Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“Preston. You’re okay! You’re okay!” It was the only thing I knew to say and I kept saying it over and over.
Finally, someone pulled Preston away and led him to an ambulance, where he was put on oxygen for a few minutes and checked out by EMS.
Standing by the police car, my eyes moved between the fire and Preston. I knew the moment the EMS tech said he was okay, he would go back to fighting the fire. Glancing back at the building, I was shocked it was still standing. The fire was starting to get contained, but I had no idea how long it would take to get it to a hundred percent containment.
My arm felt a rush of energy run through it as Preston touched me. Turning, I fought to hold back my tears. “Preston.”
Pulling me to him, Preston moved his lips to my ear. “I’m okay, baby. I promise you, I’m okay.”
Holding him tighter, I said, “Please don’t go back in. Preston, promise me you won’t go back in!” My voice was laced with fear and panic.
Rubbing his hand up and down my back, Preston said, “I promise you, baby. I’m not going back in, but I do have to get back and help.” Pulling back and holding me out at arm’s length so he could look at me, he said, “Look into my eyes, Harmony.”
I did as he asked, and he smiled that smile that melted my heart. “I promise you. Do you believe me?”
Nodding, I said, “Yes.”
I wasn’t even sure how long I had been standing there watching the fire and keeping an eye on Preston. When another engine showed up to relieve Engine 37, I breathed out a sigh of relief. When a different police officer asked me if I needed a ride home, I shook my head and said no. “I live just a few blocks down Comm Avenue.”
Preston walked up to me and pulled me into his arms. He was covered in soot and smelled of smoke.
“I love you, Harmony.”
Feeling my heart ache again for the hundredth time that day, I forced myself to answer him back. “I love you, too, Preston. So very much.”
“I’ll be home in a few hours. Do you want to come to the station and wait, or are you going home?”
Swallowing hard, I said, “I’m going home. I’ll see you there? I mean, you’re done, right? You’re not going back in or—”
Placing his fingers on my lips, he said, “Shh. Harmony, I promise, I’ll be home soon.”
Nodding, I held onto his hand until he walked out of my reach. Turning, he headed back to the truck and my heart broke in two.
Again.
Walking back to my condo, I knew what I had to do to save my heart. By doing it, though, I also knew it was going to completely shatter my heart in the process.
Chapter 22
Lost and Alone
Preston
Dragging in a deep breath, I opened the door to Harmony’s apartment and slowly walked in. I had sent her a text letting her know what time I’d be home.
“Harmony?”
“I’m in the kitchen.”
Letting out the breath I was holding, I headed to the kitchen. The small table in the nook was set with two plates, two glasses of wine, and candles. Harmony was reaching into the oven and pulling out lasagna. My mouth instantly began watering. Turning, she smiled but it didn’t touch her eyes.
“Hey.”
Smiling back, I leaned against the counter. “Hey.”
Swallowing hard, she looked around at all the food. There was lasagna, a huge salad, and a chocolate cream pie. “I didn’t make the pie but I know it’s your favorite.”
Grinning, I looked at her. “What’s with all of this? Are we celebrating Christmas a couple days early?”
Letting out a nervous chuckle, she shook her head. “It’s me being thankful that you’re okay. I was really…scared today.”
My heart broke as I watched her fight to hold back her tears. Walking around the island, I pulled her into my arms and held her while she cried.
“Shh, it’s okay, baby. I’m okay. Not a scratch on me.”
Grabbing onto my shirt, she pulled it as she made a fist and sobbed more into my chest. “I love you, Preston. Please know I love you so much.”
Placing my finger under her chin, I lifted her face up as I leaned over and kissed her. Picking her up, I carried her into the bedroom and gently slid her down my body.
Her eyes looked sad, empty almost, as I undressed her. Closing her eyes, she sucked in a breath as I ran my hands across her body. Opening her eyes, she lifted her hand and ran the back of it down the side of my face.
Goosebumps covered my body as Harmony undressed me. Her blue eyes finally burned with fire as she smiled.
Standing in front of each other naked, Harmony reached for my hands and brought me over to the bed, where she slowly lay down. Everything about this moment was beautiful. Kissing her from her ankle up to her lips, I took my time loving her. My hand moved down her body as I slipped my fingers between her legs and began working her into an orgasm. Arching her back, Harmony called out my name as I moved over her. Settling between her legs, I slowly pushed in as I kissed her. It wasn’t lost on me how she started crying. I was going to do whatever I could to let her know I was okay. That I would never leave her.