He cheated i chose two firefighters novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

After my last client, I checked the schedule in the office. Scar still had two sessions left.

I wiped down equipment, then went to shower.

When I came out, my phone vibrated. Sloane’s name was on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Bren, I need you. Eve’s fever is high again and I can’t get it to drop.” Her voice sounded thin, right on the edge of breaking.

“Okay. I’m coming.”

I ended the call and scribbled Scar a quick note. She’d understand. She’d have to find her own ride home.

Maybe it was time to sit down and look at money—figure out if we could manage a second vehicle. I’ve never liked Scar driving. I like being the one who takes care of that. I like being the chauffeur to my lady.

I drove fast to Sloane’s and pulled into my driveway.

She swung the door open, relief spilling onto her face. “Thank you, Bren. Seriously. You’re my hero—like always.”

“It’s fine. How’s Eve? Any change?”

“A little. I got it down a couple degrees, but it’s still around a hundred.” She twisted her hands together like she couldn’t stop.

“Sloane, she’s going to be okay. But you need to breathe before you work yourself sick too. Grab some Pedialyte. I’ll try to get her to drink.”

“Thanks, Brennan.”

She rose up on her toes and kissed my cheek.

It startled me. She’s never done that before. I cleared my throat and acted like it didn’t matter.

After I got some Pedialyte into Eve, I soaked a washcloth cold and wiped her face and neck. I remembered Mama doing the same thing when I was little and burning up.

When Eve settled, I left.

Back at home, Scar still wasn’t there. I started the fixings for chili and cornbread. Montana fall was sliding in—darker nights, colder air.

I waited. Time kept moving.

And then I convinced myself it wouldn’t hurt to check on Eve one more time.

When Sloane opened the door, she lit up like I’d brought the sun with me. “Brennan, she’s so much better. Come see.”

Inside, Eve was upright, awake, and smiling.

My chest went warm.

“Hey, sweetheart. What are you doing?”

“Drawing you a thank-you picture for taking care of me,” she said proudly.

She held it up. Three stick figures. One was blonde, with two big round circles on her chest—obviously meant to be Sloane.

I bit my cheek to stop myself from laughing. The whole page was covered in hearts.

“This is amazing,” I told her. “I’m going to keep it forever.”

She grinned like she’d won something.

“Eve honey,” Sloane said gently, “go upstairs and put your things away, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Sloane turned back to me. “Do you want to stay for dinner, Bren?”

“No. Thanks, but I already started dinner for me and Scar.”

Disappointment flickered across her face, and I hated that it made me feel guilty.

“Scar!” I shouted. “Fuck!”

Behind me, Sloane’s voice cracked. “Bren—oh my God. Brennan, I’m so sorry.”

I spun back, fists in my hair, staring at her like I didn’t recognize her—or myself.

“I can’t talk to you right now. I need… I need to talk to my wife. I don’t know what the hell just happened, but it can’t happen again.”

Pain crossed her face.

“You wanted it,” she shot back. “Don’t lie to me, Brain. I wanted it too. I’ve been waiting for you to kiss me forever.

“I know it’s wrong, but you keep choosing me. Again and again. You even spent time with me on your anniversary.

“I’ve been feeding you. You drop everything for me. Can’t you see it? We’re supposed to be together. You want me—you do.”

“No,” I said, voice shaking. “You’re wrong.”

“Am I? You kissed me like you were starving. We were basically having sex on my doorstep.”

She wasn’t wrong.

I had.

But it was a slip. A mistake. One moment where my judgment went dark.

“No, Sloane.” My throat tightened. “I love my wife. I’m sorry.”

I left her standing there with tears on her cheeks.

I need to fix this.

I need to find Scar.