by Vella Day
Drake took the young girl from him and placed her on the gurney. “I think I got her in time,” Trevor panted.
“Thanks.” As much as he wanted to find out the condition of the other victims, both he and Drake rushed to assess her injuries.
He looked down at the frail body. Smoke inhalation was their worst fear. As Drake hooked up the IV-drip, Stone checked her out. She didn’t look older than seven or eight. His gut twisted, but he forced himself to remain calm and do what he did best—help others.
Stone placed a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. “Hi, honey. I’m Stone. Did the fire touch you?”
Her eyes widened and he listened to her breathing. “No. Where’re Mommy and Connor?”
Connor must be her brother. “They’re working on bringing them out. We need to get you to the hospital, okay?”
Tears streamed down her face. He wanted to hold her and give comfort, but now wasn’t the time. Her chin trembled and she twisted behind her to see the house. She didn’t need those terrible memories, and he rotated her face toward him.
Drake nodded. “One, two, three.”
On three, they lifted the gurney into the back. He then jumped in. Drake closed the doors and ran around to get into the passenger’s seat. Seconds later, the driver took off, sirens blaring. They were fifteen minutes out, and he did what he could to ease her ragged breathing. She looked strong, and he hoped the only battle she’d have to face would be getting clean.
As soon as they arrived at the hospital, he and Drake brought the young girl into the trauma bay. The team knew they could be receiving a few more, and they efficiently took over. Once he and Drake made sure the child was in good hands, they both returned to the ambulance and caught a ride back to the station.
Stone was exhausted. He’d worked non-stop for the past week, and he had the next three days off. He wanted to sleep and then call Amber. He probably wouldn’t learn the outcome of the blaze and the condition of the little girl’s mother and brother for another few hours anyway. He’d have to check later.
Bleary-eyed, he signed out and drove home. He went inside and headed straight for the shower. Cade would be asleep so Stone tried to be quiet. He still couldn’t believe Amber had softened toward his roommate. That must have been some dinner conversation.
Stone undressed and stepped into the bathroom to wash off the day’s grime. As soon as he finished, he went back to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat. He made the easiest thing possible—scrambled eggs and bacon—and yawned through the entire meal. If he didn’t get some shut-eye, he wouldn’t be fit to talk with anyone.
After eating, he placed the dishes in the dishwasher and headed back to his room, hoping for a good night’s sleep.
While he adjusted his pillow just so, his mind refused to calm. He was thrilled Cade and Amber had patched things up, but he was worried she’d change her mind about being with both of them.
Eventually, he dozed. Close to one in the afternoon, he roused. His stomach grumbled, and after he tossed on his jeans and a comfortable shirt, he made his way out to the kitchen to prepare another meal. He opened the fridge and saw the food supply was woefully lacking. Since he had to go shopping for Katie’s present today, it would make sense to stop at the store afterwards.
He was about to make a shopping list when his phone rang. He picked up his cell from the counter and let out a big breath when he saw who was calling. It wasn’t the station. Knowing this wouldn’t be short, he ambled over to the sofa and dropped down. “Hi, Mom.”
“I saw that house fire on television. I wanted to see if you were all right.”
He swore she believed he actually ran into the flames. “I am. All I had to do was transport a young girl who’d been trapped in the burning house to the hospital.” He knew her next question. “Don’t worry. She wasn’t burned. She’ll be okay.” Physically at least.
“I’m so glad.” She inhaled. “The reason I called is to make certain you remembered it was Katie’s birthday tomorrow.”
“Have I ever missed one of her parties?”
“No. Cade’s coming, right?”
“He sure is.” His mother loved Cade. Once she’d found out his mom had died when he was eighteen, she had kind of adopted his roommate. Stone swore she fussed over Cade more than she did him.
“What time should we be there?”
“Two. And bring that nurse you’ve been seeing.”
