Page 25 of Where We Burn

But I can’t stomach having something dangled in front of me that I’ll never actually get to taste, so today’s plan is simple. I’m going with amnesia. As far as I’m concerned, the kitchen never happened. No awkwardness. No addressing it. No unspoken tension simmering beneath the surface, waiting for one of us to snap.

Just… no.

I see Savannah beside him, her long blonde hair spillingover the back of her coat, and her body angled toward his as she leans in, casual as anything. We’ve never really met, but I’ve heard a lot about her. She’s part of the Crawford circle in the way that only history can make someone family. She also goes to Violet’s for her hair, and my sister—who barely tolerates people on a good day—always says what a sweetheart she is.

I get closer to them, forcing my steps to stay slow.

My pulse is absolutely not racing.

I am one hundred percent not affected.

And I’m lying.

“Hey,” I say, and Christian turns, his expression unreadable—nothing like the way he looked at me this morning.

Then Savannah turns, and Jesus, she’s got the kind of smile that could melt the frozen ground beneath our feet. She looks close to Christian’s age and beautiful in that effortless way some people just seem to carry without even trying.

I’ve seen her a couple of times before, but only at Callan’s bar, which is weird, considering we’ve been living in the same small town for months. Everyone in Rosewood knows everyone, but somehow, she’s been a ghost.

“Savannah, this is Piper.”

“I’ve seen you down at Callan’s,” she says, offering a warm smile that feels like sunshine. “But it’s a pleasure to meet you properly, honey. How you doin’?”

“I’m good, thanks,” I say, before my focus darts back to Christian. “And I’m here to help, so… what do you need me for?”

“I sent Travis to do deliveries, so you’ve got the day to yourself.”

“I can help. I’d like to.”

“Or you can go get warm, read, and do whatever it is you never get the time for.”

I feel myself go still, eyes narrowing as I try to understand what he’s saying, but it all boils down to one thing.

He doesn’t want me anywhere near him.

“I can bring some food up to the house if you’d like. Got the best cakes in all of Rosewood,” Savannah offers.

Or they think I’m as useless as Travis.

Maybe I’ve never been the most ambitious person or found that magical thing I’m supposed to do with my life. But I work hard at everything I do, no matter what it is. I don’t half-ass anything, and I sure as hell don’t sit back and let others do all the heavy lifting. Christian knows I work the busiest shifts at the bar. He should know I can pitch in.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll call Violet and see if she wants to come get me so we can head into town. No point getting ready for nothing, right?” I shoot Christian a smile that’s about as friendly as a knife to the ribs as I turn to walk back to the house.

“Piper?”

I ignore him, pretending that the hat, fuzzy earmuffs, and half a dozen layers I’m wearing have magically rendered me hard of hearing.

I feel his hand on my arm—strong enough to stop me, gentle enough to make my heart forget how to beat properly.

“Piper, hey… Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Need anything from town?”

“You’re mad.”

“No, I’m embarrassed.”

“Why?”