He couldn’t hear the cracking of wood over the fire, but he could feel it under his feet.

  Shit.

  The wooden staircase was unstable and on the verge of collapsing now.

  Through the smoke and flames, Amber wavered in front of him.

  Fear ripped through him at the idea of her falling through the stairs to the first floor below.

  He lunged forward quickly and pushed her.

  Amber stumbled down, clearing the last few steps and landing on her hands and knees.

  The light outside from the front door illuminated her as she glanced over her shoulder. The dismay and anger on her face were visible through her mask.

  And then, almost in slow motion, her expression shifted to horror.

  But there was no fear, just relief that she was safe, as the staircase collapsed and Reggie dropped through.

  Chapter Nine

  He fell for what must’ve been seconds, but felt like minutes. He hit hard, landing on his feet before he crumpled.

  Then the black smoke of darkness rolled in.

  Maybe this was death? Or how it made its approach?

  The orange glow of the fire flickered through the smoke as it spread closer.

  There was no pain, but when he tried to move his right leg, he couldn’t.

  There was movement and light all around him as it grew hard to breathe. He started to lose consciousness. When he opened his eyes at one point, he could make out Adam from search and rescue maneuvering toward him.

  He tried to lift himself up, move toward his friend. Fire-like pain rocketed through his leg. Every muscle in his body protested and ached.

  Maybe he wasn’t dead, but with the pain and heat, it sure felt like hell.

  Everything went dark again.

  When he came to, he was in the back of the ambulance, and Blake was leaning over him.

  “You’re awake.” Blake smiled. “Sleeping on the job never really seemed like your style.”

  While his friend’s words were light and teasing, there was genuine worry and concern in Blake’s eyes.

  Reggie tried to reply, but his throat was raw.

  “Save it. Just relax. Your mask got caught on something and knocked off, so you’ve got some smoke inhalation. It looks like your airway is inflamed. Checking your neuros shows you probably dodged a concussion.” Blake put a hand lightly on his shoulder. “The real bad news is your right leg, my friend. It’s broken. I’m sorry. I stabilized it, and we’re heading to the hospital.”

  Reggie closed his eyes.

  It’s broken.

  His career as a firefighter flashed behind his eyes.

  “You scared the hell out of us. But you’re fucking alive, and you’re lucky,” Blake rasped, squeezing his shoulder now. “Not long after we got you out, there was a flashover. The house is destroyed.”

  “Amber?” he croaked.

  “She’s fine. She got out.” Blake glanced away. “I think she’s worried out of her mind for you. I might’ve seen tears in her eyes.”

  Reggie attempted a humorless laugh, but it hurt his chest.

  Blake must’ve been wrong about Amber. She didn’t seem like the type who cried, and if she did, it sure as hell wasn’t on the job.

  “I know this sucks, Reg,” Blake said quietly. “But you’ll be back on your feet before long.”

  From your lips to god’s ears, Blake.

  The lump in Reggie’s throat had nothing to do with the fire. He closed his eyes to the nausea that took hold again.

  *

  Amber rushed into Swedish Hospital, adrenaline keeping her awake and on edge.

  She reached the security desk and drew in a calming breath.

  “Hi, I was hoping to visit a patient? Reggie—er, Reginald Andrews?”

  “One moment.”

  The man behind the counter typed something into the computer and then gave her the room number a moment later.

  She rushed to the elevator, shoving her ponytail over her shoulder as she stepped inside.

  Her heart thudded fast in her chest, and she couldn’t get rid of the ball of fear in her belly. It’d been there since yesterday, from the moment the stairs collapsed beneath Reggie’s feet and she’d witnessed him fall.

  Just the memory of it sent another wave of queasiness through her.

  It should’ve been both of us.

  When Reggie had pushed her down the stairs, the shock and anger had left her frozen. Her mind screamed why when her mouth couldn’t.

