“It shouldn’t matter,” Judd raged. He jabbed a finger into the man’s chest. “Your head will roll for this! The captain and his team members are heroes who deserve to be commended. Thank heavens that there are still a few good men like them left in this world.” He gave the small-minded man a withering look.
“I—I’m so sorry,” the man stammered, “for the misunderstanding.”
“There’s no misunderstanding,” Judd responded. “The situation is crystal clear.” Having no desire to waste any further energy on the man, Judd turned his back. He stood facing the house, repeating the same silent prayer over and over. There was a loud crack, followed by a groaning sound as the back section of the roof caved. Tears rose in Judd’s eyes. God, please, let them find Ellie. Please!
The entire house seemed to be on fire and the heat pouring off it scorched Judd’s face, but he stayed where he was, praying for Ellie, praying for the men trying to save her.
He held his breath, waiting. For a split second when Judd saw the captain emerge from the burning structure, carrying Ellie in his arms, he thought his eyes were deceiving him by showing him the one thing he wanted most to see. The strength left his legs as he stumbled, and then caught himself. The other firefighters rushed out behind their captain.
Judd ran over. “Is she okay?”
Ellie’s face was covered in soot, and she was lifeless. “Ellie?” he cried. A sob wrenched his throat as he broke the name into two heartrending parts. “El—lie!”
8
“I made a terrible mistake!” Whitney plopped down on the couch and tucked one of her legs underneath her.
Cassidy’s concerned voice came through the line. “What did you do?”
She pushed out a heavy breath. “I told Judd that the two of us weren’t gonna work.”
“What?” Cassidy’s voice rose to a shrill. “Why would you do that? He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you! Are you trying to end up alone?”
Whitney winced. “It was a stupid thing to do. Judd took me to San Francisco on his jet. We were at a sushi restaurant. I told him I hate fish. He said they didn’t serve anything else. One thing led to another, and I broke it off.” She pushed her free hand through her hair.
An incredulous laugh bubbled from Cassidy’s throat. “Over sushi?”
“It wasn’t just the sushi,” Whitney said defensively. “There was also the bit about his daughter.”
“What do you mean?”
Whitney told Cassidy about the blowup and how it had decentered her. “Judd was so livid and explosive.”
“I’d react the same way if I saw a picture of one of my kids in some skimpy outfit, drinking beer. Cut the guy some slack. It sounds like he’s just concerned about his daughter.”
“Yeah, I believe you’re right,” she said glumly. A few beats passed. “The truth is, I was scared.”
“Why?”
She sucked in a breath. “Because he makes me feel something I haven’t felt in a very long time.” Her voice sounded small in her own ears. “I don’t want to get hurt again.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re talking about that incident in college with your professor.”
“So, what if I am?” Whitney frowned. “I was devastated.”
“It’s time to move on, Whitney. You have a great guy who wants to date you. If you can’t see that then I can’t help you.”
Whitney’s stomach churned. “You’re right,” she said weakly. All day long, she’d tried to start outlining another book, but she kept running into a dead end. All she could think about was Judd and how foolish she’d been to break things off.
“Okay, you made a mistake,” Cassidy said in a pragmatic tone. “It happens. Call him and apologize. Grovel if you have to.”
Deep down, Whitney was hoping that Judd would try and contact her. Sure, it was a petty notion. She needed to step up to the plate and own up to her mistake.
“Call him right now,” Cassidy demanded.
“I can’t when I’m on the phone with you,” Whitney retorted.
“Yeah, yeah,” Cassidy said dryly. “Promise me you’ll call him.”
“Okay, I will.” Her heart leapt into her throat when the doorbell rang. “Someone’s at the door.”
“Maybe it’s Judd.”
She got up off the couch, her breath coming faster. “Maybe. I’ll call you back later,” she said, ending the call. Breathe, she ordered herself as she straightened her shoulders and glided to the door. She looked through the peephole. Anticipation bubbled in her chest when she saw the bouquet of flowers.
“Hey,” she said as she opened the door, a large smile filling her face.
“Hiya, beautiful,” he responded in a chipper tone.
