by Sandi Lynn
“Yes. The primary reason she wanted the apartment was because it’s close. She’s dealing with a lot. She’s in a new city, her mother is in stage four Alzheimer’s and she was homeless thanks to the landlord fucking up. What the hell was I supposed to do?”
My mother walked over and placed her hand on my cheek.
“I am so proud of you. You did the right thing. You should have brought her to dinner.”
I gave her a small smile as Nathan hooked his arm around me.
“Does this mean she’ll let you in her bed now?”
“No, and I’m not even thinking about that anymore. We wrote out a list of rules.”
“Good idea,” Elijah said.
“Rules? Who the hell are you, and what have you done with my brother?” Nathan spoke as he put me in a headlock.
“Knock it off, bro. I’m serious. This wasn’t an easy decision.”
“Do you think she told you about her mother for sympathy knowing you’d possibly let her move in?” Elijah asked me.
“Nah. She wouldn’t have mentioned it if I didn’t ask her where she went that night.”
“All I know is I’m going to sit back and watch this shitshow unfold.” Nathan grinned, and I punched him.
One Week Later
I’d just gotten home from the fire station and when I walked through the door, I saw Sara sitting on the couch with her laptop.
“Hey,” She glanced over my way.
“Hi.” I walked over to the couch and sat down next to her.
“You smell like a fire.” She smiled.
“That’s because I was just in one. I didn’t shower at the station. My shift was over, and I just came home. I thought you worked tonight.”
“I was, but one of the other doctors needed tomorrow off so he asked if I could switch with him and work his shift tomorrow.”
I stared at her as I cocked my head.
“What?” She laughed.
“I think this is the most conversation we’ve had since we moved in together.”
“I guess so.” The corners of her mouth curved upward. “We really haven’t seen each other.”
“I’m going to take a shower.” I stood up. “Did you eat dinner yet?”
“No. I was thinking about ordering some Chinese food.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” I pointed my finger at her. “Order me a quart of sweet and sour chicken, a pint of shrimp fried rice and an egg roll.” Reaching into my pants pocket, I took out my wallet and handed her my credit card. “My treat tonight. Order anything you want. You can buy next time.”
“If you insist.” She grinned as she took the card from my hand.
When I finished showering, I threw on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and went into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator.
“Did you order it yet?” I shouted through the apartment.
“Yes. It’ll be here soon.” I heard her voice coming from her bedroom.
Chapter 13
Sara
I changed into a pair of cotton shorts, a tank top, and threw my hair up in a high ponytail when I heard a knock at the door.
“I got it,” I spoke as I walked past him sitting on the couch.
I took the bag over to the table while Mason grabbed some plates from the cabinet.
“Do you want a beer?” he asked.
“Sure,” I said as I took out the cartons of food.
“What did you order?” Mason asked as he took the cap off the bottle and set it down by my plate.
“Honey Chicken and an egg roll.”
“Sounds good.”
He took his seat across from me and began plating his food.
“You never did tell me where you’re from,” he spoke.
“Does it matter?” I smirked.
“Kind of. Since we’re roommates, I should know a little about you. What if you’re a psycho killer?” He gave me a sexy wink.
“True, and the same goes for you. I’m from New Haven, Connecticut.”
“Great place. I used to go visit some friends up at Yale.”
“Really?” I cocked my head at him. “I went to Yale.”
“Wow. Look at you, miss fancy pants. I had no idea I was sharing a space with a Yale graduate.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Maybe we saw each other up there at some point and just don’t remember,” I said as I took a bite of my egg roll.
“Doubt it. I would definitely remember someone as beautiful as you.”
My heart started to race as I nearly choked on my egg roll.
“Okay. So now that I know you went to Yale, tell me why you decided to become a doctor.”
“My mom was a doctor, and I spent a lot of time hanging around the ER. Plus, I like to help people. “What about you? Why a firefighter?”
“I do it for the adrenaline rush.” He grinned as he shoved a piece of chicken in his mouth.
“I find it hard to believe that’s the only reason.”
“You’re right. I’ve always loved fires. I would intentionally start them just so I could put them out.”
“What?” I laughed. “What are you, some kind of pyromaniac?”
He let out a chuckle. “My mom thought I was. But all kidding aside, they were just tiny containable fires in the backyard. One night, when I was thirteen, I was walking home from a friend’s house and the townhome down the block was on fire. The fire department wasn’t there yet and when I stared at it, I saw Mr. Fields in the window upstairs screaming for help. I somehow knew if he stayed in there any longer, he would die. So, I ran inside, ran up the stairs and got him out. The adrenaline that rushed through me that night was incredible, but so was saving Mr. Fields. That fire changed my life. I used to believe it was all about the fires, but it wasn’t. It’s about human life and the ability to save them. It’s about sacrifice and serving my community.”
“You know that puts you up on a hero pedestal.” I smiled.
“Same goes for you.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “You save people’s lives every day.”
“It’s different for me. I don’t put my life on the line saving them like you do.”