  And then she’d realized the reason when he’d fallen. He’d saved her. He’d known the stairs were going to collapse and pushed her off them before they both fell.

  The elevator doors slid open and she stepped out, drawing in an unsteady breath. She made her way down the hall, checking the numbers on the doors until she found his.

  All the adrenaline in her system drained away, and she struggled to take that next step into his room.

  Her throat tightened and guilt clutched her stomach. She closed her eyes, mentally psyching herself up to step through that doorway and see him lying in that hospital bed.

  “Amber?”

  She opened her eyes and saw Reggie’s mom just leaving the room.

  Her cheeks flushed. “Hi, Bernice.”

  “You came to see Reggie?” Compassion flared in the older woman’s eyes.

  “I did.” She bit the inside of her cheek. Ask her. “Is he in pretty bad shape?”

  “Reggie? Nah, he’s a little beat up, won’t lie about that. The leg is broken in three places. But he’ll be okay. Had surgery yesterday, late afternoon, and has been high as a kite on pain meds since.” Bernice stepped closer, her gaze knowing. “Shouldn’t you be home sleeping? Your guys’ shift would’ve just ended if I remember right.”

  “It did.” Amber swallowed hard. The leg was broken in three places? That sounded bad. Don’t cry. “I can’t sleep yet. I just need to see him for myself.”

  “You’ve been through a lot in the last day.” Bernice nodded, and then lifted her arms. “Come here, honey.”

  Without hesitation, Amber went into her arms for the hug she desperately needed.

  “He saved me, Bernice. We both should’ve fallen when those stairs collapsed.”

  “If that’s true, then I’m relieved to hear it.”

  Amber blinked back the tears and bit her lip. God, it felt good to be hugged like this. To have a moment where she could indulge in maternal support, even if it wasn’t from her own mom.

  With her parents in another state, they rarely saw each other. Just the occasional text and call, and even that was sporadic. They weren’t very close and really never had been. So it hadn’t been hard to make the choice to leave and move up to Seattle.

  “Reggie cares for you. If you were the one lying in that hospital bed right now, he’d be devastated.” Bernice gave her a reassuring squeeze and released her. “Go on in there and say hello. I know he’ll be happy to see you.”

  “Thanks.” She sucked in a steadying breath and nodded. “I needed the hug and that pep talk.”

  Bernice nodded. “I’m going to get some breakfast, but I’ll be back to visit him in a bit. Don’t stay too long. You need your sleep after that long shift.”

  Amber’s lips twitched. “Okay, I won’t. Oh, and Bernice? Please take my number in case you need my help with Reggie. I know he’ll be too proud to ask anyone.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.” Admiration flashed in his mom’s eyes before she nodded and typed the number into her phone.

  Once she’d left down the hall, Amber grabbed the handle on the door and pushed it inward, her gaze seeking him out.

  Reggie was on the bed, in a hospital gown, with his eyes closed. There were some bruises on his arms, and his leg—wrapped and in a white brace—was propped up with three pillows.

  Her heart twisted at the sight.

  Was he asleep?

  She hesitated. Maybe she should leave? Let him rest and start the recovery.

  He made a small groan before his eyelids flickered open.

  Amber caught her breath as he stared straight ahead at the TV screen that was softly playing some sports station. He hadn’t seen her yet.

  She took another step into the room, and his attention swung to her. It took a moment before he focused and recognition kicked in.

  “Amber.”

  Her name was raspy on his lips, and her broken heart splintered all over again. A lump formed in her throat and she tried to swallow it.

  “Hey, you.” She moved to his bedside and caught his hand, giving it a soft squeeze. “How are you feeling?”

  “Oh, you know. Like I fell through some stairs while fighting a fire.” He grimaced, not letting go of her hand. “Actually, that’s a lie. Right now, I’m not feeling much. They’ve got me on the good stuff.”