Wow. He was just about to ask if she minded if he brought someone. He would have asked how she knew about Amber, but he really didn’t want to know the extent of her gossip grapevine.
“We’ll be there. All three of us.” It felt good to say that.
He disconnected and stabbed his fingers through his hair. Now, he just had to convince Amber to attend. Then he’d figure out what to get for Katie. His sister worked as a paralegal and was very picky about what she wore. To make matters worse, buying presents for women had never been his forte. He stood and paced as he dialed Amber’s number. His breath quickened.
“Stone?”
Uh-oh. He didn’t like her hesitation. “Hey, baby.” Should he first tell her about his conversation with Cade or ask her to the party then tell her? “I have a favor to ask.”
“Sure.” Now she sounded more like herself.
“Remember I told you about my sister, Katie, the one who was so sick as a child?”
“She had acute leukemia, and if it hadn’t been for your quilt-loving aunt, your life would have been even more miserable.”
Amber was amazing. “You got it. Well, it’s Katie’s birthday tomorrow and we’ve been invited to a party at my parents. I thought if I could convince you to go, I’d see about borrowing dad’s horses and taking you for a ride.” The way his words rushed out made him sound a bit desperate. You are.
She squealed then sucked in a breath. “I’d love to.” He swore he heard a hitch in her voice. She had to be wondering if he knew about her and Cade.
He wanted to get it out in the open. “Cade’s going to be there, too.”
Silence met him. “Have you talked with him?”
The pain in her voice cut straight through him. “Yes, baby, and it’s all good.”
“Really? You mean that?” The excitement in her voice returned.
He laughed. “Yes. I will admit I was a little disappointed not to be first, but that just means when we do have time to be together, it will have to be extra special.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.” Voices sounded in the background, which implied she was at work. Damn.
“What did you get your sister for her birthday?” She acted as if she had all the time in the world and that he was important. It helped calm his frustration.
She sounded like the Amber he knew. “Nothing yet and that’s part of the problem. I’m clueless.”
“You don’t have much time.”
He huffed out a laugh. “Tell me about it.”
“Okay. Let me think. What are her hobbies?”
He liked how she must have thought knowing a person’s hobbies helped define him. “Sad to say, I don’t know. She works all the time like someone else I know.” Amber chuckled and the foreign sound elevated his mood.
“Well, what did she like to do when she was younger?”
He racked his brain. “She liked to crochet.”
“Perfect. Then get her a bag to hold her crochet needles. You can go to JoAnn’s on First and Arbor Way. They’ll have everything you could want.”
He wouldn’t know a crochet needle from a knitting needle. “Any chance I can bribe you into coming with me? I’ll throw in dinner.” He held his breath not convinced that she really wanted to be with both of them.
“I’d love to. I get off work at five. JoAnn’s is open late on Friday night. Trust me on that.”
Amber was something else. “I’ll pick you up at five. Where?”
“How about I meet you at the third floor reception desk? It’ll be easier than me trying t
o battle the crowds in the main lobby.”
They’d still have to exit through there, but he wasn’t going to say anything about her plan. “I’ll be there.”
When she disconnected, he almost felt light-headed. She was willing to help him pick out a present for his sister, come to a party with strangers, and ride the trails with him. She made him believe she might be willing to be with both him and Cade. His day just got better.
Chapter Fifteen
Amber wanted to check on her patient, Jennifer Seely, one more time before signing out and helping Stone shop. Most likely the woman would be moved to hospice care tomorrow. Poor Jenn. Her brain cancer had spread throughout her body.
Amber’s heart ached as she stepped inside the dimly lit room. Because she had the next two days off, she might not have the chance to say goodbye.
“Hey, Jennifer.” Amber moved closer and hoped her voice sounded encouraging.
The woman opened her eyes. She might be fifty-two, but she looked a lot older. Her eyes were sunken and her skin ashen.
“Amber!” She reached out her hand.
