshisfatherhadlefttohim.Andhow,asNickhadsaid,hewasajerkninetypercentofthetime,
buttherewasatenpercentthatwasgood.Atonetime,heandLukehadbeenclose.Feelinggenerous,he
pickedupanothersliceofpizzaandofferedtohelp.“Icanswingahammerforyou.”

Luketurnedandgavehimaskepticallook.“Really?”
Damonnodded.“IdiditparttimebackinBoston.Gotmycontractor’slicense.”
NowLuketurned,takingakeeninterestinDamon.“Doyouhavetotakeanothertesttobelicensedin

Utah?”

Damonshrugged.“Probably.”
Lukelookedinterested.“Areyouevergonnatellmewhatcrapbroughtyoubackhere?”
Withthat,thetoneoftheconversationchanged.LukewasthelastpersonDamonwouldopenupto

aboutwhathe’ddoneinBostonandwhathe’dgonethroughsince.

Nicklookedbetweenthem,clearlynervous.“C’mon,guys.We’rehavingagreattime.”
“Shutup,Nick,”bothofthemsaidatthesametime.
Acoupleofminuteswentby,andnoneofthemspoke,suddenlycompletelyabsorbedinthebaseball

game.

Luketurnedtohim.“Yaknowwhat,it’sfine.Ifyouwanttoswingahammer,I’lltextyoutheaddress.”
“Fine,”Damonsaid,keepinghisvoicemeasured.
“Fine,”Lukeagreed.“I’llhavesomeonemeetyouonthesitewiththeplans.”
Therestofthegamewasspentinlightbanter.Bytheseventhinningstretch,theRockiesweredown

byeightandlookingatamajorblowout.

Damonstood.“I’mgoingtoheadout.”
“Metoo.”Lukeagreed.
“I’mstaying.”Nickstoodandthenputbotharmsaroundtheirshoulders.“See,boys,wasn’tfamily

timenice?”Heflashedagrin.

DamonandLukelookedateachotherandbothsaid,“Shutup,Nick.”
“Ah,whatever,”Nicksaid,wavingahandintheairatthem.“I’llmoveovertomypeeps.”Heheaded

foratablewhereacoupleofoff-dutycopsweresitting.

Astheywereleavingtheroom,TommySwensonandsomeguysfromhisshiftwerecomingin.“Hey.”

TommycalledoutobnoxiouslyandpointedatDamon.“There’stheguywhosefaceI’mgoingtoenjoy
rearranging.”

Damondidn’trespond,justnoddedtotheotherguys,buttheyallstoppedwithTommy.
LukeglaredatTommy.“Well,ifitisn’ttheguywholostthegameatstatethatyear.”
IfTommywereacartooncharacter,hewouldhaveshotsteamoutofhisears.“Shutup,Freestone.”

HepointedatDamon.“IfIrecall,itwasyourbrotherwholostthatgame.”

Lukescoffed.“IfIrecallcorrectly,mybrotherwasoutwithaninjurythatlastplay,andyouthrewan

interception.”

Tommyclenchedhishandintoafist,andDamonbracedhimselftofightinthewaralongsideLuke.
ButLukeonlysmiledandranacoolhandoverTommy’sshoulder.“Buthey,we’regrownupsnow,

right?Wedon’tactlikebarbaricheathensaboutstupidstuff,right?”

Damonhadtosmile.Lukehadalwaysbeenabletotalkhimselfoutofafight,andtonightitwasgood

hiscoolheadwashere.

TommyglaredathimandthenswungalooktoDamon.“Night,Boston.I’llbelookingforwardto

poundingonyounextweek.”

Theguystrailedoffafterhim,andLukeglaredatDamon.“Whatishetalkingabout?Ithoughtyou

werefightingNick.”

“Iam.ButIgottabeatTommyfirst.WinnerfacesNick.”
Lukescrewedhisfaceintodisgust.“Well,youbetterpoundhim.”
Damonsmiled.“Don’tworry.”
Lukelookedhimupanddown.“Lookslikeyou’vebeenpreppingforit.”
Damonlaughed.“You’vemademeprepforitmywholelife.”
TheygottothefrontoftherestaurantandwentoutontoParkCityMainStreet.Theplacewasalllitup

withlights,andtherewasabandfurtherdownthesidewalk.Thereweretouristscrowdingthesmall
sidewalk.

Damonlookedaround,andLukestayednexttohim.“So,isitgoodtobehome?”
Damonhesitated,noticingtheemphasisheplacedonthatword.Heletoutasigh.“Idon’tknowifit’s

home,Luke.Asyou’vepointedoutsooften.”

Lukesighed.“It’salwaysbeenhome,Damon.Youjusthavetodecideifyouwanttocomebackfor

good.”

Heshrugged,unexpectedlywantingtotellhimeverything,buthecouldn’t.Lukewouldn’tunderstand.
Lukegavehimaonce-over.“Okay,well,I’lltrustwhenyou’rereadytocomeclean,you’lltellme.”
“Fairenough,”Damonagreed,relieved.Hedidn’tknowifhelikedallthefamilyloveyetornot.

Didn’tknowifhetrustedit,orifhetrustedhimself.

Hedidn’thavemuchtimetothinkaboutitthoughbecauseagroupofwomenstoppedrightnexttothe

restaurant,andhesawher.Actually,hesawherlegsfirst.

amdidn’tknowwhyshe’dwornthestinkin’two-inchstilettos.Actually,strikethat.Shedid.They

wereredwithblackonthebottom,andtheywerethemostoutrageousshoessheowned.Callitstupid,but
shewantedtosassituptonight.Theladiesfromtheofficealwayssawherinstupid,boringlawyer
clothes.Whynotshowthemherkillergoing-outoutfit?

Sofar,they’dhadagreattime.They’dstartedatButcher’sBarandGrillfordrinksandappetizers.

Thenthey’dworkedtheirwayuptothehotnewdanceclubintown.AfterwalkingupParkCity’ssteep
MainStreet,herfeetwerefeelingit,andsheknewshe’dhavetolosetheshoestogetanyrealdancing
done.Shestillhadabandageonthecutfromafewdaysago,butluckily,itwasprettymuchhealedup.

ThegirlsshewaswithwereTina,fromthefrontdesk;Jackie,anotherassistantintheoffice;andagirl

namedSharon,afriendofJackie’s.It’dbeenfun,andthegirlstriedhardtoincludeher.Theproblemwas
theyallwerefromParkCity,andshehadkindafeltlikeathirdwheelthewholeevening.

Jackieturnedback,smilingather.“ItextedacoupleofguysIknowwhoaregoingtomeetus.”
“Okay.”Samknewshedidn’twanttomeetanybodyelse.ShethoughtofDamonandwonderedwhat

hewasdoingandifhecaredwhatshewasdoing,butshefeltsillyaskinghim.

Astheywaitedinfrontoftherestaurantthathousedtheclub,ittookherbysurprisetohearhername.

“Sam!”

Turning,itsurprisedherevenmoretoseeDamonandLukestandingacoupleoffeetaway,both

staringatherlikeshe’dgrownhorns.Shedidn’tknowifsheshouldbeembarrassedorhappy.Itfeltlikea
bitofboth.“H-hey,”shesaid,wavingahandawkwardly.

Damongaveherafunnylook.ThenbothheandLukejoinedthem.
“Luke,”Tinasaidnervously,likeshe’drunintotheprincipalwhenshewasditchingschoolwithher

friends.

Sharonhadadifferentlookonherfacethough,andLukeheldhergaze.
Hesmiled.“Sharon!”Sharontookhisarm,andDamonleanedintoSam.“Oldhighschoolfriends.”
“Oh.”
Theystartedchattering,andSamturnedbacktoDamon,whoshenoticedtheotherwomenwere

eyeing,buthewasclearlyonlylookingather.“So,what’sgoingon?”

Shelaughedandshookherhead.“Idon’tknow.ZoeysaidIshouldgooutandmeetpeople.”She

caughthimlookingathershoes.“Doyoulikethem?”

Thenhiseyeswerebackonhers,andtheyseemedtosmolder.“Ido.Alot.”
Shefelthercheeksredden.“Whatareyouguysdoing?”
Damonhesitated,likehedidn’tunderstandandthenlookedatLuke.“Oh,Nickhaduscometopizza

night.”Heshrugged.“Rockiesareplaying.”

“Oh.”SherealizeditwasthebaseballteamfromColorado.
“Whatareyoudoing?”heasked.
Shakingherhead,shespokefasterthanshewantedto,feelinglikeshehadtoexplain.“Tinaaskedthe

girlstogoouttonightandinvitedmetojoin.”

“So,dancing?”
Instantly,shewantedhimtocome.“Oh,yes,comewithus.Tinasaidshehadsomeguysmeetingus,

butI’dreallylikeitifyouwouldcomewithus.”

Sharonseemedtooverhear.Shetuggedonhisarm.“Luke,youshouldcomedancewithustoo.”
“No.”Lukeputuphishandsinsurrender.“I’mnotspoilingyournightbyhavingthebossthere.”He

grinned.

SamstaredatDamon,whoseemeduncertainuntilLukewassocertain.“Yeah,”hesighed.“Ibetter

getback.”

Shewantedtoaskwhathehadtogetbackto,butdidn’twanttobepresumptuous.Shenoddedand

movedwiththegirlsintheline.“Okay.”

LukeandDamonstartedbackingup.
“Hey.”Sharonsmiledatanewgroupofmen.“Theretheyare.”
Turning,hergutsank.TherewasDonfromMidway.
AndDamonwasgone.
Shefeltherselfgetpushedwiththeshuffleintotherestaurantandthenthroughtothelinewiththe

danceclubpeople.

Donseemedtohavearadarforherandmadeabeelineforherside.Hegrinnedina“letmetakeyou

tomyhouse”leeringkindofway.“Hey.Ididn’tknowyouwerecoming.”

Thefeelinginherguttoldherhesomehowhadknown.
Sharondidn’tcomebacktotalktohim,absorbedbytheotherguyswithhim.
Deflecting,shemotionedtotheotherguys.“Arethoseyourfriends?”
Oneoftheotherguysseemedinterestedinhertoo.Hewasblondandcute,andhemovedcloserand

putouthishand.“Hi,I’mSteve.”

Donstoodinfrontofhim,blockinghimout.“He’snobody.”Hiseyesrakedoverherbody.“You’re

lookinggreattonight.”

Inthatmoment,shewantedtopunchhislightsout,butshefeltherselfgettingpulledwiththestream

downthestairsthatledtotheundergroundclub,withhimnexttoher.

Itwasuncomfortable,andshedidn’tlikeit.
Heflashedheragrin,andshehatedbeingforcedtowalkdownthestairswithhimpressingsoclose

toher.Shecouldsmellhisheavycologneandfeltnauseated.“Okay,IhavetoadmitthatIkindofputa
buginTina’seartosetthisup.”

Shewasticked.That’swhyshe’dbeeninvited.
Thathurt.Soitwasn’tthatthegirlsintheofficereallywantedtobefriendswithher.
Theygottothemainarea,andtwoguyswerelettingpeoplein,oneblockingtheentranceandone

collectingmoney.

Donwhippedoutamoneyclipwithatonofbillsonit.“Here,Igotthis.”
“Ohno.”Shegrabbedforherpurse,gettingdistractedbythepeoplebumpingherandtryingtostayup

inherheels.“No,I’llpayformyself.”

Buttheywereatthefrontofthelinealready,andtheguywaswaiting.
“Here.”Donpushedforwardsomecash.
Samswipeditoutoftheguy’shand.“That’snotforme.He’snotpayingforme.”Shestumbledand

kneweveryonethoughtshewasanidiot.

“C’mon,Sam.Justletme.”Donbentdownandpickedupthebill.
Someoneelseputcashintheguy’shand.“She’swithme.”Toherutteramazement,Damonstood

there,hishandonherlowerback.Possessively.“Sorry,Iwasjustsayinggoodbyetomybrother.”He
soundedfunny.Heturnedtoher.“Who’sthis?”

Donscowledathim.
Hervoicecaughtinherthroat,andshecoughed.“ThisisDon.”ShelookedatDonthenbackto

Damon.“ThisisDamon.”

Damonputahandout.“Nicetomeetyou.”
Itwasthefriendliesttoneshe’deverheardDamonuse,andshecouldtellitwascompletelyfake.
Don’sscowldeepened,andhedidn’tattempttoreachforDamon’shand.“Yeah.”Heshookhishead

andsteppedthroughthebouncersstandinglikesoldierswhopartedtolettheirgroupin.

Turning,shesmiledathim.“Thankyou.”Shemurmured.
Damonkepthisarmaroundherwaist.“Ihopethisisokay?”
Theireyesmet,andallshewantedtodowasreachoutandtouchtheperfectlysexyscruffonhisface.

Shesmiled.“Youhavenoideahowyousavedme.”

Heleanedintoherastheywalkedtoanopenpartofthedancefloor.“Ithoughtyoudidn’tliketobe

saved.”

Flushing,sheshookherhead.“Shutupanddancewithme.”
Thesongthatwasonwasthepumpingkindofjump-up-and-downsong,whereyoulookedlikeafool,

butitdidn’tmatterbecauseeveryonelookedlikeafoolwithyou.

CatchingTina’seye,SamwatchedTinafrownandlookatDamon.ThenshewatchedasDonwent

backtothegroup.

Damonsurprisedherbypullingherintohimandpushinghisfaceintoherneck.“Ifyouwerewaiting

tomakeanannouncementaboutustothestaff,sorrytotellyouthecat’soutofthebag.”Gently,hepressed
hislipstoherneck.“Yousmellsogood.”

Shelaughed,realizingshehadn’teventhoughtaboutwonderingwhatanyoneintheofficewouldthink.

“Isthereanus?”

Themusicchangedtoaslowtune,andshelacedherarmsaroundhisneck.
Hemovedclosertoher,andtheywerealmosteyelevel.“Doyouwanttheretobe?”
Shecouldfeelherheartracing,andsheknewshewasblushing.
“You’retall.”Hewhispered,smiling.
Shesmiledback,feelinglikeafool.“Haveyoueverdatedatallwoman?”
Grinning,hereachedout,tookapieceofherhair,pulleditin,andsmelledit.“No.”
Shebattedathishand.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Helaughedandpulledhertighter,hummingthesong.“Goingcrazy.Whataboutyou?”
Lettingherselfrelax,sheputherheadonhisshoulderandgotlostinthemusic.
Forafewminutes,theyswayedbackandforth.
Shecouldn’tbelievehewashere,andshecouldn’tbelievethatDonhadshowedup.Andshecouldn’t

believehowgooditfelttobeinhisarms.

Thesongended,andDamongrabbedherhandtopullhertothesideofthedancefloor.
Tina,Jackie,Sharon,andDonwereallthere,nowjoinedbymorepeople.
Sharonsteppedforward,hereyesrunningupanddownDamon.“Damon.”Sheopenedherarms.“It’s

beenforever.Ididn’tevenrealizethatwasyououttherewithLuke.Youlookdifferent.”

Damonallowedhimselftobehugged.Then,tohersatisfaction,DamonslippedhishandintoSam’s,

asifstatingwe’retogether.“Nicetoseeyou,Sharon.”