“It’s no different, Sara. A life is a life, no matter how we save them.”
Our eyes locked onto each other’s and the air around me felt constricted. I gave him a small smile as I grabbed my beer bottle and tipped it to my lips.
“What kind of medicine did your mom practice?”
“She was a cardiothoracic surgeon. In fact, she was one of the best in the country. That was before—” I looked down at my plate.
“Before the Alzheimer’s set in?” he asked.
“Yeah. She was a brilliant surgeon and someone I looked up to my whole life.”
“What about your father? You never mentioned him.”
“Nor have you mentioned yours?” I smirked.
“I don’t talk about him.” He looked away from me.
“And I don’t talk about my father either. So, let’s just end it on that note.” I held up my beer bottle to him.
“Sounds good to me.” He tipped his bottle to mine.
“Your mom seems like a really cool person.” I smiled. “I like her.”
He sighed as he lightly shook his head.
“She’s a handful and you’ll see what I’m talking about because she’ll be popping in every so often to check on me and butt into my life. Especially since we’re living together.”
I let out a laugh.
“Can I give you a piece of advice?”
“Sure. Lay it on me,” he spoke.
“Treasure every moment you have with her. Even when she butts into your life and you absolutely hate it. Never take the time spent with her for granted, because one day, you won’t have those moments anymore.”
I watched as he inhaled a sharp breath before bringing the bottle up to his lips.
“I’m really sorry about your mom.”
“Thanks. So am I.” I pushed my plat
e away. “It’s hard, you know. Dealing with it all. Anyway, I owe you an apology, Mr. Mason Wolfe.”
“For what?”
“For the things I said to you when we first met. I assumed things about you I shouldn’t have and for that, I’m sorry.”
“Nah, Sara. You don’t need to apologize. I know I came on a little strong. I should have dialed it back. And for that, I’m the one who’s sorry.”
“I appreciate that, Mason.” I gave him a small smile.
He held up his beer bottle.
“To the start of a new friendship.” He grinned.
“To the start of a new friendship.” I tipped my bottle to his as I stared into his eyes.
Chapter 14
Mason
She was beautiful, and the need to take her to my bed intensified. But we were roommates, and we had rules. As much as I wanted to break those rules, I shouldn’t. I didn’t want to jeopardize our new friendship. How could I sleep with her when I’d have to see her all the time? That wasn’t how it worked with me. One time, maybe two, and then I’d never see them again. It was best that way and getting attached wasn’t an option. Regardless of how both my brothers let their guard down and I saw how happy they were, I was still adamant about where I stood as far as relationships were concerned.
Sara was broken, and for the first time tonight, I saw just how broken she was. Besides having to deal with her mother’s illness, she was battling the same demons about her father that I was about mine. I could sense it in her voice when she said she didn’t talk about him.
“So, since we’re celebrating our newfound friendship, I have one more question for you,” I said as I got up and grabbed a couple more beers from the fridge.
“Sure. Ask away.”
“Did you leave someone behind in Connecticut?” I set her beer down in front of her and took my seat.
She narrowed her eye at me for a moment as she brought the bottle up to her lips.
“What? It’s a fair question coming from a friend and roommate.” I smirked.
“The answer to your question is no. I don’t trust men. No offense.”
“None taken.” I put my hand up.
She stared out the window for a moment as she ran her hand up and down the beer bottle. I could feel my cock twitching as I watched her.
“I’ve devoted my life to my medical career and education. Although, I did let my guard down once and dated a guy for almost a year, but then he confirmed why I didn’t trust men.”
“He cheated on you?”
“He sure did. Not once, not twice, but three different times with three different women. I’d only found out because one of the women, whom I was friends with, told me because she felt bad.”
“Wow. What a douchebag. And your father? You said he was the reason you don’t trust men.”
“I don’t talk about him. Remember?”
“Right. Sorry.”
My phone rang, and Allison was calling.
“Hey, Allison.”
“Mason, I’m with your mom at her house and she’s not feeling well again. I just made her go lie down. I thought you should know. I tried to call Elijah, but he didn’t answer. And Nathan is still at work.”
“I’m on my way. Make sure she stays in bed.”
“What’s wrong?” Sara asked.
“My mother isn’t feeling well again. Allison is with her now. I’m heading over there.”
“Let me grab my bag and I’ll go with you. If that’s okay?”
“Sure. I’d appreciate that.”
We both got up from our seats and headed over to the townhouse. Opening the door, we stepped inside where Allison greeted us in the foyer.
“What happened?” I asked.
“We were going over the invitations for the wedding and she got really dizzy and said she felt like she was going to pass out. I gave her some orange juice and made her get in bed.”
“Lead the way to the bedroom so I can check her out,” Sara said.
When we opened the door and my mother saw us, she let out a heavy sigh.
“For god sakes. I’m fine,” she spoke.
“Your dizzy spell and near fainting say otherwise. Hi, Caitlin.” Sara smiled as she walked over to her.
“Hello, Sara.”
