Page 6 of From the Flames
In so many ways, this was a better place than the one they’d had. There was more space, and the price Ellen had quoted was about the same as what he had been paying, so it wasn’t going to stretch his budget.
“I took a look up in the attic at the store, and we found three bed frames. They’re a little banged up, but serviceable. We’ll bring them over in the next day or so. You’ll need mattresses and things, but at least you’ll have the frames. There’s also a few tables and other items. I know it isn’t much, but it might help.”
Willy didn’t know what to say. “Thanks. Right now I don’t have anything. I’ll stop at the bank and get a check for the deposit and stuff and deliver it.” This really was a godsend for all of them. At least with a place to live, they could start to put the pieces of their lives back together. “Kevin has been kind enough to let us stay with him.” He smiled over to where the man inquestion held an exhausted April on his shoulder and spoke with Grant. The guy was gorgeous, that was for certain, and Willy had definitely gotten a good look at him last night. Seeing him standing in the hallway in nothing but a pair of boxers, Willy had been torn between embarrassment and sheer attraction. Part of him had wanted to jump the guy right there, but even if Kevin liked guys, what would he see in a skinny professor father like him? Still, that sight was something he would hold on to for quite a while. After all, it wasn’t every day that you got to see a sexy fireman in next to nothing.
“I’m glad someone was able to help,” Ellen said. “I brought the lease agreement with me. Just review and sign it. Then return it when you bring the check and we’ll be all set.” She handed Willy the keys. “I really hope you and the kids will be happy here.”
“I really think so,” Willy told her. The timing couldn’t have been better.
“Daddy,” Grant said as he raced over, “Mr. Kevin says that I get my own room here.”
“Yes, you do, and so does April. I’ll have my own room too.” Grant jumped up and down, clearly excited. “I think you’re really going to like it here. Mrs. Ellen says there’s a park not too far away, and there’s also a backyard for you and April to play in.”
“Can I get a bike?” Grant asked.
“Maybe.” It was good to see that the loss of their home hadn’t scarred the kids too much. It probably hurt Willy more than them. “Say thank you to Mrs. Ellen for helping us find a new place to live.”
“Thank you. I love it,” Grant said, and Ellen grinned, tousling Grant’s hair as she headed for the door.
“Let me know if you need anything,” Ellen said and left, leaving Willy and the kids to what was to become their new family home.
April had woken up fussy, so Kevin suggested they head back to the house. It was only half a block, so they walked to Kevin’s. “I can’t thank you enough for how kind you’ve been to us. We’ll be out of your hair soon. I promise.”
Kevin stopped on the sidewalk. “You haven’t been any trouble. I’ve liked having you. The house seems empty most of the time, and you all filled it.” Their gazes met for just a moment, and Willy was surprised at the heat that simmered behind Kevin’s eyes. He licked his lips and felt completely stupid for letting himself think that Kevin had any interest in him other than as someone who needed help. Still, Kevin didn’t look away until Grant whined softly that he was hungry.
“Then let’s get you to the house. What does your tummy want?” Kevin asked.
“A cookie,” Grant answered without skipping a beat.
“I don’t think I have any of those, but we’ll look and see if your tummy will be happy with something else.” He scooped Grant up, and Grant giggled as Kevin flew him around and down the sidewalk. April squirmed, so Willy flew her around too. The happy laughter touched his heart, and some of the gloom that seemed to hang over him lifted like fog in the sun.
“Do you like being an airplane?” Kevin asked, and both kids giggled as they soared over the sidewalk.
Once they were inside, Willy and Kevin got the kids at the table with some fruit, the dogs in their places hoping for anything that might drop to the floor. Kevin sat down next to him with an apple and a knife. After a minute, he lightly bumped Willy’s shoulder, offering him a piece. Willy took it and bit into the crisp apple as Kevin’s phone rang.
He pulled it out of his pocket and checked the number before answering. “Captain?” He grew silent and then stood and left the table.
“Is Kevin going to live with us?” Grant asked.
“No. Kevin lives here, and we’re only staying with him for a few days. But the three of us will move into the apartment we saw today. You’ll have your own room, and soon I’ll be able to get you some new toys.” God, he hoped that the insurance came through.
“Oh,” Grant said before eating some more apple. Willy sat with the kids and waited for Kevin to return, which he did after a few minutes.
“I need to go for a while. Help yourself to anything in the refrigerator or the pantry for dinner.” He grabbed a bag of gear that sat near the back door and hurried out.
“Where’s he going?” Grant asked.
“Someone needs his help the way we did,” Willy said as Kevin paused in the doorway for a second before turning to give him a smile and then racing off. “Be safe,” he added, even though the door had already closed behind him.
“I MADEup a plate for you,” Willy said softly when Kevin came home hours later. Kevin was dirty and covered in soot. He smelled like fire. “Are you okay?” he asked when Kevin just stared at him blankly. “What happened?”
Kevin dropped his bag with a thunk, and Willy hurried over to help him into a chair. “I wasn’t supposed to be at a fire, but….” He placed his hands on the table and didn’t move otherwise.
Willy sat next to him, the scent of fire taking him back to the smoke-filled hallway, but he pushed that away. He could flashback later. Right now, Kevin needed someone to listen.
“A call came in while we were investigating the fire at your old building.” He closed his eyes. “The house was pretty bad already when I got there. They said there was someone still inside, but it was too dangerous to try to enter. I tried through one of the side windows and managed to get into the next bedroom, but the floor gave way and I had to get right back out.”
“I see. Someone died,” Willy said softly, and Kevin nodded.
