STEAM ALERT! STEAM ALERT! STEAM ALERT!

Chapter -15

Sunday, December 17, 2023 1:10 am.

Nathan sat at the table in the station's kitchen, a sense of restlessness coursing through him. The adrenaline from their recent call still raced through his veins, preventing him from finding solace in sleep. They had returned only an hour ago, weary yet alert after handling their fourth in a series of demanding emergencies during their shift, which had only begun ten grueling hours ago.

The latest and most harrowing incident was a motor vehicle accident instigated by an intoxicated driver. The aftermath was tragic: the other vehicle had been occupied by a young couple just starting their life together. While the driver of that car lay in serious condition at the nearby hospital, his wife had sustained critical injuries and had been life-flighted to Sydney in a desperate bid to save her life.

As he sat lost in contemplation, the image of Elizabeth filled his mind. He reached for his phone and began scrolling through a collection of photos of her—snapshots sent to him earlier from the party intermixed with a few candid shots he had taken without her noticing during their coffee date. Nathan chuckled as he looked at the one Mark sent him when he picked her up. He had been preparing dinner when the notification came, and when he opened it, he almost burned dinner. Her dress lovingly caressed her curves, and it was a wonder he didn't spontaneously combust because of the fire that it had stirred within him and still did. 'And she calls me a fire hazard. That dress should come with a warning.' Nathan thought. A few pictures that his sister had sent showed the clear interest other men at the party were showing in Elizabeth, resulting in pangs of jealousy that Colleen wanted to provoke in him. But he could see that Elizabeth didn't seem to show any particular interest in them, to his relief.

Just then, he heard the familiar sound of someone entering the kitchen, rummaging through cabinets, but he paid little attention, assuming it was Scott or one of the other crew members coming in for a late-night snack.

Unable to resist curiosity, Scott leaned over Nathan's shoulder to peer at the screen. "I can't stop thinking about her either, and Julie too," he said quietly, his voice tinged with concern. "I can't even fathom what it would be like to be in that situation—knowing Lizzie or, heaven forbid, my wife was on that helicopter, and I couldn't go with them. I don't even want to think about how I'd feel if it was Lili involved in something like that." Then Scott wearily ran a hand across his face as he dropped into the chair across from Nathan.

"They were just returning from their honeymoon," Nathan lamented, shaking his head in disbelief. "How fair is that?"

"It isn't," a deep voice interjected from behind them. They turned to see Bill striding into the kitchen, heading straight for the refrigerator. He yanked open the door and grabbed three bottles of water, handing one to each of them before plopping down wearily in the chair next to Nathan. He heaved a sigh, his expression filled with the weight of the day's events. "I spoke with Carson earlier. He's arranged for transport to Sydney for the husband as soon as he's stable.

"Thanks, Bill," Scott replied gratefully, cracking open his bottle.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Nathan added, but then his brow furrowed with another thought. "What about our drunk driver?"

Bill's expression darkened, his voice dripping with disdain. "Oh, nothing that a few stitches won't fix, as usual. He's currently under guard at the ER, sleeping it off, probably without a care in the world."

"Thank goodness Carson cleared him to wait for transport," Scott added, his disgust for the driver evident. "At least the husband didn't have to hear his pathetic excuses."

As they settled into a heavy silence, Bill leaned back in his chair, a weary yet contemplative look crossing his face. "You know, every time we deal with cases like this, I try to count my blessings," he said. "This job exposes us to so much suffering, and I've found that gratitude helps keep you grounded in the chaos."

"This one hit harder than most because of Lizzie," Scott chimed in, his voice low and reflective.

Bill's gaze shifted, understanding the weight of those words. "I could sense that at the scene. I couldn't help but notice how much the wife resembled Lizzie. Didn't you mention their parents died in a tragic accident?"

Scott nodded solemnly. "Yeah, they lost both parents and their sister, Viola. It's another heartbreaking story linked to drunk driving. Lizzie told me recently that her dream is to become a flight nurse, which is why she's dedicated herself to trauma nursing and only has a year left to get her Masters degree."

"Hmm, don't let Carson catch wind of that," Bill chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. "He'd be all over it like a hawk on a mouse. The other day, we found ourselves sharing lunch at that little diner downtown, and he brought up the idea of establishing another life flight team here in Mistletoe Cay."

Then, as an afterthought, he turned to Scott, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "Any chance Elizabeth would be interested in relocating?"

