by Lucy Clark
Even before she’d brought the car to a complete stop, Stephen had undone his seat belt and opened the car door. ‘Stephen!’ Nicolette tried to call him back but he disappeared into the smoke which was now filling the area.
She cut the engine and was out of the car just as fast, running after him. She grabbed his arm and hauled him back.
‘You can’t go in there.’ She pointed to Stephanie’s house.
‘I’m not. She’s in there.’ He pointed to the neighbour’s house.
‘Stephen. It’s on fire!’
‘Thank you.’ He wrenched his arm free and took two more steps before she grabbed him again. He rounded on her with repressed fury. ‘You don’t understand.’ His teeth were clenched, his face full of certainty. ‘I know where she is. I have a clear picture in my head. I can save her.’
‘Stephen?’ Nicolette had no idea what to do.
‘I couldn’t save my mother but I can save my sister,’ he said, and wrenched himself free of her once more, heading into the thick smoke. She could do nothing except watch him go. The smoke was becoming worse and Nicolette coughed, heading back to the street, wringing her hands together anxiously. She’d been in worse situations—and so, she reminded herself, had Stephen. He’d be OK.
She said those words over and over in her mind as she spoke to the firefighters, letting them know there were at least three people in the neighbour’s house.
Nicolette watched with increasing apprehension as the firefighters went about their job. She checked her watch. Two minutes. Three minutes. Five minutes.
Where was he? He’d said he’d known exactly where Stephanie was! Why hadn’t he got her out by now?
The smoke was thick and black and she forced herself to switch off from the worry and actually do something productive. She checked the boot of Stephen’s car and found a first-aid kit as well as the water bottles he’d packed for their walk earlier that day. She opened the medical kit and checked it closely, glad it was fully stocked. An ambulance siren briefly pierced the air, the sound getting louder until it abruptly stopped as the vehicle turned into the street, its blue and red flashing lights illuminating them.
The police weren’t far behind and the narrow street Stephanie lived in was now blocked with vehicles.
Nicolette glanced at her watch again. ‘Come on, Stephen.’ Eight minutes.
‘Over here,’ she heard someone call, and watched as a figure came through the smoke, carrying a woman in his arms.
‘Stephen!’ She grabbed the bottle of water and first-aid kit and rushed over, relief swamping her. He carried his sister until they were well away from danger then he knelt down and placed her on the ground. Nicolette looked up and called to the paramedics. ‘Oxygen, stat.’ She turned back to him. ‘What took you so long?’ she demanded. ‘I thought you knew where she was!’
Stephen collapsed back onto the grass, coughing and spluttering. ‘I’m glad to see you, too,’ he choked out. She felt Stephanie’s pulse. ‘Where’s that oxygen?’ she called, and a paramedic appeared by her side. ‘Get a mask onto him as well.’ She indicated Stephen. ‘Steph? Stephanie? Can you hear me? It’s Nic. Steph?’ She checked her breathing, listening closely, and was glad to find her friend breathing. ‘Steph?’ she called again, and this time received a cough as a reply.
‘Nic?’
‘Yes, it’s me.’
‘Stephen?’ Her voice was weak and raspy.
‘He’s here. He’s fine.’ At least, she hoped he was. Nicolette gave her a sip of water then glanced across to find him swatting away the oxygen mask the paramedic was trying to put on him. ‘Yes. He’s fine. Stubborn but fine.’ Her words made Stephanie smile a little.
‘That’s my bro.’
Nicolette reached for the mask beside Stephanie. ‘I want you to have some oxygen. Breathe deeply now. That’s it,’ she said once she’d fitted the mask and Stephanie had started breathing.
‘Mrs Malincotty?’
‘Your neighbour?’ Nicolette asked as she draped her friend with a blanket. ‘I don’t know. The firefighters are taking care of things.’
‘But she was—’
‘Just relax, Stephanie. Doctor’s orders.’ Nicolette checked her for burns, cuts and bruising but thankfully found nothing. ‘I’m just going to check on Stephen.’ She shifted around to face twin number one. ‘Put the mask on, Stephen.’ She reached for it and went to put it on him.
‘I’m fine.’
