Page 16 of Sweet on Her

“Fine. But I don’t see why you had to do it today.”

“This was when it was planned. I can’t tell them that I”m not doing my work because I’m with counselors all day and there are too many people, kids included, who need help.”

“I’m not sure what you just said. Can you repeat that? You sound garbled.”

“I’m just taking a break. The smoke is tremendous.”

“Do me a favor and don’t go to the drive in by yourself.”

My brown eyes are narrowed as I glare at him. “You need to get your mind on the right thing. Get out of there and meet me at the hospital.”

“ I don’t know what you mean. I’m working,” I whine and cringe at how I sound right now. Like a baby.

“I will be there soon. Just stay safe and I’ll be there for you.”

I put my hand up and find a less scorching place on the wall. Then I move to it and stand up, turning my shoulder to ram the space.

“Here you go,” I say breathlessly. I need to get to the hospital, need to take care of my baby girl.

I slam the wall over and over again until I know I must be one giant bruise. I fall out and come face to face with all the guys.

“There you go. Easy, right?”

All of them snort at me. “I hate this thing,” mutters Reva and I cringe, knowing that my little girl is going to follow me through that tunnel.

It took a lot for me to get to this place. To get to where I could accept the strong need she has to do this job. It’s a calling. I study each one of my guys in turn, noting how they all seem to have drawn closer to Reva than they even are to me. But it’s in a different way. To them, she’s their kid sister. The girl next door that we do this job for. Except this girl next door has a burning need to tackle the same things we do.

We’re a team. I clap the next guy, my cousin, on his back. “Your turn. Try to get through it quickly. I need to get to the hospital. Kat’s getting pissed.”

“You’re crazy! Just go to the damn hospital. We’ll finish this another day.”

Safe growls. “I’ve got this.” Then he charges through the doorway, a wild yell on his lips.

“For fuck’s sake,” I growl. “Show-off.”

I see a tiny figure out of the corner of my eye and watch Odette slip away, unnoticed by most.

What was she doing here?

Reva smirks. “She’s in love with Uncle Rafe.”

“He’s your cousin.”

“He’s also old enough to be my dad. He’s more my uncle.”

Rafe charges out of the burning building, grinning like a sheep-killing pup. “There you go! Now let’s get this show on the road.”

“One more person. Reva.” I turn to her and point at the building. “Are you ready for this?”

“I am.”

“Okay. Go!”

I holler and she disappears into the flames and I have to fight the overwhelming urge to follow behind her and pull her out of danger.

“You’re doing good, baby.” Kat’s sweet voice in my ear makes me smile.

“I know I am. I didn’t even race after her. I’m letting her do this on her own.”

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