Here, boy. Claire scooped the pup up and cuddled him close.
Claire crawled toward the front of the house while holding Nick in one hand. She breathed in. Coughed. Her lungs burned. She caught her hand on the leg of a chair and went down on her elbow, her knees scraping on the floor. Nick yelped as she tried to catch herself with the hand that held him.
The smoke became dense, more intense. The front door seemed a mile away. Somewhere in the closet under the stairs was a fire extinguisher. Shed get Nick out, come back for the extinguisher and put out the fire.
She crawled forward again, laboring to breathe. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The puppy whimpered.
Itll be okay, Nick. Dear Lord, please let us be okay.
She coughed, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. Her stomach rolled. She paused, waiting for the dizziness to pass. It didnt. She forced herself to continue on despite the effects of the smoke. Her survival instinct pushed her, urged her to keep crawling away from the source of the smoke.
Her wrist gave out, forcing her weight down hard on her elbow, sending pain up her arm. Her head fell forward to smack against the hardwood floor. Spots of light popped in front of her eyes.
She couldnt stop, she had to keep going.
Where was the man in black leather when she needed him?
Flames shot from the back of the house.
Nicks heart slammed against his ribs as he stopped his bike at the bottom of the cement stairs leading to the front door. He set the kickstand and jumped off his bike. He rushed up the porch steps and burst through the front door.
Smoke billowed around him, stinging his eyes. His gaze zeroed in on Blondie crawling toward the door with the puppy clutched to her chest with one hand, while she balanced with the other hand.
She lifted her head, her eyes wide. The puppy squirmed out of her grasp and ran past Nicks legs and down the steps.
Nick scooped up Blondie and carried her to the front yard where he gently laid her down on the grass. She opened her mouth to say something but coughed instead. He rolled her to her side as she spit out black soot between taking in gulps of air.
Relief surged through Nick. Hed finally given in to the urgent, nagging feeling that he should turn back. And a good thing, too. He patted her shoulder, offering her comfort as his heartbeat began to slow.
You came back, she said in a hoarse whisper.
Yeah, he acknowledged.
The puppy? she rasped, her eyes widening as she sat up and was momentarily gripped with another bout of coughing.
He ran out. Im sure hes fine.
She raised her gaze to her home. My building.
The disappointment and hurt in her voice burned in his gut. This shouldnt have happened. He knew who was to blame. His fingers curled into a fist. Hed make sure they paid.
Seeing that the blonde was out of danger, he rose. He refused to consider why he felt the need to help her, why her distress tightened a knot in his chest. Ill see what I can do.
He left her on the grass and went around to the back of the building where the smoke seemed to originate. Two garbage cans were on fire directly below an open window as well as the wooden slats of the back porch.
Pillows of black smoke rolled into the kitchen. The flames were licking at the back door and the ceiling of the porch, curling the gray paint and blackening the wood, which crackled and snapped.
Nick skirted around the fire to where a garden hose lay rolled on the ground. The faucet turned easily and water sprayed out. He aimed the spray on the door and porch since that would be where the damage would be most devastating.
Off in the distance the wail of a siren drew close, bringing hope of help. Within minutes firemen bustled about, waving off Nick and his efforts. He dropped the hose and headed back toward where hed left Blondie.
He spotted her as he came around the corner and his chest tightened more. Grass clung to her hair, streaks of soot marred her creamy complexion and smeared her white blouse and jeans.
Two paramedics were tending to her. Or rather, trying to. She brushed away their attempts to get her into the ambulance. Nick stepped over a fire hose as he approached.
No, I cant leave, she said as she dodged one EMT and snagged the arm of a passing fireman. Do you know how much damage has been done? Her voice rasped with the effects of the smoke. A purple goose egg formed on her forehead.
Not yet, maam.
She dropped her hand away and the fireman continued on, giving Nick a nod as they passed each other.
The worried lines framing her mouth deepened and her eyes were troubled as she turned to face Nick. She closed the distance between them in a rush of steps. Is everything ruined?