‘Oh, no, you’re not. You’re in so much trouble you’re going to need all the oxygen you can get just to fight with me, mister.’
‘Fight? Why are we going to fight?’
Nicolette leaned closer so her words didn’t carry. She didn’t want to upset Stephanie. ‘I can’t believe you just went into the burning house. If you’d waited another minute, the firefighters would have been able to get her out.’
‘She’s my sister.’ He coughed.
‘See what I mean about needing the oxygen? Now, do as you’re told or I’ll be winning all the bouts.’
‘Hmm.’ He reached out and placed a hand around her neck, drawing her closer. Before she knew what was happening, he’d pressed his lips to hers and she found herself floating in a place of utter peace, the chaos around them momentarily wiped from her memory. She closed her eyes and concentrated on him, on what the two of them felt like together.
His mouth was surprisingly soft and she felt herself turning to jelly as she knelt beside him. Even though the cool evening air had started to swirl and mix with the smoke, she was warmed through by the sensations he was evoking. It was everything she’d dreamt about the night before…and more.
She opened her mouth a little, loving the taste of him. It was as though they were caught in a bubble of time, time which was passing with a delicious slowness, allowing them to experience each and every emotion. Pleasure, surprise, eagerness, passion. Those and many more ripped through her as she felt his lips open beneath hers, the tip of his tongue teasing her even further.
She gasped and drew back slightly, looking down at him, unable to believe what had just taken place. It was brief but meaningful, the intensity taking both of them by surprise.
‘Wh—?’ She stopped and cleared her throat. ‘What was that for?’ she managed to whisper.
‘You just won round one. I was enjoying the making-up part.’ He took the mask from her and placed it over his mouth and nose. ‘Bring on round two.’
CHAPTER FIVE
THERE was a shout from one of the firefighters and Nicolette reluctantly tore her gaze from Stephen.
‘Doc. Over here.’
She rose to her feet and was astonished when Stephen tried to sit up. ‘Stay there,’ she ordered.
‘I’m OK.’
‘Stephen! Just do as you’re told for once.’ She motioned to one of the paramedics. ‘Make sure he stays here and keeps the mask on.’ Without a backward glance she headed over to where the firefighters were carrying out an elderly woman. Someone quickly placed a blanket on the grass before the men put the woman down.
‘She’s not in good shape, Doc.’
‘Oxygen, stat.’
‘Here.’ Stephen knelt down beside the woman. ‘Grab a new mask,’ he ordered the paramedic. ‘She can use this unit.’
‘Mrs Malincotty,’ Nicolette called, and received no answer, her fingers automatically checking the woman’s pulse.
‘She’s not breathing,’ Stephen reported at the same time Nicolette discovered the woman’s pulse was very weak. He grabbed the medical kit the paramedic had placed beside them and reached for a face shield and gloves. Within seconds he was ready and had Mrs Malincotty’s head tipped back, ready to perform expired air resuscitation.
Nicolette began to count as he performed the breaths, getting ready to perform chest compressions. Together they worked for what seemed like an eternity, Nicolette’s voice calmly counting so they kept perfect time. While they did their job, she noted the burns to the patient’s lower arms and hands.
‘I need wet towels. Patient has burns to her arms and hands.’
‘I’m on it,’ someone called.
After a minute, Mrs Malincotty choked and spluttered, coughing. Stephen turned her head to the side and Nicolette checked her pulse.
‘It’s stronger. Mrs Malincotty, I’m Nicolette. I’m a doctor and a friend of Stephanie’s. This is her brother, Stephen. I’m just going to put an oxygen mask on you to help you breathe more easily.’ The person with the wet towels returned and Nicolette carefully wrapped her patient’s frail hands in them while Stephen spoke to the patient, letting her know he was going to check for other injuries.
‘Can you remember what happened?’ Stephen asked, but all he received was a mumbled confusion of incoherent words. The only one he understood was Stephanie.
‘Stephanie? Stephanie’s doing just fine,’ Stephen assured her. ‘My little sister’s a tough cookie. Don’t you worry about her.’ He continued checking for fractures while Nicolette intubated the patient. ‘Right hip feels displaced.’
‘Acknowledged.’
