Chapter 45
Dex
In the early hours of the morning, a drenching downpour and a sudden drop in the wind brings the fire swiftly under control.
The rest of our crew has been put up in a Christmas-themed town close to Fairbanks called North Pole, and Korren and I get a ride over to join them before our flight back to Copper Creek, along with several other firefighters in a similar situation.
As we bounce along in the back of the van, we discuss in low voices what happens next. The last thing I want to do is push Korren to do anything before he’s ready.
“Are we official now?” I ask him softly. “Like, are we telling the rest of the crew? Or are we keeping things quiet a bit longer? Because once they know, it won’t be a secret to anyone in Copper Creek.”
Korren takes a moment to think on this, and I do the same. I want people to know we’re dating. It’s a strange possessive urge that’s taken over me—Korren is mine, and I don’t want anyone to think otherwise.
But at the same time, this is different from any relationship I’ve been in before.
Announcing we’re dating means coming out, and part of me still isn’t a hundred percent ready to accept all the implications of that.
We would be the first openly gay couple I’ve ever known in Copper Creek, which would mean a lot of attention, not all of it good.
For me at least, the possessive urge is winning out over my reservations, but I don’t know if Korren feels the same way. Especially after the way he reacted to the attention we got the other day.
At last he says, “I think the others kind of know anyway.”
“Wait, what?”
He gives me an embarrassed smile. “I might have lost it a bit when you went missing in the fire.”
I’m surprised by the relief I feel at the decision being taken out of my hands. “Then we’re official?”
“We’re official.”
When we reach North Pole, the rest of our crew is already gathered near the helicopter landing pad, their gear heaped nearby. The rain has stopped, but everything is wet, and the sky is still a dark grey that’s probably down to the lingering smoke as much as the rainstorm.
I make a point of holding Korren’s hand as we approach our team. He’s gripping mine tight as if for reassurance, and it makes me irrationally happy to be able to do this.
As we get closer and Brett notices us, the whole crew turns and breaks out into cheers.
“You’re alive!” Cami shouts, running up to give us both hugs.
Ambrose throws a pointed look at our linked hands. “Wait, what’s going on with you two? Are you still playing that stupid game?”
I give an embarrassed cough. “Um…”
“They’re totally in love,” Garret says. “Korren was losing his shit when Dex went missing.”
“Does that mean you’re dating, or something?” Ambrose asks.
“Yes?” I say.
“I fucking knew it!” Ambrose crows.
There’s another round of cheering from the crew, and Korren is blushing, the adorable man.
“When’s the wedding?” Cami teases.
“Shut up,” I warn her.
Then the big helicopter lands, and we’re all piling in for the flight back, and somehow nothing has changed even though everything is different.