Pointedly,SharonlookeddownattheirhandsandthenbacktoDon,whowastalkingstifflytoTina,

shootingthemdaggersofdeath.

“Soyou’reback?”Sharonasked.Samcouldtellshewasoneofthosetypesthatseemedinnocent,but

wasalwayslookingforthenextbitofjuicygossip.

Anothersongstarted,andDamondidn’tstayaroundtochat.“Yep.”HetuggedSambackouttothe

floor.

Shelaughed,butbeforetheygottoofar,sheputupafinger.“Holdup.Ihavetogetridoftheseshoes.

They’rekillingmyfeet.”Tuggingthemoff,shelookedforaspottoputthem.

Damontooktheshoesanddashedofftothebar,havingashortconversationthatendedwithhim

passingtheguytheshoesandsomemoney.

Thenhewasback,takingherhandandbendingtopickupherfoot.
Themotionputherslightlyoffkilter,buthisotherhandsupportedherbeforeshecouldfall.She

laughed.“Whatareyoudoing?”

Heputherfootbackdown.“Justhadtomakesureyouweretakingcareofthecut.”
“It’sfine.”Shelovedthatherememberedandcared.
Theystarteddancing.
Feelingfreeandlovingit,shelaughed,andbothofthemthrewthemselvesintothemusic.
AguyyelledoutDamon’sname.Samturnedandsawabigguypointingathim.
Inlessthantwoseconds,Damonyelledout“Turf!”Heandtheguywentchargingforeachotherand

actuallychest-bumpedintheair.

Peoplecheeredaroundthem.
Shecouldn’tbelievethiswasDamon.
Heturnedandgrinnedather,wavingherover.
“ThisisSam,”Damonsaid,takingherhand.Henoddedtotheguy.“ThisisJim.Hewasmyblocker

inhighschool.”

Shelaughed,andJimputhishandout,whicheasilydwarfedhers.“Nicetomeetyou.”Hedropped

herhandandturnedtoDamon.“Iheardyouwerekickin’aroundhereagain.”

Damonsmiled.“Yep.”
Samnoticedhissmilewasgenuineandlookednatural,likehewasenjoyinghimself.
“AndIheardyou’regoingtotakeonNicknextweekinthebigfight?”
Damonscoffed.“Yep,well.”Hehithimplayfullyinthechest.“Tommythinkshecantakemeinapre-

fighttoseewhofightsthecops.”

Theguyletoutaroaringlaugh,pushinghisheadbackdramatically.“LittleTommy.”Hesighed.“He’s

sofullofcrap.”

Damongrinned.Thenhisfacesoberedslightlyasifherealizedhewaskindofignoringher.“Okay,

well,goodtoseeya,Turf.”

Theguyslappedhimonthebackastheymovedbacktothedancefloor.
Thesongshiftedintoacountrysong,andDamontookherintoacountrydancehold,onehandonhers,

oneonherhips.

Shelaughed.“Idon’tknowhowtodancetocountrymusic.”
Hestoppeddancingandlookeddown.“Putyourfeetonmine,andI’llteachyouthetwo-step.”
Shebalked.“Right.Iweighmorethanahundredpounds.Youforget,you’redatingatallgirl.”
Hescowledandgaveheralook.“Idon’tcare.AreyousayingI’mnotmanenoughtocarryyouonmy

feet?”

That’sexactlywhatshewassaying.Shefeltfoolish.“No.”Shedroppedherhandsandstartedbacking

away.“I’mnotdoingthat.”

Hespunherbacktohim,puttinghishandsonherhipsandpullingherclose.“Fine,ifyoudon’twant

todothat,we’lljustdancethisonelikejuniorhighkids,swayingbackandforth.”Heflashedagrin.“We
couldaddsomemakingouttoo.”

Everypartofherwasonfire.Shehadneverdatedamanlikehim,orbeenwithamanwhoseemedto

knowhowtoworkher.Sosheputherhandsonhisshouldersandgrinnedback,knowingshewasflushed.
“Juniorhighkids,huh?”

Hiseyeswereonherlips.“Areyougoingtoletmekissyou?”
Shelaughed,throwingbackherheadandthenmeetinghiseyes.“Idon’tthinkyou’veeverasked

before.”

Hegotallintense.“Well,I’maskingnow.”Hedroppedtheswayingandjustheldher,staringather.“I

wouldn’twanttogetslappedoranything.”

Shecouldn’tstopherself.Itwaslikestoppingatornadofrompreventinganythinginitspathfrom

gettingsuckedin.“Kissme.”

Thentheirlipsweretogether.
Hepulledback,smiling.“Ikindoflikeyou,SamanthaWorthington.”
Shelaughed.“Ikindofnoticed.”
Thesongchanged,andhemotionedtotheexit.“Shouldweheadout?”
Shenodded.“Please,savemefromthisnight.”
Hestopped,tiltinghisheadandpointingather.“Ahahah,youaskedmetosaveyouagain.”
Shegiggled,feelinglikeajuniorhighgirl.“Shutup.”
Hegrinnedandnoddedtothegroupshe’dcomewith.“DoyouwanttosaygoodbyetoDonwhileI

grabyourshoes?”

Sherolledhereyes.“I’llsaygoodbyetothegirls.”Determined,shemovedtowardthemandstopped

nexttoTina.Sheputonafakesmile.“Okay,ladies,thanksforafunnight.I’llbegoinghomewith
Damon.”Atthispoint,shedidn’tcareiftheyweregoingtotalk.ShewantedtobeclearDonwasnother
type.

Dongaveherajiltedlookthenturnedawaywithoutsayinggoodbye.
Tinalookedguilty.“Okay,thanksforcoming.”
Alltheotherladiesandguysgaveherawaveasshewalkedaway.
Damonwalkeduptoher,takingherhandandpullingherintohimastheywalkedoutthedoor.“Man,

I’mgladIranintoyoutonight.”

Tobetruthful,Samdidn’trememberhowtheygotoutofthedanceclubandupthestreettoDamon’s

Jeep.Allsherememberedwasreachingdowntoputonherheelswhentheygotoutoftherestaurant,but
Damonshookhisheadandtookhershoes.“Crazy,getonmyback.”Hebentintoapiggybackposition.

“I’mwearingaskirt,”shesaidincredulously.
Heshookhisheadandmovedbacktoher,sizingherup,theninoneswoop,hepickedheruplikehe

waswalkingacrossthethreshold.“Okay,I’llcarryyouthisway.”

Shewouldhavebeenmadifshehadn’tthoughtitwassofunny.Allshecoulddowasbustinto

giggles.

Herushedupthestreet,whichturnedoutnottobeveryfar.Hepeereddownatherasheputher

down.“Areyoudrunk?”

Shegiggled.“No,Idon’tdrink.”
Henoddedandopenedherdoorforher.“Good.”
Aftershegotin,herushedaroundandjumpedintothecar.Itroaredtolife,andtheywereoff.
ThetopwasofftheJeep,andshefeltlikeshewasfree.Sheputherarmsupandyelled.“Wahoo!”
Heturned,grinningatherandlaughing,shiftingtoanothergearastheygottothehighway.Thenhelet

looseonthegas.“CanItakeyousomewhere?”Heyelledout,puttinghishandupintotheairtomatch
hers.

Shetookhishandandlacedtheirfingers.“Anywhere,DamonFreestone!”
Hiseyescaughthers,andsheknewshewasfallinginlove.

shortdrivelater,theypulleduptotheParkCityMountainResort.Theplacehadshopsandwasalllit

up,andtheskiliftwasstillrunning.

HeranaroundtheJeepandopenedthedoorforher,feelinglikehewasinhighschoolagain.Hetook

herhandandpulledherout,pullingherintohimandbreathinginthelemonscentofherneck.

Shegiggled.“Youalwayssmellme.”
Sheleanedintohisneck.Hefeltherlipsonhisskin,andhisadrenalinespiked.“Whoa,”hesaid,

pullingback,barelyabletocontrolhimself.“You’veneverkissedmeonmyneckbefore.”

Shegiggledandtriedtopullhimback.“NowIwanttoagain.”
Hegrabbedherhandandbeganpullingherwithhimastheyranupthesteps,pasttheshops,toaticket

booth.Hehadn’tdonethisinalongtime.“You’llhavetowait.”

“Whatarewedoing?”
Hegrinnedandboughttwoticketsforthezipline.
Shegiggled,andhepulledherwithhimastheywenttotheskiliftlabeledforthezipline.Therewas

nooneelsewaiting,sotheyjusthoppedrighton.

Shescootedclosetohim,andhetuckedherintohisshoulder.Sheplayedwithhishand.“Inever

imaginedI’dmeetsomeonewhenImovedhere.”

Hepulledbackfromherabitandthenleaneddownandgentlybrushedhislipstohers.“Meneither.”
Theysatbackandwaitedwhilethelifttookthemup.
Hedidn’tknowhowtoexplaintoherhowhefelt,howfastithadbeenforhim,andhoweverything

insideofhimtoldhimthiswasright,buttherewassomuchinhislifeshedidn’tknowabout.

Hepushedthosethoughtsoutofhishead,deludinghimselfwiththefactthatshe’dtoldhimshewas

leavingParkCity.Thiswasn’twhathewasthinkingitwas.Hetoldhimselftofocusonthismomentand
notworryaboutanythingelse.

Theygottothetop,hoppedoffthechair,andwenttothezipline.Onceagain,therewasnobodyin

line,andtheguyquicklyandefficientlyputharnessesonthem.

Hisheartwasracingwithanticipationandexcitement.
Shesmiled.“Ilovethiskindofstuff.”
Heknewthiswasthewomanforhim.He’ddatedgirlsthatwereprimadonnatypes,whoshiedaway

fromdoingstufflikethis,andhe’ddatedadrenalinejunkieslikehimself.ButSamwasdifferent.Shewas
smart,witty,beautiful,andlovedtohavefun.Anddang,hewasattractedtoher.

Onceagain,hisdoubtsurfaced.Whatwouldshedowhenshefoundoutthereasonhehadcomeback

toParkCity?ThathewasresponsibleforJamie’sdeath?

Theguywashookingherup,butshefrowned.“What’swrong?”
Quickly,hechangedthelookonhisface.“Nothing.”Hepunchedtheairdramatically.“Woo-hoooo!

Herewego!”

Theguyhookedthemtogether,andafewsecondslater,theyweresoaringdownthemountain.The

pineairandthelightsfromtheresortwhooshedbythem.Sheyelled,andthenheyelled,andbothofthem
staredateachotherwithpurejoyontheirfaces.

Damonlovedthisfeelingofflying,soaring,freedom.Leavingbehindeverythingthatdidn’tmatter.

Andtakingwithhimeverythingthatdid.

Atthebottomoftheline,heaskedherifshewantedtodoitagain,butsheshookherheadandtookhis

hand.“Takemehome,Damon.”

Hedidn’tknowifthelookinhereyewasthelookhethoughtitwas,butherememberedhertalkabout

waiting,andhetoldhimselfhewouldbeaperfectgentleman.Helikedhertoomuchtomessthingsup
withexpectations.

AftertheygotintohisJeep,theyflewthroughtownandbacktothecabins.Somanythoughtsand

emotionscircledhismind.

Howmuchhelikedher.Howhecouldseehislifewithher.
Sheheldhishandandletoutalittlelaugh.“IhavetosayIwasabitrelievedwhenyoushowedup.”
Hegrinnedwider.“Right,IwouldbetooifDonwereafterme.”
Shegrinned.Thenaguiltylookwashedoverherface.“Donhitonmetheotherdayatlunch,andthen

Tinasetthisdateup,andIguessDonrequestedit.Theguyseriouslycreepsmeout.”

Damonnodded.“Iknow.”
Shelookedskeptical.“Youknow?”
“IsawyoutheotherdayatPineapple’s,andIsawhimtrytokindofgrabyou.”
Shelaughed,butshookherhead.“Idon’tknowifIshouldthinkyou’rethestalkernow.”
Hegrinnedandsqueezedherhand.“I’monlystalkingyou.”
Shelaughed,andagain,hehadthedistinctfeelingshecouldbetheone.
Astheypulleduptothecabin,hesaid,“Ineedtotellyousomething.”
Sheleanedinandkissedhischeekthenhisneck.“Okay.”
Fireburnedinhim.Theykissedonthelips,andhepushedhishandsintoherhair.
Shepulledback.“Whatdoyouneedtotellme?”
Helaughed,feelingtheseriousnessofthis.“Ineedtotellyouaboutmypast,whatbroughtmebackto

ParkCity.”

“Okay.”
“Let’sgetout.”HeranaroundtheJeepandopenedthedoorforher.
Walkinguptheporchsteps,shesaid,“Comeinwhilewetalk.It’stoocoldouthere.”
Hecouldn’tbelievehownervoushefelt.Herealizedhewasn’tnervoustotellherthough.Instead,he

wasnervousshewouldn’tlikehim.Itsortofterrifiedhimbecausehehadn’tlikedanywomanlikethisfor
alongtime.

Sheflippedonthelightsandgesturedtothelivingroomcouches.“Sit.”
Butbeforehesat,hesawit.
Thecanvaswithhisfacehalfwaydrawnonit.
“Ohmygosh.”Sheranovertothecanvas,tookasheetandpulleditoverit.
Hecouldn’tstopthegrin.“Youpaintedme?”Whatcouldhesay?Itwasflattering.
“Shutup.”Shegrinnedandrushedbacktothecouch.
Hewaitedforhertositfirstandthensatacrossfromher.
“You’reactingweirdnow.”Shenarrowedhereyes.
Tuckinghisheaddown,herubbedthebackofhisneckandwonderedhowtotellher.Hetookadeep

breathanddecidedtojustgetitoutasfastashecould.

Sohewentthroughitall.Beingmadecaptainandthefirstcalltheywenton,sendingJamiein,trying

tosaveher,andendingupbeingtoolate.

Hetoldherthatheshouldhaveknownbetter.
Beforeheknewit,shewasnexttohim,holdinghishand,pullinghimintoher.“Shh.”
Thewordstumbledout,aboutnotbeingabletogetittogether.Aboutthepsychologists.AboutNick

comingouttogethimandhelpinghimgetajobhere.“TheworstpartisImetthisgirl,andshetellsme

shedoesn’twantmetorescueher,andIkindafeellikeshemightberescuingme.”

Hereyeswerelockedwithhis.
“AndIreallylikeher.”
Thenherlipswerepressedagainsthis,andhe’dneverhadsuchatenderkiss.Akissthatmadehim

feellikehewasforgiven.

Shepulledback,herhandrestingsoftlyonhisface.“Damon,Iknowyou‘save’people.That’swhat

youdo.That’swhoyouare.Butpeoplemakechoices.”

“No,Imadethatchoiceforher.Isentherin.”
“No.”Sheinsistedsoftly.“Shechosethesamelifeyouchose.Shechosethesamerisks.”
Damoncouldn’tdecideifhebelievedSamyet.Helookedaway.
Sheputbothhandsonhisfaceandmadehimlookintohereyes.“Yourgut,yoursaint,isstillthere.

Youknowit.Youcan’tdoubtyourself.”

“I…”
Shestudiedhiseyes.“Evenifyoucan’tbelievethatitwasherchoice,youhavetoforgiveyourself.

Youhaveto.”Tearsbubbledintohereyes.

