Heaven Sent

by Mahalia Levey

  “Why don’t I find a new unintrusive best friend?”

  “Yes. I win.”

  The clatter of a chair hitting the floor startled Mia. She looked over at her daughter with her cut-it-out expression. Ashland danced the Running Man making everyone in the room bust out in laughter. She wondered how her daughter even knew that old fashioned dance.

  “He’s even a gentleman, letting her win,” Sinclaire whispered.

  Mia pushed her off the bed. “You saying my baby can’t spell?”

  “Hey. I hear you two over there. I have a young mind that absorbs everything.” Ashland impersonated the wiggle dance over to the bed.

  “Stop, you’re making me dizzy,” Mia admonished.

  “So sorry, Madre.” Ashland leaned over and kissed her. “You look tons better today. Doesn’t she Mr. Sylis?”

  “You both are incredibly pretty ladies.” He skirted the question trap easily making Mia wonder how he learned to maneuver around wordage.

  “Good one. I’m so pretty with bruises, tiny cuts and a big bandage on my face. Yeah. Maybe Mr. Sylis needs his eyes checked. I think the smoke from the truck may have affected his reasoning and eyesight.”

  “The thing about cuts and bruises is they—”

  Dr. Jacobi knocked and entered. Mia gave him her full attention as he crossed to her bed, praying she could finally go home.

  “Are you ready to leave us?” He regarded her with a warm expression.

  “Like yesterday. Well not really but…You’re sure. I can go now?”

  “Your tests all came back normal. You need to take it easy for at least a week. If you can hold out for two, even better. Here are prescriptions for anti-inflammatory meds and a low dose pain pills. Remember no driving or operating vehicles or machinery with your pain meds. The discharge papers will tell you what to look for and inform you of which side effects to come back in for treatment immediately. Aside from that you’re good to go and follow up with your regular physician.”

  “Is there anything else? How about Ashland?”

  “Ashland checked out yesterday. We decided against sending her home as she had such a strong reaction to being separated while you were here.” He tilted his head in Dire’s direction. “I did forget…there’s a card for you to call the officer in charge of your traffic accident. When you’re ready.”

  “I forgot about that, and my vehicle. I have a lot to take care of.”

  “Not until you’re better and your concussion is gone. Please take care of yourself first and worry about the accident second.”

  “He’s right. My team gave our report to the officer, so did many other drivers who were also in the accident, and the witnesses who watched it. Also, there are cameras on every traffic intersection in this city. Don’t worry about your report yet.”

  Although the doctor gave her the same information, she believed his words came second best to Dire’s accounting of events. “Thanks both of you. Sinclaire is going to take us home, Ashland.”

  “Aw Mom. I wanted a rematch before leaving for Grams and Gramps.” Ashland turned to Dire. “Don’t forget what we talked about okay. Promise?” She sidled back to pack her things in her backpack.

  “I won’t forget.”

  Mia crossed her arms at the silent messages playing out before her.

  “What is happening here, Ashland Marie?”

  “Mom, don’t have a connipy. I asked Dire to kinda look after you while I’m gone. I know Sinclaire will drive you a bit batty after a few days. No offense BFA.”

  “I’m perfectly okay to take care of myself. BFA?” Mia scratched her head for the meaning.

  “Best friend Auntie. This is why you need help. You made the term up and have forgotten it.”

  Mia froze. “I don’t have anything to wear home. Sinclaire, please tell me you brought me something to wear?”

  “I…hmm. I was in a hurry to get to you. I can go run to get you something. I bet the gift shop has clothes.”

  “Ashland’s backpack only had one set of clothing in it.” Mia quirked a brow.

  “Dress down day at school. Looks like you get to wear hospital gowns home.” Her daughter had the cruelest sense of humor.

  “Not funny missy.”

  “I have an extra shirt in my bag and a pair of sweats. Both clean. You’re welcome to wear them and give them back whenever.”

  “That would be appreciated. I’ll get them back to you.”

