by K E Osborn
Aiden comes out of his office and walks over to me. “You ready to go, gorgeous?”
“Ready when you are,” I reply.
Brielle walks with us down and through the main foyer.
“Good evening, Mr. O’Connell,” Josie calls out.
I turn to look at her over my shoulder but keep walking and stumble on that same pesky tile that I’ve tripped on once before. My bag goes flying, and its contents spread across the main lobby like Skittles.
Fuck my life! You’d think I would be more careful.
“Jeni, you okay?” Aiden helps me as I look down at my grazed knees.
“Yeah. Nothing but a bruised ego, yet again.”
I notice Josie walking around picking up my things off the floor.
“Oh no you don’t,” Brielle calls out when we both see Josie with the security key card in her hand. Brielle takes it from her and continues to pick up my stuff.
“Thanks, Bree.”
Josie doesn’t say anything, just takes off back to her desk with her tail between her legs. Aiden looks at her with his lips pressed flat, then bends down and goes to lift me.
“That’s not necessary.”
“I don’t care. You’re hurt, and I’m going to carry you.” I shake my head and concede. There’s an entire foyer full of people looking at me, but Aiden insists on carrying me out the doors and down the stairs to the parking garage. Brielle follows behind with my handbag.
“Oh my, what happened here?” Mike calls out, rushing to get the door open.
“I’m fine, Mike. Nothing more than a couple of scratched knees that an overprotective partner can’t handle.”
Aiden places me down on the ground and helps me into the car as Brielle hands me my handbag. “Make sure everything’s in there,” she warns.
“Thanks. Will do.”
Bree hugs Aiden, then walks to her new car. It’s a Porsche Boxster convertible in a gold color. Very sporty and very her. She bought it for herself with money she’s making from working at O’Connell Finance. With her staying at Killian’s, she needs her own transportation.
After the quick drive home, Aiden, being his overprotective self, carries me from the parking garage to our apartment, placing me on the sofa.
“Now, you stay here while I get something to clean up your knees.” I nod and turn on the television.
“Jeni, we’re out of antiseptic ointment. I’m going to head to the drug store. Relax until I get back, and I’ll have you fixed up in no time.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be—”
“No, I do. It’s deep and might get infected,” he interrupts while pushing the button for the elevator.
I shake my head, and as soon as he’s gone, I get off the sofa and take my AirPods off the table and place them in my ears. I turn the music up loudly and walk to the kitchen to make something for dinner. He’s fussing over absolutely nothing—my knees are fine, just a little grazed. Let’s face it, I’m used to it being a klutz.
Pulling out some pans, I add a little oil to one and turn on the heat, figuring I’ll cook fried chicken. I place two crumbed chicken breasts into the hot pan, then wash my fingers and dance along to the music playing loudly in my ears.
With the chicken cooked, I take them out and set them on some paper towels to soak up any residual oil. Turning off the stove, I figure now’s a good time to get changed, so I head to the bedroom, dancing along to the music still blaring in my ears.
Dressed in my usual little negligee, I make my way to the living room and see the elevator doors are closing. Assuming Aiden is home, with a smile, I head to the kitchen to find him.
Suddenly, I hear the blaring fire alarm through the music from my AirPods and smoke wafts from the kitchen, filling the living room. My instincts kick in, and I rush forward but as I turn the corner, I see the pan of oil has caught fire. Flickers of orange and red flames rush up the wall to the ceiling, almost in a raging torrent.
I pause in shock—Aiden’s nowhere to be seen.
My heart starts to race as I begin to panic. I have no idea what to do.
Smoke billows through the room quickly as I yank the AirPods from my ears.
Rushing to the fire blanket, I throw it on the fire. The flames quickly extinguish, but smoke fills the room in its hazy gray state which makes me cough heavily. The thick plumes invade my lungs, making it harder to breathe.
The elevator chimes as I try to fan the smoke away from my face. It’s stinging my eyes.
