Page 100 of Her Rugged Guardian

“Okay. We’re going.” I’d also heard on the news that Millie’s Diner had established themselves as a refuge. At least I could provide some form of assistance. I was about ready to turn it off when I noticed a breaking news bulletin. I turned up the volume instead, desperate to catch any sight of Jake if possible. No news wasn’t always good news. I hated not knowing and loathed worrying. Being on edge left me feeling nauseous.

“Take a look behind me. From what I understand, one of the firefighters from Engine Company Fifty-Seven from right here in Depoe Bay went into that burning home insistent that he witnessed the possibility of someone being left inside even after a sweep was made. Unfortunately, as you can see, the fire is ready to consume the house, although the firefighters are working diligently to try and save it.”

“Oh, God,” I managed before I pressed my hand over my mouth. I’d told him to fight his demons. I knew it was Jake. There was no doubt in my mind he was determined to relive the past, righting what he believed was a mistake. Tears formed in my eyes, fear crowding out everything else.

Moose whined, realizing instinctively something was wrong. As I reached down, touching his head, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. Hope. I had to have hope.

The reporter continued to do a play by play but with every passing second, the hope had begun to fade, a portion of the roof caving in. When a loud boom could be heard even though every reporter had been kept far away from the activity, there were several screams.

Including one coming from me.

I fell to my knees, pressing my hand against the screen, doing something I couldn’t remember ever doing before. I said a silent prayer.

As the seconds turned into minutes, everyone seemed to fade into silence. I wrapped my arm around Moose, allowing the tears to fall in the same silent reverence.

A shout was followed by collective applause, cameras from every angle panning in on the front of the burned house. Massive lights cut through the haze, all of them pointed at the front door.

Suddenly, out of the smoke and shadows came a lone firefighter, a blanket wrapped around a portion of his body. Within seconds, other firefighters rushed forward, blocking out the view. I took a deep breath, half laughing even as the tears continued to fall. I had no way of knowing whether the savior was Jake, but my instinct told me I was right. He was a hero.

My hero.

The man I loved.

“He’s okay, baby. He’s coming back to us.”

The reporter was obviously listening to something being said in her earpiece. When she turned back to the cameras, a smile had lit up her face. “I’m happy to report the firefighter managed to save two lives, a woman and a child. While I’ve yet to confirm, it appears the hero firefighter is Jake Spencer…”

The rest of what she was saying was drowned out by my thoughts, the swell of emotions almost overwhelming.

The hard knock on the door forced a rush of air into my lungs. Fuck. I’d forgotten Stephen had been on his way. Was it possible he’d made it here that quickly?

Moose was immediately barking, growling as he used to do when my ex was anywhere nearby. Hissing, I kept the television on, slowly rising to my feet. I wiped the tears with both hands, refusing to allow him to see anything but a smile on my face. Maybe I’d let Moose attack him. I didn’t give a shit if the man had provided his expertise or that he’d mentioned how sorry hewas for his behavior. That didn’t win him any points with me. Not a chance.

I took long strides toward the door, unlocking and throwing it open, ready to give the man a piece of my mind.

As soon as the man turned around, I opened my eyes wide seconds before…

Jake

“You’re a crazy asshole. You know that?” Shane asked as he swatted me on the back.

I poured water over my head, grinning from the twinkle in the man’s eyes. “Yeah, you know me too well.”

“You almost got yourself killed.”

“But I didn’t. I knew what I was doing.”

Shane shook his head. “Yeah, you did. You’re welcome back any time, my friend.”

“I’ll think about it.” I tossed the gear I’d worn to one of the firefighters, immediately heading toward my truck, ignoring the reporters who wanted an exclusive. I knew they’d continue hounding me until I gave them a few juicy details, but that would have to wait until after I’d had a chance to talk with Cassandra.

No doubt Millie would have the four television sets on inside the diner, keeping a close eye on the unfolding tragedy. Cass would be worried. Hell, I’d been worried. I grinned as I openedthe door, grabbing my phone. At least I’d managed to fight my demons and it felt damn good. Damn good.

I dialed her number as two of my old engine company team members walked toward me.

“You did good, Jake,” Mark said.

“You’re a hot-dogger, but damn, you saved two lives. Good work.” Ralph patted me on the arm before both men walked away.

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