“What’s that face for?” he asked.
“I just realized I was passed out in the street and have no idea what I looked like while unconscious.”
He grinned. “Aside from that busted arm, you looked pretty enough to me.” He blinked, as if thinking maybe he shouldn’t have said that. “Ah, I mean, you were fine.”
“No, no. Stick with ‘pretty enough to me.’ I’ll take that.” She stuck her good hand in her greasy hair, knowing it stood on end when she took her hand away. “See this?” She pointed at her hair. “Yeah, I need help.”
He chuckled. “So, how are you, Maggie?”
“Oh, I just realized I haven’t introduced myself or thanked you.” Maggie wiped her hand on her shirt and held it out, pleased when he wrapped a callused palm around hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m Maggie Swanson. You met Emily, my daughter, already. I can’t thank you enough for taking care of me when I was down. And you were so sweet in the ambulance.” She felt herself tearing up.
“Aw, hey now. Don’t cry. It’s all part of the job.” He grabbed her a box of tissues and set it by her side.
“Thanks.” She blew her nose, sounding awful. “Between the hair, my bloodshot eyes, stuffed nose, and scars, I must look like I belong in the morgue.”
He chuckled. “But hey, that bruise on your forehead doesn’t look like it’ll scar. So you have that going for you.”
“Yay.”
He gave her a thumbs-up and a superbright grin.
She had to laugh. She liked him. Reggie was funny and kind. And Emily loved him. Big marks for the guy.
They smiled at each other in silence until Reggie cleared his throat and said, “Huh. I guess I should introduce myself better. I’m Reggie Morgan, firefighter and EMT for the city of Seattle.” Reggie nodded to her. “Ma’am.”
“Please. It’s bad enough I have bedhead, a knot I hadn’t realized I had on my forehead—but thanks for saying it won’t scar—and hairy legs.” Did I really mention my unshaven legs in front of this sexy guy? Shut up, Maggie! “Er, ah, ignore the legs comment.”
“Ignored.”
“You were really sweet to come down here and check in.”
He shrugged. “It’s no biggie. Emily’s worry stayed with me. Thought I’d make sure her mom was okay.” He made no move to leave, so she hurried to ask another question.
Benny and Doug hadn’t mentioned the puppy, and not wanting to alarm Emily, Maggie hadn’t said anything to her daughter about the dog either. “Say, do you have any idea what happened to that dog?”
“To Frankenstein?”
“Huh?”
“That’s what Emily named the puppy. Because he was scarred and all. Frank’s a rough little guy. Been through a lot.”
The poor dog.
“I, ah, that’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about. When you’re better, I mean.”
“Huh?”
“Well, your friends went back to get the puppy from that woman at the market. She gave it to them, but according to them, they can’t have the puppy in their place. And Emily insists she can keep it once you’re better.” He watched her expression, but she was still processing the name Frankenstein, trying to remember the dog, which remained a blur.
“My friends and I foster animals sometimes. There’s a pet charity that holds adoptions around town. Pets Fur Life. We help them.”
“I think I’ve heard of them.”
“Well, I kind of told Emily I’d watch Frank for her while you’re recovering. I hope that’s all right.”
Maggie sighed. “It’s super nice of you to do that for us. But I’m not sure we’ll be able to keep him.”
“Oh.” Reggie sounded disappointed. “Can’t keep animals at your place?”
“We can, but it’s an added cost.” Maggie blushed. “I don’t want to break Emily’s heart, but we’ve never mentioned getting a pet. Now she’s talking about Frank while I’m not sure what’s going on.” She put a hand to her throbbing head.
Reggie stood, looking concerned. “You okay?”
“Sure. Just tired.”
“I should go.”
“No.” She swallowed. “I mean, could you stay a little longer? I like visitors.”
“Sure.” He sat again.
Relieved he wouldn’t be leaving, she searched for something to say. “How long have you been with Station 44?”
“Since it opened a few months ago.”
“Oh, right. Do you like what you do?”
“I love it.” He smiled. “Especially when we get to help people like you. Knowing you’re okay makes everything better. Sometimes we’re not so lucky. It’s hard.”
“It would be for someone who cares.”
He blinked and looked down again before meeting her gaze. “So, ah, what do you do?”
“Me? I teach second graders. I was working part time for a law firm this summer, but I recently gave my notice. Jerky boss.”
He nodded in sympathy.
“I had planned to spend the summer with Emily, maybe get a smaller part-time job until school starts again.” She forced a smile. “But obviously this is for the best.” She thought about going home, how tough it would be even trying to put on a bra. And wanted to cry all over again.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just realized working with my left hand is going to be a problem. I’m right-handed.” She glanced at her splinted arm. “Plus, I had plans for Emily and me. Ceramics. Rock climbing. Painting.” She groaned. “Oh man. This sucks!”
***
Reggie pretended he felt nothing for the charming woman in the hospital gown, her arm in a sling, her hand swollen, her forearm wrapped. She hadn’t been kidding about her hair sticking up. Since she’d let it go, a clump remained pointed at the ceiling. To his bemusement, her daughter looked a lot like her. Cute where Maggie was beautiful. Funny where Maggie had him choking back laughter.
She seemed so down-to-earth and laid-back despite her injury.
Damn, she was pretty. Smaller than the women he typically found himself attracted to, but her personality sparkled. Even under the bruising, she shone with life.
He found himself fascinated and had no idea why. Everything about her was wrong. A woman he’d helped while on duty. She had a kid—just what Reggie didn’t need. Another woman with a child. He hadn’t spotted a ring on her finger, and her emergency contact was her friend, not her husband.