  Dire bent to open his duffle. Muscles flexed as he brought out the rolled up clothing and moved to hand them to her. When their fingers touched she fought inhaling too sharply. An arc sizzled between them with contact, like the previous time they touched. He moved to take his seat back and wait as she slipped out of the bed feeling overwhelmingly self-conscious. Only when she disappeared behind the bathroom door did she exhale and fan herself.

  “Thanks again,” she hollered through the protective barrier and quickly donned his clothing. The mammoth shirt drowned her, but held his scent. She sighed and took a second whiff, wanting to get the desire to imprint his scent out of her system before returning to the others. The sweats looked ridiculous on her, even rolled up. As prepared as she was gonna be, she slipped back out.

  “Ready?” The way he posed the question held her enthralled. Did she detect hidden meaning or was he merely asking if she was ready to go home.

  “I-uh. Yeah. Ash you got your things together?”

  “Yes.” She moved to the door when a volunteer appeared with a wheelchair. “Who’s that for?”

  “You,” the three answered together. She eyed the wheelchair and frowned. Was it really necessary?

  “I can walk.”

  “Park your pretty behind in the wheelchair or I’ll carry you out.” Dire winked.

  Mia challenged him with a stare of her own and lost. “Fine.” She parked her tail in the seat, allowing them to wheel her out of the hospital. She waited with Dire and Ashland while Sinclaire brought her car around.

  “Have a good time when you go away with your grandparents, kid.” Dire nudged Ash.

  “Take care of my mom,” Ash rebounded and plucked her headphones back on her ears.

  “What is it with you two? I’m not comfortable with the conspiracy going on around me.”

  “You’re going to be home alone. Sinclaire will have to work, so on my off days keeping a promise to a teenager worried about her mom is the least I can do. Besides, I owe Ash a game of Turkey bowl.” He didn’t go further in detail.

  “I suppose you can come around if you want. It’ll save me from talking to the walls or myself after Sinclaire wears out her welcome.” Mia grinned. “Turkey bowl?”

  “That’s how best friends are. I have a whole team of them. As for the bird bowl, you just wait, we’re going to all play together Christmas day.” What must it be like to have so many people in your life? She envied him that. Before she could muster a response, Sinclaire entered the roundabout for patient pickup. Dire opened the door, and then helped her into the passenger seat.

  His divine smelling cologne wafted to her as he leaned over to slip her seatbelt on. She slapped at his hand only to have him encase her palm with his. Their gazes locked and she inhaled a breath. Wrong move, his nostrils flared and a deep intensity sparked. “I’m, I’m good. Thanks.” Moment broken, Dire retreated and rested his arm on the open door.

  “Drive safe.”

  A touch of sadness rippled through her. She nodded past the lump wedged in her throat and offered a smile.

  “Sinclaire’s a mother hen. She’ll get us there in one piece.”

  “See you later then.” His words tapered off with a fond gruffness. Dire shut the door for her. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he offered a crooked smile and turned. His name stretched over his broad shoulder blades. Her gaze dropped to his ass and she gulped as her world tilted on its axis. Mia turned to Sinclaire.

  “Take a deep breath girl.” She shot her best friend a murderous glare while toying with his shirt a
nd sniffing his woodsy scent.

  “Ash?”

  “Mom?”

  “Making sure you’re back there is all.” Mia leaned her head back against the neck rest and closed her eyes. Sinclaire’s laughter rang in her ears. “Not funny. Not one single bit.”

  “Oh, I beg to differ. I think I’ll work overtime on his days off to give him a fighting chance to win you over.”

  “Mom is going to be the most popular mom of the cheer squad when they get a real life glimpse of him. I just know we’re going to be a family. It’s like Dad sent the best recruit for us.”

  Chapter Three

  The guys were certifiable, Mia thought four days later. She couldn’t wrap her mind around their yearly competition or how the grown men and women of Station 17 could play with frozen food. Their annual Turkey Bowl in full swing brought laughter bubbling from her lips. The comedic game conjured up an image of ridiculous fun.

  “Mom, isn’t this wicked great?” Ashland’s laughter rang out as she hurled a half defrosted turkey by the mesh handle down a made up lane with bowling pins at the end.

