Page 9 of The Heat Between Us

"Let the paramedics work, Lewis," Chief says firmly, already carrying her toward the waiting ambulance. "You need oxygen, too."

I try to follow, but my legs finally give out. Max and Grant catch me before I hit the ground, half-dragging me to a spot where a paramedic is waiting with an oxygen mask.

"Stubborn idiot," Max mutters, but there's relief in his voice as they ease me down onto the back of a fire truck. "What were you thinking, going in there alone?"

"Wasn't... alone," I manage between coughs. "Chloe was... there."

"Yeah, we gathered that," Grant says dryly. "Max meant what were you thinking going in without proper gear or backup?"

I don't have an answer that will satisfy them. I saw smoke, I knew someone might be inside, I acted. It's what any of them would have done. The fact that the someone turned out to be the most fascinating woman I've ever met is just... cosmic coincidence. Or fate. I'm too oxygen-deprived to philosophize right now.

The paramedic fits the mask over my face, and pure oxygen floods my lungs. It burns at first, then brings sweet relief. My head starts to clear, though the worry for Chloe remains sharp and insistent.

"Where are they taking her?" I ask as soon as I can speak, pulling the mask away briefly.

"Cedar Falls Memorial," the paramedic answers, firmly replacing the mask. "Keep this on, please."

I nod, letting the oxygen do its work while my eyes scan the chaotic scene around me. The building is still burning, though the flames seem contained now. Firefighters move with efficiency, water arcing from multiple hoses. Ollis is directing the effort, his familiar commanding voice heard even from a distance.

After what feels like hours but is probably only minutes, the paramedic checks my vitals again and gives a satisfied nod."Your oxygen levels are improving, but you still need to go to the hospital for evaluation. Smoke inhalation is serious business."

"I'll go to the same hospital as Chloe," I say immediately.

The paramedic looks amused. "That's the only hospital in town, so yes."

I feel my face heat slightly, but I'm saved from further embarrassment by Ollis approaching, his helmet off and concern evident on his soot-streaked face.

"You okay, little brother?" he asks, his voice gruff in the way it gets when he's worried but trying not to show it.

"I'm fine," I insist, though my raw throat betrays me with another cough. "How's the fire?"

"Under control," he says. "The old accounting office is a total loss, but we've kept it from spreading to neighboring buildings So, you gonna tell me what you were doing in there? Chief said you were off duty today."

"I was passing by, saw the smoke, heard someone might be inside," I explain simply.

"So naturally you charged in without waiting for backup or proper equipment," Ollis says, his tone making it clear what he thinks of that decision.

"There wasn't time," I defend, though I know he's right. I should have waited. But then Chloe might not have made it.

Ollis sighs, running a hand through his hair. He's been doing that since we were kids whenever I worried or frustrated him—which was often.

"You're lucky to be alive," he says finally. "Both of you."

"I know," I acknowledge, the reality of how close we came hitting me fully now that I'm safe. "But I'd do it again."

Ollis looks like he wants to argue, but something in my expression stops him. "The woman," he says instead. "Chloe, right? You knew her?"

"We met in the fire," I admit. "She just moved to town yesterday. She's a lawyer."

Ollis raises an eyebrow. "So you risked your life for a complete stranger."

"That's the job, isn't it?" I counter.

"The job involves following protocols and using proper equipment," he reminds me. "Not playing lone hero."

Before I can respond, Chief Brock approaches, his face stern. "Lewis, the paramedics say you're stable enough to transport. They're taking you to Memorial now."

"What about Chloe?" I ask immediately.

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