“What the hell?” Aiden drops the antiseptic cream on the floor as smoke floods the apartment. “Jeni?” he yells, panic-stricken.
“I’m in here,” I call out, coughing, trying to gain some air.
Aiden rushes over, pulling me tightly to him. He looks all over my body checking for burns. “Fucking Christ, Jeni. What the hell happened?” He starts fanning the smoke away from our faces while I cough. “C’mon, let’s get you some fresh air.” He takes my hand, rushing me over to the balcony and opens the door for the smoke to evacuate. Gently, he rubs my back as I continue to cough, my lungs constricted by the fumes.
Honestly, my chest is tight, and I’m feeling a little woozy as more time passes. “I turned the stove off. I know I did,” I say more to myself than to Aiden.
He picks up his phone, calling Mike. “Don’t worry about that. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.” He kisses my forehead. “Yes, Mike, we’ve had a small fire up here, and… yes, yes, we’re fine. But could you come up and have a look at the damage while I take Jeni to the hospital?”
“I don’t need to go to the hospital.” I start coughing as soon as I speak.
Aiden gives me a stern look, and I back down straight away, admitting defeat because I’m actually finding it harder to breathe properly.
Mike arrives not long after. “Where are you?” Mike calls out.
“On the balcony, Mike.”
I look down at what I’m wearing. It’s a skimpy black negligee. Luckily, though, this one isn’t see-through. I try to hide myself when Mike comes out.
“Are you both all right?” Mike asks, frowning and looking us both up and down, checking for injuries.
“Jeni might have some smoke inhalation. I’m taking her to the hospital. Can you stay here until we get back?”
“Yes, of course, sir.”
“Thanks.” Aiden lifts and cradles me in his arms and starts running. I cough into his chest as he takes me into the bedroom and sits me on the bed. I feel weak while he pulls out my robe, then places it around my shoulders. Somehow, I manage to maneuver my way into it, and he picks me up again and heads off quickly with me in his arms to the elevator.
We proceed to the car as I continue to cough. My chest tightens, I feel tired, almost dizzy, like I want to faint. It feels like I can’t get the right amount of oxygen in my lungs.
“Stay with me, Jeni.” Aiden places me in the car and rushes around to slide in. Then, with a squeal of the tires, we are racing out of the parking garage toward the hospital. My chest squeezes. My breathing becomes shallow—I definitely can’t breathe properly. And the coughing is now uncontrollable.
“Hang on, we’re nearly there.”
I daze in and out of consciousness. Only waking properly when Aiden screeches to a halt, then races around the car. He carries me into the emergency room. “Help! My girlfriend’s having trouble breathing,” he yells as I cough and wheeze, my body hanging limply in his arms.
He places me in a wheelchair after it’s wheeled up to us. My chest is so tight it’s starting to scare me. It feels like there’s an elephant sitting on it, and I don’t know if it’s from my heart thudding from fear or whether it’s my lungs burning, but either way, I’m scared shitless.
I reach out for Aiden’s hand as everything turns black, but I fall unconscious before I reach him.
A nurse shines a flashlight in my eyes, waking me. I have an oxygen mask on my face and drips in both my arms.
What the hell?
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I try to talk, but my throat’s so sore I can only cough.
“Jenifer, can you hear me?” the nurse asks as I look around the room. I nod. “Good. You’re in St. Richmond Hospital. Do you understand?”
My throat’s dry, and I want something to drink. I pull at my oxygen mask, feeling disorientated.
“No, don’t touch that. Sweetie, you need to leave that on for now.”
I let go of the mask and somehow muffle out something that sounds like Aiden, but I’m not sure.
“Your partner’s over there, sweetie.” She points to Aiden who’s sitting in a chair, asleep. “He hasn’t left your side since he brought you in. You’re going to be fine. You need some oxygen therapy and once your breathing has stabilized, you’ll be released. If you need anything, press this buzzer once.”
