Page 17 of The Heat Between Us

"That's what I'm afraid of," he says, his voice stern but not unkind. "Look, I can't officially condone what you did. It goes against everything we train for. But I understand that in the moment, you made a call you thought was right."

I appreciate the lack of outright condemnation, even if it's clear he doesn't approve. Chief Brock is a fair man—demanding, exacting in his standards, but fair. He expects the best from his firefighters, but he also understands that we're human.

"So, am I suspended?" I ask, bracing for the worst.

He shakes his head. "Two weeks of desk duty, starting once the doctor clears you to return to work. And you'll be leading three additional training sessions on proper protocol for civilian rescues."

It's a light punishment, all things considered. "Thank you, Chief."

"Don't thank me yet," he warns. "If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I won't be so lenient. You're a good firefighter, Lewis. One of my best. I'd hate to lose you because you think you're invincible."

The reprimand lands as intended. "Understood."

Chief Brock's expression softens slightly. "Now, with that official business out of the way, how about you introduce me properly to the young lady you risked your career for?"

We re-enter the hospital room to find Chloe sitting straighter in bed, as if preparing for an inspection. The sight makes me smile—she's got spirit, this one.

"Chief Brock, this is Chloe Bennett," I say. "Chloe, this is Fire Chief Brock."

"It's a pleasure to meet you officially, Ms. Bennett," the chief says, extending his hand. "Though I wish it were under better circumstances."

Chloe shakes his hand firmly. "Likewise, Chief. And please, call me Chloe."

"Chloe it is," he agrees. "I understand you're new to Cedar Falls?"

She nods. "Just arrived the day before yesterday. I was planning to open a law practice."

"Was?" the chief questions, echoing my earlier response.

A determined smile crosses her face. "Am. Despite the setback."

Chief Brock nods approvingly. "Good. Cedar Falls could use a good lawyer. And I have a feeling you're resilient enough to bounce back from this."

"I plan to," she says with a confidence that makes me proud, though I have no right to feel that way about someone I barely know.

"Well, if there's anything the department can do to help, don't hesitate to ask," Chief offers. "Cedar Falls takes care of its own."

There it is again—that phrase. Cedar Falls takes care of its own. It's something I've heard countless times, something that made me stay here instead of moving to the city. But seeing how Chloe's expression softens at the words, I'm reminded that not everyone comes from places where that's true.

"Thank you," she says, her voice slightly rough with emotion. "Everyone has been so kind."

Chief Brock nods, then turns to me. "I'll expect you back at the station tomorrow for that desk duty we discussed. For now, take care of yourself—and Ms. Bennett."

After he leaves, Chloe turns to me with raised eyebrows. "Desk duty?"

I shrug, trying to play it off. "Standard procedure after an injury."

She looks skeptical. "And does it have anything to do with you running into a burning building without proper equipment?"

"Maybe a little," I admit. "But it's fine. Two weeks pushing papers, leading some training sessions. Could be worse."

Chloe's expression turns serious. "Lewis, I never meant for you to get in trouble because of me."

"Hey," I say, moving to sit on the edge of her bed without thinking. "I made my own choices. And I'd make the same ones again." I pause, then add more softly, "Finding you was worth it."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the hospital room falls away. There's just Chloe, looking at me with those expressive eyes, a hint of color rising in her cheeks. I have the sudden, overwhelming urge to touch her face, to see if her skin is as soft as it looks.

Before I can do something impulsive—again—there's another knock at the door. It’s Doctor Aaron again, this time accompanied by Nurse Gladys.

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