Page 61 of Love, Untangled

Fire. There was a fire.

“You want to come with us?” Marvin asked. He’d started to move toward the changing room.

Carlo stood there, frozen. “No,” he muttered. “Pen and I have plans.”

“Next time,” Marvin said, eyes narrowed as he studied Carlo.

“Next time.”

Carlo waited for the fire crew to pull out before he headed toward his place.

He stayed at Penelope’s about half the time, or she at his place. The alpacas, Lydia specifically, preferred the barn on Penelope’s property, and Penelope liked being nearby to ensure the animals’ needs were met.

Frustration sizzled over Carlo’s nerve endings and he scowled. How was he supposed to get better—get back out there—if he refused to go on the calls?

Next one. He’d definitely do the next one. Then he’d be able to prove to himself and Penelope that he was healed.

* * *

“Are you ready for this?” Marvin asked from the garage of the firehouse. It had been nearly six weeks since he’d started training with Blazers, and Carlo felt physically fit—in peak condition. Both men were suited up in yellow flame-retardant suits, and Carlo tucked his helmet under his arm. The weight was familiar, comfortable.

But also not.

When the call came through on the radio, Carlo told Penelope where he was going. She’d kissed him goodbye. He liked that—her easy acceptance.

Carlo nodded, ignoring his sweaty palms and his too-shallow breaths. He clambered onto the truck, his fireproof pants making a swishing noise with each step. He’d forgotten the weight of them, the pull of the suspenders on his shoulders.

He gripped his helmet, his fingers white.

“ETA less than two minutes,” Adam Schiffman shouted.

I can do this. I can do this. I have to do this. It’s just like climbing back in the saddle—getting back on the bike.

He wanted to—to prove to Penelope that he was capable of being the man she admired. Carlo slid backward into the seat as they turned. Visions of the night Cora died interspersed with the reality of tonight. Sirens, blue and red lights, heat. Yelling, screams.

No, that was then. Carlo was a hero. He’d go in and pull out whoever needed saving. He’d do it for Cora, for himself. He’d prove he was healthy, ready for a relationship. Ready for what he’d started with Pen.

The whine of a fire truck’s siren cut through the night, familiar and devastating. Five men poured from it, geared up and hurrying toward the structure. He sat in the engine. With a deep breath, he pushed himself forward.

Adrenaline pumped through his system, causing Carlo’s muscles to vibrate and his mind to buzz…but not with anticipation. He froze, his mind tumbling backward, holding him hostage in the last fire he’d fought—and lost.

A wave of heat rolled from the building, causing the people around Carlo to gasp and stumble back. He stared at the building, mouth hanging slightly open, heart thrumming hard against his ribs.

“A bonfire gone wrong,” Adam muttered nearby. “They were drinking. A couple are missing. Probably inside the shack.”

Carlo hurried forward, grabbing Marvin as he headed toward the structure. “Just heard a couple of the people are missing,” Carlo said.

Marvin nodded. “We’re trying to see if the structure’s safe.”

Carlo noted the group of young adults huddled together, a few crying. Yeah, they’d been partying and someone… His hands fisted so hard, he felt the stitching of his glove pop.

Marvin groaned as a board fell, blocking the door. “Dammit. The structure’s been compromised.”

“We can’t leave them in there,” Carlo said.

“We don’t know if they are in there.”

Carlo watched, helpless, as the crew turned the hose toward the main door. After a tense few minutes, the fire flickered, and the door behind the beam blew open.

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