I nod, and she walks out of the room. I look over at Aiden—he seems restless. I try to sit up in the bed as my mom and Callie walk in carrying coffee and talking to each other.
Mom looks at me, her eyes widening when she sees my eyes open, and she hurries over. “Jeni, you’re awake,” she speaks loudly, waking Aiden, who looks at me, exhaling in relief. He rushes over, then takes my hand in his. I still feel dizzy as I try to sit up and point to a glass of water. He takes the water and lifts it to my mouth, pulling my mask to the side so I can drink through the straw. The cool water is soothing on my sore, dry throat. I can’t help it, and I drink the whole glass.
Aiden’s brows furrow as his forehead crinkles obviously in concern.
How long have I been here?
Aiden and Mom fuss over me, fluffing my pillows and generally making sure I am okay, but I’m so glad they’re here.
I doze in and out throughout the day, sipping on water in between. Aiden, Mom, and Callie never leave my side. I look over at the counter in my room and see a couple of bunches of flowers.
I wonder who they’re from?
The next day, I’m feeling quite a bit better as the morning shift nurse comes in to check my vitals.
“Your oxygen levels are back to normal. No need for this anymore.” She removes the mask. “How are you feeling?” the nurse asks quietly, trying not to wake my entourage.
I clear my throat trying to speak. “I’m fine. The dizziness has gone, but I’m still a bit sore in the throat,” I murmur, my voice sounding hoarse.
“That’s normal. It will subside given time. Shouldn’t take long, though. We’ve been dosing you up with antibiotics and fluids through the drip. Depending on how you feel, you may be able to go home either later today or early tomorrow.”
I sigh in relief. “Thank you.”
“You’ve got a wonderful support crew here.” She looks at my mom and Callie on the sofa and Aiden in a chair, all asleep.
“Yeah, they’re the best.”
She smiles. “Buzz if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” I pick up a glass and drink some water.
She walks out of the room as I try to think back to the fire, but my head is still foggy. I can’t quite remember what happened, but I’m sure Aiden will fill me in. I look over at him sleeping restlessly—his disheveled hair and slight stubble on his face, making him look so handsome.
My energy hasn’t returned, and I still feel a bit groggy, but I decide to wake him. Leaning over, I grab the box of tissues from the drawer next to me, and throw them at him, hitting him on the chest. He wakes suddenly and looks at the box of tissues, furrowing his brow in confusion. I start to giggle, and he looks up and sees me smiling at him.
He stands, bringing the tissue box with him and placing it back in the drawer as he takes my hand in his. “Seems like you’re feeling better?” He leans in to kiss me.
“I am now,” I say once he takes his lips from mine.
“How are you really?” He sits on the edge of my bed.
“My throat’s a bit sore, but the nurse said that will go away soon. She said I might be able to go home later.”
“Well, that’s great news. Do you remember what happened?”
I try to think, but it’s like a thick fog I still can’t break through. So, I shake my head. “I remember cooking the chicken, then I turned off the stove to go and get changed. When I came back, the kitchen was on fire…” My eyebrows furrow. “It doesn’t make sense, Aiden.”
“It’s okay, I’m sure there’s an explanation. Do you remember anything else?”
“Just the smoke, and then waking up in the hospital. How long have I been here?”
“You came in on Tuesday night. It’s Thursday morning.”
“And you’ve been here the whole time?”
“Yes.”
“But what about work?” I ask, making Aiden chuckle.
“You’re in no fit state to work.”
I roll my eyes. “Obviously. But what about you?”
“What about me? You’re my first priority. Not work. Plus, Bree and Father have it covered,” he tries to reassure me.
“We’re going in on Monday.”
He frowns. “Let’s wait and see what the doctor says about your condition, and we’ll go from there.”
Throughout the day, the doctor comes and goes but finally informs me I’m well enough to go home. With the good news, Aiden and Callie pack all my things and take them and the flowers out to the car while I’m being discharged.
After I’m dressed, Aiden and Callie join my mom and I, and we all head to the car together.
