by Kim Loraine
“Don’t you have some paperwork to do, or toilets to clean?”
“Nope. Paperwork is a Lieutenant’s job. Word is, we’ll be sending all of that your way in a very short while, Miller.”
“What?”
“Aren’t you going to take the exam? I figured the chief would have talked to you by now.”
The thought of moving up to Lieutenant made Donovan’s stomach clench. He’d been at the department less than ten years. It didn’t seem like he’d earned the right to expect such a large step up the ladder. Sully had been with the fire service twelve years and had just made Captain five years after working his ass off to make Lieutenant. “I hadn’t even thought about it.”
“You should. You’d make a hell of a Lieutenant.”
Shrugging, he tried to act like the compliment wasn’t the best thing he could’ve ever heard from Sully. Donovan had spent years working to earn the respect of his peers. “Thanks, man. I guess we’ll see.”
With a chuckle, Sully clapped him on the shoulder and sauntered in the direction of the kitchen. The whir of the coffee grinder floated down the hall a few seconds later and Donovan sighed, wondering how he’d managed to spend so many years working with Sully without really getting to know him. The man, for all his wide smiles and easy laughter, wasn’t quick to share much besides crass jokes over a cold beer.
Donovan’s phone buzzed in his pocket as he walked through the fire house, heading to check the schedule before their morning briefing. Pulling his cell free of his pants, he grinned as soon as he saw the text message from Valerie.
Sorry I didn’t wake you before I left for work. I love you. Be safe.
A picture of her blowing him a kiss accompanied the message, her pink lips puckered and tempting. He instantly hardened when he thought back to two nights earlier, when he’d surprised her at dinner with Lena. He’d spent hours worshiping Valerie’s body and she’d used that beautiful mouth of hers in ways that made his cock ache.
Give me twenty-four hours and you can make it up to me.
He waited for her response, but it didn’t come. Chances were good that she’d only had a brief moment to message him before her meetings started and she was lost in the sea of preparation before school started for the year. Over the last year, a classroom filled with kindergarteners, many of whom had special needs, kept her busy from eight in the morning until well past three in the afternoon.
She was dog-tired most days by the time she got home, but he couldn’t be prouder. The woman was all heart, and it showed in everything she did. Just thinking of all the hours she volunteered for after-school enrichment programs made his chest swell. This summer had been a welcome break and he’d used every damn day off to enjoy her. With school starting in just a few weeks, the lazy mornings with sleepy sex as their waking ritual had disappeared—replaced by alarm clocks and rushed kisses goodbye.
“Okay, crew, let’s get going. We’ve got a lot to discuss. Miller,” Chief Roman’s voice broke Donovan out of his thoughts. The man nodded in Donovan’s direction. “Good to have you back.”
“Thanks, Chief.”
The shift passed with little action. A lift assist for an elderly man who’d fallen in his home, and a fender bender filled Donovan’s day. But he wasn’t complaining. His leg still gave him trouble on occasion. Even now, almost a year after being shot, the bone ached by the end of the day. Overuse only aggravated it further.
“Miller,” Chief Roman called out as Donovan walked past the man’s open office door.
Popping his head inside the room, Donovan steeled himself. Was this going to be the moment the chief asked him about his plans for advancement? “Hey, Chief. What’s up?”
“Makayla Grey, you got an opinion about her?”
Shrugging, Donovan took a seat across from Roman’s desk. “She’s pretty damn tough. I think she’s been holding her own here.”
“She and Sullivan . . . are they . . .”
“A couple?”
Roman nodded.
“Nah. At least, I don’t think so. They hooked up once. A long time ago, but nothing really came of it. Why? Something happen?”
“She’s asked for a transfer. Won’t give much of a reason.”
Rubbing at the back of his neck, Donovan sighed. “Shit. She hasn’t said anything to me. Everything seemed normal on the last shift I worked with her.”
“Do your best to find out, will you? I’ll be sad to see her go, that’s for sure, but I need to make sure there’s nothing pushing her out.”
With a nod, Donovan rose and started out the door, but Roman’s voice stopped him. “Miller. Keep this between you and me.”
“Right. See you next shift, Chief.” A small tendril of worry threaded through him as he walked back to the lounge. Maybe Sully had been wrong about the chief wanting Donovan to advance.
As soon as the new crew arrived to relieve B-shift, he hit the parking lot, loving the warmth in the air of late summer. It was Saturday, and that meant Valerie would be on the beach doing yoga. He could almost picture her tight little body, bent in downward-facing-dog, that beautiful ass on display. Shit, his erection strained against his pants as he pulled open the door of his jeep. He needed her in the worst way, and all he could hope was that she wouldn’t mind him showing her exactly how much he wanted her as soon as she walked through the door.
~ ~ ~
Valerie watched her littlest brother, Asher, as he played in the waves, jumping over the small swells and laughing. Her mom bumped her shoulder lightly, a soft sigh falling from the older woman’s lips.
“He’s such a joyful kid.”
Valerie’s heart squeezed. “He really is.”
“What’s that husband of yours up to today?”
