Page 20 of The Fire Between Us

Before I can formulate a response, Mrs. Gunderson is already on her feet, beaming. "Max Davidson! Perfect timing. Jennie just woke up, and I was about to go find some decent coffee in this place." She gathers her purse and sweater, then looks at me meaningfully. "I'll take Amelia for a little walk too, give you two a chance to talk."

"Oh, that's not necessary—" I begin, suddenly nervous at the prospect of being alone with Max.

"It's absolutely necessary," Mrs. Gunderson insists in a whisper as she leans down to collect Amelia from the bed. "Max is one of the most decent men in Cedar Falls. If he's here, it's because you mean something to him. And a man like that doesn't come along every day, dear."

Before I can protest further, she's scooped up Amelia, who's too distracted by a plastic bracelet on Mrs. Gunderson's wrist to object to leaving my side.

"We'll be back in twenty minutes or so," Mrs. Gunderson announces, moving toward the door where Max still stands. "Don't tire her out, Max. Doctor's orders."

"Yes, ma'am," he replies with a small smile, stepping aside to let her pass. As Amelia goes by in Mrs. Gunderson's arms, she reaches out toward Max with a delighted "Faya!"

Max chuckles, catching one of her tiny hands briefly. "Hey there, squirt. Being good for Mrs. G?"

And then they're gone, and it's just Max and me in the hospital room, the silence broken only by the steady beep of monitors.

I want to tell him not to come in, to maintain the distance that's kept me safe these past months. But he's already moving toward the bed, his slight limp and the careful way he holds his left shoulder reminding me that he was hurt while saving me. The least I can do is hear him out.

Besides, a traitorous part of my brain whispers, he really does look gorgeous in that shirt.

"You look better," he says, settling into the chair Mrs. Gunderson vacated. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I inhaled a campfire," I reply honestly. "But much better than I could be, thanks to you."

He shrugs, then winces slightly at the movement. "Just doing my job."

"Is that what they call disobeying direct orders these days?" I ask, surprising myself with the boldness. "I heard the paramedics talking. You weren't supposed to come looking for me yourself."

A faint flush creeps up his neck. "You weren't supposed to hear that."

"But I did," I persist. "So, why did you?"

Max sighs, running a hand through his damp hair. "I don't know. When I heard you might be in the cottage, I just... reacted. Couldn't let someone else handle it."

"We hardly know each other," I point out.

His blue eyes meet mine directly. "I know enough."

What exactly does he think he knows about me? And why does the possibility both terrify and exhilarate me?

"How's your shoulder?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Mild sprain," he answers. "Nothing serious. Had worse falling out of bed." His easy smile returns, dialing down the intensity of the moment. "How about you? What did the doctors say?"

"Mild smoke inhalation, no lasting damage expected. They're keeping me overnight for observation, but I should be discharged tomorrow."

He nods, clearly relieved. "Good. That's good." He leans forward slightly. "Listen, about the cottage—"

"Is it still standing?" I interrupt, suddenly remembering the reason I was there in the first place.

"It is," he confirms. “There is minor smoke damage to the exterior, but the interior is untouched. Mrs. Beaumont is in this same hospital, two floors up. She's already asking about you; she wanted to make sure you were okay."

"She is?" I'm genuinely surprised. "But her house—"

"Is insured," Max finishes. "And can be repaired. She's more concerned about you and whether you still want the cottage."

I stare at him, bewildered by the kindness of these Cedar Falls people. "I was a stranger looking at a rental property. Why would she care about me after losing her home?"

Max's expression softens. "That's just how it is here. People look out for each other."

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