Hefeltmatchingmoisturecloudinghisownvision.
Shepulledhisheadtowardher,restingherforeheadagainsthis.“Damon,youcan’trescueeveryone.”

onday,Samkeptcheckingthetimeonherlaptop.Itwasalmostseven-thirty.It’dbeenacrazyday,

andshe’dbeendraggedintomeetingaftermeeting,butDamonhadtextedandaskedifshecouldcome
overateight-thirtyforalatedinner.

Afterthat,thedayseemedtodragon.
Yesterday,theyhadgoneonalateafternoonpicnic,andthenhe’ddonesomethinghetoldherhe

hadn’tdoneinaforever.

He’dgonetochurchwithhisbrotherNick.
Itwasstrangetoherhowshe’dbecomesoclosetoDamonsofast.
Afterhe’dadmittedwhathappenedtohim,it’dmadeherlikehimevenmore.Therewasacomplexity

tohim,adarkness,apain,andadetermination.

She’devenpromisedshewouldgoseehimfightTommyandNickinacoupleofweeks.
Thenherphonerang.ShesawitwasJanet,andherstomachknotted.“Hello?”
“Sam,it’sZoey…”
ShetriedtousehermagicalpowertotapintowhereZoeywas.Frantically,shesearched,andthere

wasnothing.“What?Whereisshe?”Shejerkedtoastandingposition.

“She’sinthehospital.I’mgoingtherenow.”
GuiltassaultedSam.She’dbeensobusywithDamon,shehadn’teventhoughtaboutZoeyinthepast

twodays.

AllthoughtsofthatnightwhenherparentshaddiedandZoeyhadbeenseparatedfromthemflashed

throughhermind.Sherushedtogetherpurse,dumpingabunchoffilesoffofherdesk.

“Ah!”Shesanktothefloor,hermindonoverdrive.
“Sam,I’llbethere.It’sokay.”Janetinsisted.
Samleftthefilesandgotup,takingherkeysfromherpurseandrushingoutoftheoffice,runninginto

Lukeonthewayout.

“Areyouokay?”Lukeasked,eyeingherupanddown.
Samdidn’tevenanswer,justrushedoutandrantohercar.
Shespokeintoherphone.“I’mgettingonaplane.I’llbethereassoonasIcan.”

amonwasatthepropertyinMidway.He’dspentthewholedaywithNick.They’dworkedwith

Luke’screwandcontinuedworkingafterthecrewleftatfive.

Damonpoundedanailintoastudandlookedovertheirwork.Theyweregettingalotdone,and

Damonsuspectedthecrewhadworkedalothardertodaythanmostdaysfromthewaytheywere
grumblingaboutnotbeingabletotakeallthebreakstheywanted.

Nickwalkedovertohimandputahandonhisshoulder.“Youreadytoknockoff?”
Damoncheckedhisphone.Itwasalmosteight.“Yeah,ItoldSamI’dmeetheratmyhouseforalate

dinner.I’dbetterpickupsomethingandgetashowerbeforeshegetsthere.”

Nickmadeasmellygesture.“Yeah,man,youstink.”
Damonshrugged.
Lukewalkedin.“Ithinkyoubothstinkifyouaskme.”
ToDamon’scompletesurprise,Lukewasactuallydressedinjeans,aT-shirt,andworkboots.
“Goodtiming,brother.”Damonscoffed.“Showupwhenthework’sdone.Thingsneverchange.”
Lukecockedaneyebrowandliftedahammer.“Hey,anytimeIhavethechancetogetahammerclose

toyourhead,I’mgonnatakeit.”

DamonandNicklaughed,andLukejoinedin.
Dang,itfeltgoodtolaughwiththem.Toogood.Whatwasit,aweekagothathethoughthe’dnever

feellikethisagain?

Lukegesturedtothewalls.“Youguyshavebeenbusy.”
DamonandNickwentintoadetailedexplanationabouttheworkthathadbeendonethatdayand

abouttheplanfortomorrow.HeandNickhadtwodaysofftogetherthisweek,sothey’dagreetomake
themconstructiondays.

Fiveminuteslater,Damontookoffhistoolbelt.“Ihavetogo.”
Nickgrinned.“He’sgotadatewithSam.”Hesaiditlikeajuniorhighkid.
Lukefrowned.“Issheokay?”
Damonpaused.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Lukeshrugged.“Idon’tknow.IsawherwhenIwasleavingtheoffice,andsheseemeddistressed.I

askedherwhatwaswrong,andshejustranout.”

Worryhithiminthecenterofhischest.Hepulledouthisphoneandtriedtocallher,butitwent

straighttovoicemail.Hisanxietykickedupanotch.Hetextedher,butgotnothing.

Frustrated,hetookoff.“Gottago.”HeranoutofthebuildinganddownthestepstohisJeep.
Hegotinandspedoff,gettingontothefreewayheadedbacktoParkCity.Hetriedtocallheragain.

Butnoanswer.

Instantly,hismindwenttoZoey.Hewonderedifsomethingwaswrongwithher.Thatwastheonly

thinghecouldthinkofthatwouldmakehernotgetoffthephonetotalktoanswerLuke.

Hismindraced.
ThenhethoughtaboutDon,thestupidMidwayguy.
Hedismissedthat.No,thatfirewassquelchedtheothernightatthedanceclub.
Justwhenhewasabouttocallheragain,hisphonerang.

“Sam.”Hefeltoutofbreath.
Shedidn’tanswerforafewmoments,andhecouldtellshewascrying.
“Sam,what’swrong?”
“Ican’ttalkrightnow.I’mboardingaplaneforDenver.JanetcalledandtoldmeZoeyisinthe

hospital.”

Hecouldtellshewastryingtocontrolhervoice,andhecouldjustimaginehowworriedshewas.

“I’llcometoo.”Heofferedinstantly.

Sheletoutalittlesob.“No,I’mgettingontheplane.I’llbetheretonight.I’llletyouknowmore

tomorrow.”

“Okay.”Damonwantedtodosomething.Anything.Hismindwhirledwithpossibilitiesofhowhe

couldhelp,buthecameupshort.

“Thanks,Damon.Bye.”
“Bye.”
Thenthephonewentdead.

***

Thenextday,DamonworkedonthehousewithNickandthecrewagain,buthewasedgyallday.He
hadn’tsleptwell,andwhenhehadslept,he’ddreamedaboutbeinginthecenterofasmoke-filledroom
andhearingSamcallouttohim.

Now,hetriedtojustfocusonhammeringnails,themusicblaring,andlettingitallgo.
“Youokay?”Nickasked,comingupbesidehim.
Damonhammeredanothernailinwithonehit,thenturnedtohim.“Yes.”
“Liar.”Nickfrowned.“Haveyouheardanything?”
Damonwantedtogiveintothekneejerkreactionofrudeness.ButthiswasNick,andheknewhewas

genuinelyconcerned.Hedidn’tdeserveDamon’scrappyattitude.Heshookhishead.“Nope.”

Nicknodded.“Youwanttogogetsomethingtoeatwithmewhenwegetoff?”
Damonshookhishead.Eatingwasthefurthestthingfromhismind.“No,I’mgoingtokeepworking.”
Nickshruggedandwalkedaway.
Damonworkedtherestoftheday.Thecrewquit,Nickleft,andDamonwasstillsoengrossedinthe

building,hedidn’tevennoticewhenLukearrived.

“Hey.”
Damonalmostdroppedthenailgunonhisfoot.Heshookhisheadandglaredathim.“Don’tsneakup

onmelikethat!”

“Whoa!”Lukeheldoutabagfromthelocalhamburgerjoint.“Ibroughtyousomething.Nicksaidyou

were…especiallyfocusedtoday.”

Damonjustpickedupanothernail.“Nothanks.Yougotadeadline,andwe’regoingtomeetit.”
Heshotafewmorenails,gettingmoreirritatedwitheverysecondthatLukestoodthere.
“Damon,”Lukesaidloudly.“Juststopforasecond,okay?”
Damonstoppedandloweredthenailguntotheground.“Fine,youwantmetostop?I’llstop.”He

reallywantedtopoundsomethingorsomeone,andifLukewantedtobethetarget,sobeit.

Unfortunately,Lukedidn’ttakethebait.“Justsitdownandeatsomething.”
Damonwantedtofight,butsuddenlyhejustfelthungryandtiredanddefeated.“Fine.”Hetookthe

bag.

Lukegesturedtoastep.“Let’ssit.”
SoDamondid,pullingthewrapperoffachickensandwichandscarfingitdownwithouteventhinking

aboutit.

Lukesatnexttohim,notsayinganything.
Damoncontinuedtoeat,andLukehandedhimawaterbottle.Damontookit,openingitandguzzling

it,hatingalloftheseemotionsrumblingaroundinsideofhim.

“Igotanotefromthesecretarythatsomethingwaswrongwithhersister.”
Damonshrugged.“Yeah.”
Lukestilldidn’tpresshim.
Theybothsatthereforafewminutes.
Damonheardabuzzingonhisphoneandwhippeditout.
ItwasfromSam.Zoeyisnotdoingwell.Doctorsdon’tknowifshewillwakeup.Can’ttalk.
Damonstaredatit,notknowingwhattodo.
Lukelookedoverhisshoulder.“Ohman.”
Theybothjustsatthere.
Damontextedher.Doyouwantmetocome?
Immediately,shetextedback.No.
Damonclosedhiseyes,notknowingwhattodo.
Lukeshookhishead.“Dangit.”
Damontriedtofocusonbreathingdeeply,notgettingsuckedunder.
“Areyouokay,man?”Lukeasked.
Damonlookedoutintothenight,aplaceevendarkerthanhehadbeeninbeforehe’dbeenbrought

backtoParkCity.“Iwentcrazy.”Hesuddenlyconfessed.

Lukedidn’tsayanythingforaminute.Thenheleanedback,puttinghishandsbehindhimtoprop

himselfuponthestairs.“Iguessyou’retalkingaboutbeforeyoucamehome.”

“Yeah.”Damonsighed,unleashinghisemotionsfeltright.“MyfirstdayascaptainIsentinthisgirl.

Childreally.Jamiehadbeenthenewcandidateforaboutamonth.Shewasspunky.”Hethoughtofthefire
inthatgirl’seyes.“Hadachiponhershoulder.”Hegrinned.“Ilikedher.Ithoughtshewasoneofthe
bettercandidatesI’dseeninalongtime.Shehad…determination,yaknow?”

Lukeonlywatchedhim.
Heclearedhisthroat.“Myfirstday,thatmorning,shewasinmyofficeallfiredupabouthowshe

wasn’tgettingtodorealfirefighting.Shethoughtweweregoingeasyonherbecauseshewasagirl.”
Damonshookhishead,rememberingeverywordofthatinteraction.Rememberingthedeterminationin
hereyes.“Sothenextcallwewenton,Isentherin.”Hesighed.“Yaknow,lookingbackIremember
havingthatflashofasecondwhenIknewIshouldn’t.WhenitwaslikeIcouldseeallpiecesofthe
puzzleinfrontofmeduringthefire,andIknewwhoneededtogowhere,whoneededtostay,butshewas
therestaringatme.Icouldfeelherneedtogo,soIdidit.Isenther.Herdeathisonme.It’smyfault.”

Lukedidn’treact,onlynodded,thenlookedaway.“Youremindmesomuchofdadwhenyouactlike

you’reresponsibleforeverysinglepersoninyourpath.”

Damontensed.“No,dadwasacontrolfreak.”
Lukesnorted.“You’resoundingthesame.”
“Shutup.”
Lukesighed.
DamonabruptlyknewthatLukehadalreadyknown.Hecouldtell.Heshookhishead.“Nicktoldyou,

didn’the?”

Lukemethisgaze.“No.”

Damon’sgutstillsaidhehadknown.“Butyouknew.”
Givinghimaremorsefullook,Lukesighed.“OfcourseIknew.ThedayIsawyouatmyhouseIcalled

youroldfiredepartmentandfoundout.”

Damonglaredathim,buthewasn’tsurprised.“Ofcourseyoudid.Who’sthecontrolfreaknow?”
Neitherofthemspokeforseveralmoments,andDamonthoughtabouthowsimilarbothofthem,

actuallyallthreeofthem,weretohisfather.

“What?”
Damonexhaled.“YouknowdadandIdidn’tseeeyetoeyeonmuch,andthat’spartofwhatkeptme

away.”

Luke’sjawclenched,andDamonknewthiswasunsettledterritory.“ButIguesshedidraiseustobe

competent.Tobedecent.”

AngerflashedinLuke’seyes.“Don’tyoudareblameyourissuesondad.”
Damonscowled.“Iwasn’tblaminghim.”Thecenterofhischestfeltheavy,andhewantedtoquit

talkingaboutthepast.

“Youstayedawaybecauseyouwereembarrassedyouquit.”Lukespitthewordsout.
Withoutthinking,Damonclockedhimandstoodinonemotion.
Ithadn’tbeenafairpunch,butsometimesthingsweren’tfairwithbrothers.
Lukestumbled,fellback,andthenjumpedtohisfeet.Hisfacewasred,andhishandbrushedhislip.

“Yousonofa—”ButheneverfinishedbecauseherushedatDamon,dippinghisshoulderasifmakinga
tackleinfootball.

Damontookthetackle,holdinghimandflippinghimastheyhittheground.
Fightinginaconstructionzonewasn’tabrilliantthingtodo,butneitherofthemcared.
Damonturnedhimonhisbackandheldhimdown.“Youhavenoideawhathappenedbetweenmeand

dad.Don’tactlikeyoudo!”ItwasobviousthatDamonwasinfarsuperiorphysicalshape.Plus,he’d
beentrainingforthefightlately.

Lukegrowledathimthenusedhisheadtobutthiminthechin.
Sharppainpulsedthroughhisjaw.
Lukeusedthedistractiontohisadvantageandmanagedtorollandthengetakneewedgedbetween

them.Hepushedhimoffandscrambledtohisfeet.

Damonheldhischinforasecondandpreparedforanotherattack.
Lukeonlyglaredathim.“Thentellme.Tellme!”Heroared.“Youleftandnevercameback.Howdo

youthinkthatmademefeel?Me?AndNick?Doyouknowhowmanytimesheaskedwhyyounever
visited?Doyou?”TearsfilledLuke’seyes.

AllthefightwentcompletelyoutofDamon.He’dbeenselfish.Atthismoment,herealizedtheextent

towhichhisownproblemsanddemonshadaffectedothers.

Hewasspeechless.
Lukestilldidn’tmove.“Whathappenedbetweenyouanddad?”
ItwaslikeDamonhadsuddenlybeengutpunched.HeknewLukedeservedananswer.Lettingouta

breath,heturnedawayfromhim.“WhenIquit,heflewout.”Damonturnedback,staringLukeintheeyes.
Thisbrotherwhothoughthetrulyhadabandonedhim.Whodidn’tknow.“HetoldmeIwasa
disappointment,andIshouldstayinBoston.”

Thepainofithaddulledovertheyears,butatthismoment,itrippedthroughhischest.
Lukeblinkedandsuckedinabreath.“What?”
Thestrangethingaboutthetruthwashowonceitwasoutitdidn’thaveasmuchpowertotorment.

Damonwantedtoexplainnow.“DadtoldmeIhadallthepotentialintheworldandhe’dusedenough
politicalcapitalonme.Nowitwastimeformetobeonmyown.”

