Page 72 of Fall at Once

“It looks awful!” she cried. “It’s so red. How bad does it hurt? What can I do to help? Where are the kids?”

“They’re at my parents’ place. They do a grandkid sleepover once or twice a month. They’re okay.”

“That’s good. Can I hug you? Will it hurt?”

“No, it won’t hurt me. Come here.” I held my good arm out, reaching for her. I pulled her close when she stepped into me.

“I’m sorry, I’m crying. I was worried all the way here.”

“I’ll let you two be alone,” Tate said. He got up and swiped the curtains closed.

“I promise I’m okay. Shh. Please, baby, don’t cry over me. I’ll be fine. This is just precautionary. I should have gone home. I know how to treat a burn myself?—”

“Oh god.” She burst into fresh tears. “You shouldn’t have to take care of something like this alone. And ignore my crying. I’mnot a drama queen. I don’t want you to think I’m making this about me. Big feelings make me cry, that’s it. I’m in control, I swear. Can I do anything for you?”

“Come here. Just let me hold you. That’s all I need.” I pulled her into my chest and rubbed circles over her back as I kissed the top of her head to the side of the bun. “Were you asleep when Tate texted?”

“Yeah. I rushed over here without thinking.” She took a step back and shook her head. “Oh no, I’m still in my pajamas.” Her lip trembled, and she bit it to gain control.

I looked her up and down. “Yeah, and you’re fucking adorable.”

She let out a startled giggle. “No, I’m—a mess. I mean, I didn’t think of this—you getting hurt.” Big brown eyes met mine and held. As she spoke, I cupped her cheeks and brushed her tears away with my thumbs. “I know you’re a firefighter, in theory. And in practice, too, I guess. From in the tree with Kenny. I didn’t think of what it would be like to worry about you like this. Have you ever been injured before?”

“Yeah,” I murmured. “But nothing too serious. Nothing to be afraid of.” My hands drifted to her waist, and she shivered. I hugged her close, and she rubbed my back, soothing me even though I had intended to be the one to soothe her.

“Okay, that’s good to know.” Her words were muffled in my chest. “Will the doctor be here soon?”

“He’s supposed to be.”

She lifted her face with her chin on my chest. “I missed you.” Her voice was like a wisp of air between us. Soft. Sweet.

I touched my forehead to hers. I fucking missed her too. So much.

But I didn’t say it.

I should have said it.

I kissed her instead, touching my lips to that gorgeous mouth of hers, groaning when her lips parted beneath mine. Her arms wrapped around my sides as she drifted her hands up and down my back, and I went out of my head. The pain in my arm was almost forgotten as I got lost in her.

I tried to ground myself on what was real, to find all the reasons why this couldn’t be, why I couldn’t have her, shouldn’t want her. But at this moment, I couldn’t think of a single one.

She broke the kiss. “Do you need anything? A coffee? Coke? I want to go splash water on my face, and I kinda have to pee.” She grinned at me sheepishly and traced a finger down the center of my chest. “I could bring something back for you if you like. There is a vending machine right by the restrooms. I passed it on my way back here.”

“I’d love a Coke. Caffeine sounds amazing, but coffee sounds too hot. I’ve been up for too many hours to count by now.”

“You got it.” She kissed me quickly and caressed my cheek with a smile. “I’ll be right back.”

I watched her walk away, her slippers slapping adorably on the floor and her bun wobbling until she crossed through the big double doors leading out of the emergency room. Then I swiped the curtains shut again. I didn’t want to talk to anyone else.

My arm throbbed lightly; it was annoying but tolerable. WhichI knew was a good sign. If it didn’t hurt at all, I’d be in trouble.

With a sigh, I reclined back on the bed, fluffing the pillow behind my head and closing my eyes against the bright white glare of the overhead light. This had been a long fucking day.

All I wanted was to go home and crawl into bed with a few ibuprofen and a cold water bottle for my arm. And maybe I wanted Madi to crawl in with me so I could hold her as I slept. Was that so bad? To want her?

Didn’t I deserve to be happy too?

I sat up, startled, as the curtain opened. One of the little hooks popped off from how hard it was pulled.

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