Up in Flames

by Eden Finley

“You’re imagining what Eman’s reaction would be if he found out that instead of breaking down after he left, you partied, aren’t you?” “Is that petty? It’s petty, isn’t it?” I lean in. “Honey, after being left at the fucking altar, you’re allowed to be petty.” Remy stands. “Then instead of having a pity party, let’s throw a petty party.”

Remy stays in only his underwear, which surprises me, but not as much as when he walks around me, trailing his fingers up my back, and then leans in close to my ear and whispers, “So you know, payback’s a bitch.” And that’s when I know I fucked up.

Fuck, fuck, shit, my hips practically lift off the massage table, encouraging him. No, bad body. Stop.

Huh. Apparently, his Captain America heart is the one thing that makes him uncomfortable to talk about.

“Please take advantage of me. This whole week, you’ve been there for me. You’ve made me laugh and have fun, which is something I never would’ve had on my honeymoon otherwise.”

I know how to save a life, so I know how easy it is to reverse-alive someone.

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.

“I became a firefighter because of Billie. Because I couldn’t save her. So I save others to make up for being that selfish teen who ran away and didn’t even think of her until first responders were already there.”

Remy averts his gaze. “I want to be happy.” “That’s something you’re going to have to find on your own. If you can’t be happy alone, I don’t think you’ll ever be happy in a relationship.” “That’s deep.” “That’s what she said.”

“I would have taken you for a bigger eater than this,” he says. I give him a look. “What?” “Think about it.” I try not to laugh at his oblivious top-ness.

I totally get why he’s asking, and the fact he’s hitting pause and checking in, that makes me sure. Because what I’m starting to learn about Sanden is that he puts me first. Always.

Stress tears are the worst, and they’re trying to come in hot.

He tries for a grin, but it’s weak. “The couple who head checks together stays together?”