Page 51 of Love in the Time of Wildfires

Amazingly, the noise hadn’t disturbed the man in the least, and he continued sleeping soundly in her bed. The guy had probably learned to sleep in all kinds of situations, and if anyone deserved a deep sleep, after that performance, it was him.

Either way, River grabbed his button down shirt, putting it on in case he did wake up. She wasn’t embarrassed by her body but wasn’t comfortable enough to stroll around her apartment naked. River brushed her teeth and quickly washed her face before going into the kitchen for some water. Where the heck had her underwear disappeared to? She at least retrieved her phone from the purse that had been haphazardly tossed on the floor. The phone was nearly dead, but there was a message from her sister in their usual ongoing conversation.

Mimi

Have fun at your party. Make some new friends!

OMG, you’re not going to believe who mom and dad invited to abuelita’s bday party!

Please don’t tell me it was Michael.

It sounded like her parents to keep the man around, as though there was a chance she’d change her mind and he’d become a true member of the family. Not that their breakup was bitter enough for her to get worked up. It was just weird in general since she lived across the state and didn’t feel remotely connected to her ex anymore.

In fact, this was the first time in a while she considered Michael at all. River had wondered if she’d feel guilty sleeping with someone else—if it would feel like cheating even if they were no longer together. The answer was a resounding no, as she’d been so completely filled, both literally and figuratively, by Logan. Even now, all she wanted was to wrap herself around him.

River returned to the bedroom, grabbed a clean pair of underwear to put on, and plugged her phone into the charger on the nightstand. Logan remained in the same position, sleeping heavily on his side. She slipped into bed, facing him, and slid an arm over him. He was so warm it felt comforting. Logan stirred, pulling her closer even in his sleep haze. It was then confirmed to her that, yeah, she was totally over Michael and not looking back.

When she woke early the next morning, Logan remained sleeping. She grabbed her phone from the nightstand, and her sister had replied.

Mimi

Hermanita, why are you sending messages in the middle of the night???

And, yes! Mom even told Michael that any day now you were going to change your mind. Like they seriously think this is some blip in your relationship and you’re about to come to your senses.

Yeah, no. Not happening. In fact, I took a big step in moving on last night.

Mimi

Excuse me?!?! You’re seeing someone? Whoooooooo? Someone from work?

So that party I went to last night...I went with that neighbor I told you about. He was being honored by the mayor for his firefighting work.

Mimi

What the hell?! The old man?????? You really don’t have any other better options?

He’s NOT an old man.

Mimi

Now I know you’re definitely falling in love if you no longer “see age.”

I already told you that he’s YOUR age. That picture I texted you that one time was him.

Also, River wasn’t so much of a fool to fall in love with anyone after one night of bliss. Look at how long she’d been with her ex, and she couldn’t stay madly in love then. Perhaps she was too much of a free spirit and too independent for it to happen. Except it did feel like her spirit settled a bit when watching Logan sleep. Knowing how much stress he dealt with in his life, it was soothing to see these moments where his brow wasn’t furrowed—like peace could finally land here. River forced herself to tear her gaze from him and back to her phone, afraid this would only prove her sister correct.

Mimi

Oh, you’re right. I guess he isn’t old then. Sooooooo?

So...what?

Mimi

You were obviously up at all hours. Was he good?

???