American Heroes: The Complete American Heroes Collection (A Contemporary Romance Box Set)

by Teagan Kade

  I actually have to physically restrain her until the ambulance arrives, a menagerie of EMTs jumping out of the back and making their way over.

  She struggles even more. I’m impressed by how strong she is, given her meager frame.

  One of the EMTs slides up and takes her from me.

  She socks him square in the nose.

  As blood shoots out like a spigot from my colleague’s nose, I realize she’s serious about this letter—whatever it is, and whatever it means to her.

  “Okay, look,” I say gruffly, and realize—too late—I need to be a little more understanding given the circumstances. “Beth, I’m not going to get anything out of that house for you unless you agree to go with my friends here and get looked at in the hospital. You need to be safe and alive. That’s not going to happen if you continue to make a scene out here. So, you go to the hospital and I go get what you want. Deal?”

  Beth, tears in her eyes, nods furiously.

  “Terrific. See? I knew you were reasonable. Now, tell me, Beth, what letter are you talking about, and where is it?” I ask.

  “It’s a handwritten letter,” she says, allowing herself to be helped onto the gurney. “It must have fallen out of my pocket.”

  She’s fading, a result of the inevitable adrenaline dump that comes from being rushed out of a raging fire, and the knowledge she’s now safe.

  “All right,” I say. “I’ll go look for it. In the meantime, get yourself down to Cedars-Sinai and get completely checked out. I need to make sure you survive on me, alright, Beth?”

  It’s important to keep addressing them by name, to reinforce it.

  She nods and passes out before the ambulance doors close.

  “Nice job, Derek,” McAllister says, slapping me on the shoulder. “Anyone else in there?”

  Shit.

  Remembering my promise, I race back into the house without another word, desperate to find the handwritten letter Beth was so desperate to save.

  When I think about all the bullshit I put up with on a thankless job like this, only to get just a little pussy at the end of it, sometimes I amaze—and disgust—even myself.

  CHAPTER TWO

  ELISABETH

  The corners of the oxygen mask dig into my face as I turn my head towards the door. Any minute now the doctor’s going to poke his head in and say I’m cleared to leave.

  Any minute.

  I should never have agreed to come to the hospital in the first place. I’m fine. I don’t need to be in this stupid bed, wearing this stupid damn mask.

  A cough chooses this precise moment to scrape its way through my raw throat, contradicting me.

  Okay, maybe I’m not entirely fine, but even the doctor said it was only minor smoke inhalation, nothing to get up in arms about.

  I have better things to do than sit in this room doing literally nothing but suck air. I need to get home. I need to find my letter. The thought of that particular piece of correspondence going up in smoke has my mind reeling.

  I sit up quickly, feeling renewed determination sweep through me. I shouldn’t be here. I need to go find my letter.

  The moment my head leaves the pillow, though, the world tilts around me, and nausea pulls me back towards the firm comfort of the bed.

  I groan, kicking my feet in my best imitation of a tantrum—what I can muster anyway. My only hope now is that the fireman who pulled me out actually managed to find it. If not…

  I shudder at the thought.

  If not, then my only communication with my mother has just been burned to ash along with my living room.

  Seven years. Seven years without a word and now, what little information I have might be gone.

  I close my eyes tightly, trying my best to bring images of the letter to mind, to remember the exact words she wrote. My head swims from the effort, the world swaying even as I lie still.

  It’s no use. The words, like the letter itself, are lost to me. All I can recall is the gist, the horrible and overwhelming message.

  My mother is sick.

  My mother is dying.

  She needs me.

  Tears sting my eyes at the thought. I put what little willpower I can muster into holding them back. I will not lie in this hospital bed crying helplessly.

  Several deep breaths later, I feel myself regaining control. I just need a little more rest and then I’ll get out of here. I’ll find that letter myself.

  A soft rapping pulls me from my thoughts, the person’s fingers drumming softly on the door.

