Cliffhanger from The Look of Love by Rosemary Indra

                The pager on her waistband sounded a moment before Penny heard the city’s alarm sound. Her sense of duty and the need to help others pulled her back into the station to answer the call. “One vehicle off the road-milepost two on Oak Knoll Road.” Penny read her pager out loud.

                Once she put on her turnouts, she jumped into the engine. That’s why she was there. After years of working at the bank, she’d gone back to school and became a paramedic. She wanted to help others and make a difference. Joining the fire department was the best way to honor Jim’s memory.

Scott got into the officer’s seat in front of her. She wondered if she should get out. Catching her reflection in the window, she straightened her turnout and renewed her fortitude. They’d shared a few kisses. Nothing more. The passion his kiss ignited was best forgotten. If he was uncomfortable with the situation, he could get into the other vehicle.

                She ignored the usual chatter in the engine cab as other firefighters joined them and they drove to the accident. A pickup truck rolled over in the ditch with one occupant was all she’d heard. She drew a deep breath trying to still her clamoring nerves. Until now, she’d ignored her growing awareness of Scott. For some reason tonight her defenses were lowered and she could no longer disregard her desire for him.

                Once they stopped at the scene, Scott asked. “Penny, do you feel comfortable directing traffic?”

                Without looking at him, she replied, “Yes.” Then she grabbed a flashlight, fluorescent vest and stop sign from the side compartment and hurried to the back of the engine. Red lights flashed around her. She directed the rescue until and ambulance to the accident a few yards up the road.

                “Watch your backside,” Scott yelled. Like always, he stood behind her, protecting her.

                Guiding drivers wasn’t her favorite job in the department, but traffic was light for the middle of the night. She couldn’t believe how much time they’d spent in the storage room.

                “How are you doing?” he asked a few minutes later.

                Penny jumped at the sound of his voice beside her. “You startled me, I didn’t hear you.” She hadn’t been able to get Scott off her mind since they left the station. Now she hesitated to look at him.

                “I want a chance to talk to you alone.” His voice held a serious tone; and I-want –to clarify-any-misunderstanding-tone.

                Red lights from the rescue unit continued their rhythmic flash around them. The colored illumination added a surreal appearance to the worry lines that marked Scott’s face. He too appeared shaken by something. In the darkness she couldn’t fully read his expression. With his brows lowered, he had a stern look of finality over his features. She guessed their kissing surprised him as much as if did her. Afraid she was losing her best friend, she breathed in deep. She knew and dreaded the subject he wanted to discuss with her.

                “I’m sorry about earlier. I…”

                “I understand it won’t happen again,” she said hurriedly. If only she could turn back the clock.

                Scott moved closer, his head bowed. He held his gloves in his hands and stared at them intently. “Maybe it’s best if I don’t work with you on the banquet’s decoration. I..” his voice trailed off.

                Disappointment twisted in her stomach and tears tightened her throat. To keep her emotions in check, she sucked in her lower lip. When she had the sentimental feelings under control she nodded. “Alright.” She blinked the tears away. Scott looked everywhere but at her face. A sinking feeling in her gut told her their friendship was over and she didn’t understand why. Placing his hand on her arm, he obviously wanted to say more.

                “Watch out!” As he shouted, Scott grabbed the collar of her turnout coat and threw her into the ditch. The force of his quick action caused him to fall on top of her.

                She screamed at the same time a car’s breaks squealed as the vehicle tried to stop. Intense pain shot through her leg and the tears that threatened earlier flowed unchecked down her cheeks. “Scott, are you alright?” The words were soft whispers.

                “Yeah.” He pulled himself off her; towering above, he reached down for her hand. “And you?”

                “I twisted my ankle.” Trying to sit up, pain shot deep into the joint.