Shrugging, Valerie kicked at the sand with her bare toes. “Studying. He told me last week he’s planning to take the Lieutenant exam.”
“Really?”
“I guess the chief thinks he’s suited for it.”
“You don’t?”
With a slight shake of her head, Valerie shoved her hands in the pockets of her jeans and tilted her face up to meet the warmth of the sun. “I don’t know how I feel about any of it. He’s barely back on his feet at full mobility. Mom, he got shot in the leg. He almost died on that call, and all he was trying to do was rescue the guy. I think I’d rather him take a job like Michael did. Still in the fire service, but out of danger.”
“Michael’s happier?”
“Yeah. He moved over to arson investigation. Lena says his hours are better, he’s never racing into burning buildings . . .” She trained her gaze on the horizon, willing away the stinging tears.
“Honey, Donovan loves his job, you know that.”
“But—”
“Do you remember when your dad had to deploy right after 9/11? He could have retired earlier that year, but he chose to stay in and serve his country.” Her mom sighed and hugged her arms to her chest. “I was frustrated because I wanted him home with us, and then the towers were hit and all hell broke loose. I went from irritated with his choice to terrified for his life. I spent the day staring at the news just like everyone else, wishing it away as my heart sat heavy in my chest, knowing he’d have to go.”
All Valerie could do was nod.
“I wanted to tell him to hide, that he should have retired. But, that’s not the man he is. Donovan is so similar to your dad in a lot of ways.” Reaching out, she tucked a lock of Valerie’s hair behind one ear. “And you’re a lot like me.”
The trembling in Valerie’s chin ignited a flare of embarrassment in her chest. Why was that one gesture always the thing that tipped her over the edge? Sniffing, she swiped at the tears on her cheeks and turned away from her mother. “I just . . . What if he gets hurt again?”
“I c
an’t promise he’ll always be safe. But, you’ve said it yourself, you can’t live life waiting for bad things to happen.”
Valerie took her bottom lip between her teeth and closed her eyes as she let the words sink in. She’d said the same things many times to Lena.
“Speak of the handsome devil,” her mom murmured before jogging away from her, toward the surf, as Asher waded just a little too far into the waves.
Stiffening, Valerie turned and trained her gaze on Donovan’s bare feet as he strode through the sand. Trailing her eyes up his body slowly, she worked up the courage to meet his gaze. She couldn’t bring herself to stare into those moss-colored smiling eyes, until she’d gotten control over her emotions. Wearing a pair of swim trunks and a loose fitting sleeveless shirt, he looked like he’d stepped right out of a summer beach movie. His skin was deeply tanned from time spent sailing. As she thought back to the days and nights they’d shared on the boat, her cheeks warmed, pushing the worry away. Hoping her face didn’t show she’d been crying, she took a deep breath and forced a smile as he closed the distance between them.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pressed her face against his chest and breathed him in. “I thought you were studying.”
He rested his chin on the top of her head, stroked her back and let her stay snuggled in his arms. “I was, but I needed to see you. This is our last weekend together before school starts. You were so busy last year from September until Christmas. I study night and fucking day when I’m on duty. I want to be with you when we’re both off.” His voice rumbled in his chest, making something loosen in her.
“I’m not going to complain.”
“You going to tell me why your eyes are red?”
Damn.
He never failed to notice when she was upset. “I’m fine. Just working through something with Mom.”
“What kind of something?”
Shaking her head, she looked up and finally let her gaze lock on his. “I’m worried about you.”
“Me?”
“Working so much, so hard—” He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. “I know you love your job, and that you do everything you can to stay safe. It just gets to me sometimes. My mom is the best person to talk to when I need someone to listen.”
“You know, one of the things we said in our vows was that we’d always listen. You can talk to me, too.” The tightness in his voice made her chest ache. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but how could she be strong for him if she turned around and told him how terrified she was?
“Sometimes I can’t. Sometimes, it’s about having another person to shake me out of it and show me what’s in front of my face.”
“And I won’t be able to do that if it’s about me.”
“Exactly.”
Squeezing her tightly, he dropped his head, connecting them in a kiss more passionate than she’d expected. The need behind his lips nearly took her breath away as he groaned softly and slid one hand into her hair, cradling the back of her head. She pulled away as the sound of her mother’s laughter grew nearer.
“This is probably not the best moment for a make-out session.”
He sighed, making her giggle as he took advantage of her body blocking his, adjusting himself before her mom saw the results of their encounter. “Rain check for later?” His whisper against her ear made a shiver run down her spine.
“Promise.”
Chapter 4
“Sweetheart, we’ve got to go or we’ll be late!” Donovan’s voice echoed off the walls as he walked through their apartment, gathering his keys and the brightly wrapped gift off the kitchen counter.
Where the hell was she? Lennon’s first birthday party was supposed to start in half an hour.
The flush of the toilet had him heading toward their bedroom. Valerie stepped out of the bathroom, her face white as a sheet and those startling aqua eyes glazed.
“Shit, are you all right?” Alarm coiled in his gut.