He checked Mrs Malincotty for medic-alert ID but couldn’t find any.
Nicolette reached into the first-aid kit but couldn’t find what she was looking for. She turned to the paramedic who was assisting them. ‘Can you get me some midazolam and also get ready for patient transfer?’
The paramedic returned with what she needed and Nicolette drew up the injection. ‘Mrs Malincotty, I’m going to give you something which will help with the pain while we move you.’ Her patient began mumbling again. ‘It’s all right. We’re going to take you to the hospital.’
The midazolam worked quickly and with the aid of the paramedic and two of the neighbours who had come out to help, they were able to lift the blanket beneath Mrs Malincotty onto the ambulance stretcher.
‘Go with her,’ Stephen instructed. ‘I’ll get Steph to the hospital so she can be checked out.’
‘I’d prefer you not to drive.’ Nicolette said. ‘Go in the ambulance. There’s enough room.’
‘How will you get there?’
‘I’ll drive your car. I’d rather keep a close eye on both you and Stephanie.’
‘Really, Dr Bourgeois? Don’t you think that’s a bit possessive of you?’ He paused and leaned closer, his breath fanning her cheek as he teased softly. ‘And after only one kiss.’
Nicolette’s eyes widened in disbelief and for a moment she thought she’d imagined his words. She literally shook her head to make sure she wasn’t going crazy. ‘Pardon?’
He merely shrugged but didn’t move away. ‘You heard.’
His close proximity was blocking the logical signals her brain was trying to send out. All she could think about for that moment was him…and her, their lips reunited in a passionate kiss.
A loud noise around her pulled her out of fantasy land and back to reality. Nicolette cleared her throat. What had he said? That she was possessive? She hoped he really didn’t think so because that wasn’t what she’d meant by her comments. Nicolette felt the need to defend herself, to tell him she wasn’t being possessive but a good doctor who cared for her patients. She opened her mouth to speak but he turned his back on her and headed over to his sister, effectively ignoring her.
First he’d refused to put his mask on, then he’d rocked her world senseless with that kiss, then he’d defied her instructions to stay put and now he’d not only teased her but disappeared before she could think of a suitable retort.
The thing was, she was pleased to find him in such good humour after what had just transpired. It appeared the dashing Dr Stephen Brooks didn’t count rushing into a burning house to rescue his sister as anything too traumatic. Besides, she kind of liked him when he was in teasing mode.
He soon returned, with his sister by his side. One arm was around Stephanie’s waist, supporting her, and in the other hand he carried the oxygen cylinder. At least his sister was following orders, the oxygen mask still on her face.
‘Let’s go, Dr Bourgeois.’ They didn’t stop as they passed Nicolette.
The paramedic who’d been monitoring Stephanie volunteered to pack up and also stay and keep an eye on the firefighters in case any of them became sick. Nicolette thanked him and headed to the ambulance. Stephen was settling his sister in the front seat of the ambulance while Nicolette climbed into the back to check Mrs Malincotty was comfortable for the short trip. Stephen came around to close the door as the other paramedic climbed into the driver’s side.
‘I’ll follow in my car,’ he stated.
‘I’d rather you didn’t drive.’
‘I’ll see you soon,’ was all he said and shut the doors in her face. Nicolette seethed impatiently inside. He was a law unto himself and although he might be the most wonderful kisser on the planet, he was a pain in the rear when it came to following orders.
The ambulance set off and within a few minutes they were at Katoomba hospital. Nicolette went with Mrs Malincotty, leaving Stephen and Stephanie to look after each other. She gave a hand-over to staff on duty, answering their questions and filling out the paperwork. By the time she’d finished, not only was she exhausted physically but mentally as well.
Stephen found her in the tearoom. ‘Just as I’d suspected.’ His deep voice washed over her and she opened her eyes. ‘Sitting down on the job, feet up, eyes closed, enjoying a drink. Think you’re off duty, Dr Bourgeois?’
‘Yes. As a matter of fact, I do, Dr Brooks. How’s Stephanie?’
‘Fine. How about Mrs Malincotty?’
