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A few seconds later, his world went black.
TWENTY-TWO
The intercom buzzed, and a new alert blared through the speakers.
Naya jumped to her feet, then spun around to make sure no one had witnessed her moment of panic. She’d been so engrossed in the pastor’s sermon she’d lost track of time and her surroundings.
Zack had made sure she had a safe space to stay. More than that, he’d become her safe place.Lord, there’s no use in denying these feelings for this man. But my faith is lacking. Could You really restore our relationship and lead us to pursue something more?
Even though her nerves were still on edge, the thought of his gesture steadied her racing heart.
“We’ve got an MCI. Truck 14 needed to assist Rescue 5. Chemical leak and crew incapacitated.”
MCI. What did that mean?Naya’s pulse beat in her neck. Something had gone wrong.
She raced out into the hall right as Amelia, the truck lieutenant, shoved out the doors into the engine bay. Seconds later, Izan and two women ran after her.
She followed them into the garage, where they suited up in those heavy pants and big jackets, grabbed their helmets, and hopped in the truck in a matter of seconds.
Zack had promised her he’d come back.
Their kiss yesterday had kept her up last night. All the possibilities of what this could mean for them moving forward ran circles in her head. And the way he’d planted another one on her forehead before he’d left told her there was more to that promise than he’d conveyed with his words. She needed to make sure he was okay, or she would never be able to find out if she was right.
Her mind told her not to forget what happened last time she’d gotten close to him. That there would always be a risk in opening her heart to him.
He’ll just leave again.
She shook the thought away. She might not know exactly what had happened when they were teens, but his character now and the way he’d stuck around to have her back told a different narrative. One that made her confident in Zack—the man she knew now. She wanted to believe the best about him. He wasn’t the boy he used to be anymore.
What if the Lord had put him in her life to teach her to trust?
Naya raced back to the common area and grabbed her purse. She darted out to the parking lot, mindful to check her surroundings in case anyone lurked nearby. With the click of a button, she opened her car door and slid inside.
Ingram was supposed to have met her for lunch thirty minutes ago, and her friend still hadn’t shown. Naya sent her a quick text with an update on where she was headed, in case they missed each other and Ingram came to the firehouse when no one was around but the receptionist.
She peeled out of the parking lot and headed to Ethos.
Gray clouds covered the sun and threatened to sprinkle rain at any moment. The crew might not be thrilled she’d shown up, and Zack would definitely be concerned for her safety. But technically, she’d be safer around all the people than by herself at the firehouse.
At least, that’s the argument she’d make.
Incapacitated.
The thought of Zack being hurt sliced deep in her heart. He was family to her. And if she admitted it, more than that. She liked Zack Stephens as more than a friend she bantered with and had come to count on. He’d become a confidant. And the way he’d talked about the foster boys earlier like they were his own kids stirred the kindling of an already warming fire in her heart.
Did he feel the same way? That maybe there was a chance at them being something more?
Naya pressed down on the gas. The speedometer climbed as she merged onto the highway.
Please, Lord, protect everyone involved in this situation from evil. Give the truck crew wisdom on how to respond and get everyone out safely. Remind Zack that he is safe in Your hands.
When troubles came and Naya couldn’t do anything to fix the situation, she’d come to find solace in prayer. A first line of defense she’d discovered would bring peace to her heart each time.
No matter what lay ahead.
Naya pulled into Ethos and was greeted with the commotion of first responders dashing in and out of the building. The ambulance sat by the entrance with its lights flashing, the two trucks in front and back.
Amelia’s crew of firefighters donned their masks and went inside while several employees stood outside, a few sitting on the curb or a bench.