Page 3 of Norah

“Norah, hun, you need to get warmed up. There’s a real risk of hypothermia right now.” I remember my water training, and these conditions are exactly the ones that can kill a person even after a rescue. After all this, I can’t lose her now. I remember the coat I tossed off, and say, “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to grab my coat. Stay here.”

She nods at me, and I run several hundred feet to my discarded coat to snatch it up. I hurry back to Norah, worrying that if I leave her for too long, she might disappear. I’m not sure why I'm feeling that way, but I am, and sheneedsto be taken care of tonight. Norah doesn’t move as I drape the fabric over and around her slight frame. She keeps staring at me, her gaze drawing me inexplicably.

NORAH

He’s so kind.And handsome.And I feel something towards him I’d long forgotten. Attraction? Affection? I’m not sure, but it’s a welcome respite from the constant emptiness.

I know I should just get up and dash off. He wouldn’t chase me, I don’t think. And the perceived failure to rescue a drowning woman wouldn’t haunt him. But despite my brain telling me to go, my body is keeping me still.

“Norah, we should get you to the hospital.”

Ethan is now crouched in front of me, his hands on my arms, and he’s looking at me with deep concern. I can’t recall the last time anyone cared about what happened to me. But as much as I am treasuring this moment with him, going to a hospital willnothappen.

“No hospitals,” I say firmly. “Absolutely not.”

Ethan looks surprised by my denial, but isn’t discouraged. “OK, I know an urgent care place that doesn’t require ID. If you’re worried, I mean. It wouldn’t be an issue.”

I shake my head. “No doctors.” He looks extra concerned now, and I feel bad. I don’t want this kind man to worry about me. “I’ll be fine taking care of myself. Don’t worry.”

He frowns, and it makes him look even more attractive than before. Kind of broody yet sensitive.Wow, I haven’t felt this way about a man in, well, ever. Too bad I have to leave him. It feels almost painful to pull away from his hands, but I hoist myself up and away, so I’m standing. As if my hand has a mind of its own, it reaches up to touch Ethan’s cheek.

“Thank you for your bravery, but I think this is the time I have to go.”But I don’t want to.

His hand comes to cover mine and draws it towards his chest. He draws in a sigh, and says, “Then I’ll stay with you until you can have someone pick you up, at least. I don’t want to leave you alone after all you’ve gone through tonight.”

Hmm. That could be a problem, seeing as how I don’t know a single person who would give me a ride at this time of night. Or any time at all, really.

He must sense my indecision, because Ethan rubs my hand in his and asks, “Is there anyone who can come pick you up? Stay with you tonight?”

I could lie, I could try to make an excuse, but I don’t want to lie to Ethan. And if I’m going to be honest with myself, I don’t want to leave him yet. I know it’s for all the wrong reasons, but I grant myself a moment of weakness.

“No, there isn’t anyone.” I hang my head as the truth shames me.

I hear Ethan’s sharp intake of breath. He tips my chin up and looks at me with such tenderness I want to cry. “Then it’s settled,” he says in a tone that brooks no argument. “You’re coming home with me.”

Unexpected

ETHAN

I shocked myself when I said it, but I don’t regret it.

Looking at this vulnerable, beautiful woman in front of me, I know in my heart it’s the only decision I can make. Norah has struck a chord that is bringing out every protective instinct. But it’s something else, too. There’s some sort of connection, and I’d be lying if I didn’t want to see where it might lead.

Norah blinks at me in surprise, and she tenses as if to run.

“I won’t hurt you. I just want to make sure you’re OK.” Well, and I’d like to spend some more time with her, but I don’t need to say that right now. Even though I think she’s fighting her own demons, I’m still intrigued. She didn’t end up on the bridge because her life was going great. But the sadness in her eyes is something I can relate to.

“I know you won’t hurt me. It would be contradictory to pulling me out of the water. Unless you just felt like an evening swim.” Norah quirks her eyebrow at me, and I swear I see the tiniest of smiles.

It’s her little smile that snags me. Tweaks my heart and tells me I will not give up on her without a fight. Not taking any chances of her running, I rest my hand lightly on Norah’s back and guide her toward my car. She doesn’t talk as we walk, though I’m not sure if that’s because of her exhaustion or an innate quietness. She has a fluid stride, confident but without the intentional sway that many women put on to seem sexy.

We get into the car and I crank up the heat as high as it goes. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m doing OK,” she says. “Are you still sure you want me to come to your place? I don’t want to intrude. Or if there’s anyone who would be upset…”

Ha, fat chance of that. I’ve been single for longer than I like to admit, and my goldfish isn’t likely to complain. “I’m sure, and I live alone. Well, except for a pet goldfish. My niece gave him to me for Christmas, and always calls to check on him.”Why am I telling her about my goldfish?“Anyway, you’re not intruding. I mean it.”

After my awkward attempt at conversation, we ride in silence the rest of the way to my building. As I open the door of my apartment and turn on the light, I throw up a quick prayer that it’s not too messy, and am relieved to see it’s only mildly disorganized. A few shirts tossed over a chair, and a couple of dishes in the sink, but nothing too alarming. Norah steps inside and scans the space.

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