Mark: Accurate. No notes. They drive me crazy.
I think he’s lying, that he absolutely loves all those guys, but I don’t call him on it. By the time Cora’s tucked into bed, I’m on the couch with my Kindle on my lap. My phone is beside me, and I’m fighting to not reach over and text him again.
That’s when his last message comes in just after nine.
Mark: Have a good night, Trish. Get some sleep.
Me: I sleep fine.
Mark: You didn’t last night, you told me.
I smile at the ceiling, warmth rushing through my body at the memories of last night.
Me: Goodnight, Mark.
Mark: Have a good day at work Monday. I'll be thinking about you.
I set the phone down on the cushion beside me and look across the living room to where Cora's little lamp is still on in her room, the soft glow of it spilling out into the hallway. The house we live in isn’t big, but it’s enough for what we need it for.
And for the first time in longer than I can remember, I go to bed not dreading the week ahead.
Chapter Six
Mark
The worst part of our long shifts on, is that we're kind of stuck at the fire station until the end of that shift, unless something happens that causes us to leave.
Right now I'd kill for a false alarm, or something of that nature so I could leave and go see Trish.
Me: How's your day going?
It's ten in the morning, probably still too early to text her, but I'm proud of myself for waiting as long as I have. I've been up since around five, when we had to go check on an alarm at a business, and I wasn't able to go back to sleep.
Trish: Not too bad. It's a Monday for sure, but I had a really good weekend, and it's not nearly as bad as it could be.
Me: I'm glad for you. I've been awake since five.
Trish: Poor thing!
Me: Yes, please feel sorry for me. Maybe come kiss it and make it better?
I shouldn't be flirting with her, not when we can't do anything about it, but it's better than the alternative, which is missing her.
Trish: Things would probably get out of hand, but I promise next time I see you and we aren't working.
I can literally feel her in the text slightly take a step back, and I don't like it. I'm pissed at myself for making it awkward.
Me: I'll hold you to that.
I put the phone down next to me. "Fuck, dude. You fucked that up."
"What's going on?" Gunner's voice surprises me, he's not supposed to be on until later tonight.
"What are you doing here?"
"Ash had to run a few errands and asked if I was interested in taking on a few more hours. Amy and I are planning on adding on to the house, so I can definitely use the cash." He looks at me with eyes that see way too much. "But why do I get the feeling what you fucked up has to do with my sister?"
God he's perceptive.
