NICHOLAS

As she drove away I watched.

With all of that chaotic action surrounding me—clouds of smoke billowing above our heads, Billy losing his shit, cops and firemen everywhere—there I was staring at disappearing taillights, wondering how I was going to see her again.

I had the phone in my hands before I realized it, approaching cop after cop until I found the one who’d spoken with Madison. He was happy to give me the animal hospital’s name.

As I dialed I fought the desire to tell a complete stranger to have another complete stranger give me a call. It wasn’t just awkward, it’s that I normally don’t give my number out to women. I learned the hard way that some will blow it up for months. If you don’t answer, they find you.

I might fuck around a lot, but it’s never my intention to hurt anyone. And I’d made a habit out of keeping my digits to myself.

The phone kind.

My fingers I’ll offer up anytime.

“Who’re you calling?” Matt asked.

I motioned for him to wait a second as I heard a woman’s voice on the other end of the line.

“Sandy Springs Animal Hospital, Harriet speaking, how can I help you?”

“Hey, uh, there’s a girl coming in with a burned Labrador. I want to pay the bill. She’s been through a lot tonight. The dog, too. House fire, and I want to help in any way I can.”

She took down my information, and registered no recognition at my name. People usually react, since there are a few of us who have earned fame. “That’s very nice of you, Mr. Cocker. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. I’ll be on the lookout for them.”

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

But as I tapped the phone against my ear, I struggled under the decision and opted not to do it.

I didn’t believe Madison the type to go stalker on me.

Not at all.

I just met her but I already knew she’d never be that desperate. Hell, she turned me down for just a kiss because she’d seen me with…what was her name?

No, I couldn’t picture Madison being anything but a ball buster who gave me the ride of my life.

And that was the problem.

There was something about her that had me by my balls, and I didn’t like that. It was a foreign feeling, one I wasn’t ready to look at more closely just yet.

Rubbing my eyes I said a troubled, “Thanks. Have a good night,” and hung up.

Matthew jogged his chin at the dwindling crowd, threw his arm around our inconsolable friend. “It’s gonna be okay, Billy.”

“Didn’t know how much I loved that house until now, man. You think I can save my crock pot?”

“If not, we’ll get you a new one. Your meatballs will prevail.”

Fixated on the disaster he used to call home, Billy muttered, “I hope so.”

Searching for something to make him feel better, I said, “You need to get back on the horse after this. And fast.”

Billy looked unconvinced. “You think so?”

“Absolutely. You can’t let this drag you down.”

Matt agreed, “Nicholas is right! What you’ve gotta do is find a new locale, throw a party immediately! Just imagine how many people would come to that!”

Billy blinked at the house, lips parted, cheeks stained. “I’m gonna do it!”

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

“I’m gonna do it!” he whispered, more to the house than to us.

I tried not to admit it, but part of the reason I suggested him throwing another one was to see Madison. She’d get the invite, would have to show up after all that happened. Then we’d meet again in a natural environment. It would give me the opportunity of exploring what this interest was. See if it was just the extreme emotions of what we’d all been through that were playing tricks on my head.

So as the paramedics came over and told me I had to get checked out, I didn’t fight hard. My spirits had lifted slightly. I’d see her at the next party.

That’s what I kept telling myself as the image of her almost running into that fire to save a dog, kept flashing through my mind.

That’s the kind of woman who sticks with a guy like me.

As I dried off, I said it again for the millionth time in two hours, locking eyes with my own reflection.

“No big deal. Let it go.”

Yeah, sure, tell my dreams that.