Her face fell. “Tim, what’re you doing here?” Talk about a letdown. Whitney could’ve cried.
He held out the flowers. Automatically, she took them.
Tim motioned. “May I come in?”
She stood, considering if she should let him in. Finally, she stepped back, so he could enter.
As she closed the door, he went and sat down on the couch where she’d just been. She chose the seat across from him and deposited the flowers on the coffee table.
Tim scooted to the edge of the couch and clasped his hands. “How’ve ya been?”
“Fine.” Was it her imagination, or did he seem nervous? She’d always thought Tim Bradford so handsome in a polished, movie-star way. Now, however, compared to Judd he seemed blah, too run-of-the-mill for her taste. She preferred Judd’s strong jaw and rugged features. Tim was smaller boned and not nearly as muscular. He was too pretty, too smooth, too much of a politician.
“You haven’t answered my texts or calls.” Tim threw her a wounded look.
“We broke up.” Irritation bubbled inside her. “Look, I don’t want to rehash the past. The best thing for both of us is to move on.”
He held up a hand to stop her. “I know. I just wanted to come by to tell you how sorry I am.”
She scrunched her brows. “About what?” She didn’t know if she should be concerned or just ticked. What was Tim trying to pull? His smooth-talking mayor lingo might work with his constituents, but it wouldn’t work with her.
He tipped his head, a faint smile that held a tinge of condescension touching his features. “You don’t know?”
“Know what?” She tightened her jaw. Whatever his game was, she wasn’t playing.
“About the articles. You and Judd Hoffman are all over the media.”
Her stomach dropped ten stories as she clutched her neck. “What?” She tried to suck in a good breath, but her lungs failed to cooperate.
Tim shook his head back and forth in what was probably supposed to be a sorrowful expression, but it came off as insincere. “This isn’t you, Whitney. You’re one of the good ones. How could you have been taken in by Judd Hoffman and his billions?” His expression hardened. “I can’t believe you chose him over me.”
A hysterical laugh riddled her throat, her mind spinning like a tornado. “What’s the media saying?”
He spread his hands. “Well, reading between the lines, it would seem that you’re after Judd’s money.”
Not this again! It sounded like an eerie repeat of the things that Andy Roberts said the night of the reunion. “Has the world gone stark raving mad?” she fumed. “Why’s it so hard to believe that I could fall for Judd simply because of who he is?”
Tim’s face fell. “Have you? Fallen for him?”
The answer came so immediately that it surprised her. “Yes, I have. I’m crazy about Judd Hoffman, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the money.” A giddy laugh escaped her throat. “I don’t care what the media is saying.” Just like that, the invisible cords around her heart broke loose. It was liberating! She wasn’t going to spend her life worrying about what people thought. All that mattered was what Judd thought.
“Wow,” Tim muttered. “You really do care about him.”
She sat up
straight. “Yes, I do.”
“If you care so much then why’re you here?”
She pinned Tim with a look. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but would you quit playing silly games?”
“I’m serious. Why aren’t you with Judd? Especially considering what happened to his daughter.”
Her heart nearly stopped. “What’re you talking about?” A million scenarios ran through her mind of the dangerous situations a girl who lived on the edge could be in.
“I’m sorry, Whitney, I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?” she nearly shouted.
“There was a fire. It came over the wire a little over an hour ago. Ellie Hoffman and her friends were having a party—booze, drugs, the whole bit. A candle caught one of the curtains on fire. All the kids got out except for Ellie.”
Tears sprang to Whitney’s eyes. “Oh, no,” she breathed. “Is she okay?”
“I haven’t heard. They rushed her to Jackson Central Hospital.”
Whitney jumped to her feet. “I’ve got to get to Judd.”
“At least let me take you. It’s the least I can do.”
“Thank you.”
“You bet.” He gave her a melancholy smile. “You really are crazy about him, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
He nodded. “Okay, let’s get you to the hospital.”
Whitney ran through the double glass doors of the hospital entrance and into the lobby. “I’m looking for Judd—err, Ellie Hoffman. Can you tell me what room she’s in?”
