The One Who Got Away by Tara Grace Ericson

The relationship is fake. But the sparks are real.
Can these best friends rekindle a second chance at first love? Or will they both end up burned?

Right here at the Minden Fire Department is exactly where I belong. But when I became Captain Storm, apparently it meant I needed a wife. Or at least, that’s what my mom’s friends think.
When Krystal comes back to town, I don’t know what to think. She was my best friend in high school. Okay, fine. The truth is I loved her–as much as any eighteen-year-old kid could have. I think she loved me, too.
But she left, anyway.
I really do understand why. She had dreams to chase in Hollywood. How could I deny her that?
She’s here now, though. For eight weeks. And she’s taking over the fire department charity auction while her mom recovers from her fall, which means working with me.
I know we’re just friends. She’s going back to LA after the auction, but maybe her presence could get my mom’s friends off my back for a minute. We’ll just let people assume there is more to our friendship… No harm, no foul. I really could use the break from my personal matchmakers’ attention.
And I won’t say no to a little extra time with Krystal. I’m probably torturing myself. Friends is all we’ll ever be. Even a fake relationship can’t change the fact that she was The One Who Got Away.