  I turn towards the noise with a grimace, hoping beyond hope the doctor has come to release me from this white-walled hell.

  No such luck.

  “Ms. Montgomery?” A police officer stands in the doorway, hand still poised to knock.

  I manage a small nod, willing my face not to betray my disappointment.

  “Yes?” The word comes out slowly, my exhaustion only accented by the muffling effect of the oxygen mask.

  As if invited, the man enters the room, stopping a few feet from my bedside.

  “Officer Brady,” he says by way of introduction. “George.” This, he accentuates with a slight tap of his name tag.

  “Yes?” I repeat, voice still muffled by the thin layer of plastic.

  With a slight groan, I reach for the straps securing the mask to my face. It’s bad enough I have to lie in here alone with this thing on. There’s no way I’m going to have a conversation through it.

  The moment I remove it I feel a sense of relief, tension I wasn’t even aware of, draining slightly.

  “Sorry to bother you, miss, but I need to ask some questions about the fire.”

  I had expected as much, but truth be told, I was hoping I’d have more time before the inevitable inquisition.

  “I don’t remember much.”

  He smiles. “Anything could be of help.”

  I bite my lip, a nervous tick I’ve never been able to shed. In my mind, I’m seeing it all again—the fire, the smoke.

  “I was asleep,” I start, “and everything was fine when I went to bed.”

  At my pause, Officer Brady—George—nods slightly, encouraging me to continue.

  Part of me wishes I hadn’t even begun. Certainly it isn’t too late to say I’m not up for conversation.

  “Like I said, I don’t remember much. I woke up to the smoke alarm going off. It’s all kind of a blur from there.”

  He nods in understanding and, for a brief moment, I think our exchange might already be over. Given the way this day has gone so far though, I really should know better.

  “Okay, I understand. Just a few more questions.”

  It’s at this moment the doctor finally reappears, looking like a literal godsend in his shining white coat.

  “Ms. Montgomery,” he starts, his eyes firmly glued to the chart in his hand.

  He’s halfway across the room before he notices we’re not alone.

  “Doctor,” George says, his greeting coupled with a curt nod.

  “Officer, I didn’t see you there.”

  “Yes, just asking Miss Montgomery a few questions about the incident.”

  I’m delighted to see my doctor’s brows furrow, his lips pressing into the thin line of working professionals the world over.

  “Really, Officer, she’s had no time to rest yet. Don’t you think your questions can wait until a more appropriate time?”

  “Well, I just—”

  “Yes, yes, just doing your job, I quite understand. Unfortunately, my job is to see my patient gets rest now, so sorry, but I must ask you to leave.”

  My. Hero.

  To Officer Brady’s credit, he almost manages to keep his frustration from showing. Almost.

  “Of course,” he starts after a beat. “We can pick this up another time.”My relief at his words is damn near palpable.

  With a last farewell, George heads back through the doorway.

  I don’t even bother to conceal my sigh of relief.

 
; “Thank you,” I mutter, letting my head rest back on my pillow.

  “Just doing my job. Can’t have you being interrogated when you need rest.”

  “How much longer do I need to stay?”

  “Not very, I should think. Even less if you actually keep your oxygen mask on.”

  I blush slightly at the admonishment. I slip the loops back around my ears without argument.

  “Sorry.”

  I’m rewarded with a small grin as he inspects the various machines around me.

  “My house?” I query.

  “You got lucky. Looked bad, but the fire was contained to a small section of the house. It should be fine. Feeling all right?”

  I almost lie, but what’s the point?

  “A little. Still pretty woozy, though.”

  “Well, that’s to be expected. You did inhale quite a bit of smoke. Should clear up quickly, though.”

  “Will I be able to leave today?”

  Another small smile. “Let’s just play it by ear, shall we?”

  I’d like to argue, truly I would, but the longer I engage, the heavier my eyelids seem to get.

  “Okay.”

  “In the meantime, is there anyone we can call for you? A relative or partner perhaps?”