Lukerockedback,shakinghishead.“Ican’tbelieveit.”

Lookingathisbrother,Damonrealizedheshouldn’thavelethisfatherdictatehisactions,buthehad.

Theironywasn’tlostonhimthateverythingDamonhadthoughtwastrue,thathedidn’treallyhavefamily
anymore,wasn’ttrue.ItwasclearonLuke’sfacehowmuchhe’dbeenhurt.

TearswelledupinLuke’seyes.“I’vemissedyou,bro.Dadshouldn’thavedonethat.”
Damonfelthisowneyesmoisten.“Ishouldhavekeptintouchwithyounomatterwhat.”Damonfelt

likeajerkandwipedhisnosewithhisshoulder.“I’msorry.”

Lukelookedlikehedidn’tknowwhattosay.
“Youkepttabsonmeanddidn’tsellthecabinsevenwhenyouthoughtIwasjustajerk.”
Lukecockedaneyebrow.“You’remybrother.Ofcourse,Ikeeptabsonyou.”
Truthbetold,hedidn’tdeservehisbrother’sconcern.Heturnedaway.
Thenhefeltagentlehandonhisback.“Nickdidtherightthingbringingyouback.”
TohavehisbrotherknowandunderstandmeantmoretoDamonthanhecouldexpress.Hismind

flashedtothepastsixmonths.ToeverythingthathadledhimbacktoParkCity.

Lukepulledhishandback.“Andyoudidtherightthingwiththatcandidate.Yougaveherachanceto

beafirefighter.That’sallanyofuswant.Achancetodowhatwelove.”

Heturned.Theireyesmet,andhesawtearsinhisbrother’seyes.
ThenLukeleanedforwardandhuggedhim.
Damonlostit,anditwaslikeoneofthoseannoyinglymushyscenesinamoviewherefencesare

mended.

Damonstood,pushingthetearsoutofhiseyes.
Lukestoodtooandwipedhisowneyes.“Man.”
Damonshookhisheadandunbuckledhistoolbelt.“I’mgoingtogohome.”
Lukewaitedforhimonthesteps.“Doyouwanttosleepinoneofmyguestroomstonight?”
Damonsawthecompassiononhisfaceanddecidedtokeepsharing.“YouknowtheworstpartisI

toldSamallthiscraptheotherday,andyouknowwhatshetoldme?”

Lukeshookhishead.
“ShetoldmeIdidn’thavetorescuepeople.Thatpeoplemakechoices.”Hewalkeddownthesteps

andouttohisJeep.

Lukefollowedhim.“Shewasright.”
Damonshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Butnowshe’stherewithherdruggiesisterinthehospital,and

I’mscaredforher.IjustwonderifI…ifIcanbethereforher.IfIcanhavethestrength,thefaith,tohelp
herlikeshedidme.”

Lukeshookhisheadthenputupahand.“Allwecandoispray.”MoretearsfilledLuke’seyes.

“That’swhatIdidforyoueverynight,bro.That’swhatIstilldoforyou.”

Damoncried,andtheyhuggedagain,andthentheybrokeapart,laughingathowridiculoustheywere

being.

“Ohman.”Damonsniffed.
“You’resuchagirl.”Lukeagreed.
Bothofthemstoodthere.Damonwasgrateful,sogratefulinthismoment.
Lukestartedtomovetohiscar.“Bro.”
DamonstoppedonhiswaytohisJeepandturnedback.
Lukeletoutadeepbreath.“Theonlythingwecanreallydoforthepeopleweloveisbethere.”
Damonthoughtabouthowhisbrotherswerehereforhim.Howtheyalwayshadbeenthereforhim

whetherherealizeditornot.HenoddedatLuke.“Thanks.”

DamongotintohisJeepandmadeacommanddecision.HewasgoingtoDenver.Hewhippedouthis

phoneandcalledNick.

“Yeah.”

“IneedyoutofindoutwhereZoeyWorthingtonlivesandwhathospitalshe’sin.”
Nickhesitatedthenclearedhisthroat.“Hersister,Ipresume.”
“Yep.”
“Damon,doyouknowwhatyou’redoing?”
“Nope.Anddon’tgivemesomecrapaboutethics.”
Hesighed.“Fine.I’lltextyou.Goodluck,man.”

amsatinthehospitalroomnexttohersister’sbed.Theonlysoundswerethemonitorbeepingand

Janetturningthepageofamagazineeveryfewminutes.

SamheldZoey’shand,herchairscoocheduptoherside.Thedoctorhadhopedshewouldwakeup,

butshehadn’t.Thetoxiclevelfromthedrugsweretoohigh.Atthispoint,theydidn’tknowwhatwould
happen.Shefeltcompletelydrainedandnumb.

Shecouldn’tstopbeatingherselfup.Whathadshebeenthinking?Sheshouldhaveknownshecouldn’t

leave.WhyhadsheletZoeystaybyherself?

Theloser,Tim,hadshownhisfaceearlier,andshethoughtJanetwouldkickhisbuttfromhereto

Timbuktuifhedidn’tleave.Sohe’dleft,lookingstricken.

Thelasttwodays,shehadn’tslept,andshe’dbarelyeaten.ShehadonlylefttoshoweratJanet’s

beforecomingstraightback.

IftherewasonethingSamwasn’tgoodat,itwaswaiting.Shewasgoodatpouringoverlegalbriefs

orgoingforarunorfiguringoutwaystodistractZoey,butshewasn’tgoodatjustsittinghere.

Bendingherhead,shedidsomethingshehadn’tdoneinalongtime—sheprayed.Shedidn’teven

knowhowtotellifitwasworking.

“Sam.”
Forasecond,shedidn’topenhereyesbecauseshedidn’tbelievehewasthere.
Thenshedidopenthem,andtherewasDamon.Hestoodinthedoorway,wearingjeans,ablackT-

shirt,andhisleatherjacket.Thefirstthingshe’dnoticedwasthathe’dshaved.Completelyshaved.All
hisfacialhairwasgone.Somehow,helookedyounger,moreinnocent.

Shedidn’tmove,didn’tknowwhattosay.WishingshecouldjumpupandintroducehimtoZoey.

Wishing…

HeeyedJanet,whostaredathimlikehewasaGreekgodsentdownfromOlympus.“H-hi.”
Damonnoddedandputhishandouttoshakehers.“I’mDamon.”
Janetstoodandshookhishandthenlookedather.
Samstilldidn’tmove,didn’tfeellikeshecouldletgoofZoey’shand.Likeherhandmightbetheonly

thingkeepingZoeygroundedtothisearth.

DamondroppedJanet’shandandthenasked,“CouldItalktoSamaloneforabit?”
JanetseemedflooredbythefactDamonwashere,butsheonlynodded.“Sure.”
Hetookachairandscrapeditonthebottomofthefloorupnexttoher.“Hey.”Heputhisshoulder

nexttohersandgaveherabump.

Wassheinacatatonicstate?Maybe.Itfeltlikeshecouldbe.
Thenhishandwaslightlyonherback.Withgentlepressure,herubbeditbackandforth.“Hey.”
Shefeltherselfloosen.Feltthestrengthofhimseepintoher.Shethoughtaboutthepasttwoweeks,

meetinghim,knowinghim,lovinghim.Tearsinstantlywelledintohereyes,andshelookedbackathim.
“Hey.”

Hisarmwentaroundher,andhepulledherintohisshoulder.
ShestillhadherhandonZoey,butitfeltgood,solid,tohavehimthere.
“Iknowyoudidn’twantmetocome,butIhadto.”

Shefeltastreamoftearsstartdownhercheeks.Shethoughtaboutherwholelife.Howshe’dbeenthe

strongone.Alwaysheldittogether.Pushedthrough.KeptthepeacewithJanet.FoughtforZoey.Pushed
allofthemtobeafamily.Now,therewassomeoneelse.Hewashere,andshedidn’tknowhowhe’d
gottenhereorexactlyhowhe’dendedupinherlife,butshecouldn’tevenputtogetherallthewordshis
beingheremeanttoher.“Thankyou”wasallshecouldsay.

Hehuggedhertighter,gentlywipinghertearsaway.“Shh,it’sokay.It’sgoingtobeokay.”
Notbelievinghimentirely,shereflectedonhowitdidfeelbetter,howjustbeingtogetherfeltbetter.

“I’mscared,Damon.I’mreallyscared.”

Helethergoandthentookherfreehand,gentlysqueezingit.“Iknow.”
Hisbeinghereseemedtounlockeverythinginsideofher,andshesuddenlycouldtalk.“It’smyfault.

Allofit.Herbeinghere.Herbeingabouttodie.Ididthis.Ilefther.”

Damondidn’tspeak.
“Iwassoselfish.Sheneededme.”Shebrokeintotearsagain,bendingtotuckintohisshoulder.
Heheldher,gentlyrubbingherhairbackfromherhead.“No.No.That’snottrue.”
Butshewasreadytofightaboutit.“Yes,itistrue.Itis.Shewasmadatmeforleaving,andIwas

blindedby—”

“Payingyourbills?”Damon’svoicehadtakenonaroughertone.Hepushedbackfromherandputhis

handsonhershoulders.“Youlisten:youtookgoodcareofher.Youwantedhertocomewithyou.You
havealwaystakencareofher.Shemadeachoice.”

Samrecognizedthespeechhewasabouttogiveher;she’dgivenittohimfirst.
“Wecan’tcontrolpeople’schoices.We’renotmeantto.”
Shestood,jerkingawayfromhimandmovingacrosstheroom,hatingthatshehadletgoofZoey’s

handbutknowingshecouldn’tbeinproximitywithDamonatthemomentwhenhewasgivingherthis
speech.“No.”

Damondidn’tmove,juststaredather.
Tearsfilledhereyessofastshecouldn’tpushthemaway.“Don’tgivemethechoicesspeech.Don’t.

Okay?Thiswasdifferent.Thisismysister,”shesaidvehemently.

Damonstoodandslowlymovedovertoher.“Iknowwhatit’sliketoberesponsibleforsomeone’s

death,okay?”Tearsfilledhiseyes.

Emotionstuckinsideherthroat,andherowntearsfell.
Hetookherhand.“Let’ssit.It’sokay.”
TheymovedbacktoZoey,andshetookherhandagain,feelingbetternearher,butnotwantingtoface

thetruth—thetruthDamontoldher.

Shedidn’tbelieveit.ThiswasnotZoey’sfault.Thiswashers.

***

Fortwomoredays,Damonstayedbyhersideatthehospital.

HebroughtherandJanetfood,hetalkedwithJanetandgottoknowher.HekeptclosetoSam,and

Sambegantorealizehowmuchhehadbecomeapartofherlife.Howmuchsheneededhim.

Everytimeadoctorcamein,hewaswithher,tryingtodecipherwhatthenextstepshouldbefor

Zoey.

WhenTimshowedupagainandrefusedtoleavewithoutseeingZoey,Damonarbitratedbetweenhim

andSamandJanetandtalkedthemintolettingTimstayintheroomwithDamon.Hewouldmakesureit
wasokaywhiletheywenttothecafeteria.Theygrudginglyagreedtoit.

AssheandJanetwalkedtothecafeteria,Samkeptquiet,notthinkingaboutanythingexceptTimand

hisjerkfriendswhohaddraggedZoeydown.Amillionthoughtsranthroughhermind,allculminatingin
thebeliefthatsheshouldhavepreventedthissomehow.

Theyreachedthecafeteria,andSamsatatatable.Shewasn’thungry;shedidn’twanttoeat.
Janetboughttwoapplejuicesandtwobagels,bringingthembackandpushingoneovertoher.
SheandJanetlockedeyes.
It’dbeenalongtimesincethey’dtriedtotalk.Forthepastfewdays,alltheyhaddonewasshare

bitingquips.

Janettookabite.“Youshouldeat.”
Samshookherhead.“Yournoselooksgood,”shesaid.
Janetsippedsomejuice.“Youknowthisisn’tyourfault,don’tyou?”
AngersurgedinsideofSam,butshedidn’twanttofightwithJanet.
Janetsighed.“Youdon’thavetosayit,okay?Iknowthisispartlymyfault.IknowI’vebeenselfish.”
Samwasshocked.
Atearfelldownherface.“Ilovehertoo.Maybeyoudon’tthinkso,butIdo.”
Samsatinsilenceforamomentbeforeaskingsomethingshe’dbeenwonderingaboutsinceshe

arrived.“Where’sDavid?”

Janetshrugged.“IguessIdidn’ttellyouI’mgettingadivorce.”
Samdidn’thaveitinhertofeeltoobad,butshewassurprisedshedidhavealittlecompassionfor

Janet.

“I’msorry.”Janetsighed.“It’sbeenintheworks,butIwasindenial.”Shesoftlytouchedhernose.

“That’spartlywhyIgotthestupidsurgery.IthoughtmaybeifIlookedbetter,hewouldwantmeback.”

SamthoughtabouthowJanethadbeenjustaslostassheandZoey.She’djustdonedifferentthingsto

showit.Withoutthinking,Samreachedoutandtookherhand.

Janet’seyesfilledwithtears.“I’mscared,Sam.”Suddenly,Samsawherteenagesisterfromallthose

yearsago.Thevulnerableoneshehadn’tseensincethenightherparentswerekilled.

Samscootedclosertoher,andtheywrappedtheirarmsaroundeachother.“I’mscaredtoo.”
“Idon’tknowifIcantakeitifshedies.”Janetcried.
Samheldhertight.“She’snotgoingtodie.”ButSamdidn’tknowforsure.ShetookJanet’shand.

“Let’ssayaprayer.”

Janetpulleditback.“Ican’t.IstoppedbelievinginGodalongtimeago.”
Samsqueezedhereyesshut.“Iknow.”Shesighed.Shedidknow.Itfeltlikeeveryoneshe’dever

loveddied.Lefther.Sheletoutalightlaugh.“Maybeweshouldpraytoasaint.”

Janetfrowned.“What?”
Samshookherhead.“Nothing.”Shereleasedabreath.“AllIknow,Janet,ismomanddadwould

wantustosayaprayer.”

AstraytearfelldownJanet’scheek.Shenoddedandtookherhandagain.“Okay.”
Theybowedtheirheadsandprayed.NosoonerhadSamraisedherheadthananurseranuptotheir

table.“Youneedtocomequick.Shejustwokeup.”

weeklater,DamonwaitedonSam’sstepsandwatchedhercarpullin.Damonhadwitnesseda

miraclewhenZoeyhadwoken.He’dwitnessedanothermiracleinthewaySamhadbecomeclosertoher
sisters.Bothsisters.

He’dgonehomethedayaftershe’dwoken,andit’dbeenaweeksincehe’dseenSam.Janetwouldbe

bringingZoeyoutinacoupleofweekstocheckintoarehabfacilityinParkCity.Nickhadhelpedthem
figureitallout.

Damonstood,movingtothesideofhercar,unabletocontainthereliefandhappinessatherbeing

back.Heopenedthedoorforherandhelpedherout.Sheimmediatelycrumpledinhisarms.

Hehuggedhercloser.“I’mgladyou’rehome.”Itstruckhimasfunnyhowdifferentthatwordsounded

now.Yes,Samwashometohim.Here,ParkCity,washometobothofthem.Hetookinthesmellofher
strawberryshampoo,andheclosedhiseyesandkeptheragainsthim.

