Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set (43 page)

We eat in silence and once the caffeine has absorbed in my body, I finally feel better. I adore Carissa for sticking by me through all of this. Now I just need to make a plan to get Eric back…but what would I say?
Would he take me back? Would he think I’m a basket case of emotions?

“So, since you’re the one with all the plans, are you going to help me get Eric back?” I ask, teasing her as we drive back to our apartment.

“I might have a few tricks up my sleeve.” She grins, turning to look at me. Carissa knows the way around a man’s brain, body and heart better than anyone I know. She might not be a prude…or classy for that matter, but she has qualities that are becoming very useful to me.

“Mind giving me the lowdown?” I cross my arms, looking at her. I can use all the help she is offering. I hurt Eric…
I had to…
but now I need to prove to him I didn’t mean it.

“Okay, listen and listen good, my dear,” Carissa begins in a fake French accent. I laugh, trying to take her seriously. “Men cannot resist lace.
Lingerie lace
, to be exact.” Memories flood my mind of the first night I met Eric—in a lacy nighty. “Next, men have a soft spot for when a girl places blame on themselves. Even though you had good reason to do what you did, he cannot know that. You use whatever tool you have to, Lane. Tell him Aunt Flow was in town—you were emotional, unable to make rational choices, bruised from your past…
whatever
you have to do! Tell him your feelings for him were getting too strong too fast and you just freaked out because you were scared. Blame it entirely on yourself! Trust me—he’ll want to soothe and comfort you right away. He’ll convince himself that it wasn’t your fault at all. He’ll comment on how maybe he rushed things and it was in fact his fault…trust me, Lane—it
always
works!”

“That sounds like a trap, Riss.”

“Of course it’s a trap! What do you think relationships are based on?”

I laugh because I simply can’t resist. She provides a good plan—a good way to get Eric back. Perhaps it wasn’t the
best
way to rebuild our relationship, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“I think I need a few days to process this, Riss.”

The truth is, I need time to make sure Aiden doesn’t make a surprise visit. I can’t risk him seeing Eric with me again. That was the whole purpose in the first place—protecting Eric.

* * *

“It’s been six days, Lane. It’s time.” She crosses her arms, giving me the death stare.
I’m such a coward.
I’m so scared of him rejecting me…that would feel worse—worse than anything Aiden has ever done to me.

“Yes, I
know
, Riss. I’ve been pacing my bedroom for days, thinking—desperately trying to figure out how to do this. You know I’m no good at this relationship/boy stuff.”

“I’m telling you…because, well, I know this stuff, but seriously…Eric will melt into those pretty, skinny arms of yours.”

“Hey, they aren’t skinny!” I mock, wrapping my arms around her. She laughs and swallows me in for a hug.
She’s right. I can do this…I can do this.

His car hasn’t been in the parking lot so I decide to stop by the station—assuming he’s working. I try to breathe as slow as I can on the drive over. I mentally rehearse my speech over and over…
beg, my fault, emotional. God, Carissa better be right about this.

I park on the road, take one last deep breath and kill the engine. I miss Eric so freaking badly…I’m willing to do anything at this point to beg his forgiveness.

I spot a handful of equally good-looking men outside of the station—incredibly built, fit and strong. I suddenly feel shy just standing in front of them, but I force the air out as I begin to talk.

“Hey, um, is Eric Reilley here?” I ask softly, fidgeting with my fingers. The guys give me a look-over and smile. I feel self-conscious at the way they’re staring at me, so I ask again, “Is Eric here? I really need to see him.”

“And who are you?” one of them asks, making me cringe.

“I’m Velaney.” I pause, thinking of a fake explanation. “I live in his building,” I finally say, hoping one of them gives me some information on where Eric is.

“Oh, right. Well, sorry, he’s not here. Eric and his dad were called out to New Mexico.”

My heart sinks.
New Mexico?

“Oh, why?” I try not to sound heartbroken, but I can’t help it. I never imagined Eric wouldn’t be around when I needed him—
needed him the most.

“Don’t you watch the news?” one snaps at me as if I’m disturbing their day. “Huge wildfire in New Mexico. Chief Reilley and Eric went to volunteer. Dozens from all over the states headed out there already.”

Fractastic…

“What are you doing?” Carissa asks, barging into my room as I shove clothes into a suitcase. She watches me intently, crossing her arms in the doorway. “I thought you were going to find Eric today and beg for his forgiveness? Lane, you have to stop running. Aiden isn’t going to bother you again.”

“I’m not running,” I simply say, too busy packing to give her all the details.

“Well, then what are you doing? It sure looks like you’re running.”

“I’m going to New Mexico. I’m going to find Eric.”

“Wait, what?”

“He and his dad went to New Mexico to help with the wildfires. I need to go find him.” I can hardly explain what I’m doing or why. I’m not even
sure
what I’m doing, but all I know is that I need to get to him—fast.

“Lane, have you seen the news? It’s bad. Like
really
bad.”
Ugh, I need to start watching more TV.