‘She’s being seen by the burns specialist regarding her hands but respiratory-wise she’s stable. They’ll be moving her to ICU tonight and, depending on the extent of her burns, they may transfer her to Sydney tomorrow. Is Stephanie staying in for observation?’
‘Ha! My sister? No. She’s refused to stay overnight so I’m taking her home with me.’
‘Good thinking. That way I can keep an eye on both of you.’
‘Pardon?’ He came and sat down beside her.
‘I’ll stay at your place, too, so I can keep an eye on both of you.’
‘I don’t need you to stay. I can take care of Steph myself.’
‘I’m sure you can but who’s going to take care of you?’
‘I am.’
‘Uh-huh, and what if you have a delayed reaction to the smoke you inhaled? When you came out of that burning house you refused to lie still, you refused to keep the oxygen mask on. I’m sorry, but I’m only trying to protect my investment.’
‘Investment?’
‘You’ve asked me to come and work with you and if my boss keels over due to respiratory problems, that would leave a lot of extra work for me.’
‘Nicolette, I don’t need—’
She stood and glared down at him. ‘Tough. I’m looking after both of you troublesome twins tonight, and that’s all there is to it.’ She took her cup to the sink and rinsed it then turned back to face him. He opened his mouth to speak but she held up a hand. ‘Forget it, Brooks. You can call me possessive or concerned or whatever you like, you’re not talking your way out of this. Neither are you going to shut me out, tease me or ignore me. I’m coming and that’s final, so if you and your sister are ready, I will drive you home, I will take care of you and I will remain in charge throughout the night. Do you understand?’ She stood with her hands on her hips, silently daring him to contradict her.
Stephen didn’t break eye contact as he mumbled, ‘I would have kept the oxygen mask on if I’d known I was going to be subjected to this.’
Nicolette smiled, a smug, feminine smile, and said the words no man ever liked to hear but which every woman relished saying. ‘I told you so.’
For the second time that night Nicolette drove Stephen’s car. She’d packed a salbutamol inhaler, among other things, with Stephen specifically in mind. She had definitely discovered more about him in the past few hours. He was stubborn, egotistical and arrogant, but what man wasn’t? she rational
ised. She only hoped he wouldn’t oppose her if he needed to take any medicine.
Thankfully, after her spiel in the tearoom, he hadn’t said anything more on the subject. Instead, he’d collected his sister and handed over the keys to his car without protest. Now he was sitting in the back seat, holding Stephanie’s hand.
‘My house,’ Stephanie moaned as they drove back to Blackheath.
‘Shh.’ He brushed her curls out of her face and kissed her forehead. ‘We’ll work it out. You can stay with me.’
‘No.’
‘Steph. It’s logical. I have the room and we were going to set one up anyway.’
‘OK, but only for a few weeks.’
‘We can talk about it later. Just rest now.’
‘Stephen’s right,’ Nicolette said. ‘Once you’re both settled, I’ll collect some clothes from my house—we’re the same size, Steph, so that’s covered.’
‘Oh, my clothes!’ Stephanie whimpered. ‘And my shoes.’
‘We’ll buy some more,’ Stephen murmured. ‘It’ll be fine, Steph. We’re here, we’re together. That’s what matters.’
All Nicolette’s annoyance and frustration towards him melted away in that one instant. He loved his sister, that was very evident, and she remembered what Simone had said about him—that he was callous and incapable of caring for anyone but himself. She needed no further proof that Simone hadn’t understood Stephen at all.
She thought back to the way he’d felt so sick, feeling Stephanie’s pain, but as they’d closed the distance between the two of them Stephen had become stronger. He was still being strong now but underneath he was vulnerable.
Nicolette pulled the car into his driveway and, using his keys, opened the front door. She waited for Stephen to help his sister in. ‘You get her comfortable,’ she said, realising the twins needed some time alone. ‘I’ll be back shortly.’
Stephen met her gaze, frowning. ‘I thought we weren’t allowed out of your sight.’
Nicolette shook her head slightly. ‘Sorry. I overreacted. It’s been a tense night for all of us but mostly for Stephanie. Get her settled. I’ll be back soon.’ As she turned to leave, Stephen reached out and placed his hand on her arm. Nicolette turned back.