  “I should hope so.” She bit her lip. “You know, you probably saved me from this same fate. Maybe worse.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Yeah, I’d apologize for pushing you, but I’m not sorry. Were you hurt at all?”

  “Just some minor bruises. Nothing like what you’ve got going on.” She slid her gaze to the bruises on his arms and neck. “How long did they say you have to be in here?”

  “I’m hoping to go home tonight. I just need to pass the stairs test with my crutches.” His eyelids drifted shut. “Be able to get myself into the house. So ready to get the hell out of here . . .”

  She glanced around the empty hospital room. She’d seen his mom heading to grab food, but no one else.

  She hesitated. “I’m sure Nicole’s been keeping you company.”

  He started laughing, almost hysterically.

  That was weird. He must’ve taken more pain meds recently.

  She let the topic go, because as his laughter faded, his eyes closed and he drifted off into sleep.

  How stupid was she to have given her number to Bernice, when Reggie already had a girlfriend who’d probably be at his side any chance she got?

  With a sigh, she pulled her hand free from his. He made a small groan, his fingers flexing toward her, before his hand went limp. His eyes stayed closed.

  “How’s he doing?”

  She jumped, glancing over her shoulder. A lump of emotion gathered in her throat.

  All the guys from her shift were gathered in the doorway, expressions ranging from solemn to nervous. No shit-eating grins this morning.

  They’d all come too. Her heart softened, and the tightness in her throat was from affection and pride now. They really were a family.

  “I think he’s okay,” she said softly. “He just passed out from the drugs again after we spoke for a few minutes. His mom just ran to the cafeteria to grab some breakfast.”

  “We should join her,” Chuck said immediately. “Check in on her and grab some food too. Come back up in a bit.”

  All the men made murmurs of agreement.

  She gave a faint smile. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll just head home. I’m exhausted.”

  Probably a bit more emotionally than physically, but she didn’t want to admit that aloud.

  The understanding in their eyes made it clear that they supported her.

  “No problem. We’ll see you on Tuesday, okay?” Blake gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Get some sleep.”

  She nodded, keeping her gaze down so they couldn’t see the tears that pricked. “You guys too.”

  With a small wave, she eased her backpack purse over her shoulders and made her way out of the hospital.

  By the time she hit the mattress in her apartment, she was half-asleep. And when sleep descended fully, a nightmare full of fire and flames followed.

  *

  “I don’t need any damn help.”

  Reggie regretted the terse words about three seconds after they were out. Fortunately, his sister and mom, who hovered nearby, didn’t seem the least bit offended.

  Though his mom did arch one brow, and he knew without a doubt it was because he’d sworn and not because he didn’t want help.

  He usually was pretty good at keeping the cursing at bay with family. Now, his language at work and with his firefighter family was a different story.

  Reggie took another step with his crutches. The dead weight of his broken leg swinging slightly caused pain to radiate up his thigh and right side.

  Son of a bitch.

  Sweat broke out on his forehead, and he gritted his teeth as he made his way back to the couch.

  “I can’t do this, Ma.”

  “I know. That’s why your sister and I are here.”

  “No. I mean, I can’t have you guys here all the time. You’ve got lives and Dad. Not to mention, bakeries to run.”

  “Your dad is handling the bakery,” his mom said mildly.

  “And who else is going to take care of your butt, Reg?” This from his younger sister. “You’re an unmarried thirty-something who gets cranky when you need to ask for help.”

  “Joy.” He gave her a warning glance.

  It was probably a good thing he’d never told them about Nicole. They would’ve latched onto her and the potential for him to get married like a leech.

  Joy rolled her eyes and strode off to the kitchen.

  Reggie leaned his crutches against the wall, then slowly lowered himself onto the recliner and reached for the handle, easing up the footrest and his leg with it.

  After a moment, the pain dulled, and the relief at being settled in took over.

  All that pain and effort to go take a piss.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to come stay at our house?” His mom handed him his stainless steel water bottle.

