More than Temptation (13 page)

“So sad,” Bella whispered.

The malicious intent to the fires—taking so many at once—was what had the town on edge. Bella clenched her fists and leant forward as she viewed footage from one of the scenes. Although she knew it was old, Bella’s heart still raced. She recognised Morgan and Kennan as they grabbed a person from the firefighter who had come out of the burning building. They lifted the woman between them and carried her off camera.

“Please, please keep him safe. Don’t let there be any more fires. Let this arsonist be caught,” she said the prayer and hoped it was heard.

The doorbell rang and Bella rose, frowning, since she hadn’t been expecting anyone. She went to the door and looked out of the peephole, then her eyes widened and she smiled before yanking open the door.

“Morgan.” She studied him. “You look so tired. Come in, come in.” Bella tugged him inside and embraced him, inhaling deeply as she pressed her face against his neck.

“I’m beat.” Morgan kissed the top of her head gently. “But I couldn’t take sleeping alone one more night. I wanted to come over last night, but didn’t want to wake you, since it was so late. Got off earlier today.”

“You can come by anytime,” Bella said, kissing the side of his neck. “I’ve been so worried about you. I saw you on the news.”

“I won’t wake you up so late.” Morgan hugged her tighter. “I needed this. No need to worry, I’m fine. The news only uses the sensational stuff so don’t pay them too much mind.”

“Okay. I needed this too. Have you eaten? Do you need to rest? What do you need? Why are you still in the doorway? Come in.” Bella stepped back, urging him inside.

Morgan moved with her and chuckled tiredly. “In order of your questions. I didn’t eat but can eat something. I do need to rest. And what I need is you. I’m in the doorway because I needed to hold you.”

Bella cupped his cheeks. “I can take care of all you need.” She moved to his side, leading him to the staircase. “Go upstairs and take a shower to relax. I’ll make you something to eat and bring it up for you.”

“Thanks, Bella.” Morgan kissed her then went up the steps.

He trudged up and his limp was more pronounced—a testament to how tired he was. Bella waited until he made the left, disappearing from view towards her bedroom. She returned to the living room and turned off the TV before going into the kitchen and making him something to eat. As she compiled the sandwich, Bella thought of what he had said about wanting to see her last night but it being too late. She finished making the sandwich then grabbed a bottle of juice for him before going into the hall. She made a detour to her office and retrieved what she needed before going upstairs to the bedroom. When she entered the bedroom, she heard the shower in the adjacent bathroom running. Bella set the sandwich, drink and what she’d got from her office on the nightstand on the side of the bed Morgan usually slept on.

She went back to the chair by the door and stripped her housedress off before slipping into her sleeping gown. Bella retraced her steps to the bed and sat, waiting for Morgan. The shower turned off and she heard Morgan in the other room. Shortly he came into the bedroom, his bare chest visible and his pyjama bottoms on. Since they slept over at each other’s places, they had started leaving clothing they could use. Morgan’s slumped shoulders and slow steps only reaffirmed to her that he was tired. He sat beside her, placing his hand on her upper thigh.

“Thanks.” He picked up one half of the sandwich and took a big bite.

Bella retrieved the juice then held it for him while he ate. Morgan took the bottle and drank in between his bites. When the first half was done, Morgan glanced at what lay beside the plate then at her.

“What is that?”

“A key for my place.” Bella stroked his arm. “I want you to have it. Come by whenever you want, no matter how late.”

“Be—”

“That way, you don’t have to worry about waking me.” Bella pressed a kiss to his lips and the taste of strawberry juice he drank was sweet on his lips.

Morgan licked her lips then said softly, “I was going to say thanks. And that I haven’t had a chance to yet, but planned to give you a key too.”

“Oh.” Bella leaned against him. “Good then. Finish your sandwich then we can get some rest.”

“I can’t eat anymore.” He took the glass of juice from her then wiped his hand on the napkin she had brought. “I really need to lie down.”

Bella got up and gestured for him to lie down. Morgan did, but he snagged her wrist and pulled her down onto his chest.