“I can only stay a few minutes.” She didn’t want Jennifer to think she was abandoning her without a good reason. “Guess what? I have a date.” She put as much enthusiasm as she could into her voice, wanting to douse the room in hope.
“With your hot paramedic?” Jenn’s eyes actually brightened.
Amber had spoken about Stone mostly because it seemed to make Jennifer happy to hear about a man treating a woman nicely. Amber’s affair with Cade had been too recent, and the amazing sex had yet to sink in. No way was she ready to discuss how she’d given in to Cade after she’d told Jennifer how much she liked Stone. Not to mention, she didn’t need to be discussing her future with a woman who’d been battered by her ex-husband then been given the terrible news about her cancer having spread.
Jennifer had been a fighter, but in the end she’d lost the war. Amber firmed her lips, not wanting to show any sadness.
“Yes. We’re birthday shopping for his sister then having dinner together. I’ve never met Katie, but the party tomorrow should be fun.”
Jenn’s smile looked like it took effort. “Cherish your time with family. Before my parents passed, Larry had been so supportive.” She glanced off to the side. “Then he changed.”
According to Jennifer, he’d changed because her parents hadn’t left them any money. From what he’d told her, he’d stayed with her because he believed she was his ticket to easy street.
“I’ll stop by and see you when I come back on Monday.”
“Okay.”
Both knew that might not happen. Damn cancer. Needing to leave, Amber hurried out the door and nearly ran into Larry Seely. He’d tried to get in to see his ex-wife before, but the orderly on duty had stopped him.
“Mr. Seely.” She used her sternest tone.
“Move. I need to see my wife.”
“Your ex-wife is too weak to see you.” Surely he hadn’t forgotten Jenn had a restraining order out on him.
“Bullshit. Let me by.”
“No.” Amber inhaled and moved closer, trying to intimidate the six-foot tall man with her five-foot-four inch frame.
He grabbed her shoulders and shoved her to the side. Next thing she knew, Larry flew backward and Stone had shoved him against the wall. “Leave, or I’ll call the cops.”
Larry punched Stone, but Stone was quick enough for the blow to bounce off his chin instead of hitting him square on. Amber’s heart nearly stopped. She’d seen the bruises the man had inflicted on Jennifer’s face and body when she’d arrived at the hospital for her treatments a few months back. The man was brutal.
Larry got in Stone’s face. “Fuck off, buddy. I have every right to see my wife.” He started toward the door again, when Stone pushed the man back.
“Leave.”
Another nurse edged close but didn’t cross behind them, probably for fear she’d get hurt in the fray.
“Stone, Jennifer is his ex-wife.” Amber put the emphasis on the “ex” part. “She has a restraining order out on him.”
Larry glared at her. “Fuck you, bitch. I’m going to tell your supervisor about you.” He stormed off. Good luck with that. Tammy White won’t give you the time of day. She knows all about you and your antics.
Stone immediately turned and gathered her in his arms. “You okay, baby?”
She reached up and tilted his slightly red chin to the side. “I’m fine, but you might be black and blue by tomorrow.”
“Men don’t feel pain.” He puffed out his chest for a second then exhaled. When he followed his macho demonstration with a smile, her heart twisted.
Amber finally gave up trying to figure out how she could be so physically and emotionally attracted to both him and Cade. They were very different, but each had stolen a piece of her heart.
“Let me inform security about Mr. Seely, and then we can shop for your sister. Okay?”
“Do you want me to call Cade and see if the Rock Hard Police can send a man to watch her door?”
“You’re a good man, Stone Benson, but that’s what our security is for. While it doesn’t happen often, we have our share of crazies.”
“As long as they don’t bother you, I’m good.”
Leaving her car in the lot, she went with Stone. By the time they arrived at the craft-fabric store, Amber had a better idea about what kind of person Katie was. Like Stone, she was sensitive and just as ambitious.
