Page 72 of Living with Fire

“For everyone who walks through the doors and finds some kind of solace there. People like Liam and Brody. Or the guys you met from the other firehouse.” His lips curve upwards at the thought of the people who walk through his doors. “The ones who need an escape, even if it’s just for a few hours.”

My eyes are swimming with unshed tears. This beautiful, incredible, selfless man. Even his dreams are full of other people. It brings him joy when others are cared for. When he can make a difference in their lives.

I vow to make a difference in his.

“We’re going to make your dreams come true, Nate,” I promise him in a whisper, bringing my lips back to his to seal it. “I’m going to ensure it.”

CHAPTER 25

NATE

“What the fuck?” I growl, slamming my hand against the steering wheel.

My eyes follow my sister crossing the street a few houses down, heading towards my grandparents place. It’s in a swanky part of Santa Rosé with luxurious homes dotting the street with yards large enough that one doesn’t feel suffocated by neighbors. My grandparents have lived in this house my entire life, with many celebrations taking place here. It’s the only place big enough to host our expansive family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

It isn’t Jordan that has me angry per se, it’s the man at her side that makes me want to punch a hole through something. I might not generally be a violent person, but when a guy screws with my sister, or screws with my woman, you can bet your ass I’ll be out for blood. Paul and Vincent are at the top of my list.

Rolling my window down, I yell out to Jordan in a tone that says not to ignore me before she’s across the grassy front yard to the Spanish-style, creamy yellow home. “Jordan!”

Her spine stiffens as she comes to a dead stop, causing Paul to stop next to her. He looks in my direction first, lifting a hand in a greeting that I don’t return. I stop the truck in the middle of the street, waiting for her to turn around and come over. She knows me well enough to know that I’d confront her at the party one way or another, and she won’t want this conversation to be overheard.

She says something to Paul and finally turns, leaving him standing there as she stalks toward the truck. Even from the street I can see the firm line of her lips and the hardness in her eyes. She’s not happy I caught her, or that I’m about to call her out on her date.

“What?” she says by way of greeting, and then glances around me at Savanna. “Hey Sa—whoa, you okay?”

My head snaps in Savanna’s direction. It sounds bad to admit, but I nearly forgot she was there. In the passenger seat, she’s white as a ghost, and my stomach drops as I realize I must have scared her with my outburst. My face instantly softens, and there’s an apology written in my eyes, but she’s not looking at me. Whether intentional or not, I’m not sure.

“I’m fine!” she says in a cheerful voice that sounds convincing, but I’m sure is only for Jordan’s benefit. Or maybe mine. Either way, I’m not sure I believe it. “Just nervous about meeting the family, you know? It’s technically only our second date.”

“Please, they’re going to love you,” Jordan says flippantly, then holds up a finger in warning. “Just don’t get stuck alone with Aunt Laura. She will talk your ear off, tell you everyone’s life story, and then demand to know when you and Nate are getting married and having babies that she can cuddle.”

“Personal experience?” Savanna asks.

“Yes. Though come to think of it, that’s every aunt that will be here, which is why I brought a date that everyone already knows and hates,” Jordan says pointedly with a snide smile, returning her gaze to me.

“Is this where you’ve been the last couple of nights? With him?” I question, unable to keep the censure out of my voice.

The line of Jordan’s lips flattens again. I can see her grinding her teeth before she answers. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.”

My eyes narrow at my sister. “You do recall sitting in my bar, crying and drinking over that asshole, right? Telling Liam and me how he was getting nudes, and sending them back?”

“It’s our bar,” she corrects with venom. I hold back my wince because while she’s right, I’m more than a little pissed. “And they weren’t exchanging nudes. She was sending underwear pictures, and he was sending shirtless ones.”

I’m not sure I see the difference when the guy was supposed to be in a committed relationship with her. It’s all semantics, but apparently not to Jordan.

“Okay,” I grind out, correcting myself, “telling Liam and me that he was doing things he shouldn’t have been doing.”

“Look, I get it. You don’t like him. No one fucking likes Paul. I know that. You know that. The whole damn world knows it, Nate. But I was not showing up to this barbecue alone, especially not when you’re showing up with Savanna,” she says, exasperated, and then looks around me to Savanna. “No offense to you. You just don’t know what it’s like to be single at one of these things. It’s better to be here with someone than without.”

“You could have brought someone else,” I seethe, my tone far from calm and collected.

Jordan snorts with derision. “Like whom? Liam?”

“Sure! Yes! I don’t give a shit. Anyone would have been better than Paul!” I hiss at her.

Eyes that match mine turn into slits as she glares at me, contempt coming off her in waves. “Paul’s not your friend. It’s not your life. So, it isn’t your choice.” Then she whirls around and strides away, leaving me feeling irritated and unsatisfied.

In a perfect world, she would have listened to me and ditched Paul right then. Unfortunately, the world is far from perfect, as Jordan is quick to remind me.