“
Morgan
.”

“Hush.” Morgan smoothed his hand up and down her back. “This is your spot to sleep, at least when we first go to bed. Later I spoon behind you or vice versa, but this is our going to sleep spot.” Morgan’s voice lowered as he blinked.

“Shhh… Sleep.” Bella snuggled against him.

“Yes, sleep with my Bella.” Morgan closed his eyes and sighed. “As I helped with the people alive and dead at those fires, all I kept thinking was about you. That I wanted to have you in my arms. It’s so fucking evil that this fucker killed all those people. Even when we catch him—and we will catch him—there isn’t any reason why he did this. We can’t tell the families there is a reason for their loss of life, memories and how their world changed.”

“But you will get them justice,” Bella said softly.

“Justice doesn’t mean much when the person who matters most to you in the world is gone. The memories of your life are gone.”

“It can’t bring back what was lost, but in the long run, the knowledge that justice is done will bring some comfort.” Bella rubbed her hands along his side.

“It can’t, but what I do, I hope I can bring some kind of closure to the families.” Morgan sighed. “Sometimes life sucks.”

“It does.”

“Thanks for letting me be here with you, Bella.”

“Don’t make me beat you,” Bella warned. “Don’t thank me for something that is my pleasure.”

“Let me get my strength back first, then you can beat me.” Morgan laughed.

“Okay, deal.” Bella kissed his forehead then laid her head back on his chest.

Morgan exhaled and she heard his heart slow and his breath deepen as he slipped into slumber. Bella held him as he slept, glad that he’d come to her.

“You can always come to me any time you need me, Morgan.”

“I always need you,” Morgan whispered groggily.

“Me too,” Bella admitted.

Morgan relaxed again and went to sleep. Bella lifted her head and studied him.

When did you come to mean so much to me? What am I going to do about you, Morgan?

Chapter Seven

“Bella,” Morgan called softly.

“Hmmm…” She blinked and saw him squatting beside the bed. “What?”

“I have to go back in.” He kissed her softly then rubbed his finger down her cheek. “I have the key you gave me and will be back once I get off later. It might be late.”

Bella lifted her head and noticed through the blinds it was still dark out. She glanced at the clock on nightstand—it was four o’clock in the morning.

“I hope the case is solved soon and you can get back to working your regular shift.” She touched his cheek. “You still look tired.”

Morgan usually worked the A shift, which meant that he only worked days starting at eight o’clock through the week, and no evenings or weekends. Occasionally he was on call for emergencies. With the case, he’d been working long hours—sometimes all night and through the next. Until last night, she’d only had texts from him.

“I’ll be okay. Thanks for being here for me last night.”

“Waiting until I am half asleep so I can’t beat you to tell me that again.” Bella smiled. “I’m keeping track and will do it when we are both in better shape.”

“You do that.” Morgan rose. “See you later.”

“Later.” Bella turned over and watched him walk to the door. “Be safe.”

“I’ll try.” Morgan winked and went out of the door.

Bella yawned and snuggled back into bed then went to sleep.

* * * *

Later when she woke, Bella pottered around the house, not really doing much. She was off today and didn’t know what to do with herself. She was worrying about Morgan and didn’t think she would be good company for anyone. The sound of her doorbell made Bella hurry to the door. Maybe it was Morgan again, she paused to look at the clock on the wall over the entry table. It was only ten o’clock and he wouldn’t be back so soon. She glanced out of the peephole and opened the door.

“Mike and Jules, what are you doing here?” She glanced at the other women and men surrounding them. “And with guests.”

“Morgan texted me earlier and said you were watching the news and worrying about what they were showing. He suggested I come by to get your mind off things.” Michelle shook her head. “Maybe give you some insights into what firefighters do and so on.”

“And Kennan texted me after Morgan spoke with him of his concern for you.” Julianne walked forward and hugged her. “I’ve been there, worrying about Kennan. Although they don’t fight fires anymore, the concern can be overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. When I finally became serious about Kennan, I became part of the firefighter family. They help each other out.” Julianne gestured to those with her. “They have spouses, significant others and family who are part of this investigation. They have been through it before and we figured we can band together to be there for each other.”

