Page 15 of Melting for the Firefighter

Her hair is damp from where someone cleaned the soot away. A bandage covers her palm. She wears a pale hospital gown, and a blanket is pulled to her chest.

Her eyes meet mine.

“You stayed.”

“Where else would I be?”

I place the journal on the tray beside her.

Her mouth trembles.

“You saved it.”

“You saved it. Jordan picked it up, and I carried it here.”

“I was stupid.”

“You were scared.”

“Tessa told me to stay at the window.”

“She is going to lecture you.”

“I deserve it.”

I move closer. “No. You deserve to be alive. That is all.”

Her eyes fill.

I can handle fire. Blood. Broken bones. I can walk into a burning building and keep my hands steady while the roof comes apart above me.

I cannot handle seeing Cora hurt.

I cannot handle her tears.

I take her uninjured hand.

Her fingers curl around mine without hesitation.

“The shop?” she asks.

“Front is bad. Building is standing. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

“My apartment?”

“Unlivable. Smoke and water damage. You can’t go back there.”

She closes her eyes.

“I will get a motel.”

“No.”

Her eyes open again.

“The doctor says you can’t be alone tonight. You’re staying with me.”

“Lance…”