Chapter 1
“Station 58 is now on the scene. This four-alarm fire is ravaging this industrial area, located here in South Dallas.” Charlotte Shepherd turned back to face the camera in front of her. “We will keep you posted as this disaster unfolds. As it stands, Dallas PD speculates that this empty warehouse fire, may be connected with the rash of arsons affecting this city. In the last two weeks, three empty buildings, including one abandoned home, have gone up in flames. Stay tuned to Channel Seven, Dallas’ first and best source for news, WDFN.” The light cast from the camera turned off, casting Charlotte into darkness.
“Thanks, Jeff,” she said to the cameraman. Jeff Sobel and Aaron Hart, the sound guy, had been her crew for the last two years, since she worked her way up from fluff reporter to live action news reporter. She no longer had to do taped stories that didn’t matter. Her career was rising quick, and out of nowhere. One day she was talking with Jeff about wishing she could do real news, and a few days later, it began to happen.
“We’re gonna go get some B roll, Char,” he said to her. Aaron and Jeff took off, taping the firefighters as they rushed about. She wrinkled her nose as he passed by. The smell of gas was strong. But she couldn’t tell if maybe one of the guys had dripped some, filling the van, or if it was from this fire. Three days ago, an abandoned home, in a low-income neighborhood burned to the ground, and before that, a closed factory had been engulfed in flames. The orange glow from this warehouse cast a ring of light, brightening the night. The four fire companies that were on scene, battled, trying to contain the flames, and hoping that nothing flammable that could cause an explosion, had been left behind. Barrels of chemicals had been in the factory, and caused five firemen to be rushed to the emergency room. As the crew from Station 58 leapt into action, her pulse raced. She looked around, trying to find the one fireman that set her heart a flutter. Since her first interview with the men of Station 58, when her friend Skye Malloy catered a fundraiser they did for the community, she had been harboring an enormous crush on Dustin Andrew. His constant five o’clock shadow, close cropped dark hair and chocolate colored eyes, set her body on fire. They had been doing a flirty dance around each other for the last year, neither working up the courage to ask the other out. Unlike other guys at the station, she knew he wasn’t a serial dater. But, she had her doubts about what team he batted for. If he wasn’t interested in going out with her, was he into guys? It didn’t matter. The man did it for her, starting a flame turning to embers inside of her that she had thought burned out a long time ago.
He rounded the back of the fire truck, glancing her way. She watched as he grabbed axes from the back of the truck, turning back towards her. She flitted her hand in the air, in a pathetic attempt to wave at him. He winked, smirking that cocky grin of his, that caused butterflies to swarm her stomach, before slamming down the face guard on his helmet. She dropped the hand down to her side, as he rushed into the burning warehouse with his current partner, Dane Chandler. She got a feeling of dread, every time she watched him rush into danger. She tried to shake it off. Dustin was well trained and one of the best Dallas had to offer. The fire that killed her father, had been a freak accident. She didn’t need to worry so much, about a man who wasn’t even part of her life. What Charlotte needed to do, was work on her story. There was an arsonist loose in Dallas, and Charlotte was intent on breaking the story first. She spotted Earl Stewart, Captain of Station 58. He was shouting instructions into his mic. Earl had been partners with her father, back in their day, when they were both rookies at 58.
“Uncle Earl,” she smiled, always happy to see him, though not in these circumstances. Turning to her, he gave her a grim smile, the flames casting reflections in his eyes. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, she inhaled deeply. The scent of his cologne, mixed with smoke, and burnt wood enveloped her. It always brought back memories of her dad.
“How’s it going, Earl?”
“No, Char, you know I can’t tell you anything yet. Just because you’re like family to me, doesn’t mean you get special treatment.” She giggled, since becoming a reporter, he’d been giving her that line. Never had it occurred to her, to use her connections like that, to take advantage of knowing people, for her career. Elbowing the old man, he chuckled, squeezing tightly, before letting her go. Part of what made her a successful live action reporter, was the consideration she gave to people. She never hounded the object of the story, never brow beat them like other reporters. She took her time and looked for an in, or good timing.
“You should go talk to the Fire Inspector.” Stepping away, he went back to Captain mode, shouting at his men over the coms. Gentry Carter was the Fire Inspector. Charlotte searched around, spying the man at the edge of the action. At almost sixty, he was training his replacement in anticipation of his retirement. She made a mental note, to get with him later, after the action died down. It amused her to watch as other reporters tried, the old man scowling at them. Smiling, she turned back to the building in flames.
“Station 58, sound off,” she heard the Captain shout. There were shouts about a man down. Looking around frantically, she tried to place where the problem was. They would only ask for call ins, if something collapsed or there was someone injured. Her heart raced. A loud rumble shook the ground, as the left side of the building caved in on itself. Police pushed everyone back, away from the rubble. She allowed them to corral her with the onlookers, forgetting momentarily, her press pass. Her eyes never left the entryway. Firemen ran from inside the building. Her eyes scanned each and every one of them, trying to locate Dustin. Nothing. She didn’t see his jacket, with the worn white smiley face with a D on the back. At that community fundraiser, she had met him at, part of what melted her heart, was the lonely little girl he took under his wing.