Shepushedawayfromhimandleaneduptokisshim.
Herlipsweresoftandminty,andsuddenly,herealizedhowmuchhe’dmissedher.Heneverwanted

tolethergo.

Shelaughedandpulledback.“Hey,don’tyouhaveafighttogetto?”
Heshrugged.“MaybeI’lljustskipit?”Hecoulddefinitelyskiptheego-drivenfightforher.
“No.”Shegrinned.“YouhavetopoundTommy.”
Hekeptherclosetohimandkissedheragain.Secondslater,hewaslost.Heranhishandsthroughher

hairandlovedthefeelofheragainsthim.

Laughing,shepulledback.“Ithinkyoumissedme?”
Hereyeswerebewitching,andalllogiclefthisbrain.“Understatement,counselor.”Hekissedher

again.

Shelaughedharder,andhelaughedtoo,spreadingkissesdownherneckandintoherhair.
“Go.”Sheordered.“I’llmeetyouoverthereinalittlebit.”

***

AsDamonstoodoutsideofthemakeshiftboxingringatthestation,hetriedtoignorethemenshoutingand
themusicpoundingthroughhimsoloudlyhecouldn’tthink.

Nickstoodnexttohim,andLukewasontheotherside.Nickgrunted.“Youreadyforthis?”
HerolledhiseyesatNickdismissively.“Whatareyoudoinghere?Youwanttoseeapreviewof

what’sgonnahappentoyounextweek?”

Nicklaughed.“Nope,justheretowatchyoupoundthecrapoutofSwenson.IhatetheguymorethanI

careaboutthefactyourfacewilllooklikedogmeatwhenIgetyouinthering.Iexpectthefighttonightto
goone,two.”Hemadeajabandahookmotion.“AndTommytotheground.”

Lukesighed.“Ican’tbelieveyouallarestilldoingfightslikethis.”Helookednervousasheclenched

andunclenchedafist.“You’regonnatakehimoutquick,right?”Heflashedagrin.

Damongrinnedback.“Heckyeah—one,two.”Itfeltgoodtohavehisbrothersheresupportinghim.

Hehadn’trealizeduntilthelastcoupleofweekshowmuchhe’dmissedthem.Howmuchheneededthem.

Tommywalkedoutintotheshop,withgroupiessurroundinghimlikehewasMikeTysonor

MuhammadAli.

ThemusicinstantlychangedtoaRockysong,“EyeoftheTiger.”Lukelaughed.“Ohman,thisguyis

fullofhimself.”

JakeappearedatDamon’sside.“Hey,thisguyisusingoursong!”Helookedticked.
Insteadofgoingtohiscorner,TommywentstraightforDamon.
Damonhadhisgloveson,andhewasbouncingbackandforth,keepinghisbloodpumping.Hespotted

somethinginTommy’seye.Somethingboastfulandmean.

TommypointedatDamon.“Holdon,Ijusthaveonethingtosayfirst.”
Damondidn’tlikethefeelingthatpassedintohisgutlikeawarningofillbodinginthestorm.
Suddenly,themusicwascutandeveryoneseemedtogathercloser.
“Hey,buttwipe.”TommygrowledatDamon.
Damonfroze,staringintotheuglymugofTommyandfeelinglikethisfacewasjustthefacehewanted

tobreak,andhewasmorethanreadytobreaksomething—specificallyTommy’sface.

“Whoa.”Nicksawthelookonhisbrother’sface.HeturnedtoTommy.“Justgetyourbuttintothe

ring.”

“Ha,ha.Howsweet.”Helookedatbothbrothers.“Youguysaresotightnow,aren’tya?Howsweet.

TheFreestonebrothersrallytosupporteachother.”

Lukesteppedforward.“FollowNick’sadviceandgetinthering,Tommy.”
AllofthemcouldfeelTommywasuptonogood.
Tommywouldhavenothingofthat.Helaughedandturnedtothecrowd,raisinghisvoice.“Youguys

heardthemostrecentjokearoundthefirehouse?Well…”Hiseyesweresteel,blackplungesofdarkness
aimedatDamon.“Well,mynewjokeanyway.”

Noneofthemsaidanything.Noneofthemhadamomenttosayanything.
Tommy’seyesweredark.“Yeah,abuddyofminefromafirehousebackEasttoldmeaboutthisguy.

CaptainFreestone,Ithinkitwas,whoonhisfirstcallever,madeabadcallandlostsomebody.Like,
killedthem.Dead.”Heemphasizedthelastword.

Damon’sheadfeltlikeitwasswirling.Hefeltlikehewasthereagain.He’dsentinJamieMills,the

newcandidate,andJamiehadbeensoeagerandfresh,andhe’dtoldhernottogoupthestairsonlyto
clearthemainlevel.Heflashedbacktorunninginandupthestairsandthewayherbodywaspositioned
fromthebeamfalling.Hestumbledback.

“Youlittle…”Lukeranforward,swinging.HehitTommysquareinthejaw.Tommywasn’texpecting

it,andhestumbledbackandthenstartedtofightback.

NickgrabbedLuke,pullinghimoutofthewayinthenickoftime.“Hey,calmdown.Let’snotdrag

everyonetojailtonight.”

ButTommywaswoundup,pointingatLuke.“Assaultchargesrighttherefortheattorney.”Thenhe

pointedatDamon.“Andthatidiotcan’tevenmove,clearasday,it’strue—hekilledthatwoman!”

Thewholeplacewasquiet.
BeforeDamonrealizedwhatwashappening,NickswungatTommy,hittinghimagain.
Theplaceexploded.
DamonsuddenlyunfrozeandnoticedsomeofTommy’sfriendswereholdingbackNickandLuke

whileTommyandsomeofhisotherfriendswerewindinguptopoundthem.

Damonmovedforward,runningthroughthegroup,straightatTommy,hisheadtucked,hailingbackto

hisoldfootballdays.“Don’tmesswithmybrothers!”HerammedTommyinthegutandtheyfelltothe

floor.

AmessyscuffleensuedbetweenhimandTommy.
Ofcourse,itdidn’tlastlong.GuyswerepullinghimandTommyapart,andthenCaptainCastrowas

there,tickedasheck,orderingthemalltostanddown.

Sirenspiercedthesilence,andthecaptainshookhishead.“Icomeinlatefromfinishingpaperwork

andthisiswhatIget?”Hefumed.“Well,Iguessyouclownsallwonyourselvesatriptojail.”

amdroveuptothefirehouseandnoticedthesirensflashinginfront.Heradrenalinespiked,andshe

wonderediftherehadbeenanaccidentwithDamon.Sheparkedandrushedoutofhercarjustasa
policemanpulledDamon,hishandscuffedbehindhisback,outofthefirehouse.Trailinghim,alsoin
cuffs,wereLukeandNick.

Allofthemlookedsweatyandtickedoff.
“Youdon’thavetoputusinjail,officer,”Lukespokeloudly.“Swensonbetternotpresscharges,or

he’sgoingtohavethepowersofhellraindownuponhim.”

“Damon!”Samcalledout,runningtothem.
Allthreebrothersturnedtoher,butshefocusedonDamon.Hisboxinggloveswerestillonhim.He

winkedather.“Youarrivedjustintime.Weneedagoodattorneytogetusoutofjail.”

Samwasmystifiedasshewatchedthecopsloadthebrothersintotwodifferentcars.
BeforeLukegotin,heturnedtoher.“Guessifyouwanttopracticefamilylaw,now’sthechanceto

proveyourself.”Hewinkedather.

amonsatonthebedinthejailcell.Itwasthefirsttimehe’deverbeeninjail.

HestaredatNick,whosatontheotherbed,andDamonknewhewasworriedhe’dneverlivethis

down.Heprobablywouldn’t.

Lukestoodbythebars.Thecellswereseparatedbyamaindoorfromtheoffice.
Ithadonlybeentwentyminutes,butLukewasjumpy.“TheyshouldhaveletSaminbynow.”He

shookhishead,andDamoncouldseehimrunningstrategyinhismind.“Thattroublemaker,Swenson,got
exactlywhathewanted.”

Damonsnorted,surprisedhefeltabitofreliefathavingbeenoutedtothewholefirestationabouthis

past.Italsosurprisedhimhowmuchgratitudehefelttowardhisbrothers.Heshookhishead.“Youidiots
shouldn’thavedefendedmyhonor.Icantakecareofmyself.”Hedidn’tlikethefactthatbothoftheirjobs
couldbeimpactedbybeinginjail.

“Whatwereyouthinking?”NickstoodandglaredatLuke.“You’reanattorney.”
Lukepointedbackathim.“You’reacop!Andifmemoryservesmeright,anditalwaysdoes,you

threwthesecondpunch.”

Nickshookhisheadandstoodinfrontofhim.“YouknowTommy.He’sgoingtosueusfor

everything!”

Damonfeltevenworse.“I’msorry,guys.”
Itwasstillsinkingin.Hisbrothershadfoughtforhim.Werestillfightingforhim.
Heburstoutlaughing.Thentearsbubbledintohiseyes.
“Whatthe…?”Nickturnedback,andLukestaredathim.
Helaughedharder,tuckinghishandsintohisgutandleaningoverandlaughingsohard.“Didyousee

howLukegothimrightinthejaw?”Damonlaughedharder.HepointedtoNick.“Andyougotinagood
shottoo.”

ThenLukelaughedtoo.“Dang,Istillgotit.IthinkIcouldkickbothyourbutts.”
Nickwaslaughing.“Well,Iwouldn’tgothatfar.”Heslappedhisleg.“Weshouldhavepantsedhim!”
Damonlaughedharderandharder,andallofthemlaugheduntiltheywereholdingtheirstomachsand

tearswerestreamingdowntheirfaces.

Finally,Nickshookhishead,lookingmoresoberandinspectingDamon.“Areyouokay?”
Lukestaredathimaswell.“Like,reallyokay?”
DamongrinnedandstaredatLuke.“Whydidyoupunchhim?”
Lukepushedhisshoulder.“You’remybrother,idiot,andnoonegetstofindoutthefamilysecrets

besidesme.”Tearswereinhiseyes.“Andwhenyougothroughcrap,weallgothroughcrap.Don’tyou
freakingknowthat?It’sbeentenyears,andIswear,ifIwouldhaveknown…”

Tearswereonhisface,andthentheywerehugging.
Nickgrabbedthemboth.
Lukeshookhishead.“IwouldhavegonetoBostonanddraggedyourdumbbuttbackherewithNick.

YouknowIwouldhave.Oryoushouldhaveknownit.”

Damonfeltbare.Completelybareandcompletelywholeallatthesametime.Tearspoureddownhis

face.“I’msosorry.I’msorryIleftyouguys.”

Theyuntangled,andNicksniffed.“Man,Idon’tknowwhat’sworse:allofuscryinglikebabiesorthe

factI’mgoingtobeaskedtofileareportonmylawyerbrotherwhotookdownfatbuttTommy.”

Theylaughed.
Lukeshookhishead.“Ican’tbelieveit.Ijust…Icouldn’tcontrolit.Ijust…”
Damonputahandonhisshoulder.“Youactedlikeabrother.”
Nickgrunted.“IguessIshouldhavepantsedhimwhileIhadthechance.”
Theyalllostitagain.
LukelookedaroundthengesturedtoDamon.“Seriously,areyouallright,man?”
Damonsighedandsatonthebed.Bothbrotherssatoneithersideofhim.“Yaknow,notreally,but

tonighthelped.”Helookedathisbrotherswithmoreappreciationthanhe’dfeltinalongtime.“Idid
whatTommysaid.Ikilledthatgirl.”

Nicktskedhistongue.“No,youdidn’t.”
Damonputuphishand.“Iknow,butitfeltlikeit.”Damoninsisted.
Lukesighed.“Youguysmakehardchoices,butyouandIandNickknowcraphappens.”
Theyallfellsilent.
Damonshrugged.“IthinkIlostmymindforawhile.Idon’tknow.”Hebrokeoff.“Thentonight,Iwas

losingitagain.”

Lukescoffed.“Well,Ididloseit.”
Nicksnorted.“Yeah,youdid.”
Theyalllaughed.
Damonsighed.“WhatamIgonnado?”
Lukeputhishandonhisback.“You’regoingtobehome,andyou’regoingtobefine.”
DamonstaredatLukeandNickandknewthiswaswhyhe’dcomehome.

amstoodontheedgeofthecliff.It’dbeentwoweekssinceZoeyhadbeeninthehospital,andtoday

shewouldbearrivingwithJanet.Theywouldstaywithherforacoupleofdays,andthensheandJanet
wouldtakeZoeytotherehabfacilitytheyhadpickedout.

Itfeltgood.Sure.Anewbeginning.
Turningbackfromthecliff’sedge,shewatchedasDamonmovedtojoinher,takingherbythewaist

andpullingherintohimastheybothstaredoutoverthelake.

Shecaughtawhiffofhiscolognejustbeforeshetuckedherfaceintohisneck,lovingthefactthathe

waswithher.

Damongrinneddownatherthenbentforwardandlightlykissedherlips.“SoLukeletyouhavethe

afternoonoff,huh?”Hebrushedastrayhairoutofherface.

Sheflashedhimagrin.“EversinceIgotTommySwensontodropallchargesagainstyouguys,he’s

beenapleasuretoworkwith.”Andhehad.She’dbeenswitchedtofamilylaw,andhe’dbroughtinanew
persontodealwiththerealestatework.

Damonletoutalightlaugh.“Yeah,hewasprettyimpressedathowquicklyyouhadthewholefire

departmentapologizingandTommysingingadifferenttune.”

Shegrinned.“Itdidn’ttakelongtolearnyoucan’tdivulgethatkindofstufffromapersonnelfile,and

therearewitnessesagainsthim.Hecouldlosehisjobifyoupressedcharges.”

Damononlyshookhishead,staringatherandthengentlyskimminghisfingersdownherarm.“Naw,I

thinkTommy’sprettyharmless,andIwouldn’twanttoputhisfamilythroughsomethinglikethat.They
don’tdeserveit.”

Samwonderedhowshecouldhavefoundthiswonderfulmanwho’dbeenthroughhisownlifehell

andstillhadsomuchcompassionforothers.Shegrinnedathim.“Stilltryingtorescueeveryone,
Freestone?”

Gentlyleaningdown,hetrailedkissesdownherneck,stoppingathershoulderandinhaling.“Idon’t

thinkyouneedanyonetosaveyou,SamanthaWorthington.”

Shepushedhimback.“Holdup.”
Pausing,hecockedhisheadtotheside.“Yes.”
Samblinkedandsuddenlyfeltarushofemotion.“DidIeversaythankyou?ForcomingtoColorado,

fortellingmewhatIneededtohear?”

Hiseyesturnedfromplayfultoserious.Reachingup,hebrushedapieceofhairoutofherface.“You

didn’thaveto.Iwantedtobethere.”

Warmthfilledher.Howhadshegottensoluckytofindamanlikethis?Reachingup,shetookhis

hand.“Well,Iwantto…thankyou.”

Squeezingherhand,asmileplayedathislips.“You’rewelcome.”Leaningforward,hegentlykissed

herhand,thenherneck,pullinghercloser.