The receptionist pursed her lips. “I’m sorry, that information’s private.”
“I’m a family friend,” Whitney argued.
“I’m sorry, but I have my orders.”
Whitney wanted to scream with frustration. “Can you at least tell me how Ellie’s doing?”
“I’m sorry.”
The woman sounded like a broken record.
With a heavy heart, Whitney turned away from the reception desk. She’d tried to call Judd a couple times on the way to the hospital, but it went straight to his voicemail. Tim had dropped Whitney off at the front while he parked the car. When he came into the foyer, Whitney told him what happened.
“I’ll handle it,” Tim said as he marched over to the reception desk. Whitney paused a moment before going over to the desk also. Tim didn’t have any better luck getting them past the receptionist than Whitney.
“Do you know who I am?” Tim spouted indignantly. “As the Mayor of Jackson, I demand that you tell me Ellie Hoffman’s room number.”
“I can take down a message for you, sir,” the receptionist offered, her face turning a deep purple.
“I want to speak to your supervisor,” Tim demanded.
Whitney felt sorry for the receptionist. It was obvious that the girl was just trying to do her job. “Tim, it’s okay,” Whitney countered in a firm tone, tugging on his arm.
“No, it’s not okay,” Tim shot back. “I’m the mayor, and I deserve to be heard.”
Whitney gave the receptionist an apologetic look. It was time to officially cut all ties with Tim Bradford. He was pompous and annoying as heck.
Someone touched Whitney’s arm. She turned to see Kara and a tall, thin man whom Whitney guessed to be her husband. “Hello,” Kara said warmly, giving her a tight hug.
Tears rose in Whitney’s eyes. “How’s Ellie?”
Kara shook her head. “We don’t know. Bill and I just got here.”
Whitney clutched her hands. “I was trying to go up and see her, but they won’t give out Ellie’s room number.”
Kara’s brows furrowed. “I see. I’m sure it’s to keep the media away. You can go up with us.”
Tim inserted himself into the conversation by stepping up and stretching out his hand. “I’m Mayor Tim Bradford,” he boomed with a congenial smile as he shook both their hands.
Kara and Bill both gave him odd looks. Whitney felt a mixture of embarrassment and disgust. “Tim was kind enough to give me a ride to the hospital.” She turned to him. “Thanks for everything. I can take it from here.”
His face fell. “I’ll go up with you.”
“No, you won’t,” Whitney said, a firm edge coming into her voice. “It’s over Tim. Goodbye.”
“But—” he countered as Whitney, Kara, and Bill turned away and walked quickly toward the elevator.
“I’m sorry about that,” Whitney said.
Kara gave her a reassuring smile. “No explanation necessary.” Her eyes seemed to convey deep meaning as they locked with Whitney’s “Everyone has a past, but it’s the future that counts the most. For the record, you’re making the right choice.”
“Yes, I am,” Whitney asserted, a feeling of certainty coming over her.
They rode up to the fifth floor and walked past a nurse’s station where they found Judd standing outside Ellie’s hospital room door, talking to four men. Whitney worried how Judd would react when he saw her. Her fears were unfounded, however, because a look of undiluted joy flitted over his features as his eyes caught hers, warming her soul.
Kara stepped up to Judd and embraced him in a tight hug. Bill gave him a hearty pat on the back. Whitney hung back slightly, not wanting to take anything away from Kara and Bill. “How’s our girl doing?” Kara asked, her voice coated with motherly concern.
“Remarkably well. Thanks to these guys.” Judd motioned at the men. “Bill, Kara, Whitney, I’d like for you to meet Captain Adam Lockhart, Colton Myers, Drew Carter, and Ian Douglas.” His voice caught. “They saved Ellie’s life.”
“It was a team effort,” Adam said as everyone shook hands.
“I’m grateful to your entire team,” Judd said. “I will forever be in your debt.”
Ian flashed a large grin, revealing deep dimples. “Just doing our jobs.”
