Page 79 of Bleeding Hearts

I couldn’t stop watching. A nervous energy pulsed in my fingertips as I resisted the urge to text him, knowing he wouldn’t have time to respond.

It’s long after five in the morning before a text comes through from him.

NOLAN:

I just got back to the station. What a fucking nightmare!

ME:

I’ve been watching it on the news.

NOLAN:

Never do that.

ME:

You should’ve told me that before. How are the guys they sent to the hospital?

NOLAN:

Lucky as hell. Drew has a concussion. Sandy broke his leg. Jones is still in surgery, but they expect him to make a full recovery. I’ve never seen a guy get thrown so far. Scared the shit out of me.

ME:

Good. I think I’ll bring everyone by later to see you if that’s okay.

NOLAN:

I’d love that.

ME:

Then we’ll see you after school. Love you.

NOLAN:

Love you too.

NOLAN:

You’re not gonna run again, are you?

ME:

I’m here. No more running. You’re stuck with me.

NOLAN:

Thank fuck.

Chapter 37

Nolan

JUNE

It seems we’ve found our rhythm. After the fire at the port, I wasn’t so sure Bethany would stick around. She’d done what every firefighter tells their significant other not to do, turned on the news. That does no one any good. It only increases the fear and worry of a first responder’s loved ones, adding to an already stressful situation.

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