  Nope.

  “No, there’s no one.”

  Something of a smile. “Well, all right then, I’ll leave you to get some sleep. Keep that mask on, yes?”

  I nod in answer, but his back is already to me as he walks to the door.

  I let myself relax fully into the mattress. If I’m going to be stuck here for a while, I might as well be unconscious for the duration.

  But the moment I close my eyes my thoughts turn back to the letter.

  Maybe they never left.

  All I know is I need to get my hands on it. I can only hope the cute fireman who agreed to look for it actually followed through.

  The thought brings his face swimming to mind—attractive, charming, and… oddly familiar.

  Since he first pulled me from the flames it’s been slowly gnawing at me, the certainty I’ve seen him somewhere before.

  Beneath you, maybe?

  No, that’s not it.

  Only now, moments from drifting off, do I remember where.

  I met him, just briefly, on a night out with Ana. The rest of the story clicks into place: Derek, that’s his name.

  He and Ana dated, if you can call it that. From what I remember, he strung her along for about a week before ghosting her entirely. I think Ana’s still pissed about that one.

  I chuckle slightly at the thought. Let’s just hope he’s more committed to his job than he is to women. I really need him to find the letter.

  My thoughts begin to blur at the edges, sleep finally trickling into my overwrought mind. It’s welcome now, sorely needed. I can worry about the rest tomorrow.

  For now, I’ll just be grateful someone was there to pull me from the fire and the doctor happened to walk in when he did earlier.

  I don’t think I would have liked to answer too many of the officer’s questions.

  CHAPTER THREE

  DEREK

  Fuck, what a night. Between the two chicks I had some fun with before I got called out, trying to dodge the guys’ probing about the promotion, the fire, talking to the police… I’m hella ready to head home and get some shut-eye.

  I take the letter I got from the fire out of my back pocket. The one for that chick. I tuck the paper into the folder I have in my locker, shaking my head.

  Why would anyone care so much about a damn letter when their house is on fire? I’ll never understand how people can be so concerned with physical items when their literal life is in danger. But I’m glad I went and got it anyway. Maybe I’ll be able to use it in my favor.

  I initially planned to just say screw it and not give her the letter. After all, it’s my job to get her out of the house safely, which I already did. Not to save some useless belongings… Or a piece of paper.

  But now I’ve got another thought, and I’m thankful I got the letter after all.

  Beth’s cute. Really fucking cute. A romp with her? That wouldn’t be a bad way to wrap up a working day.

  Sure, she was covered in soot, barely breathing, and unconscious when I met her, but hey, still hot. This letter might be the key I need to get her in the sack. I mean, not that I really need the help, but a little extra ammunition can’t hurt, right?

  I smirk as I close my locker, grab my bag, and head out of the locker room towards freedom, a cute blonde on my mind.

  I decide that I’ll head to the hospital since it’s still early, catch Beth before she checks out, and get her number. I’ll have to charm my way into getting one of the nurses to give me her room information, but that shouldn’t be an issue considering my standing with them.

  I’ve been out with a few, and I always leave them wanting more. That’s the key, really. That way, they’re excited instead of angry when you finally call them after not letting them hear from you for weeks. It’s a fucking talent, I tell you.

  I’m greeted by a tall brunette in scrubs when I arrive, a flirty smile plastered across her face when she sees me. I don’t remember her name, but I do remember she was fun. A lot of fun, the didn’t-know-legs-bent-that-way kind.

  One of those girls who don’t whine when you don’t call her back the morning after and who isn’t looking for any strings. She’ll be perfect for getting the information I need. All I have to do is promise to call her this time around and she’ll be putty in my hands.

  “Well, hey there, handsome,” she purrs, waltzing over with a wink. “I was just thinking about you.”

  I flash her a toothy grin and laugh, leaning up against the counter of the nurses’ station as I look her over.

  What was her name again? Ashley? Amber? Did it even start with an A? I don’t know.

