Page 4 of Curvy Girl and the Firefighter Chief

"Well," Dr. Peters says, making some notes on his chart, "I don't see any reason to keep you here. You'll need to take it easy for a few days, drink plenty of fluids, and use this inhaler if you experience any breathing difficulties." He places a small blue inhaler on the bedside table. "Any questions?"

I shake my head, then immediately regret the movement as my neck protests.

"I'll have a nurse bring your discharge papers," Dr. Peters says with a smile before leaving the room.

Luke stands up, and I'm once again struck by just how big he is.

"So, about that room...?"

"Yes," I say quickly, maybe too quickly based on the slight smirk that crosses his face. "I mean, if you're sure it's not a problem, I'd really appreciate it."

"Let me help you up," he says, moving closer. His hands are warm and strong as they grasp my arms, steadying me as I swing my legs over the side of the bed. The hospital gown gaps open slightly at the back, and I feel my cheeks flush.

"Um, my clothes...?"

"They're pretty smoky, but I had one of my guys grab some basics from the station's emergency supplies." He gestures to asmall duffel bag in the corner. "It's probably all too big, but it'll do until we can get you some proper clothes."

The thought of wearing his or his station's clothes sends an inappropriate thrill through me.

Get it together, Stella. The man saved your life; he doesn't need you fantasizing about him.

But as he helps me stand, one large hand settling at the small of my back when I sway slightly, I can't help but lean into his solid warmth. Maybe it's the trauma or the medication, but something about Luke Harrison makes me feel safe in a way I've never experienced before.

"Thank you," I say softly, looking up at him. This close, I can see flecks of gray in his blue eyes, and the way his jaw clenches slightly as he looks down at me makes my breath catch.

"Don't thank me yet," he says, his voice gruffer than before. "Wait until you see the station's cooking."

I manage a small laugh, wincing at the way it scratches my throat. "As long as it's not on fire, I think I'll manage."

A real smile breaks across his face then, transforming his features from merely handsome to devastating.

"I'll give you some privacy to change. I'll be right outside if you need anything."

As he steps out, I clutch the duffel bag to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. This is crazy—accepting help from a stranger and moving into a firehouse of all places. But as I pull out an oversized Pine Valley Fire Department T-shirt that smells faintly of laundry detergent and something distinctly masculine, I can't bring myself to regret it.

Besides, I tell myself as I carefully dress, it's just for a few days.

What could possibly happen?

Chapter 3 - Luke

I pace outside Stella's hospital room, running a hand through my hair for what must be the hundredth time. What the hell am I doing? Offering her a place to stay at the station?

I must be losing my mind. But the thought of her alone in some impersonal hotel room, still weak from smoke inhalation...

The door opens, and my thoughts scatter. Stella emerges wearing our station's standard-issue sweats and t-shirt, both comically large on her curvy frame.

Something primitive stirs in my chest when I see her in clothes marked with PVFD (Pine Valley Fire Department).

Mine, a possessive voice growls in my head before I can shut it down.

"I'm swimming in these," she says with a small laugh, rolling up the shirt's sleeves.

"They'll do for now," I respond, trying to keep my voice neutral. "We can stop by a store on the way to the station if you want."

She shakes her head, then winces slightly. "Honestly, I just want to lie down somewhere that doesn't smell like ahospital."

"Let's get you signed out then." I place my hand on her back again, telling myself it's just to steady her.

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