“That’s why I need to go see him, Riss. What if something happens to him and I never get the chance to tell him how I feel or that I’m desperately in love with him? I need him to know how I truly feel.”

I finish packing and sit next to Carissa, who is watching the news. I had no idea, and feel awful that I had no clue what Eric was going through. The pictures are devastating. The statistics of houses lost and people killed are even more traumatic.

“14 firefighters have been killed, over 300 homes have been destroyed and 7,000 acres of land have been burned down,” the news anchor states, making me gasp at the numbers and images that are being plastered across the screen.

“Oh…my…God.” I can’t help covering my mouth as I take it all in. I can’t even imagine what Eric is going through right now.

* * *

I take the redeye to New Mexico and anxiously await my arrival. I have no plans as to what I’m doing or where I’m going. This is unlike me in so many ways. I can’t even fathom losing him. I thought I lost him once before and it almost broke me.

Something inside me changes. For the first time in my life, I actually feel helpless. Aiden has made me feel rage, fear and anger—but never helpless. Eric was someone I let go because of fear, but I’m no longer going to let fear consume me. No—I’m not going to give him that.

“We will be landing in a few minutes,” I hear the attendant announce. I’m half-asleep so I don’t hear the rest of it, but I get more nervous the closer we get to arriving. I haven’t called Eric because I’m afraid he won’t hear me out. It’s something that needs to be said face-to-face.

“Oh thank God you made it,” Carissa shouts through the phone. She didn’t approve of me leaving, but it was something I couldn’t explain. Something in my heart told me to go…that I needed to find Eric.

“I’m fine,
mother
,” I tease, grabbing my luggage. I continue talking to her until I find my way outside and flag a cab.

“I need to go to the nearest hotel, please,” I say, shutting the door behind me.

“Everything will probably be booked, ma’am. With the wildfire, a good chunk of people had to evacuate, and with no place to go, they’re all setting up in hotels.”

“Do you know where the firefighters are staying?” I ask. “The ones from out of town?” I clarify.

“Santa Fe Inn, right by here.”

“Okay, take me there.” The driver huffs at me as if I’m an inconvenience. I shift uncomfortably in my seat as we make the quick drive to the hotel.

I pay for the cab and grab my luggage as I exit. The hotel is huge so I pray they have a room for me. As I walk in, I notice television crews standing around with their cameras. I completely underestimated the seriousness of the situation before coming out here. There’s a huge cloud of black smoke out in the distance that nearly covers half the sky.

“Hi, there. Welcome to the Santa Fe Inn. How may I assist you?” the overly cheerful woman asks.

“Hi, um, I’m looking for a room for a few nights. I’m hoping you have something open?” I plead with my eyes.

“We’re pretty booked, ma’am—”

“Please, I have nowhere else to go. I just flew in from Boston.”

“Let me see what I can do.” She begins to type away on her keyboard and finally looks up at me. “I have a room for three nights only, but it’s the elite package.”

“And what’s that include?” I ask, ready to take anything at this point just to lie down and sleep.

She reads off the amenities and the price. It’s higher than I want to pay but I don’t have much choice. I grab my room key and luggage and make my way to the elevator.

My heart is racing, my hands are sweaty and I’m a nervous wreck. I haven’t seen Eric in weeks and now I fear for not only
his
life, but mine as well. After watching the news, I’m more than ready to go find Eric. I need to see him. Touch him.
Kiss him.

I need a shower. A hot freaking shower.
Ugh, that damn word again.
Ever since Aiden came to haunt my life again, I can’t say it. I want to, but I can’t help feeling if I do say it—something even more awful will happen, and given the circumstances, I’m not willing to risk it.

I practically melt in the scalding shower. It’s just what I need. I wish the heat and water could wash everything away—everything wrong. I wash my hair and my body and shave my legs. The pressure of the water makes my whole body feel refreshed and alive. I’m ready—ready to get my man back.

* * *

I get some much-needed rest. I crash on the bed and let sleep overcome me. The ache I feel for Eric is indescribable—powerful and weak all at the same time. I wake up ready to conquer the world—
okay, Lane, let’s not overdo it.

Perhaps not the world, but my life. Yes, I’m ready to start conquering
my
life. Fudge Aiden for what he did to me. Frack him for thinking he can continue to rule over me. Not any more. Today’s a new day and I’m officially taking back my life.

I feel like I’m high on life but I don’t care. It feels good—damn good. Perhaps it’s the new scenery, or the sudden adrenaline rush that’s pumping through me, but I’m going to be with the man
I want
to be with. Eric. He is
my everything
and I was a fool for letting him go.

“So, what’s your plan?” Carissa asks through the phone. She’s a nervous wreck so I know I have to keep in contact with her.

“Well, first I’m going to ask if Eric or his dad are staying here. And I’m going to pry for answers from all those greedy news stations camping out downstairs. And when that doesn’t work, I’m going to beg for someone to drive me down there.” Even
I’m
surprised at how confident and easy-going I sound.
I kind of like this “new” me.

“Drive down
where
exactly, Lane?” Her voice is stern, demanding almost.

“To the fire or wherever they are.”