“No,” Judd countered, “you went way beyond the call of duty, and I won’t forget your kindness. Ever.” He looked at Adam. “I realize that you defied an order from your superior to save Ellie. If you need my help in defending you from any sort of reprimand, just say the word.”
“Thank you,” Adam answered. “I’ll keep that in mind.” His jaw tightened. “For the record, I would defy a thousand orders to save a life.” The rest of the firefighters nodded, their expressions resolute.
Whitney felt a rush of emotion for these salt-of-the-earth men—everyday heroes who quietly went about saving lives on a daily basis. Not only that, but they’d taken time out of their schedules to come to the hospital. Whitney could tell that a strong bond was forming between Judd and the firefighters. She got the feeling that her and Judd’s path would keep crossing with these men.
“What exactly happened with Ellie and the fire?” Kara asked.
A streak of pain went through Judd’s features. “Ellie and her friends were partying. Someone lit a candle, and it caught a curtain on fire. They were all so drunk or high that they couldn’t even remember how many people were there. Ellie called me from her phone, asking for help. Had she not called, we wouldn’t have realized she was in the house until it was too late.” He paused, his jaw working, and Whitney could tell he was trying to contain his emotion. She wanted to rush into his arms, smooth away his worry lines, kiss his tantalizing lips, tell him that everything would be okay. Now was not the time, however. This was about Ellie. Whitney wanted to be a part of Judd’s life, but she still had no idea how they would navigate the situation with Ellie. One step at a time. This time, she wouldn’t overthink it. She grinned inwardly at the affirmation.
“Ellie was passed out when Adam and the other firefighters went in.” A tremor rattled Judd’s voice. “They’d just gotten her out of the back bedroom and were going down the stairwell when the back section of the house collapsed.”
“It was a miracle that we got to her in time,” Adam said.
Kara’s head swung back and forth. “I’m glad she’s okay.”
Judd nodded. “She’s suffering from smoke inhalation. Her throat
and chest are raw. She’s still a bit disoriented, and her vision is slightly blurred. They’re going to keep Ellie overnight for monitoring, but they expect her to make a full recovery.”
“Thank goodness,” Kara sighed. She folded her arms over her chest as she tipped her head. “You know what I find interesting?”
“What?” Judd asked.
“Ellie may act like she resents you for parenting her, but when the chips came down, you’re the one she called for help.”
Judd went teary-eyed then coughed to stay the emotion. “That thought did occur to me.” He paused, looking thoughtful. “There is one good thing that came out of the ordeal.”
Kara’s eyebrow shot up. “Oh?”
“Dominique realizes that Ellie has a drinking and friend problem. She has agreed to get Ellie help.”
“It’s about time!” Kara frowned. “Why isn’t anyone in there with Ellie?”
“Dominique’s in there,” Judd answered.
Kara’s eyes rounded. “I see.”
Whitney tensed. It was inevitable that she would come in contact with Dominique, but she wasn’t looking forward to it. She felt Judd’s eyes on her. Time seemed to slow as their gazes locked. She became aware of her own heartbeat and the blood pushing a fast trail through her veins.
Adam winked at Colton. “Well, I think this is our cue to leave.”
“Yep, I believe so,” Colton answered with a large grin as he shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked forward on the balls of his feet.
“We’ll see ya around,” Adam said to Judd as the two clasped hands.
“You can count on it,” Judd promised.
As the firefighters strode away with confident, lighthearted steps, Whitney couldn’t help but think of them as unassuming heroes masked as ordinary men.
Kara straightened her shoulders. “Well, regardless of whether Dominique is in there or not, I’m going to check on Ellie.” She squared her jaw as if daring anyone to disagree.
Bill’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “I’d better go with her as referee.”
Tingles circled down Whitney’s spine when it was just her and Judd. Tentatively, she stepped up to him. Before she could utter a word, he swept her into his arms and kissed her full on the mouth, lifting her up into a rapturous cloud of bliss. She inhaled Judd’s scent, which held a hint of smoke from the fire. She savored the feeling of being held in his strong arms. Her cells were dancing wildly at his nearness. Everything about this man was exhilarating.
Saving the Billionaire's Daughter Page 8