  He took a swig of the icy cold water, letting it move down his dry throat, and closed his eyes. “I’m sure.”

  “I figured you’d say as much.” She sighed. “Which is why I called Amber.”

  Chapter Ten

  Reggie snapped his eyes open, horror sweeping through him. “You did what?”

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “She gave me her number at the hospital.” His mom was all innocence and she went to answer it. “Like you pointed out, we do have a bakery to run. And Amber offered to help out on her days off.”

  “Mama.”

  She swung the door open, and sure enough, Amber stood in the doorway.

  “Thanks for coming over, honey.” Bernice smiled. “You sure you got enough sleep?”

  “I slept all day, woke up and showered, then came right over.” She stepped inside and lifted a paper bag. “Brought some dinner too for whoever is hungry.”

  Reggie’s mouth thinned as he drew his gaze from her head to her toes. Her hair was still partially wet and hung in waves down her back. The T-shirt and sweats she wore hid everything and were clearly worn with comfort in mind. It was both a relief and a disappointment.

  “That’s sweet of you, but we’re going to head home now. Joy has her cat to feed, and I’ve got to meet my husband for dinner. Jack gets as cranky as Reggie when he doesn’t get his dinner on time.”

  “Just a reminder I’m still in the room. And I don’t get cranky.” His surly words were basically a contradiction, and he ground his teeth together.

  “Yes, you do, baby.” His mom came and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “But Amber is such a sweetheart, and she brought you dinner. See you two later.”

  “See you guys. Thanks, Amber.” Joy gave a small wave and followed Bernice out the door.

  And now they were alone together. He knew what his mom was doing. Trying to set them up.

  What his mom didn’t know was that Amber was off-limits, and even if she weren’t, she already had a man.

  “How are you doing?” Amber gave him a quick look before making her way into the kitchen. “Actually, don’t answer that. It’s a shitty question. I know you’re in pain.”

  She returned a moment later with a tray full of food. Sandwiches on crusty bread with potato chips on the side.

  “Those are jalapeno,” she warned. “The chips. The sandwich is turkey from a deli near my place. No mayo, because I know you hate that stuff.”

  Amber knew him better than some of his family. His mouth watered at the thought of the jalapeno chips. Spicy food was his thing, and the hospital food had been bland as fuck.

  “Thanks,” he responded grudgingly, accepting the tray. The smell of her shampoo or soap tickled his nostrils. Something fruity and light. “You didn’t have to come over here.”

  “I didn’t. But I’m happy to help out. You need it.” She waved away his protest. “You do, Reg. Stop being so proud. Just let me know if I’m intruding. Or if . . .” She hesitated. “If Nicole is coming over or whatever. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable or jealous.”

  “You’re good.” His mouth thinned before he put a chip in it. A moment later, he asked, “What about Rob? I don’t want to steal you away from your guy on your day off.”

  Amber sat down on the couch across the room, folding her legs under her bottom as she unwrapped her sandwich.

  “He’s at work.” Her gaze avoided his. “We don’t have any plans until Saturday.”

  So they were still together. The thought left his stomach twisted a bit.

  Though maybe they weren’t too serious if they were only seeing each other once a week. If it were him, he’d have her in his bed and under him every day she wasn’t working.

  Don’t think about her in bed.

  His leg started to ache, distracting him, thankfully. Unfortunately, his pain pills were in the kitchen.

  No way was he going to ask her to get up and get them for him when she’d just sat down. He’d be okay without them for a while. Then he’d get up and grab them himself.

  He wasn’t completely helpless.

  By the time they’d finished eating, he realized he’d been stupid. He should’ve grabbed the pills earlier.

  “You’re twitching,” she commented.

  “What?”

  “Your eyes. Your muscles. I know that can mean your pain meds are wearing off.” Amber rose from the sofa. “Are you due?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll get them.” He reached for the handle on the recliner.

 

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