“Have you lost your marbles?” she shouts. “People are dying! You can’t just drive over there.”

“Okay, and what do you suggest I do?” I snap back.

“I was thinking the old fashion way. CALL HIM!” she screams, making me jerk away from the phone.

“Dude, chill. I did. He didn’t answer,” I lie. I knew she wouldn’t understand my reasoning. I didn’t want to… nor could I…get back together with someone I’m in love with over the phone. No, the
new
me
is determined to do this right. I need to show him how much he means to me.

“Ugh…I swear, Velaney Rose Wills. You best not get hurt out there. Otherwise, I’m coming to kick you in the baby maker.”

“Ew, seriously, Riss. Chill. And that just sounds mean.”

“Well…that’s how worried I am about you. You’re my best friend, Lane. I’d die if anything ever happened to you.” I know that Carissa loves me. And it’s nice to hear that someone cares. That someone is willing to yell at me in order to tell me how much I mean to them. She’s been the only person in my life who has ever really cared about me. Until Eric.

“I love you, Riss. I promise to be safe,” I respond calmly, smiling at her motherly tone.

“I love you, too. Call me,” she huffs. “I mean it!”

“I will. I promise.”

I walk to the receptionist’s desk and in my most polite tone I ask, “Is there a chance you could tell me if there’s a Mr. Reilley staying here?”

“I’m sorry, that’s confidential.” She smiles back. I can tell she’s trying to be polite, but I’m done trying.

“I know, but it’s really important. Mr. Reilley is a firefighter from Boston and I came out here looking for him. Can you just tell me if he’s staying in the hotel?”

“I wish I could, ma’am. But I’d lose my job over something like that.”
Damn.

Plan B.

“Can you leave him a message for me then?”

“Sure, I suppose I could.”

Bingo. That means he
is
staying here. She hands me a notepad and pen.

Eric, I need to see you. I’m in room 212. -Velaney

I hand the notepad and pen back to her and walk out the lobby doors. I’m not 100% sure he’ll get the note, but it’s worth a try.

I hail a cab and hop in. I feel optimistic…overly optimistic.

“I’d like to get as close to the wildfire as possible, please,” I simply state, knowing how crazy I probably sound.

“Excuse me?” he asks in a thick accent.

“My friend is a firefighter and I need to see him.”

“Ma’am, I’m sorry, but most everything is blocked off. The closest I can get you is to route 203, and even then you’d have to walk quite a way.”

I shrug and agree to the terms. I’ll figure out a way.
I have to. I won’t let anyone or anything stand in my way this time.

The cab driver drops me off as close as he can. Most of the roads are blocked off with police cars and fire trucks. The smoke is thicker and the black smoke clouds above are darker and closer to me now. I didn’t consider all of this when I came out here but I’m not backing out now.
No way.

I pull my sweatshirt over my mouth and do my best not to inhale the smoke and ash. I stop for a moment, thinking how ironic this is—I met Eric in a very similar situation like this…trying to hide from the smoke. However, I’m determined to make sure he knows just how important he is to me. I screwed it up so freaking badly before…I
have
to make this right.

There are plenty of other people standing by, watching the commotion as well. Most people were told to evacuate, but clearly, they hadn’t. I’m not surprised, though. Whenever something “exciting” happens in Boston, people are always there to witness it firsthand.

“Sir?” I ask someone nearby that looks to be an officer. “Would you be able to help me? I’m looking for a couple of firefighters from Boston. They are supposed to be here.”

He looks me over, examining my features, making me incredibly self-conscious.
What the hell?
I lower my sweatshirt so he doesn’t think I’m being suspicious or anything. I think he sees the fear in my eyes and finally starts talking.

“Miss, there are dozens of firefighters out here right now. I have no idea where they are all from or what their names are. I’m sorry,” he replies harshly, but a little sympathetic.

“Okay, never mind. Thank you.” I begin to walk away but his voice catches me again, and I spin around to see him walking toward me.

“What are their names?” he simply asks, taking pity on me.

“Eric Reilley.”

“Yeah, he’s here. I think he’s positioned in section 49.” I’m so overwhelmed with joy that he knows where he is. I can’t help the smile on my face as he explains to me how to find him.

“Oh my God, thank you so much!” Without thinking, I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. He has no idea what this means to me.

He points me in the right direction and we say goodbye. I make the short journey up to where he told me to go. The cloud of smoke thickens, making it harder to see and breathe. I know I am crazy for doing this—but if I’ve learned anything since meeting Eric, it’s that he’s worth it.
Love is worth it.
I never knew I could let someone in…to let someone love me. I never knew it was possible. Eric is the one person who broke through my walls…broke through my shattered heart and put it back together.

There are a handful of men standing nearby. It looks like they are waiting for orders or something because their hoses are laying flat on the ground. They are all in uniform but their helmets are off. A couple of guys are holding theirs under their arm, which gives me a better view of their faces.

“Eric?” I shout over the loud roaring of helicopters in the air. A handful of men turn around and look at me, stopping their conversations.

And then I see his beautiful emerald eyes.

Oh, holy hell.