  “More like crazy.” Still stuffed from Christmas dinner shared with the team, she turned to see the one female not playing carrying two cups her way.

  “Cocoa?” Alpha Whitier, one of the medics for Station 17, asked.

  “You’re a godsend. How much longer is the game?” She blew on the cup. I will not watch him every second of this game. Well maybe every other second. Mia groaned and watched Dire from under her lashes over the rim of her cocoa.

  “Who knows? The boys hold championships some years.”

  Ashland squealed and air boxed after she rolled a strike. Around her daughter, the men and women of Rescue Team One hooted and gave praise. However, Dire’s magnetic aura kept reeling her back to the man. After her release, she accepted his promise to Ashland and her own internal desire to not give up on a chance of happiness. It wasn’t much of a surprise when Dire showed up bringing some food and dessert courtesy of a scheming text by her devious daughter. He jumped at the chance to tell her the truth when she figured out what was going on, but said he was planning to come by anyway. His honesty was so refreshing. Dire had no qualms in admitting his desire to get to know her better. The crowd grew loud, trying to make him lose his edge. He pinned them with a deadly glare, turned to her and winked. Man, was she hooked.

  Dire wound back and let the bird loose, it rolled fast, hitting only the outside pins. “Mother fu…of a sheep.” His quick save brought cocoa up and out her nose. She squeaked a choke, dried her nose and hacked a few seconds to clear her lungs. As her eyes watered, the men rushed over to examine her. God they were beginning to drive her insane with their need to help.

  “I’m okay. A bit of hot cocoa down the wind pipe, is all.”

  “You sure?” Dire ran the pad of his thumb down her jawline. His other hand roamed over her back. Mia arched into his hand, enjoying his brand of personal attention.

  She cleared her throat. “All good here.”

  “Good, it’s your turn.” He dropped his hands and helped her up. “Let me take that for you.” Dire took possession of her hot cocoa. When his lips met the rim, she watched him take a swallow and the way his Adam’s apple moved. At her swift intake of air, he released her cup. “See something you like?”

  “Just thinking of ways to kill you nicely for taking my chocolate,” she quipped as he broke out in guffaws of laughter.

  “Let’s go.” He shook his head. They walked over to Rees Volante where he handed her the bird.

  “I got this, brother.” Rees winked at her. “Now just take a deep breath. Keep your eyes on the multicolored pins and roll us a win.”

  “Oh the pressure. Now is the time to say don’t bet on the non-bowler.” She swung her arm back and stopped mid-throw causing the guys to groan. The heavy bird dropped like a stone. Mia adjusted her hold to keep from jarring her shoulder. “Maybe I should switch hands. Am I standing right?”

  “For the love of God woman, throw the bird,” One of the firemen roared impatiently.

  “Armstrong,” Dire barked at Quinlan, shutting his brother up with one word, and then approached her with the swagger worthy of a king.

  “I’m just nervous. I don’t want to cause you to lose.”

  He stepped behind her and cradled her body with his. “Take a deep breath,” he whispered in her ear. “Close your eyes.”

  “No stealing kisses.”

  “Yeah, bro, no good luck kisses. Keep the odds fair, man.”

  Dire shot a murdering glance at his comrade. “Throw.”

  She threw hard, plowing through all but one pin. Rees handed her turkey to go again. She tried to get the one remaining one and missed by a continent.

  “Good job.” He stole a quick peck on her lips and dashed to reset the pins up.

  Mia back peddled to the fire station for a break, settling on a chair they’d set for her. Alpha came over and draped a blanket over her shoulders. “I’m not an invalid.”

  “We know but our orders are to keep you bundled while we’re out in this frigid cold.”

  “Your name is so interesting.”

  “Can you believe it was a great aunt’s name? Part of my Cherokee history.”

  “Pretty cool though. Mia isn’t nearly as interesting.” Pain started to throb in her temple, but she didn’t want to disrupt the fun everyone around her was having.

  “It’s definitely not girly. Growing up with such a strong name was a curse. It’s why I go by my last name more.”

  “I think your name suits you. I can’t imagine just any woman can deal with the lot of them out there. How do you do it? All that testosterone with sex on a stick all around you.”