The girl’s father had died in a car crash that Station 58 had responded to. But the crew saved her and the mother. Charlotte had been chatting with Skye, when she watched Dustin walk over to the girl. Her long blonde hair covered her face, as she stared at the paper on the ground before her. Children were encouraged to paint pictures for them to hang around the station. She swirled white paint around a pink paper, not really making anything. The next time Charlotte had looked over at the pair, she was painting the face on the back of Dustin’s jacket, smiling. As if they had their own little joke. It melted her heart immediately, and forever cemented a crush for the man who played hard, but was truly, a genuine person. She blinked rapidly, trying to push the memory back, still frantic with worry. Three men finally stumbled from the building, two of them carrying another in between. As the rest of the building began to crumble, they fell to their knees. Flames licked at the night sky, dust swirling up into the air. Chaos rained down on the scene. The man they carried, fell face down on the pavement, and she realized it was Dustin. As a scream caught in her throat, Jeff and Aaron returned to her side.
“It’s caving in, one man down. We gotta go live,” Jeff shouted at her. Charlotte sucked in her fear and anguish, brushing her long red hair behind a shoulder. Having gotten the call for this story late at night, she didn’t take the time to do anything with it, but brush it out.
The light flashed in her eye, as she raised the microphone back to her mouth.
“Charlotte Shepherd, with continuing live coverage of the warehouse fire here in the South Dallas Industrial Park. The building is now collapsing, and crews are pulling back. It seems at this point, they can do nothing but pump water onto the flames. It does seem there are injured men, but we don’t have any details yet. As your 11 o’clock news wraps up, we will remain on scene here, and make sure you’re up to date at 5 am as you start your work day. This is Charlotte Shepherd, Channel Seven, Dallas’ first and best source for news, WDFN. Back to you guys in the studio,” she signed off. In her ear piece, she could hear the anchors in studio, move into the weather. The light went out and she quickly diverted her attention back to Dustin. He was no longer on the ground, instead, seated on the tailgate of a nearby ambulance.
“I’m going to check on the fireman, see if, um, there are any details, we can get.” Jeff slanted his eyes, frowning at her.
“Good idea,” Aaron said. He played with some of the gear in the van, doing his technical thing. She pulled the ear piece out, wondering what was wrong with Jeff, as she stalked over to Dustin. Her heels clicked on the pavement, echoing over the shouts and sound of water pouring out of the hoses at 85 gallons a minute.
The paramedic was shining a pen light into Dustin’s eyes, gauging reaction. She figured, most likely looking for signs of a concussion.
“Hey,” she said softly. Dustin’s big arm brushed the paramedic aside as he stood, towering over Charlotte like a sexy, smoke scented, giant.
“Dude, Andrews, I have to-“ the medic’s words were cut off by one quick glance from Dustin. “Fine, not my problem when you collapse back at the station.” Heart fluttering in her chest, Charlotte lost all train of thought. This was the closest they had ever been, and the smell of smoke, fire, and whatever soap he used, enveloped her. She tried to back up a step, but his long arm snaked out, wrapping about her waist. Before she could react, he leaned in, crushing his lips to her mouth. She moaned, allowing him to press her body against his. Their lips danced together in a way they had been doing with words the last year. The fire, the chaos, all of it ceased to exist. He raised the other hand, running his thumb over her cheek, cradling the back of her head. Her hands grabbed onto his forearms, holding on, hoping that this was real. She feared falling, and realizing it was another day dream.
Dustin pulled away, both of them left breathless, staring into each other’s eyes. Charlotte blinked, finally realizing that there was a spotlight on them. She quickly turned, staring right into the camera, with a red faced, angry Jeff behind it. Aaron motioned to her with the mic. He mouthed to her ‘live’ and she felt her face pale. Taking the mic, she turned on the reporter attitude once more. She quickly shoved the ear piece into her ear.
“We’re here with Dustin Andrew of Station 58. He was injured just before the building collapsed. Dustin,” she turned to him. He grinned down at her, obviously enjoying the fact that he had her flustered. “Can you please let us know the extent of your injuries? What happened in there?” He leaned closer to her again, and Charlotte fought the urge to back away. Being this close to him, did things, to her body, to her mind, as if it all shut off, when he was near.
“Thanks, Charlotte. Unfortunately, when the building began to fall down, my partner, Dane, was standing under a falling beam, unaware of it happening. With all the noise, the water, the flames, he couldn’t hear me shout out a warning. So, I just ran, and shoved him out of the way. Unfortunately, the beam, caught my helmet and shoulders. I’m pretty banged up, but nothing major. I’m just glad Dane wasn’t hurt.” The corners of his lips curled up as he grinned at her.
“Thanks for that, Mr. Andrews. We are all lucky you made it out, and thrilled to know, um, that you’re fine.” He winked at her, laughing. “Back to you in the studio,” she closed, hearing the anchors chuckle.
“Yes, we can all see, how thrilled you are to know he’s safe,” Brent, the night anchor said. Charlotte could feel her cheeks warm with embarrassment, as the light from her camera finally went off. Jeff lowered it, glowering at her. He snatched the mic from her hand, turning towards the van.