“Do you mind if I take a quick look at you?”
“Just do it, Sara. Don’t ask her. She doesn’t have a choice,” I said.
“Excuse me, Mason Matthew Wolfe?” she spoke in a stern voice.
“Why don’t you wait outside and let me examine her. Okay?”
“Sure.”
I tucked my hands in my pocket and left the room.
“Uncle Mason!” Ruby wrapped her arms around my waist.
“Hey there, Ruby.” I patted her head.
“Is Grandma Caitlin going to be okay? I’m worried about her.”
I took hold of her hands and knelt down in front of her.
“She’ll be fine. She has the best doctor in there with her right now.”
I heard the front door open and Elijah’s voice, so I walked downstairs to greet him.
“Hey, bro,” I spoke.
“Where’s Mom? Is she okay?”
“Sara is upstairs checking her out right now. We were having dinner when Allison called.”
“Dinner together?” His brow arched.
“Yeah. We’re roommates. We’re not allowed to have dinner together?”
“Sure. I just thought you two were avoiding each other as much as possible.”
“Her shift got switched at the hospital and I came home from the station and we were hungry. Why the hell am I even explaining this to you?” I furrowed my brows.
“I don’t know. Why are you?” A smirk crossed his face as he placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Hi, Elijah.” Sara smiled as she walked down the stairs.
“Hey, Sara. Thanks for coming over.”
“No problem.”
“How is she?” I asked.
“She’ll be fine after I make her something to eat.”
“She’s not eating again?” Elijah asked.
“I think maybe you two should go up and talk to her.”
As Elijah and I walked up the stairs, I asked him if he talked to Tommy.
“I tried. He’s not saying anything. All he said was to talk to Mom.”
We opened the door to her room and stepped inside.
“Great. Now all we need is Nathan here.” She narrowed her eye at us.
“You don’t have to worry about that. He’s still at work,” I spoke as I sat on the edge of the bed and took hold of her hand.
“What is going on?” Elijah demanded to know.
“Bro, cool it.”
“No! I won’t cool it. Mother, you will tell us what the hell is going on! Do you understand me?”
“Fine. But it will have to wait until Nathan is here. I want to talk to all three of you together.”
“Okay. Then I’ll find out when Nathan is available and coordinate our schedules,” Elijah spoke.
Chapter 15
Sara
“Thanks again for your help,” Mason said as we climbed into the cab.
“Don’t mention it. That’s why I’m a doctor.” I smiled.
“I just don’t understand what is going on. I’ve never seen her like this before. Are you sure it’s not something more serious?”
“It’s a matter of her being depressed and not taking care of herself. Maybe once she finally talks to you and your brothers, she’ll feel better.”
“I hope so.” He sighed.
As we stepped into the apartment, I walked over to the table and started cleaning up from dinner while Mason grabbed the beer bottles.
“I have an early shift tomorrow, so I’m going to head to bed.”
“I’m off tomorrow.” Mason grinned. “Thanks, Sara. I think it’s kind of nice having a doctor in the house.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you around, Wolfe.”
; “Good night,” he spoke.
Mason Wolfe, what can I say? He was definitely hot and sexy. And despite his flirtatious nature, he was a really nice guy. He was the kind of guy I didn’t need to think dirty thoughts about. We were friends now and roommates and I wouldn’t dare cross that line, no matter how horny I was. I didn’t need that kind of complication in my life right now.
I took a shower, changed into my nightshirt and climbed in bed, grabbing the remote and my Wii U controller. I had just started playing when I heard a light knock at the door.
“Yes?”
“I hate to ask you this, but could I borrow some toothpaste? I’m out and my other one is at the station.”
“Sure. Come on in. It’s in the top drawer in the bathroom,” I spoke as he opened the door.
“Thanks. You’re playing Mario Kart?”
“Yeah. Why? Is that a problem?” I gave him a smirk.
“No. Not at all. I love that game. I kick Nathan’s ass every time.” He grinned.
“Wanna play? There’s another controller on my dresser.”
“Seriously? I’d love to.”
“Great. Grab the controller and watch me kick your ass.”
“Don’t underestimate my gaming abilities, sweetheart,” he said as he climbed on the bed next to me.
We played for a couple of hours and I beat him in every game except one. And that was only because I let him win to soothe his ego.
“Shit. I can’t believe you won again. The next time we’re both off, we’re having a rematch,” he said as he climbed off the bed.
“Deal. But I don’t want you crying when I kick your ass again.” I smirked.
“Please. You’re the one who’ll be crying.”
“Don’t forget the toothpaste on your way out,” I said as I pulled the covers over me.
“That’s right. Thanks. Goodnight, Sara. Sleep well.”
“You too, Mason.”
He shut the door, and I reached over and turned off my light. As I lay my head on the pillow and closed my eyes, the only thing I saw was him as I replayed the events of our evening in my mind.
I stumbled into the hospital at six a.m. gripping the cup of coffee I’d brought from home. Not only did I get to bed late, I tossed and turned all night.