Swiping her hair away from her face, she shook her head and fell backward onto the mattress. “I’m sick.” Her voice trembled with frustration. “Dammit. I don’t want to miss this.”
The tears in her eyes broke his heart. “You don’t want to get anyone sick. I’ll call Angie and let her know we can’t make it.”
As he spoke, her face paled even further. She tensed and let out a pained noise before gritting her teeth and breathing slowly through her nose. She closed her eyes and he saw the moment the nausea passed.
“You okay?”
Lips sealed, she nodded.
Pulling his phone from his pocket, he scrolled through his contacts, ready to call her sister.
“Don’t call her.” Valerie’s voice was just a hoarse croak.
“I have to let her know we’re not coming.”
“You should go. At least one of us should be at our nephew’s first birthday.”
“Sweetheart—”
Holding up a hand, she stopped him mid-protest. “I’ll be fine. This bug has been running through the school like wildfire, but it’s only supposed to last twenty-four hours.”
“Are you sure?” He didn’t like the idea of leaving her when she was sick.
“I’m sure. I’ll spend the whole time sleeping anyway. Besides, I’m already feeling better.”
Letting out a heavy sigh, he pulled the blankets up to her chin and dropped a kiss onto her forehead. Her skin was chilled and clammy. “I’ll only be gone an hour. Just long enough to drop off Len’s present and say hello.”
She offered a wan smile and closed her eyes as he stepped out of the bedroom.
Worry took hold in his mind as he strode to his jeep. Sliding inside, he worked to push down the unease. He’d never seen her feeling so badly. But it was just an hour. She’d be okay alone for that long. His wife was a grown woman. Besides, she hated it when he babied her.
As he pulled up to Angie and Garrett’s house, he couldn’t help the smile that turned up his lips. There had to be at least ten cars parked along the street and he’d put money on each one being here for the party. Letting himself inside, he knew he’d been right as the hum of voices and squeals of small children filled the air.
“Donovan! You’re late,” Angela greeted, frowning as she took him in. “Where’s my sister?”
“Actually, I can’t stay, Ange.” He raked a hand through his hair and grabbed the back of his neck. “Valerie’s not feeling so hot. I’ve got to get home and make sure she doesn’t need anything.”
Angie took the gift from his hand and nodded. “At least come tell Lennon happy birthday before you go?”
“Of course.” Following his sister-in-law through the house, he couldn’t tamp down the cold burn of wrongness in his gut. It was just a stomach virus. He knew he shouldn’t be acting like this. He shook his head at himself as his phone buzzed in his pocket, the vibration setting him further on edge. As soon as he saw Valerie’s picture flashing on the screen his muscles tensed. “Hang on, Angie.”
Stepping into the hallway, he tried to answer the call, but she’d already hung up. “Fuck,” he muttered. His chest tightened as he dialed her and waited for an answer. The call rang to voicemail, sending discomfort through him. Wishing he’d have listened to his intuition and stayed home with his wife, he left without saying goodbye.
In the ten minutes it took for him to drive home, he tried to call Valerie at least as many times. Every call rang to voicemail. Dread took hold with each call that went unanswered. She should have been able to pick up by now. Parking outside of their building, he almost forgot to close the door to his jeep in his frantic race to get to her.
“Valerie? You okay, sweetheart?” He worked to keep his voice calm, but his heart hammered in his chest.
A soft whimper sounded from the bedroom, sending him sprinting across the room and through the doorway. His blood ran cold at the sight of her, curled up on the floor, skin pale, eyes closed, with her phone in one hand.
“Shit! Valerie. Oh, my God.” He rushed to her side, crouching next to her with one hand on her cheek. “Sweetheart, wake up.”
Her moan sent a small measure of comfort through him, but she winced and curled in on herself. “Something is wrong. It hurts so much.”
Glancing down her body, he stopped short when he saw the blood spreading across her inner thighs. “Jesus, you’re bleeding,” he murmured.
Her silence brought his attention back to her face, white as a sheet and still. She’d passed out, her breaths coming in shallow pants.
“Fuck.” He pulled out his phone, dialing 9-1-1 while scooping her into his arms. He could get her to the hospital quicker than an ambulance, but there wasn’t anything he could do for her en route in his jeep.
After talking with dispatch, he cradled his wife in his arms, took the elevator down to the lobby of their apartment building and waited for aid to arrive. Every second that ticked by added another weight to his already heavy chest.
The flashing lights and wail of sirens eased his tension slightly.
They were here for her.
They’d fix her.
They had to.
The ambulance and Engine 31 pulled up, two new crew members he didn’t know jumping out and rushing toward him with a stretcher at the ready. Heart hammering in his chest, he placed her in their hands and tried to hold it together.
“She’s going to be okay, right?” Donovan’s voice broke as he pushed past the fear.
The medic checking Valerie’s vitals turned worried eyes on him. “We’re going to do our best.” He gripped Donovan’s shoulder. “Tell me what happened.”
Donovan relayed the events of the day in a haze as they loaded her into the back of the ambulance. As he tried to climb into the back, the paramedic stopped him. “There’s not room. You’ll have to follow.”