Sheshiveredandputherhandgentlyonhischeek.“Ijustwantedyoutoknow…I…”
Pullingback,hegrinned.“Youloveme?”
Sheknewhercheekswereburning.Shegiggled.They’dneversaidittoeachother,buttheyhadn’t

hadto.“Maybe.”

Hegrinnedwiderandpulledhertighterintohim.“Yeah,well,maybeIloveyou,andIwanttorescue

youevenifyoudon’tneedmeto.”

Herheartflip-flopped,andshepulledaway,deflecting.“Quitjawing,Freestone,andlet’sdothis.”
Helaughed,keptoneofherhandsinhisandpointeddownwiththeother.“Okay,youseewhereto

jump,rightthere?Aimforbetweenthoserocks.”

Shegrinnedbackathim.“Okay,let’sdoit!”
“Together?”Heheldtheirhandsintheairandheldhisotherhandup.
Shenodded.“Together.”
Hestartedcountingdown.“Three,two—”
“Wait!”Shepulledback.
Helaughed,steppingbackwithher.“What?”heaskedincredulously.
Shepulledhimclose.“Ihaveabetteridea.Howaboutwerescueeachother?”
Tearsshoneinhiseyes.“Ilikethat.”Thenhekissedher.
Shepulledback.“Okay,nowlet’sdothis!”
Theirhandswentup.
“Three,two,one!”Heyelled.
Thentheywereoff,soaringthroughthesky,andSamknewshewantedtoberescuedbyhimforthe

restofherlife.

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hapter1

“Well,isn’tthisjustperfect?”LaceyPortermurmuredashercarsputteredbeforetheengineshut

down.Coastingontotheshoulderoftheroad,sheglancedatthegasgaugewheretheneedlehadsettled
belowtheE.

Iguessthat’swhathappenswhenIgetsofocusedondrawing.
Frowning,sheshiftedintoPark,turnedonthehazardlights,thenpulledthekeyoutoftheignition.
NowImightbelateforwork.Notgood.
Thethoughtofturninguplatewhenshewassuchanewemployeestressedherout.Tryingtocalm

herself,sheleanedherheadbackandclosedhereyes,drawinginadeepbreathandslowlyexhalingas
shethoughtaboutwhatwasgoingrightinherlife.

AtleastIhaveajob,evenifbeingawaitressisn’tmylifelongambition.MybestieAmberisletting

meroomwithher.AndI’mlovingithereinParkCity.Eventhoughmovingherewashard,Iknowit
wastherightdecision.

Shethoughtaboutthelifeshe’dleftbehind,andatentativesmilecurvedhermouth.
Mostimportantly,noone’stellingmewhattodoandhowtolivemylife.Mylifebelongstome.
ThenanimageofEric—herex-boyfriend,themantowhomshe’dgiventhelasttwoyearsofherlife

—crashedintohermind,andsheheardhimsayingthatsheneededtogetherheadoutoftheclouds,topay
attentiontothingsandtostopwastinghertimedrawing.

Eyesflyingopen,shesatupstraight.Shovingherlonglightbrownhairbehindherears,Laceytried

nottogritherteethassherecalledthatlastuglyconfrontationwithEric.Theonewhereshe’dtoldhim
shewasdonewithhim,donewiththewayhealwaysranherdown,anddonewithhiscontrollingways.

Shakingherheadtodislodgethememory,shefocusedonhersurroundings.Itwasmid-dayinearly

June,andasshesatontheshoulderoftheroad,carswhizzedbyeverythirtysecondsorso.Toherright,
thickbunchesofdarkgreenpinetreesfilledherview,whileclustersofwildflowersinriotsofcolor
caughthereye.Thesceneremindedherthateveryyearnaturerefresheditself,whichfilledherwithhope
thatshecouldmakeafreshstarttoo.

Theimagemadeherwanttopullouthersketchpadandbeginafreshdrawing.Reachingtowardthe

passengerseatwhereshe’dsethersketchpad,shepausedbeforepickingitup.

Idon’thavetimetodrawrightnow.Especiallywithmycaroutofgas.Ihavetogetthattakencare

ofandgetmyselftowork.Shefrowned.Ican’tbelateagain.

Caty,herbossatCaty’sCuisine,hadbeenunderstandingthelasttimeLaceyhadbeenlate,butshe

didn’twanttopushherluck.Notwithhowdesperatelysheneededthisjob.Notwithbeingsuchanew
employee.

Sighing,shetookhercellphoneoutofherpurse,butthenshesimplystaredatit.
Amber’satworkforafewmorehourssoshecan’tcomegetme,andI’msonewtoParkCitythatI

don’tknowwhoelseIcancall.

Amomentlatersheheardatap,tap,taponherwindow.Startled,shewhippedherheadtotheleftand

sawthemostgorgeousmanshe’deverseenstandingthere.Perfectlyshapedlips,strongjaw,andclear
greeneyesthatremindedherofnewshootsofgrass.Nottomentionthewayhist-shirtemphasizedhisfit

bodyandmuscularbiceps.

Hemotionedforhertorollherwindowdown,andshelowereditafewinches.
“Doyouneedhelp?”heaskedashebenttowardherwindow.
Feelingslightlystupid,shesaid,“I,uh,Iranoutofgas.”
Hesmiled,displayingperfectlystraightwhiteteeth,andshewasmomentarilydazzledbyhisbeauty.

“Icangiveyoualifttoagasstation,”hesaid.“Ifthatwouldhelp.”

Yeah.Itdefinitelywould.ButIdon’tknowyou.
Staringathimamoment,shedebatedaboutwhattodoasshetwistedherfavoritering—herlate

grandmother’sweddingring—onherfinger.

Idon’tknowwhoelseIcancallandIneedtogetthistakencareofandgettowork.Idon’thavea

lotofoptions.Oralotofmoney.

Tossinghimaquicksmile,shesaid,“Yeah.Thatwouldbegreat.”Thensheopenedherdoorandgot

outofhercar.

Themantookastepback,givingherroom,thenhegesturedtotheareainfrontofhercarwhere

they’dbeoutoftraffic.Laceywalkedtowherehepointed.

Themanfollowedherandstoppedafewfeetawayfromher.“Ihaveagascan.I’llrunyouuptothe

gasstationandback.”

Tryingnottogetdistractedbyhisamazingeyesandgeneralhotness,Laceysaid,“Areyousurethat’s

nottoomuchtrouble?”

Don’tdiscouragehim.Whatwillyoudoifhewalksaway?Whowillyoucallthen?
“No.It’snotrouble.I’mgladtohelp.”Hepausedabeat.“I’mJake,bytheway.”
Laceystudiedhisface.“I’mLacey.”
Isthisreallyagoodidea?Gettingaridefromastranger?
Notsureatall,shedidn’tknowwhatelsetodo.
***
ThecautioninLacey’seyeswasunmistakable,butthatdidn’tbotherJake.Infact,hefullyapproved

whenawomanwasskepticalaboutaman.Hehadtwoyoungersistersandhehopedtheywerejustas
carefulaboutthemenintheirlives.

AndIhopetheywon’tevertakearidefromastranger.
Theironywasn’tlostonhimandonesideofhismouthtuggedupward.Thenitoccurredtohimthat

Laceyhadnoideahewasagoodguy.Thatmaybeshedidn’twanttogoanywherewithhimbutfeltthat
shedidn’thaveanyotheroption.“OrIcouldgetthegasforyou,”hesaid.“Andbringitback?”

RelieflithereyesandJakeknewthatwastherightsuggestion.
“Idon’twanttoinconvenienceyou,”shesaidassheusedonehandtopushherhairbehindherear—

hairthatJakehadaninexplicabledesiretorunhisfingersthrough.

“Idon’tmind,”hesaid.Andhedidn’t.Hewasbetweenshiftsatthefirehouse,andthoughhewason

hiswaytobuymaterialsforhishomeremodelingproject,hishelpfulstreakmadethisopportunity
irresistible.Especiallywhensuchabeautifulwomanwasinvolved.Andthoughhewasfinewithrunning
theerrandforher,hewouldhavepreferredthatshegowithhimsohecouldtalktoher.

Asmileofobviousreliefturnedupthecornersofhermouth,whichemphasizedthesoftcurvesofher

faceandbacklitherblueeyes—eyeswhichhadadepthtothemthatfascinatedhim.

Yeah,I’ddefinitelyliketogettoknowyou.
“Ireallyappreciateit,”shesaid.“I’lljust…”Shegesturedtowardhercar.“I’lljustwaitinmycar.”

Thenshewalkedpasthim,andafterthrowingasmileinhisdirection,sheclimbedintohercarandclosed
thedoor.

Iguessthat’smycuetoleave.
Feelingdismissed,butwithnoreasontostickaround,Jakenodded,thenashewalkedpasther

slightlyopenwindow,hesaid,“Backinabit.”

Momentslaterhewasinhistruckandpullingontotheroad.
AllthewaytothegasstationhethoughtaboutLacey—beautiful,petite,quiet.
MaybeIshouldaskherout.Whynot?I’mnotdatinganyonerightnow.Heheldbackafrown.Not

nowthatRobyn’sgone.

Pushingasidethoughtsofthelastwomanhe’ddated,hepicturedLacey,andagain,thedepthsofher

eyeshauntedhim.

Justasimpledate,achancetogettoknowher.
Hewasn’tlookingforaromanticentanglement.Notwithhiscrazyschedule—twodaysonatthe

station,thenfourdaysoff.Andnotwithalloftheotherthingshehadgoingon—remodelinghishouseand
workingpart-timeasarealtorbetweenshifts.NottomentionhelpingBostontrainforhisboxingmatch.

Itwouldjustbeforfun.Whynot?
Hissmilegrewashedecidedhewoulddojustthat.Andhewasconfidentshewouldagree.
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ExcerptofTwoHeartsRescuebyDanielBanner

hapterOne

PoppyMercierstareddownherenemy.“Iownyou,”shesaid,eyesheldsteady.“Todayyou’regoing

tobetheoneinpain.”

Thetreadmillstaredback,itsbeadylittleredandgreenflashinglightstauntingher,daringhertobring

it.

“Oh,I’llbringit,”saidPoppy.“I’llmakeyouwish—”
“Everythingokay?”askedagymemployee,whohadbeenworkingherwayupthemachineswiping

themdown.Hernametagread,“Alta.”

Poppyclearedherthroatandsteppedupontothetreadmill.Withanembarrassedgrin,shesaid,“Y-

yeah,sorryaboutthat.Justpsychingmyselfup.”

“Ihearyou,”saidAlta.“Sometimesyougottaletthemknowwho’sboss.”Shewasmedium-height,a

fewinchestallerthanPoppy,hadgorgeousmochaskin,andabodythatmadeitclearsheshowedthe
machineswhowasbossonaregularbasis.

“Here’sgoesnothing,”exhaledPoppy,thenheldtheuparrowandjoggedasthebeltpickedupspeed.

Shealwaysusedthemanualoptionforspeedandinclinebecauseshehateditwhenthestupidmachines
demandedsheinputherweight.Itwasnoneoftheirbusiness.

At3.3mphPoppyhadtojogtokeepup.Danghershortlegs.At6.0shepulledherfingerfromthe

buttonandresistedtheurgetousethehandrailslikeanoldwomanwithawalker.

Thiswasn’ttoobad.Shecouldkeepthisspeedfor3.1miles.Itwasherfirstdayasamemberofthe

gym.Hopefullythemonthlyfeeswouldbeenoughtomotivatehertofinallykeepgoingwithaworkout
planforonce.Ifshecouldjustdroptentofifteen,thenkeepthemoff…

Newcity—well,oldcitysecondtimearound—newlifestyle,newbody?Thespiritwaswillingbut

thefleshwas,thefleshwasseverelylackingoxygenandPoppy’ssecondwindwasnowhereinsight.Any
secondnow,shetoldherself.Pushthrough.Eventhevoiceinherheadwasoutofbreath.

Shestaredstraightaheadatthepillarinfrontofthetreadmill.Shehadpickedthisparticularmachine

becauseitwastheonlyonewithanobstructedviewoftheenormousmirrors.

Don’tcheckthedistanceyet.Alittlefarther.
Withthingssoslowattheshelter,Dariacouldholddownthefortforanhour.OncePoppygotafew

daysintoahabitofworkingout,shecouldtakethenextstepanddragherbuttoutofbedearlyenoughto
comebeforetheshelteropened.

AlineofTVsdisplayedvarioussportsshowsandmiddleofthedaytalkshows.Neitherheldany

interestforPoppy,sosheputherwirelessheadphonesinandresumedherCamiCheckettssuspense
novel.

Asshesetherphonebackintothecupholderonthetreadmill,Poppyaccidentallyglimpsedthe

display:.09.Notevenatenthofamile.Theself-torturewasgoingtolastallday.Butshecouldn’ttakeall
day,shehadtogetbacktoshelter.

Shealsocouldn’tkeepupthispace.Ifshediedonthistreadmillshe’dleaveexactly27animals

hanging.Forthesakeoftheanimals,Poppydecreasedthespeedto5.8.Itstillfeltincrediblyfast,butit
wasslowerthanaten-minutemile.

Abrightredvehiclepassedinfrontofthegym’swindows.Poppylookeduptoseeafiretruckandan

ambulancepassslowlyrightalongthecurb.Wassomethingwrong?Maybeshecouldn’thearthealarm
overheraudiobook.Shepulledoutoneearbudandlookedaroundforflashingwarninglightsandsaw
everyoneinthegymjustcarryingonwiththeirworkouts.

Thesoundofdoorsclosingoutsidehadtocomefromthefiretrucks.Maybesomeonehadcalled9-1-1

becauseshelookedasbadasunwellasshefelt.Poppygrippedthehandrailandleanedtotheside.Her
hairwasstillinitsponytailbutherfacewasonlyafewshadesshyofheatstroke.

Thegymdoorsopenedandgroupoffiremencamein.Nope,oneofthemwasafemale,sosheguessed

thatmadethemfirefighters?Theywerealldressedingymshortsandt-shirts,andtheonlyequipmentthey
carriedwasradios.Itdidn’tappeartobeanemergency.

Theycouldhavebeenstraightoutofabeercommercial.Oneguywasgray-hairedandonewas,well,

forlackofabetterword,fat,butasagrouptheyweresmokin’.Ifshehadn’tseentheParkCityFire
Departmentvehiclespullup,shewouldhavewonderediftheywereheretoposeforaphotoshoot.
Betweenthesixofthem,theyhadsomeseriousmuscleandfitnessgoingon.

Itwasthelastonethroughthedoorwhoreallycaughthereye.Hewasn’tamuscleheadlikeacouple

ofthem,buthischiseledfaceandprominentcheekbonesgavehimaruggedhandsomeness.Hisdarkhair
wasbuzzedonthesides,butmorethanlongenoughtorunahandthroughonthetop.

Aftertakingacouplestepsintothegym,thefiremanlookeddirectlyatPoppy,asifsensinghereyes

onhim.Theireyesmet,introducedthemselves.Theydidn’tslideoffofeachotherandgoontheirway.
Hereyesandhiseyessaidhello,satdownforaspeed-date,andendeduphavinganintimate
conversation,backingupalltheotherspeeddatersbutstillnotpartingwaysuntiltheeventcoordinator
wassummonedtoforcethemapart.Itwasmuchmoreintimatethanshewascomfortablewithaperfect
stranger,butitstilltookefforttopullhereyesaway.