“Oh.” Bella didn’t know what to say. She stepped back and let them in.

Michelle came in last and said softly, “You’ll get used to it. Fire personnel help each other out in a time of need. Whether it is a shoulder to share your fear with or just someone to be there. They have your back.” She patted her on the shoulder. “You know how it is, with the way your family is. This is a bigger family that are thousands deep that you can call on if needed.”

“I didn’t even know or realise you all do this for each other,” Bella whispered. “I feel so stupid, since Morgan isn’t in any real danger.”

“First, get that word stupid out of your vocabulary. We all get concerned about people we care for.” Michelle squeezed her shoulder. “That’s why we are here.”

Bella touched her hand and nodded. “Okay then.”

They went into the living room together. Bella looked at the men and women there and gratitude filled her. “Thanks for coming to keep me company. Can I get anyone something to eat or drink?”

“Get the coolers,” Julianne said.

The people started to depart.

“What?”

“We brought food so we could cook.” Julianne smiled.

Bella nodded and went to her kitchen to start getting pots out. People came back in and brought the coolers. Soon her kitchen was filled with chatting and the smell of good food.

“Guys, come here, there is a break in the case,” someone called from the living room.

They all hurried into the room and stood watching the TV. Bella listened as the reporter spoke.

“
The suspect in the arsons has been cornered in the building behind us.”
The camera panned to the structure that looked abandoned then back to the female reporter.
“We can’t get closer since we were moved back. The joint fire investigators and police task force are on scene and getting ready to breach the building. They arrived earlier, ready to go in
.”
Footage from earlier of the fire investigator and police flashed. Bella clenched her fist as she saw Morgan, Kennan and a few other men as well as women she recognised from the bar. The camera came back to the reporter. “
Sources say that they have gone in. Wait… There is gunfire.”

Bella tapped her foot, heart pounding, as the reporter continued her commentary. Suddenly there was a loud boom and the building became engulfed in flames. The reporter swung around. “
The building just blew
.
What is going on? Are the firefighters or cops still inside?
” The reporter touched her earpiece and listened then turned to the camera. The shell-shocked expression on her face made Bella gulp. A hand gripped hers and she glanced at Julianne, who had the same fear on her features that Bella knew was on her face.

“They are okay.” Julianne didn’t sound convinced.

“
We do not have it confirmed yet, but the team that went in are still inside.”
Bella focused on the screen and saw the reporter swallowing. “
The firefighters on scene are trying to control the blaze and searching for survivors
.”

“Survivors. You don’t say that until you are sure that someone is dead. That bitch shouldn’t be on TV!” Michelle shouted.

Bella looked at her, shocked.

Michelle met her gaze. “Her careless reporting will make people fear.” She turned to the others. “Start the call tree and make sure that those who are alone have someone who will go to be with them. There will be panic until we get information. You know what to do.”

Bella watched, awed, as people took out their cells and started dialling. She focused on Julianne. “What is the call tree?”

“A way to reach out so information is shared correctly.” Julianne took out her cell. “I’m sorry, but I need to call my tree to make sure everyone is okay.”

“Go ahead.” Bella stared at the TV and sank to the floor as she watched the reporter continue talking. She listened to each word but didn’t really hear them. All she recalled was
survivors. That means someone is dead.
Oh God!
Please don’t let it be Morgan.

The time passed slowly and each tick of the clock made Bella curl up tighter on the floor as she waited to hear about Morgan. Julianne sat beside her and the two of them hugged each other, eyes on the screen as they waited. The day changed to night and still nothing. People came and went and Bella spoke, but she couldn’t recall what she said or who she met. As cells rang and others got good news she was happy for them but couldn’t put aside her own worry about Morgan. The sound of the door opening again didn’t even make her look.

“Kennan.” Julianne’s happy cry made her glance towards the doorway. Kennan came in, soot-covered, and Julianne ran to him and jumped into his arms. He staggered then righted himself, holding her tight.