The anxiety in her voice tore at his heart. He didnt want to care. He couldnt. Hard to tell. The fire department will let you know. You need to go with the paramedics and let them check you out. He took her elbow and steered her back toward the ambulance.
I need to find the puppy! She doubled over, coughing.
He held fast as she tried to pull away from his hold on her elbow. What you need to do is let them take care of you.
But whos going to take care of things here? She made a sweeping gesture with her hand. I have to be here.
Is there someone, a friend, a family member, you could call who could come?
Two little lines appeared between her dark blond brows. This place is my responsibility.
Was she a control freak or did she really not have anyone she trusted to help? What did it matter to him, anyway?
But it did matter. This happened because of him. His interference. He felt responsible for her. For her situation.
Ill tell you what. Ill staymake sure the police and the firemen have everything they needwhile you go with the paramedics.
Youll stay? Big tears filled her eyes. She rapidly blinked them away.
That knot twisted another notch, warning him he was getting too involved. But guilt was a stronger motivator than self-preservation. He owed her a debt because hed brought this on her.
He gave her a reassuring smile. Ill stay.
She sagged and allowed him to help her into the ambulance.
Wait, she called as he stepped back. Youll find the puppy?
Sure.
Her smile held gratitude. Thanks. His names Nick.
Their gazes held for a moment before the doors of the vehicle closed.
Nick stared after the ambulance. Shed named the puppy after him. Flattered warmth spread through him, heating his face. He was treading water in the deep end.
Not my problem?
He scoffed. Yeah, right.
Claire sat on the gurney waiting for the emergency-room doctor to return. She swung her bare feet, picked at the cotton hospital gown and tried to ignore the noises from the other exam rooms.
She felt vulnerable and exposed, but mostly she was worried. Worried that everything shed worked so hard for was ruined.
She chewed her lip, wondering if Big Nick had found Little Nick.
The corner of her mouth lifted at the memory of his expression when shed told him the pups name. Hed looked dumbfounded.
She still could hardly believe God had answered her prayers by bringing Nick back. When hed come storming into The Zone shed thought she was dreaming. Dreaming about a dark warrior who used his powers for good, not evil. Like some comic book character, except the strong arms that had held her so tenderly had been very real.
She still could hardly believe God had answered her prayers by bringing Nick back. When hed come storming into The Zone shed thought she was dreaming. Dreaming about a dark warrior who used his powers for good, not evil. Like some comic book character, except the strong arms that had held her so tenderly had been very real.
And the concern in his eyes called to her in a way nothing else could. It had been a long time since anyone had shown any real concern for her well-being. Oh, people had shown her kindness, but she often felt it came from obligation to her late aunts memory rather than for herself.
The need to belong to someone rose sharply and she squashed it like an irritating fly. She couldnt allow herself to want anyone, to expect anything from anyone because expectations only led to disappointment.
More likely, Nick wouldnt stick around as hed promised. She sternly steeled herself against any pain from hope. She wouldnt fret over it, wouldnt let it matter.
She was thankful hed arrived when he had and that she hadnt inhaled too much of the smoke. The doctor had said her lungs might hurt for a few days and shed probably have a headache from smacking her head on the floor, but otherwise she was in good health and could return home. Hed gone off to tell the nurse to discharge her.
But what would she be going home to?
Her stomach twisted. She had a pretty good idea whod set the fire, but she hadnt told the police when theyd arrived because she wasnt a hundred percent certain.
She had to focus on moving forward no matter how much this incident set her back. Shed push through it, as always.
First she had to get back to The Zone. She didnt have money for a cab with her. She shrugged. Shed walk. She didnt relish putting on the smoke-scented clothes shed arrived in, but shed do what she had to.
The nurse pushed aside the curtain and stepped in. She was tall, African-American and very striking. Her black hair was pulled back into a fancy twist and her smile was kind.
In one hand she held a clipboard and in the other a brown paper bag, which she set on the counter. The doctor says you can be released. I have a few forms for you to sign. She handed Claire the clipboard and pen.
Quickly looking over the form, Claire worried her bottom lip. She wasnt sure how the bill would be paidif the insurance would cover it or not. She signed where appropriate and handed the clipboard back. Shed deal with the financial stuff later. Where are my clothes?
