A Fallen Heart Read Online Free Page A

ordered in, there weren’t that many dishes to be done, so they made quick work of the handful of plates and stashed the leftovers in the fridge. Adam and Sam weren’t going to have to cook for a week at least, which was good, because the interior of their fridge was basically empty.
    Nash was drying the last of the platters Caleb had washed, and Rob and Adam were in the living room talking about hockey, a subject Ford had absolutely no interest in.
    “I’m going to step out for a second,” Ford said, gesturing toward the window and ignoring the disappointed expression on Sam’s face. He knew how Sam felt about his smoking, but he’d come a long way from the pack a day he used to inhale, quite literally.
    The heat in the kitchen was getting to him, which probably had something to do with the way Nash kept catching his eye. The interested glances and flirty looks hadn’t subsided. Ford couldn’t decide if he enjoyed the attention or if he was feeling self-conscious. It had been so long since he’d done this—since long before Peter—that the whole situation felt foreign.
    “I’ll come with you. If that’s okay,” Nash said, pulling Ford from his thoughts.
    Ford shrugged one shoulder and answered before he could think too hard about it. “Sure.”
    They ducked out the window on the west side of the apartment and perched themselves on the fire escape. Nash shut the window behind them, closing them off from the rest of the group. They were in easy view of the guys in the kitchen, but somehow it felt more secluded, almost intimate.
    Digging into his back pocket, Ford grabbed the half pack of cigarettes. He pulled one out and set it between his lips as he shoved his hand into his pocket for his lighter.
    Nash was quicker, flicking his thumb, bringing the flame to life before leaning forward to light Ford up. He inhaled, the tip burning to life as he dragged the smoke into his lungs, embracing the sudden rush of light-headedness and the swift sensation of relaxation. The feeling was instant, and Ford remembered why he’d been addicted in the first place.
    He offered the pack to Nash. “They’re probably incredibly stale. I don’t even remember the last time I had one.”
    Nash reached out, took one, and lit it, the flame of the lighter casting a warm glow on his face, before he leaned back against the metal railing and dragged the smoke slowly into his lungs.
    “Thanks,” he said.
    “Welcome.”
    “I don’t smoke much, but there’s something about having a cigarette after a few drinks. Makes it smoother somehow. Evens everything out.”
    Ford knew exactly what Nash meant. “I quit a year ago, but when it comes to wine, I can’t seem to help having one or two, even if Sam disapproves.”
    “Ah, I’m sure he’s only looking out for you. You guys have been friends for a long time, yeah?”
    “A couple of years. We met his first week at the hospital. I’ve been there a bit longer.”
    Nash tapped the ash over the edge. “You like it? Saint Joe’s is a good place to work, I mean?”
    “Yeah. I can’t imagine going anywhere else. I’ve been there since I was in school, and everyone, for the most part anyway, is good people. We’re incredibly lucky.”
    “Seems like it.”
    “How do you like working with Adam and the crew so far?” Ford asked, surprised that he was genuinely curious.
    A wide grin split Nash’s face, and Ford could feel the happiness radiating from him. His expression was so open, his body language unguarded.
    “It’s better than I ever thought possible.”
    Ford winced exaggeratedly. “Hard to believe anyone would say that about being Adam’s partner, but I guess Sam likes him all right.”
    Nash laughed. “Yeah, they seem to be pretty gone on one another.”
    “They really are. It’s kind of gross, actually.”
    “I think it’s nice. Of course it’s not like that with Adam and me, obviously, but the station I came from was not… as accepting as this one.”
    “How