Page 21 of Burn for You

“This one hit too close to home, didn’t it? Take the rest of the day off. Get some rest.”

“No,” I replied immediately. “Sitting around and twiddling my thumbs will drive me crazy. I need to make myself useful. I need to do something.”

Lieutenant Hardy gestured at the smoking remnants of Marlee’s house.

“Fine. Then go check on your girl. She could use a friendly face right about now. We’re almost done wrapping up.”

I combed my fingers through my damp hair and rose to my feet.

“Not until I have information I can give her about this arsonist. He barricaded her in the bathroom, Lieutenant. That’s attempted murder.”

“Mueller found three ignition sites. He’s in the process of handing over all the evidence to Sheriff Beck. The rest is up to the police. Now, would you please go to the hospital? I can’t stand seeing you torture yourself like this.”

I chuckled.

“Yes, sir.”

As soon as I entered the hospital, I didn’t need to ask where Marlee’s room was. All I had to do was follow the sound of her voice, protests echoing loudly through the corridors.

“This is ridiculous,” she said. “I’m fine and I’m checking myself out.”

God, she sounded so sharp and clear andalive.

“No…no! I don’t care if a wheelchair is protocol,” Marlee continued. “I have two perfectly good legs. I’m walking out of here. End of discussion.”

Then Marlee rounded the corner and came into view. A few patches of gauze marked her legs and arms where she’dbeen burned. Wearing only a hospital gown, my coat practically smothered her. Bundled in the crook of her arm were her soot-stained clothes. The determination in her eyes showed she’d made up her mind and no one was going to stop her.

“Sounds like you could use a getaway driver,” I said, jerking my thumb over my shoulder. “My car is in the parking lot, ready to go.”

Marlee blew out a breath of relief and swallowed hard. Her determination wavered. Suddenly, exhaustion lined her face. I closed the gap between us in two strides and gathered her into my arms. She sagged against my chest, her fierceness melting away now that she knew she was safe with me.

“Get me out of here,” Marlee said, muffled against my shirt. “I can’t stand it for another second.”

Looping my arm around her waist, I led Marlee through the double doors and into the fresh air. After she was settled into my passenger seat, I brushed my knuckles against her cheek.

“You’re stressing me out, sweetheart. First, that firework in your office. Now this? I’d appreciate it if you stopped scaring me half to death.”

Marlee managed a faint, tired smile.

“Believe me, this is not what I had in mind when I moved to Romeo. I was looking for less drama. Not more of it.”

I wanted to probe that remark more, but she’d been through enough already, so I left it alone for now.

“How do you feel about making a pit stop at the Bluebonnet Bakery to pick up those donuts I promised?”

She heaved a sigh and shook her head.

“I’m not very hungry. A shower would be great though.”

I nodded and reached across the center console, offering my hand, palm up. Marlee interlaced our fingers together.

“My apartment has fantastic water pressure,” I replied.

“I was thinking more along the lines of a hotel,” Marlee countered.

“Sweetheart, there’s a firebug after you. The safest place for you to be is cozied up with a firefighter.”

She took a breath to protest but I shook my head.

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