Isithotinhere?wonderedPoppy.Shelookeddownatherphoneandreachedforitsoshecould

rewindthebook…andnextthingsheknewshewasheadoverheels,executingaperfectlyawkwardand
painfuldismountfromthetreadmill.Onesecondshewasrunningforherlife,thenextshewaslayingon
theground,buttintheair,staringupatherknees.Thetreadmillwasstillrunning,grindingagainsther
barebackandtryingtoruballoftheskinoff.

Ohgood,atleasthershirthadnearlycomecompletelyoffinthedisplayofgrace.
Poppyfoundherselfchucklingthroughhergrimaceasshepushedawayfromthebeltofthetreadmill.

InthefaceofpainthatwouldbreakmostPOWs,shecouldeitherlaughorshouteveryswearwordshe
knewatthetopofherlungs.Shecouldn’textricateherselffromtheawkwardposition,justpushoff
enoughtopreventthird-degreeabrasions.Hopefully.

Afewsecondlatersomeoneranup,hittheemergencystop,andbracedheruntilthetorturedevice

stoppedspinningitsbelt.

“Youdidn’thavetodothat,”gruntedPoppy.“Iwaskindoflookingforwardtohavingmyback

coveredinskingrafts.”

“Here,”saidaman’svoice.Ahandreachedthroughhertangleoflegsandgrabbedherhand.Itwasa

man’shandforsure,solidandmuchlargerthanhers.“Leantoyourleftandwe’llgetyouright-sideup.”
Anotherhandrestedagainstherkneeandmovinginharmonytheyguidedhersothatshewaslyingonher
side,finallyabletobreathenormally.

Poppy’sponytailhadexplodedandherhairnowobscuredeverything.“MaybeI’lljustbreathefora

minute?”Itwasimpossibletotellifthelaboredbreathingwasduetotheexerciseorthefeatof
unimaginablepoise.

“Letmejust…”Someonestartedadjustinghershirt,pullingitdownoverwhatPoppy’smother

referredtoasher“disproportionateroundness”.

“Okay,then,”saidPoppy,shootinguptoasittingposition,realizingabruptlyhowexposedshewas.

Shedidaquicktomakesurehersportsbrahadn’tsomehowbeensplatteredacrossthewallbehindher,
andbreathedalittleeasierwhenherhandbrushedthestrap.Whileshepulledhershirttoastateofpublic
decency,sheflippedherheadbacktoclearherhairoutofhereyes.

Itsmackedthehotfiremanintheface.Thehotonewiththeeyes.
Forasecondhesatthere,eyesclosed,mouthopen.Stunned.Thenheliftedanarmtowipetheresidue

ofhersweatyhairoffofhisface.

Niceone,Poppy.You’vereachedanentirelynewlevelofsmooth.
“Well,Cap,”saidthehuge-fatfiremantothehuge-muscularfireman.“LookslikeBootergetstofill

outhisfirstexposurereportwhenwegetback.”

“Funny,JFK,”saidthemanshehaddrenchedwithhermop.Lookingbackather,hesaid,“I’mSlade.

I’manEMT.Didyouhurtyourself?”Hewascrouchingnexttoherastherestofhiscrewgatheredbehind
him.

Poppysomehowlookedawayfromhisdarkblueeyes.“Hurtmyself?Whatdoyoumean?Isn’tthat

howeveryonedismountsfromtheseinstrumentsoftorture?”Theabrasiononherbackstung,especially
withhersweatyshirtlayingacrossit,buttherewasnothingthefiremancoulddoaboutthepain.

“It’sonewaytodoit,”saidSlade.“Iwon’tjudge.Here,leanbackagainstthewall.”Hehadasmall

grinonhisfaceandPoppyrealizedshewassmilingthroughtheblushonherownface.

Withhishelp,Poppywasabletorelaxagainstthewall,keepingtherawskinonherlowerback

archedaway.“I’lljustfinishmyworkoutdownhere.Sinceyoudidn’tletmecompletethedermabrasion
session.”

“Sheseemsfine,”saidtheoneSladehadcalledJFK.
WhenSladelookedoverhisshoulderathim,Poppycouldn’tpreventhereyesfromquicklydippingto

Slade’sarms.Thet-shirtwasn’tskintight,butitwastightenoughtotellthatthegymwasn’tthetorture
chambertohimthatitwastoher.Washeflexing?Hehadtobeflexing.

AsheturnedbacktoPoppyshebroughthereyesuptohisface.
“Wouldyoulikemetocheckyouout?”heasked.
Checkyouout?Hadhenoticedthewayshehadogledhimwhenshethoughtshecouldgetawaywith

it?Asin,Myeyesareuphere,ma’am.Theladyfirefighterandthemuscleheadlookedateachother,
focusing.

Ohno.Theysawmecheckinghimout.
Themuscleheadbenthiseartowardtheradio,whichwasblaringsomethingthatPoppycouldn’t

follow.“That’sus,”hesaid.

Thefemalenodded.“BehindtheRite-Aid.”
Theyallstartedjoggingtowardtheexit.ExceptforSlade,whowasstilllookingather.“Areyousure

you’reokay?Wecansendanotherunittothatcallifyouneedus.”

Fromthedoorsofthegym,JFKyelledback,“Getontherig,Boot!”
Sladedidn’tbudge,stillwaitingonherexpectantly.
“Go,”saidPoppy,smilingandhopingitlookedthankfulandnotlikeacreepyJokersmile.“I’mfine.”
“Okay,”saidSlade,rising.“Callusbackifyouchangeyourmind.Youknowournumber.”
Shewatchedhimjogwiththegraceofadancertothedoor.Ohmandidshewatchhim.Why,inthe

nameofalltheexercisegods,didthathavetohappenatthatmoment?Ridingthetreadmillwavelikean
epilepticcowinfrontofthegym-goerswasbadenough.Butno,thatwasn’tgoodenoughforPoppy
Mercier.Shehadtodoitinfrontofagaggleofgoodlookingmen.Aherdofhotties.Aflockoffire—

“CanIgiveyouahandup?”Altawasback,offeringahand.
NiceofhertowaituntilPoppywasdoneadmiringParkCity’sFinest.Nowait,Finestwasforpolice,

wasn’tit?TheseguysweretheBravest.ThoughPoppyhadn’tmetmanyfinerthanthatSlade.

“Iloveitwhentheycomein,”saidAltawithaslysmile,helpingPoppytoherfeet.

“Oh,they’reregulars?”Poppytriedtosoundcasual.
“Yeah,theycomeinandplaywallyballaboutonceaweek.”
“Ohgood,”saidPoppy.“Ithinkthatdismountwasonlyaboutaneight.NextweekIthinkIcanpulloff

atenifIlandfacedownonthetreadmillinsteadofheaddownontheground.”Shereachedupandfeltthe
gooseeggformingonthebackofherhead.Atleastshehadn’tcrackedherheadallthewayopen.Buthey,
Sladewouldbebackinaweekorso.ThatmightbeenoughextramotivationtokeepPoppy’sbuttcoming
backhere.

“Itlookedprettypainful,”saidAlta.
“Yeah,butinanagile,attractivesortofway,right?”Thestingofsweatonrawskinhadn’tfaded

much.

Altalaughed.“Yeah,youwereasnimbleasanelephantiniceskates.”
“Mymother’sright.”Poppygroaned.“I’lldiesingleforsure.”
Altalaughedagain.“There’snoway.Afunnygirllikeyouwithsuchagorgeoussmile?Howhaveyou

notbeenscoopedupyet?”

ItwasnosurprisetoPoppythatshewassingle,butitalsowasn’tthetimetodragouttheLitanyof

Lack.“That’sniceofyoutosay.”Especiallysinceyoulooklikeyoushouldbeonamagazinecover.

“Areyoufeelingalright?”askedAlta.“Needtositdown,orneedsomeonetocheckyouout?”
“Ithinkeveryoneinthegymalreadysawmoreofmethantheywantedto.”Whenshemadeitbackto

theshelter,Dariacouldbandageuptheabrasion.

“Okay.Ihavesomefirstaidtraining,andtheygiveallofusaconcussionclasswhenwestartworking

here,soIknowalittlebitaboutsomedangersigns.”

“That’sreallyniceofyou,Alta.I’mactuallyavet,soifIstartwalkingintoglasswallsorbarking

incessantlyI’llhaveaprettygoodideawhat’swrong.”

WithachuckleAltanoddedandstartedtowardthefrontdesk.“I’llbeuphereifyouneedanything.”
Quietenoughsonooneelsecouldhear,Poppysaid,“Ineedtoshowyouthatyoucan’tthrowme

around.”Sheputonherpitbullface,thedog,notthesinger.Herenemycouldn’tknowthat,likemostof
thePittiesthathadcomethroughherrescue,Poppywasasoftieinside.

Shownofear,feelnocompassion.
Poppyhitthestartbuttonandtookadeepbreathasthemachinetauntedherwiththethree-beep

countdown,andstartedsliding.

“Yeah,wellyourmomwasprobablyaconveyorbelt,andnotlikethecutelittleoneattheall-you-can

eatsushi.She’s…anindustrialsizedoneinanAmazonwarehouseorsomething.”

Beforethetreadmillwasuptospeed,Poppywastoooutofbreathforanymoreinsults.
Igotthis.Onlythreemilestogo.Don’tlookdown.
MiraculouslyherBluetoothearbudswerestillaroundherneck,sointoherearstheywent.Without

crashingandburning,shefoundtheplaybuttonandthenarrator’svoicepickedupagain.

ForawhilePoppylostherselfinafictionalworld—aworldaboutarunningprotagonistinterestingly

enough—andcontinuedtoremindherselftonotlookdown.Awatchedpotneverboilsandawatched
treadmilllogsnomiles.Therivuletsofsweatstartedrunningagain.Shehadbroughtatoweltowipeup
afterherrun,butmaybethatfiremanwouldbebackandshecouldjustusehisfaceagain.

Don’tlookdown.
Ifshewasn’tsoscaredofcrashingandburningagain,she’dgrabthetowelandlayitoverthedisplay,

buttwocatastrophicfailuresinonedaymightmakeithardtoshowherfacehereagain.No,thegym
wouldprobablyrefundhermoneyandtellhershewastoomuchofaliabilitytoworkoutthere.

Don’tlook…
Poppylookeddownatheradversary,expectingtobeinthemidtwos.Itsbeadylittledisplaynumbers

sneeredbackameasly.9miles.

“Oh…nowyou’rejustlying.”Feelinglikeafailure,Poppydecreasedthepaceto5.5.“Butyouknow

what?Youcan’tbeatme.WinstonChurchill…wouldgiveup…beforeIwill.Imightdiehere,butyou
can’t,makemestop,poundingyou,untilIgetmy,threepointone.”

Focusonbreathing,Poppytoldherself.Anddon’tlookdown.
TwoHeartsRescuewillbereleasedJanuary17,2017.Youcanpre-orderit

here

Anddon’tforgetaboutallthosehot,brokenFootballPlayersinmyLASTPLAYseries!….keep

readingforanexcerptofLastPlay!

GetitFREEforalimitedtime

HERE!

ExcerptofPromiseMeLovebyJennifer
YoungbloodandSandraPoole

hapter1

Theweddingwasdestinedtobetheeventoftheseason,maybeeventheeventoftheyear.Atleastthat

wasaccordingtothesocietypageoftheBeaufortGazette,theauthoritativesocialvoiceoftheregion.Of
course,anythinginvolvingherfiancé’sparents,theThurmans,wasbignewsinthesmallantebellumtown
ofBeaufort,SouthCarolina.TheThurmanswereakintoroyaltywiththeirlonglineofbloodancestrythat
ranbluerthantheAtlantic.

Chloelookeddisdainfullyatherreflectioninthefull-lengthmirror.ToobadtheThurman’ssocial

standingdidn’tequatetogoodtasteinclothing.Whyhadsheagreedtowearthishorribleweddingdress?
Theoncewhitesilkhadagedor“mellowedtoawarmvanilla,”ashermother-in-lawdescribedit.“This
dressisgross!Ilooklikealumpofoldmozzarellacheese,”shemoaned.

Hermothersteppedupbehindherandbeganfluffingthesleeves.“Oh,it’snotthatbad,”shecooed,

butthetoneinhervoicesaidotherwise.HereyesmetChloe’sinthemirror.“YoucouldalwaystellJane
thatyouchangedyourmindandwanttowearyourowndress.Everygirldeservestowearthedressof
herchoiceonherweddingday.I’msureshe’llunderstand.”

“Iseriouslydoubtthat!”Chloemuttered,rollinghereyes.
“Ithascertainlyseenbetterdays,”hermotherquipped.
Betterdays?Shelookedlikeshewaswearingafuneraldress!Nottomentionthefactthatitwas

squeezingherintwo!Theycouldbarelygetthethingzipped.Ifonlyshedidn’thavetobreathe.She
gulpedinashallowbreathatthethoughtandfeltthefabricstretchinprotest.

“WhatamIgonnado?Dan’sgonnatakeonelookatmeandwanttorunbacktoAfghanistan.”
“He’llthinkyou’rebeautiful,honey.Nomatterwhatyou’rewearing.”
Chloeranherhandsthroughherhair.“Thisthingishideous!Ihateit!”
“Well…it’snotthemostattractivedress…it’sjustso…old.”
“Andugly!”
“Whydon’tyouletmetalktoJane?Surelyshe’llunderstand.”Shepointed.“Look,thewaistisalittle

snug.”

“Yeah,Mom.Youdothat.YoutalktoDan’smomandexplaintoherwhyIcan’twalkdowntheaisle

inthedressthathasbeenintheThurmanfamilyforgenerations.Shemadeasuchabigdealaboutgiving
ittomeandtoldmethislongstoryabouthowsheworeitandhowhermother-in-lawworeitandsoon.”

Hermotherstartedchewingonherbottomlip.“Andallofthesewomenwerethesamesize?Whatis

thisthinganyway?Asizesix?”

“Ihaven’tthefoggiest,butitfeelsmorelikeasizefourtome.It’ssotightIcanhardlybreathe.”Chloe

turnedsidewaysandpressedinherstomachwithherhandsandlookedatherreflectioncritically.“I
guessIcouldnoteatforamonth.”

Hermotherlaughed.“Ithinkit’lltakemorethanadresstoseparateyoufromthosechocolatechip

cookiesyou’realwaysmaking.”

“MOM!That’srude!”

“I’mjustsaying…”
Shedidhaveapoint.Awarmcookiewithascoopofvanillabeanicecreamwassoundinggoodright

aboutnow.Chloeturnedandfacedherselfinthemirror.“MaybeIshouldjustwearthestupidthingto
makeeveryonehappy.”

HermotherputherhandsonChloe’sshoulders.“Thisisyourweddingday,notJane’s.Thisday

belongstoyouandDan,andIcanassureyou—thelastthingintheworldDanwillbeworriedaboutis
whichdressyou’rewearing.I’lltalktoJane;she’sareasonablewoman…”shefrowned“…Ithink.”
Shescratchedherhead.“Nowlet’sgetthishorridthingoffyou.”

