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“About what?”

“About how swoony you are. I’m pretty sure this was a one-time thing.”

She surprised a laugh out of me. If my kissing skills were that good, I’d be used to this kind of reaction, but a woman fainting in my arms was all new territory.Shewas all new territory. Her color was improving while we talked, but I didn’t like that she’d passed out. I was charming, but I wasn’t that charming. “Well, Cinderella, your carriage awaits,” I said. “I’m happy to carry you to the car.”

“My carriage?”

I nodded. “You’re getting a ride to the emergency room.”

She pulled away, and I frowned.

“That sounds expensive. And unnecessary. I’m fine.”

I smoothed my face into the stern mask I used to convince unreasonable adults out in the field with the Tacoma Fire Department. “You had a significant shock. It took time for me to revive you. A trip to the ER is advisable. I’d be happy to take you.”

“I don’t want to go,” she said again, reluctance seeping through every syllable.

Part of me understood. My own experience with hospitals didn’t get rave reviews. She picked at a thread on her pants. Was she embarrassed? Did she want me to play the asshole and force the issue? I hated that role. I was much more comfortable relying on my charm. Too much eyelash batting and she’d be insistingIwas the one who needed medical attention, but I couldn’t help laying it on thick, slathering each word in honey.

“Well, I suppose you could have someone else drive you. Or call a cab. But then I’d worry. You wouldn’t want me to worry, would you? When I’m right here and ready to take you?”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you, but my insurance isn’t the greatest,” Melena said. “A trip to the ER doesn’t exactly figure into my budget this month.”

I couldn’t help my frown. “If something’s really wrong, you’ll be glad you went. You have to be alive to worry about expenses. As for me, it’d be more of an inconveniencenotto take you,” I insisted.

“Still, I’m sure the last thing you want to do on a Saturday night is spend it in the ER.”

“If you recall, I wanted to spend my Saturday night with you, and I’ll still be doing that. From my perspective, that’s winning.”

“Weirdo,” she said with a small smile.

Sensing her capitulation, I helped her sit up slowly. She took a moment to refasten her bra while I pretended to find a half-eaten bag of cheddar sour cream potato chips fascinating. How could she eat only half the bag? I always consumed them in one sitting.

We’d been chatting rapid-fire all evening and the sudden quiet felt ominous. She was probably still feeling woozy, and I was even more determined to take her to the hospital. We’d skipped dinner in favor of a more casual pub known for their drinks and appetizers, but maybe sharing a plate of loaded nachos hadn’t left her enough to eat. “Do you want some water or a snack before we leave? Is your blood sugar low?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No, let’s go. I’m okay.”

I grabbed her arm and supported her as she got to her feet with a wobble. “Whoa there. Take it easy. Do you have shoes other than these torture devices?” I asked.

She nodded. “Flip-flops by the door.”

“Flip-flops it is.” I bundled her into her jacket and walked with her to my car. It was one of the few times I wished for something nicer. My aging Honda blended, which is why I bought it. When your other ride is a bright red fire truck with sirens, it’s nice to operate in stealth-mode off-duty. I handed her in as gently as I could to the front seat. She didn’t pass out again, so I was doing okay.

Fainting was no joking matter, but I was managing my fear for her the only way I knew how. Firefighting meant battling destruction on a daily basis. Fire always consumed. Sometimes we won, limiting damage, but there was a price to pay. Loss of property, precious memories, or loved ones. I’d watched families lose everything, feeling powerless. My sense of the absurd kept me sane. When I’d first joined my crew, their gallows humor felt harsh, but over time I’d learned comedy was a legit coping strategy. There was too much awful shit to push through, most of it at work, to survive without a sense of humor. A slightly unhealthy one, but still.

“You okay there?”

“Yeah, I’m okay. I’m feeling better all the time.”

Melena pushed her hair back from her face, and the fine tremble in her hands gave her away. Feeling better, my ass. Pressing her would get me nowhere. There was little I could do other than take her to get checked out. My training only went so far. I wasn’t the medical expert she clearly needed.

Did I drive like a calm professional to the emergency room? Not exactly. On our two previous dates Melena had teased me gently about my law-abiding ways. I was usually a stickler for the speed limit, but this was an emergency. Lights and sirens would be better, but instead I pushed the gas pedal harder. Melena was quiet on the ride, and I kept sneaking glances to reassure myself she was still conscious. One unexpected fainting spell was enough for a checkup. Two would have me regretting not calling in a full team with medical supplies to monitor her on the way.

I was thankful for the hospital’s valet when we arrived at the doors. There was no way in hell I was leaving Melena while I parked. What if she passed out again? She needed someone conscious to get her to help. I took as much of her weight as she’d let me on our walk to the front desk. The attendant smiled. “What can I help you with?”

“My fiancée passed out. Is Dr. Albright working in the ER tonight?”

Did I ignore Melena’s quick side-eye at my pronouncement and obvious attempt to work my hospital connections? I did. Two dates did not make a fiancée. But I had a better chance of accompanying her through any testing and treatment if I presented us as a unit. Otherwise, I was destined to while my time away in the waiting area. If she needed me, I wanted to be there. The receptionist had Melena fill out paperwork and checked her in, letting me know Albright wasn’t on shift.