Page 33 of Unpredictable Flames

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - ETERNAL FLAMES

My hand gripped the steering wheel tightly as I struggled to compose myself. I couldn’t believe that Liam was the one responsible for attacking us that day. It still begged the question, ‘who were the other two masked men,’ but I was sure Cole would get to the bottom of it.

“Jake?” I heard Lily say. “Jake, you okay?”

“Peachy.” I lied through my teeth.

“Come on Jake, please,” she said, her tone soft and soothing. “We're safe now. That's all that matters. Let's just go home and put this behind us.”

I shook my head, frustration gnawing at my insides. “But he shot me, Lily. How can I just forget about that?”

Lily reached out, her hand finding mine on the gearshift, her touch grounding me in a way words couldn't. “I know, Jake. But getting worked up won't change what happened. We need to focus on healing.”

I nodded reluctantly, her words sinking in as I struggled to rein in my anger. “You're right,” I conceded, her logic finally resonating with me. “I just... I hate feeling so helpless.”

Lily squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with understanding. “You're not alone, Jake. We'll get through this together.”

When we arrived home, Lily hesitated before turning to me, her expression filled with concern. “Jake, there’s something I have to tell you and honestly, I’m not sure how you will take it.”

“What is it?” I asked, concerned. “You know you can tell me anything.”

Well, I have to go back to work soon. But I don’t want to leave you like this. I need to be sure you’ll be okay by yourself with your shoulder?”

I chuckled. “I got shot Lily, I’m not disabled.” I gazed into her eyes. “I'll manage. Don't worry about me, Lily. You have to go back to work.”

“I know, but I feel so bad, like I’m neglecting you for work.”

“Lily, you haven’t been to work in more than a week because of the fire incident. Your company was nice enough to give you some time to recuperate but if they want you to come back to work you have no choice.”

“But I do,” she said. “I could quit my job.”

I stifled a nervous laugh. “Relax babe, I swear I’ll be okay. Besides, I’ll see you before you leave for work and we’ll spend the entire night together when you get back.”

Lily smiled, moving closer to me. her scent enveloped me, her voice was barely a whisper. “I love you, Jake. So much.”

I met her gaze, the depth of emotion swirling between us. “I love you too, Lily. More than anything.”

****

The doctor's office felt strangely sterile compared to the warm embrace of the fire station. I sat on the examination table, the crinkling of paper beneath me reminding me why I am here.

"So, Jake, how's the shoulder feeling today?" Dr. Reynolds asked, his voice calm and reassuring.

I flexed my shoulder experimentally, testing the limits of my newly healed flesh. "Feels good, Doc. Like it never happened."

Dr. Reynolds nodded, his eyes scanning the chart in front of him. "Well, everything looks great from what I can see. You've healed remarkably well."

A sense of relief washed over me. For weeks, I'd been sidelined, forced to watch from the sidelines as my team carried on without me. But now, finally, I was free to return to duty.

"Does this mean I'm cleared to go back to work?" I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.

Dr. Hernandez smiled, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Yes, Jake, you're officially cleared. Just take it easy for the first few shifts, okay? We don't want to push it too hard too soon."

I nodded eagerly, already mentally planning my return to the firehouse. The thought of reuniting with my team filled me with a sense of anticipation that I couldn't shake.

"Thanks, Doc," I said, sliding off the examination table. "I'll take it easy. I promise."

As I made my way out of the office, a weight lifted off my shoulders. The road to recovery hadn't been easy, but now, finally, I was ready to return to where I belonged. Back to the fire station, back to my team, and back to the love of my life— Lily.

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