The nurse moved to the counter behind the gurney and picked up a clear plastic bag that contained Claires dirty clothes. Wrinkling her nose, she said, Youre not going to want these anymore.
She set the bag down again and then grabbed the brown paper bag shed brought in and handed it to Claire. Your boyfriend brought you these. When youre dressed, come on out.
Claire blinked. Boyfriend? She opened the bag and pulled out her red polo shirt and fresh jeans. Embarrassed heat crept up her neck and settled in her cheeks.
Someone had gone through her things.
Nick?
A jittery panic hit her stomach like a spray of pebbles. He couldnt be her boyfriend. Not in a million years. She didnt need a boyfriend.
But she had to admit it felt good to have someone care.
Anticipation quickened her pulse. She put on the clothes. Finger-combed her matted mop of hair. Then sedately walked out from behind the curtain toward the administration desk.
Her nervous flutters fled, replaced with a melting warmth as Nick unfolded his long, lean frame from a chair and strode to her, reminding her of a dangerous panther stalking its prey.
And to her utter dismay, she realized she wanted to be hunted.
The doc said youre okay, Nick stated by way of greeting as BlondieClaire, he corrected himselfslowly drew nearer to him.
Hed waited to come until after the fire engines had disappeared and the investigators had finished scouring the area for clues to the arsonist. Hed answered the investigators questions and told them what he could about Blondie and the teens.
Shed changed into the clothing hed brought her. Smudges of soot stood out in stark contrast on her pale face. Her hair poked out in different directions with bits of green grass peeking out here and there. He stifled a smile.
She was adorable, vulnerable and in need of protection.
In need of help from someone other than him.
Hed get her settled safely, then leave.
She blinked up at him. What are you doing here?
Came to get you. I didnt figure youd have a way back. I hope the clothes are okay. Your roommate, Gwen, picked them out. She was pretty upset but I told her youd call her as soon as you could. She had to get to work or shed be here now.
Thanks. Im glad Gwen did the responsible thing and didnt come here. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Howhow bad is the damage to the building?
Anger flared in his gut at what those punks had done. The porch is gone. Youll need a new back door.
They headed toward the doors of the hospital. And the puppy?
He slanted her a glance. Nick is fine. I found him in the park chasing bees.
Ducking her head, she chuckled. I hope you dont mind that I named him after you. I didnt think Id see you again.
He held the door open. Im flattered.
To his amusement, her cheeks turned pink. I guess Ill have to call him Little Nick. So I dont get you two confused. They walked in silence for a moment before Claire glanced back up at him. Thanks, she said.
For what?
She stopped and tilted up her heart-shaped face. I could have died if you hadnt rescued me.
The glint of admiration in her baby blues spread through him, making him think of knights, damsels in distress and fire-breathing dragons. Making him feel like a hero.
Stupid.
He was nobodys hero.
You were almost to the door, he said.
Why did you come back?
You wouldnt believe me if I told you. He ushered her to the parking lot where hed parked her little green four-wheel drive Subaru.
Try me. Her eyes widened. Uh, thanks for bringing my car.
He lifted a shoulder as he unlocked the door and held it open for her. Gwen gave me the keyswe didnt think youd want to ride on the back of the Harley.
A gleam of longing entered her blue eyes. Actually, I would have liked that.
He raised a brow. Then Ill take you for a spin before I leave.
The hunger in her eyes set his blood to racing at full throttle on an open road, then abruptly she shook her head and wariness entered her gaze. No, no. That wouldnt be such a good idea.
She climbed in the car and primly folded her hands in her lap.
Nick shut the door, grateful for the reprieve. The thought of her with him on his bike with her arms wrapped around his waist sent a shiver through him.
Not a good sign.
He wouldnt allow himself to become attracted, attached or anything else to her.
Gotta keep moving, he warned himself.
Chapter Three
Driving with Claire down Pineridges main street, Nick surveyed the town with a jaundiced eye. Small-town America. Hed passed through so many over the last two years, they tended to blend together.