Up in Flames

by Eden Finley

“How do you know that didn’t lead to sex? You’re hot, and we were drinking and⁠—” “We’re still wearing our clothes, plus there’s no mess.” “Of course there’d be no mess. I swallow!”

I might be here to make sure Remy’s okay, but after this honeymoon, I’m not sure I will be.

So I let it go and creep up close behind him, as silently as I can. When I’m by his ear, I drop my tone and say, “Duh-dun.” “Remy …” “Duh-dun … duh-dun … duh-dun, duh-dun, duh-dun …” I bite down into his shoulder. “You little shit.” Then before I can stop it, he spins around, picks me up, and throws me across the pool. I’m getting dangerously addicted to how easily he throws me around.

“Did you mean what you said to him on the phone?” His voice is even smaller now. “For him to never call either of us again? Yes.” “Not that. The part where I deserve to be cherished.” I stalk toward him, closing the gap between us, and I cup his cheek as I look him in the eyes and say, “Every. Fucking. Day.”

“I wish you could see you the way I do.” He lifts his gaze, his big hazel eyes shining up at me. “How’s that?” “Precious. Rare. We might not have always gotten along, and while the blame could be put squarely on my shoulders for that, I told myself I was doing the right thing. That you were happy with Eman, and even if I did confess my immature thoughts that I saw you first, you’d still choose him because he’s so much more put together than I am.” “You saw me first?” he rasps. “There’s not a day goes by that I don’t kick myself for not asking you out before he did.”

I have a lot of friends whose asshole I haven’t licked, so this will be a piece of cake. An actual piece of cake. Not his ass.

“You’re not stupid. You’re an amazing EMT. You save lives. You have a big heart. You’ve been through some things, sure, but it’s not going to beat you because you’re incredible, Remy. You’re so many things, but stupid isn’t one of them, sweetheart.”

I think … for me, it’s all about time. Having it and giving it. It’s finite, you know? You can’t buy more. If someone gives you theirs, that’s important.”