Page 23 of Rhett

“Tough call?” Marchy asks, his eyes full of understanding.

I nod, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. “Yeah. Older guy, massive heart attack. Couldn't bring him back.”

The guys murmur sympathetically. We've all been there, losing people despite our best efforts. It never gets easier.

“That's rough, man,” Marchy comforts, clapping me on the shoulder. “You did everything you could.” I nod, taking a long drink of water. “Yeah, I know. Just hits different now, you know?”

The guys exchange knowing looks. Most of them are married or in serious relationships. They understand how having somebody waiting at home changes your perspective on the job.

“How's Sofia doing?” Ghost Pepper asks, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Despite my somber mood, I can't help but smile at the mention of her name. “She's good. Really good, actually.”

“Look at that smile,” Atta teases. “Our boy has got it bad.”

I roll my eyes but don't deny it. They're not wrong—I am completely smitten with Sofia Morgan.

Just then, the alarm goes off, signaling another call. We all jump up and head for our gear. I step into my turnouts. “Duty calls,” I announce, pushing thoughts of Sofia aside for now. I need to focus on the job.

We climb into the truck with Jamie behind the wheel and head out, sirens blaring. It's a house fire this time. When we arrive on scene, flames are already visible through the upstairs windows.

“All right boys, let's do this,” Captain barks out orders as we jump into action.

Marchy and I grab the hose while Ghost Pepper and Atta head inside to search for any occupants. The heat is intense as we battle the flames. Sweat pours down my face under my helmet, but I’ve learned over the years to ignore it.

After what feels like hours but is probably only about forty-five minutes, we finally get the fire under control. Ghost Pepper and Atta didn’t find anyone inside so they’re helping extinguish the fire.

After we finish extinguishing the fire and checking for hot spots, we start the cleanup process. I help roll up the hoses while some of the other guys board up windows. The homeowners, a young couple, stand off to the side looking shell-shocked as they survey the damage to their house.

I approach them cautiously. “Is there someone we can call for you? Family or friends you can stay with?”

The woman nods numbly. “My sister lives nearby. We'll call her.”

I nod sympathetically. “I'm sorry this happened. The fire investigator will be here soon to determine the cause, and you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible.”

They thank me quietly and I head back to help finish the cleanup. By the time we're done, I'm exhausted and covered in soot. We climb back into the truck and head for the station.

Back at the firehouse, we all work together to get everything cleaned up and prepped in case another call comes in. Once that’s all done, we head to the showers. I’m sweaty, dirty, and probably smell.

It doesn’t take long before I’m back in a clean uniform and am downstairs making myself a sandwich.

I’ve been lying in bed for two hours and can’t sleep. Trying everything to fall asleep, but I can’t find it. Climbing out of bed I head into my bathroom and grab a sleeping pill. I swallow it down and get back in bed.

Opening my eyes, I feel a heaviness on my chest. I look down and see familiar red hair on my chest. How did this happen? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy she’s here, I just wish I remembered it. That’s why I try not to take them.

I stroke a hand over her hair, and she begins to stir.

Sofia smiles up at me sleepily, her blue eyes still hazy with sleep. “Hi,” she says softly.

I hold her close. “Not that I'm complaining, but how did you get here?” I ask, running my fingers through her soft hair.

She looks at me with a raised brow for a moment. “You don't remember? You called me last night. You said you couldn't sleep and asked if I would come over. I got here around two.”

Ah, that explains it. The sleeping pill must have really knocked me out. “Sorry, I took a sleeping pill, and it made me pretty out of it. But I'm so glad you're here.”

Sofia snuggles back against my chest. “Me too. You seemed pretty restless when I got here, but you settled once I climbed in bed with you.”

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her up my body so we’re face-to-face. “You're better than any sleeping pill.”

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