“We’ll pack up and wait for you so we can leave.” She couldn’t understand why he was so upset. But before she could think on it, Dustin grabbed her waist again.
“Andrews, seriously, you could have a concussion, you either have to go get checked out, or,” the words trailed off as the medic rounded the back of the ambulance, once again, seeing them in an embrace that still confused Charlotte. It was like going from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye.
“The only thing hurting my head right now, is you, and someone close by here, I can smell gas, and it’s really strong.” He laughed. Jeff backed up, mumbling something, but Charlotte brushed it off. “Hey, Trent,” Dustin said, his eyes never leaving Charlotte. It sent shivers through her. “What if someone were to watch me, all night, to make sure I’m alright?” Trent Barnes rubbed his chin, looking at the two of them, Charlotte blushed at his perusal of them. She wanted to pull away, but it was like her dreams come true, Dustin holding her, wanting her.
“I guess. Do you know what to do?” He asked Charlotte. She shook her head. “Watch him close. Every few hours, wake him up, make sure you ask him questions. Look for slurred speech, blurry vision. Just, anything off.” What was happening? Did he mean for her to watch him? All night? Where?
“So, how about you take me home now?” Dustin asked her. How was she supposed to respond?
***
Dustin climbed the stairs to his apartment. Charlotte stared at his ass, hating that she couldn’t pull her eyes away. It was surreal, how quickly this all happened. Reporting a story, him getting hurt, and then somehow ending up here, at his place. After months and months of them flirting, playing with each other, why did he choose tonight, to give in?She could smell the smoke on his, as he held his apartment door open for her. Inside, was nowhere near what she expected, when it came to where Dustin lived. She had envisioned a messy bachelor bad. Instead, a masculine apartment, with wood, and leather greeted her. It was clean, with wide open, welcoming space. They entered the apartment into a living room adjoined with the kitchen.
“I’m going to shower, but I’ll grab you something clean, first.” She looked down at her white dress shirt, and mint green suit jacket. Smoke and ash smudged the material, where Dustin had grabbed her. Shivers raced through her, just thinking about how she felt in his arms. He ducked down a hallway off the living room, quickly returning with sweat pants and a tee shirt.
“I’m sure it will be big on you,” he said, suddenly looking sheepish, which was against everything she knew about him. “But, it’s clean, and doesn’t smell like smoke.”
“Thank you,” she replied timidly, taking the clothes. As their hands touched, a shock ran across their fingers. They laughed nervously.
“Make yourself at home, I’ll be quick.”
As he showered, she quickly pulled on the clothes, closing her eyes as she inhaled his scent. Neatly, she draped the outfit across the back of a recliner, and tiptoed over to the windows. His view of downtown Dallas was breathtaking. Her mind wandered to arson case. She listed off the things that needed to be done, in her mental to-do list. Meet with the Fire Inspector. Interview building owners. Go over B roll of crowds. With arson, most times, the culprit liked to watch. If there were any reoccurring faces in the crowds from each fire, the cops and inspector may have a lead to work with.
“Nice view, huh?” she heard Dustin’s deep voice from behind her. She hadn’t even heard him enter the room. Turning to face him, her breath hitched, catching in her throat. He had a towel wrapped around his hips, water glistened from tan skin. Her eyes wouldn’t pull away. His body, so chiseled, most likely from training with the station. But, damn, he was certainly the things sexy dreams were made of.
“See something you like, princess?” he joked. Darting her gaze to his eyes, she blushed. Damn this pale skin. She knew it was obvious to him. “I’ll be right back, then we can eat something for dinner.” He dipped back down the hall, leaving her to stew in her guilty feelings. Dustin was hurt, and here she was, eyeing him up like he was a piece of meat. She shook her head, as he came back in the room. Thankfully, this time, with a shirt and pants on. She had never seen him out of uniform, he looked relaxed, like any other man off the street. Though she knew he was really a warrior, a man who risked his life daily to save others.
“Hungry?” he asked her, pulling items from the fridge. She nodded as he set about making sandwiches. Carrying two plates, he settled on the couch, looking at her. His eyes curious. “I won’t bite, you can sit next to me,” he chuckled. Timidly, she moved over, settling down on the couch. They ate quietly as he flipped through channels, finally landing on an old movie.
“I love black and whites,” Charlotte said softly.
“Me too,” he replied excitedly. She smiled, finding something they had in common. With their food gone, the two began to relax, Dustin moving closer. He placed an arm around the back of the couch, behind her head, and she felt like a teenager. Both unsure how to proceed.
“Thank you, for being here. I didn’t want to be in the hospital all night. I’m really fine.”
“Are you though?” She turned to him. “They said a large beam landed on you.”
“Yeah, my shoulders are pretty bruised, but nothing major.” He was so blasé about it. Like it was no big deal, but in reality, it was.
As the night caught up with her, she yawned, unconsciously curling into Dustin. He wrapped his arm around her. She fought to keep her eyes open, watch the movie, but it was a losing battle. Wrapped in the freshly showered scent of Dustin, his arm tight around her shoulders, she was gone.