Page 8 of The Heat Between Us

"I know," he says, pulling me closer. "Me too. But we're going to get through this. Together."

"Together," I repeat, finding strength in the word.

We fall silent again, conserving our breath as we listen to the sounds of the rescue effort. It seems to be taking forever, and I find myself drifting, the lack of oxygen making it hard to stay alert.

"Stay with me, Chloe," Lewis says urgently, noticing my head drooping. His hand comes up to cup my cheek, the touch anchoring me. "Tell me about your first case. What kind of lawyer are you going to be?"

I force myself to focus on his question, using it as a lifeline. "Family law, I think. Helping kids in the foster system. And maybe some criminal defense. People who can't afford fancy attorneys deserve good representation, too."

"Noble causes," he says, genuine admiration in his voice.

"What about you?" I ask, struggling to keep my eyes open. "Any big firefighter dreams?"

He considers for a moment. "I'd like to work with the community more. Fire prevention programs in schools, that kind of thing. Stop fires before they start."

"That's a good dream," I murmur.

"Chloe," he says suddenly, his voice taking on a new urgency. "If we get out of here—when we get out of here—would you have dinner with me?"

The question is so unexpected, so normal in this abnormal situation, that I can't help but laugh. The laugh turns into a cough that racks my entire body.

When I can speak again, I look up at him, this stranger who no longer feels like one.

"Are you asking me on a date while we're trapped in a burning building?"

"Terrible timing," he admits with a sheepish smile. "But near-death experiences have a way of clarifying what's important."

"And dinner with me is important?" I ask, both amused and touched.

"Getting to know you is," he says.

Before I can respond, there's a tremendous crash as part of the wall nearest to us gives way. For a terrifying moment, I think the entire building is coming down on top of us. But then I see firefighters in full gear pushing through the gap, hoses spraying to clear a path.

"Lewis!" one of them calls. "We've got you!"

Relief floods through me, so intense it's almost painful. We're going to make it.

Lewis helps me to my feet, keeping his arm around me as my legs threaten to buckle. The room spins, black spots dancing at the edges of my vision.

"Almost there," Lewis encourages as we move toward the firefighters. "Just a few more steps."

But the few steps feel like miles, and the black spots are growing larger. The last thing I remember is Lewis's arms tightening around me as my knees give way and his voice, loud and afraid, calling my name as darkness claims me.

Chapter 4 - Lewis

"Chloe!" I shout as she goes limp in my arms. My heart slams against my ribs as I sweep her up, cradling her against my chest. "She's unconscious! We need oxygen, now!"

Ollis appears through the smoke, his face obscured by his mask but recognizable by his build alone. He reaches for Chloe, but I tighten my grip.

"I've got her," I insist, already moving toward the makeshift exit my team has created.

"Lewis, let me—" Ollis begins, but something in my expression must stop him because he just nods and starts clearing the path ahead of us.

The journey through the burning building feels endless. Every step is a battle against exhaustion and the toxic air filling my lungs. But Chloe's weight in my arms keeps me moving, her still face driving me forward. She's so pale beneath the soot covering her skin.

Finally, we break through to the outside, and the rush of clean air hits me like a tornado. I stagger, nearly dropping to my knees, but Max is there suddenly, supporting me as Chief Brock takes Chloe from my arms.

"No," I protest weakly, reaching for her.

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