5 Bikers for Valentines

It was from Anne, one of the E.R. nurses I knew well. I’d only been working at the hospital for a short time but my father worked here my entire life, so I knew almost everyone on staff. Anne was a kind, older nurse, who always made sure to e-mail me when a potential PT patient came through.

Her e-mail was short and to the point:

“T—New patient came in today. Multiple injuries to his leg and a possible back fracture. Pretty rough shape. Definite PT patient. Thanks—A”

I groaned and leaned my head back against my chair. Part of me wanted to rush out of the office and get to bed, but I knew no other PT would be available to see the patient tonight. I scolded myself for doing it, but I typed out a response to Anne’s e-mail:

“I’ll be down shortly to check on the patient. —Tara.”

Just as I was about to hit send, Abi peaked through the door.

“Hey Tara. Don’t worry about the new PT patient. I was downstairs when they wheeled him in and I began his report already. I know you’ve had a long day and your shift is almost over anyway.”

“Are you sure, I don’t mind staying.”

“Yes for sure. Head on home and I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” I began to grab my belongings and thanked my lucky stars that I had such an awesome team to work with.

“And just thought I’d mention this about that patient. The poor guy got the injuries on the job while working as a fire fighter. He saved a little girl’s life.”

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

“Yes, and please don’t think me insensitive for mentioning this last part, but boy is it true. He’s a complete knock out. You might find yourself needing to fan yourself when you’re around him. Just a word of caution.”

I chuckled. “Duly noted Madam.”

I grabbed my belongings and headed over to the employee garage. I reached my car and settled gingerly behind the wheel, tossing my bag on the passenger seat. I cranked the engine and let the cold air help me relax and center my thoughts. The first thing that came to my mind was the apparent hot fire fighter who was now my newest patient. It sounded like something out of a movie.

Tomorrow should be an interesting day.

CHAPTER THREE - CALEB

My head felt heavy as I slowly opened my eyes. Sunlight was streaming in through blinds I didn’t recognize. I squinted against the bright light and turned my head, trying to figure out where the hell I was. As I glanced around, I saw my mom’s face smiling down at me. She was standing right by my bed, her husband Darren just behind her. They both smiled at me nervously.

“What the fuck happened?” I asked, trying to sit up. A sharp pain shot through my back and I winced, falling back against the pillows. “Shit. What happened to me? Where am I?”

“You’re in the hospital,” Mom said. “You had an accident on the job.”

“The little girl!” I cried out, suddenly remembering what happened in the apartment building. “Is she okay? Did they get her out?”

“I think so,” Mom said nervously, glancing at Darren.

“Tyler said no one else was hurt,” Darren said, taking a step forward.

“Good,” I said, sighing with relief. “Shit, this fucking hurts.”

“Language,” Mom said, a warning in her voice.

“Sorry,” I mumbled. “But my back is killing me.”

“Your back?” Mom asked. “How’s your leg feel?”

“My leg?” I frowned and looked down. My lower half was covered by a hospital blanket so I couldn’t see my legs. I lifted my left leg and didn’t feel any pain, but when I tried to do the same with my right, I screamed and threw my head back against the pillow.

“Don’t move it!” Darren said, rushing around to steady me. “I’ll go get your doctor, okay? Just be still.”

Darren glanced at my mom before he disappeared into the hall. I watched him go with a frown on my face. It wasn’t a surprise to see my mom here but Darren? I never expected him to flock to my bedside, no matter how badly injured I was.