Page 34 of One Little Spark

Doc came to stand beside Phoenix. “More importantly than all that, I have what Bryson wanted. I pulled the files of the patients that passed away and put them in the trunk of my car. I thought I would take them over to you, Phoenix, last night, but then I heard about Hazel’s predicament and thought maybe she needed an ear to bend.”

Heat crept up her cheeks, but she refused to look at her brother or Aiden. “So, you think there’s something in the old patient files that will incriminate Bryson?”

Phoenix nodded. “I think that’s why he burned Doc’s place down. He needed to destroy the files, but he also wanted Doc gone. Then he wouldn’t be available to answer any questions. Everyone knows Doc’s as sharp as a tack. He can probably remember everything in those files. Makes sense to avoid the risk if he can. You were just collateral damage, Hazel. He had to take you out just in case.”

“So, when are you going to arrest him?” Jory demanded.

“Working on it as we speak. I just wanted to make sure we had the details right. Hazel, when you’re up to it, you’ll have to come down to the police station and give a statement.”

“Of course.”

He turned to Doc. “You as well, and if I can get those files now, we can see what he was so afraid of.”

“Happy to help,” Doc said.

“Feel better, Hazel,” Phoenix said as he headed out of the room.

Doc waved and told her he’d be back later.

Jory glanced at Aiden and then back at Hazel. “I’m gonna get Mom. I’ll be right back.” He turned and walked out of the room.

“Hazel,” Aiden started, but she reached out and grabbed his hand.

“Aiden, can I go first?”

He gave her a quick nod.

“I…want to say thanks for saving me. Jory told me you were the one who went into the building to get me.”

“Of course.” Aiden gave her a smile. “I couldn’t leave you in there. Your mom and Jory would kill me.”

Icy fingers gripped her heart at hearing those words. It was as she suspected. He’d saved her because it was his job. She stared into his dark eyes and realized just how much she loved him. She probably always had. It was time to be honest, though, with everyone, including herself. She could do this.

“I am so sorry, Aiden.” The tears were back. “I’m so sorry about everything. I’m sorry I made you let me move into your place. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you, and I hung the curtains, scratching up your paint job. I’m sorry I hurt you after… I shouldn’t have…”

“Shouldn’t have what?” he asked, his voice low and sexy. It rumbled out of his chest and shivers sparked across her skin.

“I shouldn’t have said I regretted being with you. Because I don’t. Not for one minute. I should have told you that I’m in love with you and have been for a long time. I…panicked when Jory found us and let the guilt do the talking, but that’s not how Ireally felt. I know I hurt you and it’s too late for us, but I wanted you to know. I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

Aiden sat there staring at her. Was he going to say anything?

His eyes narrowed slightly. “Hazel, are you sure you don’t regret it?” he asked.

“Absolutely. It was a stupid thing to say, and I apologize for hurting you.”

He nodded. “Okay then.” He started looking around for something.

She frowned. “Okay then, what? What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out how to get down on one knee without killing myself or breaking something.” He moved in his chair. “Maybe if I—"

“What? What are you talking about?”

He turned back to her and grimaced. “Sorry, this would be better if I wasn’t injured.”

“Just spit it out,” she demanded. “What is going on?”

Aiden grinned. “You have no patience.” Then his face got serious. “Hazel, I love you. I’ve loved you for ages. It took me a while to realize it, but it’s true. I kept telling myself our Thursday nights were fun because we’re all friends and it’s nice to hang out. But the reality is, I went so I could see you and only you. I used to go places that I knew you frequented just in case I might run into you.

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