  “You just have to know their weakness. Once you know a man’s weakness you hold all the aces. Plus we’re really close and I consider them all family. Kinda hard to want to fuck family, that and I get to see their unique bad habits. Definite cure.”

  “Don’t keep me in suspense, do tell.” Mia winced as she said the last, biting back the sudden nausea rolling through her.

  “Mia, you look like hell all of the sudden.” Alpha’s statement didn’t deter her from wanting to know all about the men.

  “Tell me the weaknesses. I’m trying to kick the pain meds. I took some over the counter pain reliever a few hours ago and can’t have anymore yet.”

  “I usually call them by their last name, but will use their first names so you can put a face to who I’m speaking about.”

  “Why last names?”

  “That’s how we address each other. You heard Dire call me Whitier, right?”

  Mia nodded. “I noticed your shirts have your first name on the front and last on the back.

  “Seth, our officer of the truck, is addicted to gourmet cupcakes. If you want to get on his good side or have really tweaked his nerves, bringing a dozen is a way to get back in good graces. Although we might need to find a healthier food or he’ll end up with a bloated belly, which is so not sexy on a man.”

  Mia laughed at the vivid image. “Ryker?”

  “Hmmm. Mostly blonds with blue eyes. Sorry, but you don’t fit the bill. Really he loves vinyl records. He may look all cocky as shit, and is moderately handsome if you go for his type, but he loves music. Not the new stuff, he’s into the oldies. He rules the dance floor at clubs and is a professional karaoke singer. The women literally cream their pants when he performs at the bar.”

  “Never judge a book by its cover type of male. Interesting. Chandler?”

  “Restores muscle cars.Vintage vehicles. He loves the smell of fresh leather and wax jobs. He has a sweet GTO, just don’t ask me the year. I’m not interested enough to pay attention when he goes on about a new find. But bring him a line on a new part and he’s your best friend.”

  “They’re all so different and they look about the same age. How is that possible? Oh, I forgot about Rees.”

  “Would you believe me if I told you they’re all homeg
rown locals? Rees enjoys simple pleasures, like a good beer and football or hockey game.”

  Homegrown and sexy. Mia squashed the wandering thought. “That fits with how well they mesh together. What about you and Samara?” She looked out the window to see the other woman of the group roll a clean strike and the men moan.

  “I grew up on the Kansas Side. I’m all K.U. Basketball while the knuckleheads and Sam are Mizzou. Sam is from Nebraska.” They watched the other woman set up to roll and make a perfect strike.

  “Damn, she’s great at bowling with a turkey, she never misses a pin. I bet she’s gonna have a pocket full of cash tonight when she’s done.”

  “Every year those dumb jocks-turned-firemen lose. They keep thinking she’ll have an off year and will miss one. One day I’ll tell them she bowled on a professional league during high school and college and could have gone pro.”

  “She’s a bowling shark. Never knew one existed.”

  “You didn’t ask about Dire.”

  “He’s a bit overwhelming. So what’s up with him?”

  Alpha shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

  Mia sighed.

  “C’mon. You didn’t think I was just going to hand over every juicy tidbit of intel on him, did you?”

  “Well you did on everyone else.” Mia wrapped the blanket around her and turned to watch Ashland interact with all of them. “She hasn’t had this much fun doing something silly since her father died. Look at her eating up all the attention. My heart aches that I haven’t been able to provide this for her.”

  “You want to know about Dire, I suggest getting to know him. He’s a guy but a good one. And yeah, I noticed your girl soaking up all the male attention. It gives the guys something to do by treating her special. A way to keep the bad memories at bay. The ones we save keep us sane, keeps us doing our job. When a victim becomes family all rules go out the window. I’m sure someone’s talked with you about hero worship. If that’s all you think you feel for Dire, be honest, upfront and don’t string him along.”

  Mia shook her head.

  Alpha silenced her. “When you two hook up, Ashland will have more uncles than she’ll know what to do with. A big bunch of overbearing Neanderthals. I’ve seen it happen in other houses. The poor boys at her school won’t know what to do when she—”