“Gladly.”
Hermotherwenttounzipit.Thezippercamehalfwaydownandthenstopped.
“Uh,oh.”
“What’swrong?”
“It’sstuck.”
Chloecontortedherselfinanattempttolookatherback.“You’rekidding,right?”
“No,unfortunately,I’mnot.”
Chloethrewherhandsintheair.“Great!Whatnow?”Shecouldfeelthebloodpumpingintoher

cheeks,andshewasstartingtosweat.

“Calmdown.Let’strymovingituptoseeifwecanstartitalloveragain.”
Shefeltthedresstug,butthezipperwouldn’tbudge.Tearssprangtohereyes.“Ishould’venever

triedtoputthisstupidthingon,”shegrowled.“Ihatethisdress!”

“Chloe,calmdown.You’renothelpingthesituation.”
“WhatamIsupposedtodo,Mom?”
“Canyoutryandshimmyitoff?Ifwecouldjustgetyourarmsoutofthesesleeves.”
Theytriedtowedgeherarmsout,butitwasliketryingtopushahotdogthroughapinhole.
“I’llgetthisthingoffifIhaveto—”Thesoundoffabrictearingstoppedhercold.“Ohmygosh.”She

lookeddown.Therightsleevewasrippedattheseam.“Ohno.Ohno!”

“Stop,don’tmoveamuscle.I’llberightback.”Hermomlefttheroom.
Chloelookedatherselfinthemirror.Shelookedsoridiculouswiththedresshalfonandhalfoffthat

shewould’velaughedwereitnotforthecrying.Whatamess!HowwasshegoingtoexplainthistoDan’s
mom?Somuchforscoringbrowniepointswiththemother-in-law.AtleastDanwascominghomenext
week.Ifshecouldjustfocusonhiminsteadofallofthesestupidweddingdetailsthatwereconsumingher
life.Therewasatimewhenshe’dlookedforwardtoplanningherwedding,butnowshejustwantedto
getitoverwith.IthadbeenalongninemonthswithoutDan.Theywerefortunateinthattheywereableto
Skypeacoupleoftimesaweek.Therestofthetime,theycorrespondedthroughemail.Danhadseemed
distantandguardedwhenshetalkedtohimthenightbeforelast,andshecouldn’tshakethefeelingthat
somethingwaswrong.Sheknewhewasinconstantdangerandtriednottodwellonitforfearthatit
woulddrivehercrazy.Hewasn’tallowedtodivulgeanythingpertainingtohisassignedmission,and
she’dlearnednottopresshimaboutit,butthisfeltdifferent—personal.Whatwasitthathewasn’ttelling
her?Herimaginationhadbeenrunningwildthewayitalwaysdid,andshe’dbeguntofearallsortsof
things—likemaybehewashavingsecondthoughtsaboutthewedding.Hotpricklescoveredherandthen
wentcold.Whatifhedidn’tloveheranymore?

Shefeltsomethingsoftrubagainstherlegandheardthefamiliarhumthatsoundedlikethefaintroar

ofamotor.Shelookeddowntoseehercat,Beasty.She’dnamedhimthatwhenhewasakittenbecauseof
hisloudpurring,butnowthathewasafull-growncat,thenamewasevenmoreappropriate.Heweighed
twentypounds.She’dtriedputtinghimonadiet,butnothingworked.Hewolfeddowneverythingthat
wasputinfrontofhimandthensome.Withhisthickcoatoforangeandwhitefur,hewasadeadringer
foranoverstuffedGarfield.Forcefully,herubbedhisheadagainstherleg,purringsoloudlythatshe

sworeshecouldfeelthevibrationinherchest.“Hey,boy,Iseeyou.Ijustcan’tbenddownrightnow
becauseI’mstuffedinthisstraightjacket!”

Hermothersteppedbackintotheroom.“Okay,herewego.”
Chloegawked.“What’reyoudoingwiththosescissors?”
“Cuttingyououtofthisdressbeforeyouripthethingtoshreds.”
“Mom,youcan’tcutthisdress.”
Hermother’shandwenttoherhip.“Haveanothersolution?”
Chloe’sshouldersfell.“No.”
“I’llcutitdownthezipper,andthenI’lltakeittothealterationsshopandhavethemreplaceit.They

canfixthesleevetoo,andthenit’llbegoodasnew.”Shegrimaced.“Poorchoiceofwords.It’llbeas
goodasitwasbefore.”

Chloefeltarushofloveforherfeistymother,Naomi,whoalwaysseemedtohaveasolutionfor

everything.Sheswallowedhardandaskedherthequestionshe’dbeenponderingforthepastmonth.“Do
youthinkthatDanandIarerushingthings?Imeanhecomeshomenextweek,andthenthewedding’s
threeweekslater.”

“Honey,Ican’tanswerthat.Onlyyoucan.Doyoulovehim?”
“Withallmyheart.”
Naomismiled.“Thenthat’syouranswer.”
***
Afterthedressfiasco,Chloedecidedtotakehermother’sadviceandtakeamuch-needednap.She

closedhereyesandletherminddrifttoherfavoritetopic—Dan.Hermomwasalwaystalkingaboutthe
miracleofunexpectedblessings,andthat’swhatDanhadbeen.Shestillchuckled,rememberinghow
devastatedshewaswhenherdadannouncedatthebeginningofhersenioryearinhighschoolthatthey
wouldhavetomovebecausehiscompanywastransferringhimtoabranchofthecorporateofficein
SouthCarolina.ThenChloemetDan.Fromthemomentshesteppedoutofchemistryclassandsawhim
walkingdownthehall,sheknewthathewastheone.Aftertheygraduatedfromhighschool,Danwentto
GeorgiaTechtopursueadegreeinelectricalengineering,andshewenttotheArtInstituteinAtlantato
studyinteriordesign.Itworkedoutbeautifully.Thecloseproximityoftheuniversitiesallowedthemto
spendtheirweekendsandholidaystogether,andChloelookedforwardtothedaywhentheywouldboth
graduateandgetmarried.AsfarasChloewasconcerned,theyhadtheirfutureallplannedout;andthen
outoftheblue,Danannouncedamonthafterhisgraduationfromcollegethathewasjoiningthemarines.

Postponingtheweddinghadbeenabigdealtohermother.SheandChloehadbeenplanningitsince

Chloewasafreshmanincollege.HermotherhadalreadydesignedChloe’sdressonpaper,andtheyhad
chosenthecolorsanddecidedonwhichtypesofflowerstouse.Ofcoursethatwasbeforetheyrealized
thatChloewasdoomedtowearthehanded-downlumpofcheesedressthatwasasizetoosmall.

Shewalkedoverandlookedoutatthegiantsycamoretree,shakingandshiveringinthewindfromthe

approachingsummerstorm.Theairwhippinginthroughtheopenwindowfeltgoodagainstherhot
cheeks.Shegrabbedherphoneoffthedresser,putinherearbuds,accessedhermusic,andploppeddown
onherbed.Afewminuteslaterwhenshefeltherselfdriftingoff,shewelcomedit.Shedidn’tknowhow
longshesleptbeforeshefelthimbesideher.Hewasrightthere,almostasthoughhe’dneverleftfor
Afghanistan.Shebreathedinhisfamiliarscentthatwasacombinationofmusky,sandalwoodcologneand
thosesoftpeppermintsticksheloved.

“Dan?”Sheopenedhereyes,andthenrubbedthem,nottrustingwhatshewasseeing.Asmilebroke

overherface.“Dan,”shebreathed.“You’rehome.”

Herheartleaptforjoy.“I’vemissedyousomuch.”Butwait.Somethingwaswrong.Hermindwas

playingtricksonher.Whendidhegethome?Shereachedtotouchhissandyhairthatwascastinggold
fleckslikeitdidwhenthesunhithim,buttherewasonlyairwhereheshould’vebeen.

“Dan,comeback!”shecried.“DAN!”
***
Sheawoketofindthepillowwetfromhertears,andthenshesawtherainsplatteringinthroughthe

openwindow.Shegotoutofbed,closedthewindow,andthenrubbeddownthegoosebumpsonher
arms.Herpulsewasstillbeatingrapidly.Thedreamhadseemedsorealthatshehadtheuncanny
impressionthatifsheturnedtooquickly,shemightcatchaglimpseofDanstandingbesideher.Shecaught
atraceofsandalwoodintheair.Dan’scologne?Ashiverranupherspine,andsheglancedoutthe
windowattheominousskyandtothesycamoretreethatwaspracticallyturningcartwheelsinthewind.
Sheclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath.Itwasjustadream,shetoldherself,allthewhiletryingto
understandwhyshewasfeelingsounsettled.Shewenttothedresser,pulledoutthemiddledrawer,and
grabbedhernailpolish.Then,shesatdowninthemiddleofthebedandbeganpaintinghertoenails.
Doingsomethingnormalhelpedcalmhernerves—thatisuntilacrackofthundermadeherjump.She
gaspedwhenthebottletoppledandliquidspilledacrossthewhitecomforter.Brightredpolish.Bright
redblood.Dan’sbloodspillingacrossthehot,whitesand.Getagrip!Wherehadthatimagecomefrom?

Shelookedupwhenhermothercameintotheroom.“Hey,Mom.Ispilledmynailpolish,”shestarted

explaining,thenhervoicetrailedoffwhenshesawtheoddexpressiononhermother’sface.Herheart
begantopound.“What’swrong?”

“It’sDan,”hermotherwhispered,slumpingdownonthebed.
Chloejumpedup.“Whathappened?”
“Theysaiditwasaroadsidebomb.”Hermother’smouthwasstillmoving,butChloedidn’theara

word.

Everythingwentblack.
***
Lookingbacklater,Chloewasn’tsurehowshemadeitpastthosefirstfewdays,andthenwhenit

didn’tseemlikethingscouldpossiblygetanyworse,Dan’smom,Jane,collapsedafterthefuneraland
wasrushedtotheemergencyroom.ChloeputoffgoingtovisitJaneaslongasshepossiblycould,but
eventuallythedaycamethatshecouldnolongerpostponetheinevitable.

“I’mgoingwithyou,”hermothersaid,andChloedidn’targue.Sheneededalltheemotionalsupport

shecouldget.ItwashardforhertobelievethatDanwasgone.Thefuneralhadbeenclosedcasket,which
mademattersworseinsomewaysbecauseshecouldn’tevengetonelastlookathim.Itwaslikehe’d
vanishedintothinair.

“Areyoureadytogoinside?”
Chloelookedathermomandthenbackatthevenerableoldhousewiththespaciousfrontporchand

ivytrailingupthewidecolumns.Ithadalwaysseemedsocharmingandinvitinginthepast.Now,the
closedgateattheheadofthesidewalklookedlikeafortressthatshecouldneverpass.Dan’sworldwas
closedtoherforever.

Julian,Dan’ssister,answeredthedoorandgaveChloeacoldfishhug,involvingaslittlebody

contactaspossible,beforequicklyreleasingherandusheringthemintothelivingroomwheretheyfound
Janesittingonthecouch.Shewasdressedimpeccablyinadeeppurplepantsuit,butgriefhadleftan
indeliblemarkonthestatelywoman’sfeatures,makingherlookmucholderthanChloeremembered.
TearswelledinChloe’seyeswhentheyembraced,andsheletthemflowfreelydownhercheeks.

“Thanksforcoming,”Janesaid,herculturedvoiceheavywithsorrow.
Chloenodded.TheysatandreminiscedaboutDan,eventhoughtheyknewthatnoamountoftalkcould

helpeasethepain.EverythingintheroomscreamedDanandbroughtbacksomanymemoriesthatshehalf
expectedhimtowalkthroughthedooranyminute.He’sdead!shetoldherselffiercely.He’snevercoming
back!

“Helovedyou,”Janesaid.

Chloebitherlowerliptostaytheemotionandlookeddownatthefloor.“Iknow,”shewhispered.“I

lovedhimtoo.”

“Iwantyoutoknowthatyou’llalwaysbeapartofthisfamily.YouwereDan’sworld,his

everything.”

Julianscoffed,andithadthesameeffectasashotgungoingoffinthestillroom.Chloe’sheadshotup.

Isthatreallywhatshedid—scoffed?SheandJulianhadnevergottenalong,butthiswastoomuch!

Chloeglancedsidewaysathermotherandsawherjawtensethewayitalwaysdidbeforeshewent

onthewarpath.Oh,no!NaomiKensleywasnocultureddebutantlikethewiltingJaneThurman,andshe
certainlyhadnoqualmsaboutgettingtotheheartofthematter,regardlessofhowtactlesshermethods
appeared.Naomiscootedtotheedgeofherseat.Chloeputahandonhermom’sarminthehopeof
preventingherfromcausingascene,butitwasafutilegesturebecausehermomwasn’tabouttolet
Julian’santicslide.“What’sgoingonhere?”Naomiwantedtoknow.

“Don’tmindJulian,”Janesaid.“We’realltryingtodealwiththisthebestwecan.”
Julian’sfacewentdark.“Isthatwhatyou’retryingtodo,Mother?Becauseitseemstomelikeyou’re

doingsomethingelse.”

“That’senough,Julian!”Jane’sfacegrewwhiterthanthecolumnsoutside,andChloefearedthe

womanwasgoingtopassout.Janereachedforatissue,butherhandswereshakingsobadlythatshe
couldbarelypullonefromthebox.

Julianglaredathermother.“Whydon’tyoutellthemthetruth?”
Jane’smouthdisappearedintoathinline.“Enough!”
Chloelookedathermom.“Maybeweshouldgo.”Shedidn’tknowwhatJulianwastryingtopull,but

knowingher,therewasnotelling—thepersnicketywitch!She’dalwaysmadeitcleartoChloethatDan
wastoogoodforher,butthiswasoverthetop.

“No,”Naomisaid,lookingstraightatJane.“Weneedtoknowwhat’sgoingon.”
“Tellher,Mother,”Julianpressed.
Atthat,Janebrokedownintears.“Areyoutryingtodestroywhat’sleftofyourbrother’smemory?Is

thatwhatyouwant?”

“No,Mother,hedidthathimself.Ijustwantthetruth.”Sheslungherhairoverhershoulder.“Oh,all

right.I’lltellher.”ShelookedatChloe.“Danhadagirlfriend—alover—inAfghanistan.Shewasinhis
battalion.She’sbeencallinghere,sayingthatshe’spregnantwithhisbaby.”

Theroomseemedtoexpandandcontractinonehardpunch,andChloefoughttocatchherbreath.

Everythingwasspinning.Shefelthermom’sarmsaroundherandknewshewassayingsomethingtoJane,
butforthelifeofher,Chloecouldn’tmakeoutanyofthewords.Somehowshegottoherfeet.Jane
reachedouttoher.“Oh,Chloe.Don’tleavelikethis.Pleasedon’tleavelikethis.”

Chloebackedaway.“Ihavetogetsomeair,”shesqueaked.Shelookedwildlyaroundtheroom.
“Chloe!”Janeurged.“Comeandsitdown.”
Chloeshookherheadandrantothedoor.Shepausedlongenoughtolookbackatthebrokenwoman

whowould’vebeenhermother-in-law.“Idon’tbelonghere.”

“She’sright,”Juliansaid,givingherahaughtylook.“Lethergo.Shedoesn’tbelonghere.Not

anymore.”

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