Instead of opening her own car door, Amber let Stone come around to her side and help her out. As soon as she stepped inside her favorite place, a large amount of tension released. The inside smelled of fresh fabric, yarn, and wood. “I love JoAnn’s. I can spend hours browsing.”
“I’ve never been inside one of these places. It looks like Home Depot for chicks.”
She laughed. “Spoken like a true man.”
When they passed the cutting table, one of the workers waved. “Hi, Ms. Amber.”
“Hi, Mildred,” she shot back.
“I take it this is where you get your quilting supplies?”
“Yup.” She led him over to the crochet section. “Take a look at these canvas totes.” She lifted one up. “See the pockets inside? That’s to hold the yarn.” She raised a back flap that had a row of fabric tabs. “In here, she’ll put her hooks. Does she have yarn? Or do we need to make a starter kit?”
“Starter kit?”
Amber laughed. “When was the last time she made something?”
He pulled back his bottom lip, enough to show teeth. “No clue.”
She smiled. “Okay. Get a shopping basket, and I’ll pick out a few things.”
He was gone in a flash. After finding the perfect satchel, she walked over to the yarn section.
“Got it.” Stone waved the carry-all.
“I’ll take that. Why don’t you find some wrapping paper? They have a small selection of cards near the front window, too.”
He stilled. “Did I tell you that you are the best?”
“You’re only saying that because you need me.”
He glanced to the ceiling. “Maybe.” He grinned and took off again.
By the time he returned, she’d picked out a great selection of different yarns, along with a pattern book.
“Got the paper.” He waved his find. “Looks like you bought out the store.”
Oh, crap. “I guess I forgot to ask how much you wanted to spend.”
He took the basket from her hands. “It’s all good. Ready?” Once they paid, he escorted her to his vehicle, stored the present in the back, and slid in. “I have a plan.” He faced her. “What do you say we stop at the grocery store to pick up some food, and I’ll prepare you a dinner you won’t forget?”
“You cook?” When he’d offered dinner, she hadn’t imagined he’d prepare it.
His eyes went ridiculously wide. “I told you my mom is an amazing chef. Just so happens, I inherited her cooking genes.”
Rich claimed he was a great cook, too, but unfortunately, his menu was limited to three items. “This I’d like to see.”
What a refreshing change it was to be with Stone now that the heaviness of her brother’s death and her possible involvement in the murders had been lifted. Part of her still felt guilty over having slept with Cade, but she leaned back to enjoy the upcoming adventure. Before she knew it, he’d pulled into the grocery store lot.
Stone twisted toward her. “Is something wrong, baby? You’ve been real quiet. Are you thinking about that man at the hospital?”
That had not even crossed her mind. “No. I’m good.” She forced a smile. At some point, she wanted to bring up Cade again, but now didn’t seem like a good time.
“Great.”
Once inside, she pulled out the cart. “I’ll push.” She liked to have something to do with her hands. “So what are we having?”
“It’s a surprise.” Then he stopped. “Maybe I should ask if you like Italian.”
“I eat pretty much everything.” She was surprised he hadn’t figured that out since they’d been to dinner a few times.
“Good.”
With amazing efficiency, Stone whipped through the store and picked up the ingredients as if he’d memorized what was on each aisle. The only items he actually took the time to examine were what went into the salad.
When they headed down the baking aisle, Stone picked up a box. “How about brownies for dessert? You like those?”
“Love them.” This was going to be some dinner. “Can we buy ice cream to put on top?” She raised her brows.
“Anything you want, baby.”
Stone was such a nice man. “How about I pay for the ingredients since you’re cooking?”
“Nice try.” He shook his head.
She’d tried. After she picked out her favorite brand of ice cream, Stone insisted on chocolate syrup and whipped cream. It was as if he could tell where her mind was headed.
Yes!
On the way home, he told her about the fire and that when he’d called earlier, he found out all three had made it out safely. “I don’t think I’d keep my cool if I saw someone burned and screaming,” she said.