by Hope Stone
I rambled an excuse to my boss and then ran out of the office. I didn’t care that I had work to do or that I looked like a lunatic running toward a burning building. I had to see whether Sean was okay.
By the time I got there, the place was filled with news crews and onlookers. I forced my way through the barrier, looking only for him. I ran toward the fire truck and saw them pulling firefighters from the building and taking them to the aid car, but I couldn’t see Sean anywhere.
I saw Andrea and ran to her, hardly able to breathe at this point. But before I could reach her, she ran to help someone coming out of the fire. I looked around, but my vision was blurring as I hyperventilated. I knew I was having a panic attack, but I didn’t care. I had to find him. I had to know that he was safe.
Suddenly, I felt my body go limp and everything went black. I braced myself for the feeling of crashing into the hard ground. But I landed in someone’s strong, muscular arms.
Chapter 13: Sean
I’d been out of the fire for a while and was being cleared by the paramedics on the scene when I saw Alice. She looked terrified and I ran toward her. I knew she was there for me. Why else would she be running toward a burning building?
I could tell that something wasn’t quite right with her and I managed to get to her before she collapsed. I caught her in my arms, carried her to the aid car, and put her down on a stretcher. I got some cold water and dabbed it on her face.
When she opened her eyes, the look of fear on her face faded as she saw me.
“Sean… you’re okay?” she said, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Yes, Alice, I’m okay… are you okay, though?” I asked.
She smiled weakly. “I’m okay if you’re okay.”
I gave her some water to drink and she sat up. I put my arm around her instinctively.
“I shouldn’t have left you like that. I was a coward. I thought that I could force myself to forget you. But I couldn’t. I don’t think I’ll ever not be scared when you’re in danger, but I’d rather be there when you’re safe than be worrying from far away. I’ve been an idiot and I’m so sorry,” she said.
“It’s okay,” I said calmly.
“No, it’s not. I should have been braver… like you,” she said through streaming tears.
“You’re the bravest person I know,” I said and then I kissed her deeply and felt her relax into my arms.
Epilogue
Alice
Six months later, I walked into the fire department to meet Sean after work. The lights were off but it was late, so I thought the rest of the guys must be trying to get some rest. But when I walked into the dining area, the table was filled with candles and daisies, my favorite flower. Sean wasn’t in his usual gear; instead, he was wearing a suit.
Before I could say anything, he got down on one knee.
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I know it’s soon, but I’ve known I’ve loved you from the moment we met. You are everything to me and it would make me so happy if you’d agree to marry me,” he said, slightly shaking from nervousness.
“Yes, of course, yes…” I said with tears welling up in my eyes.
Three months later, we were married. We had a small wedding with only our closest friends and family members. Jane walked me down the aisle and Sean was there waiting for me with a broad smile on his face.
We’d both say for years to come that the best day of our lives was the day there was a fire in my kitchen.
THE END
Dear reader,
I can’t thank you enough for reading this book! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much I enjoyed writing it. It would mean the world to me if you took a minute to leave me an honest review in Amazon.
If it weren’t for passionate readers like yourself that give me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams as a full time author doing what I feel like I was born to do…being creative, writing books and sharing it with beautiful people like you.
Thank you!
Hope Stone
Other Books By Hope Stone
Hope Stone writes hot and steamy short romances featuring heroes that can't help falling in insta love. She loves possessive and protective alpha men, instant love stories and always happily ever afters.
Curves On Fire is Book 6 in the Insta Love Alpha Male Series. These books can be read as stand alone stories in any order.
Book 1: Curvy Obsession
Book 2: His Obsession, Her Curves
Book 3: Billionaire’s Party Planner
Book 4: Unforgettable Curves
Book 5: Undeniable Attraction
Book 6: Curves On Fire
Boxset (Books 1-3): Insta Love Alpha Males Boxset 1
Boxset (Books 4-6): Insta Love Alpha Males Boxset 2
Full Series Box Set Coming Soon!
Other Books By Hope Stone:
Doctor’s Orders: A Curvy Woman Medical Romance
Join the Hope Stone Readers Group on Facebook. This is an exclusive group where readers and fans of short, steamy romances come together to talk about Hope's books. This is the place to engage with other fans and get access to exclusive content, find out about new releases, giveaways and contests as well as vote on covers before anyone else and so much more!