So does working at the station without him.
I hate his solution.
I shut my window but stay there, forehead pressed against the glass, remembering the beautiful flames shaping my name.
He loves me.
He said so.
And how could I not believe it?He’s willing to leave his station and his crew.
For me.
And he’s not making my pyromania wrong—he gave me gifts of fire.I laugh, suddenly realizing how fabulous it is for a fire-junkie like me to end up with a guy named Blaze.It’s like fate drew us together.
Chapter15
Lia
I literally can’t stand beingat work without Blaze.Especially knowing it’s my fault he’s gone.
The rest of the crew is as freaked out as well.No one knew his absence was coming, and everyone wants to know what the hell is going on.Especially because the new captain is a doofus.
I mean, he’s fine.Whatever.He’s just not Blaze.
“Captain MacKenzie and I swapped stations,” Captain Elmore tells us when we all show up.“He’s over at the 151st and I’m here with you all.”
“Well,why?”James demands.
Elmore says, “Personal reasons,” and trucks off for the office.
“What the fuck does that mean?”Rocket says.
I spin around and head to my room without saying anything, but I don’t last long there.Everything about this firehouse makes me ache for Blaze.
I find my way back out to the hallway where Rocket, Scott and James are still standing, discussing Blaze’s absence.“It’s because of me,” I blurt.My cheeks heat when they all stop talking and stare at me.“We, um...got involved and he figured it wasn’t a good idea for us to work together.”
If I thought they weren’t sure they wanted me on the team before, it’s clear now.Their looks make me want to sink into the ground and stay there.
I swallow.“But, um, I’m going to leave so he can come back.This is his station.He shouldn’t have to leave it.”
The guys still stare at me like I have five heads and some Medusa-like snakes spinning from them.
“Bullshit,” James spits.“That’s total bullshit.”
“I know—I’m sorry, and?—”
“No, I mean why can’t you both just work here?”
Now I’m the one who goes silent.Do they actually wantmeto stay?And this is fromJames?
“Yeah, I don’t see the big deal,” Scott concurs.
Rocket bobs his head.“Me neither.”
I rub my lips together, formulating a plan.“Well, let’s go get him back.We’ll drive the truck over with Elmore and demand a swap.”
The guys relax into grins.“Sounds like a plan to me,” Scott says.“I’ll go tell the captain.”