  “Oh, were you now?” I smirk. “Did I have clothes on?”

  She laughs and playfully swats my shoulder, shaking her head.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

  Before I can say anything else, another nurse walks over and smirks at me, nudging her hip into mine.

  This one is small and blonde and, if my memory serves me correctly, a real firecracker between the sheets. We’d been on a few ‘dates,’ and every one of them ended with us either in her bed or mine. Anytime we landed at my place, she was always gone in the morning, which is definitely a plus. I’m not one for the awkward morning-after conversations.

  “Hey, Derek, how’s it hanging?” she greets me.

  “Oh, a bit heavy and to the left.”

  Cliché, I know, but it works.

  The two of them burst into a fit of giggles, and I wink, crossing my arms over my chest with a sigh.

  “You two are too much. All trouble.”

  “You know it, and you love it,” the brunette says as she not-so-subtly checks me out. “You’ve never given me any complaints.”

  “No, I certainly haven’t.”

  I tilt my head to look around the nurses’ station and down the hall, making it obvious I’m looking for something. Or someone.

  The small blonde picks up right away and looks down the hallway, then back to me.

  “Looking for someone, sugar?” she asks, all flirty smiles and fluttering lashes.

  “As a matter of fact, I am. Girl I brought in here last night, name’s Beth. I carried her out of her burning house, saved her life.”

  The two of them look at me and sigh, eyes glazing over. They’re star-struck and swooning over the hot firefighter—me, by the way—and how he saved the damsel in distress. It’s a surefire way to get into their hearts—and pants—and the method hasn’t failed me yet. And it usually proves useful in getting them to bend the rules for me if I need them to.

  “Derek, that’s incredible! She’s lucky you were there. Amber and I were just talking about how great it must feel to be so scared and then have a big, handsome man come to our rescue.”r />
  Amber. That’s it. If only I could remember the blonde’s…

  “Well,” I sigh, placing a hand on her shoulder, “I was just doing my job. But… you could help me with something, actually.”

  I see her cheeks flush. I smile. The plan’s clicking along like a Swiss watch.

  “Anything. What do you need, darlin’?”

  I give her my best thankful smile and sigh, leaning in and looking around as if I’m worried someone will hear. I keep my voice low and just above a whisper.

  “You see, she was just so heartbroken about something that was left in the house. Poor thing. Sentimental valuables, you know.”

  The two of them sigh and nod, empathetic frowns on their faces as they listen to my tale of bravery.

  Fucking. Excellent.

  “Well, I went back into the house and got a few things for her. As a surprise, you know. I figure that, with all that she’s gone through, it’s the least I could do. I had to crawl through a few rooms, and a piece of my suit caught on fire, but, hey, part of the job, right?”

  I shrug and smile, watching them fawn and swoon over my tale. I’m pretty sure if I listen really carefully, I might be able to hear their panties sliding off.

  Amber puts her hands to her chest, her fingers laced together as she looks over at the blonde nurse, the two of them practically in tears.

  “Oh, Derek,” she says, “you’re so brave.”

  The blonde nods and touches my arm, squeezing gently.

  Perfect.

  “Like I said, ladies, all part of the job. But that’s why I’m here.” I throw my hands up dramatically. “I’ve got no sweet clue what room she’s in.”

  And the Oscar goes to…

  “Hmm, we’re not really supposed to give out that information,” the blonde murmurs.

  “Oh, come on, Lisa. It’s not like he’s just some creep. He saved her life!”

  Lisa. Almost had it.

  Amber, having come to save the day and convince Lisa to divulge patient info, patters around to the other side of the nurses’ station and starts typing into the computer.

  “It’ll just take me a minute, Derek.”

  “Sure thing, doll. Thanks so much for this.”

  She winks at me and I smile, turning back to chat with Lisa, who promptly asks me to re-tell my tale of chivalry and rescue. Just as I’m about to respond, Amber asks me for Beth’s info again.