“Look after my girl, won’t you?” Mom says, looking up at Aiden.
“Of course. Thanks for your help, Ev. We’ll be around to see you soon,” Aiden tells her while sliding into the back seat with me, and Callie gets in the front with Mike.
“The kitchen’s partitioned at the moment, and the apartment has been aired out, and everything’s been washed. The repairs are being made as we speak,” Aiden declares as he helps me out of the car after making the short drive home.
Mike and Callie walk with us to the elevator, each holding flowers from my hospital room. As the elevator reaches our apartment, I can hear banging and men chatting. The noise fills the space when the doors open.
“Repair guys.” He winks.
Walking into the living room, we place the flower arrangements on the coffee table. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I head off to check out the kitchen, but I am met by a large white plastic sheet hanging from one side of the wall to the other. The entire kitchen is partitioned off, but Aiden pulls it back. Where the fire was above the stove, along the wall and ceiling, has been completely removed. I’m surprised at how well they cleared the smell of fire. There’s a wooden framework on the wall, and a man on a ladder hammering, plus two other men doing other things, I’m not sure what. Instantly, I feel terrible that I created such a disaster zone.
I sigh. “I’m sorry. See, there is an upside, though.”
“And what’s that?”
“You should never allow me to cook again.” I grin.
He laughs. “Don’t be sorry. This is only material. I can fix that. I can’t fix you. If something had happened to you, I—” He stops and shakes his head.
I lean in and hug him while he holds me tight.
Not wanting to linger, Callie and Mike make their way to the elevator.
“Don’t forget, come to my place for meals until your kitchen is back up and running. Dinner is at six.”
“Thanks, Callie.” I smile at her warmly.
After we make our way to the bedroom, I sit on our bed and flop down on the comfortable mattress. Aiden walks to the ensuite and announces, “I’m having a shower. Are you going to be all right?” He stands in the doorway to the ensuite and slowly takes off his clothes.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll be here resting, but you can continue the striptease if you like.”
He takes off his pants and throws them at me. Of course, the distance is too far for them to hit me, but I get the message. I giggle and stare at his masculine physique. I will never tire of looking at this gorgeous
man.
He walks toward the shower and out of sight. I turn over on the bed, and the next thing I wake to is Aiden softly playing with my hair. “I’m sorry to wake you. Are you hungry?”
I open my eyes and blink a few times. “Yes. I could definitely eat.”
“It’s six o’clock. Mom will have some food ready for us if you want to go to her apartment, or do you want me to go get it and bring it back here?”
I notice the banging has stopped and sit up. “No. I’m more than happy to go there.”
He helps me off the bed, and we take the elevator to Callie’s apartment. He knocks on the door with one hand, the other holding mine.
Callie answers. “Hello, my darlings, come on in. Dinner’s nearly ready. Jeni, would you like a drink?”
“Thanks. Water is fine.”
“Can I have a drink, Mom?”
“Don’t be silly. Of course, you can. Get yourself a drink, and while you’re at it, get Jeni’s water for her, too.”
I can’t help but giggle. Poor Aiden.
“I think you’re the favorite,” he whispers.
I giggle and take a seat on the sofa while he pours our drinks.
“So, sweetheart, how are you feeling?” Callie asks.
“I’m feeling even better after the nap I’ve just had.”
“Oh, I’m glad. That’s fantastic news.” She stirs something on the stove as Aiden brings me over a glass of water and sits next to me.
We eat dinner and chat before eventually heading back to our apartment and to bed.
I wake from my sleep, and everything is black, except a slight orange glow coming from the other room. I get out of bed, trying not to disturb Aiden, and I make my way through the bedroom to the living room. The orange glow is coming from the kitchen. I walk toward it and see the elevator doors closing. I look and notice a dark shadow in the elevator as the doors completely close.
I turn my attention back toward the orange glow and walk on my toes, trying not to make any sound as I get closer and closer. I feel an intense heat surging toward me.