Scott hesitated, shifting in his seat as he considered the question. "Not sure," he replied cautiously. "I mean, I know the family would love the idea. In fact, Red has been tirelessly spearheading a personal campaign to make sure she falls head over heels for this place. She even managed to get Lizzie to agree to keep it in the back of her mind while she was here. I can only imagine a conversation with Carson will be coming up soon. Oh, and by the way, I was commanded to make sure you and Abigail will be at the barbecue on Wednesday. We plan to introduce Lizzie to Cricket, so you and Cody need to come prepared to play."

Cody was a boy that he and Abigail had adopted when he was two because she was unable to get pregnant. He had come to them as a temporary foster child and never left. Occasionally, they still took in emergency fosters when needed.

"The two of us are always ready for fun," Bill snorted, a playful grin stretching across his face. "I'm assuming that Archie and Moira are hosting this shindig?"

Nathan nodded absentmindedly, his focus still glued to his phone. Intrigued, Bill leaned over, trying to catch a glimpse of what had captivated Nathan's attention. After taking a casual sip of water, he said, "Something going on that I don't know about, Grant?"

The question broke Nathan from his haze, and he quickly snapped his gaze toward Bill, who was now studying him with an almost predatory intensity. "I'm sorry, what?" Nathan replied, a hint of alarm creeping into his voice.

Bill leaned forward, fixing him with a stare that seemed to pierce right through him. "Care to explain why you're gazing dreamily at pictures of Monroe's sister-in-law on your phone?"

With an almost theatrical flourish, he turned to Scott, pinning him with a similar inquisition. "And why are you just sitting there, completely unconcerned about it?"

For a brief moment, both Nathan and Scott sat there, wide-eyed and looking like two deer caught in the headlights of Bill's scrutinizing gaze, frantically trying to come up with a response. Bill leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips, clearly enjoying their struggle. "Well?"

Realizing he wouldn't be able to outwait Bill's sharp instincts, Nathan finally caved, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Where do I even start?"

"Well, I strongly suspect that you and Elizabeth met and immediately hit it off." Bill began, his tone almost teasing. "Then, judging by the amount of drool cascading from your chin as you scroll through all those pictures, I would say you're quite taken with her. Then there's the way the two of you get all lovestruck when you're in each other's presence, completely forgetting about the world around you. At least, that's the gossip floating around town. Let's not forget the dramatic spider rescue you pulled off, the charming holiday light tour, and, of course, the intimate breakfast date you had yesterday. I heard she practically floated into the house after you dropped her off, completely smitten. Am I getting close, Captain Fire Hazard?"

"That's pretty accurate," Nathan replied, a mixture of pride and embarrassment creeping onto his face. "But how do you know all this?"

"I'm a married man, my friend. In a small town like ours, not much happens that I'm not aware of—especially since my wife is close friends with the women in your families," Bill said, a knowing smirk stretching across his lips.

"Then you should also be fully aware of my predicament," Nathan said, his tone shifting from playful to serious.

"Not sure I am," Bill replied, tilting his head slightly. "From everything I've heard and observed, Elizabeth seems like quite the catch."

"She leaves in just 18 days," Nathan explained, his voice filled with frustration. "And last time I checked, Boston isn't exactly a hop, skip, or jump away. I would be willing to do a long-distance relationship because she's worth it, but I can't help thinking she wouldn't want that. Plus, there's one small detail: I've only known her for a few days. Yet, my feelings for her are unlike anything I've ever experienced. I've never been one to believe in love at first sight, but now… I think I do." Nathan continued, his eyes reflecting a mix of disbelief and wonder at the realization of it. "I met her just a few days ago, and all I could think about while we cut that woman out of the car was how fleeting life is and how there are no guarantees. The mere thought of her being far away, needing help, and me being unable to reach her sends a shiver down my spine. I've fallen head over heels for her in a matter of a couple of days. How crazy is that?"

"Not crazy at all," Bill replied earnestly. "My wife Abigail had me wrapped around her finger from the moment she said hello. I even told my friends that very day that I had just met the woman I was going to marry. The heart doesn't care about time; as you wisely pointed out, life is fleeting. Do you think she feels the same way about you?"

"She's given me signals that she feels it too," Nathan admitted, casting his eyes down at the table, his fingers tapping nervously. "But there's hesitation on her part; she's unsure whether she's staying and doesn't want us to get hurt."

Bill exchanged a knowing glance with Scott, who offered him a subtle nod. "I see. Given the short time frame, before she leaves, I'd suggest you dedicate your efforts to helping her understand that you are all in—whatever that looks like."

"I don't quite understand," Nathan replied, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Join your friend here, use some of that surplus leave you have stored up, and spend the next 18 days wooing her like crazy. I'll arrange for a temporary replacement to cover your shifts until after she leaves," Bill suggested, his tone practical yet encouraging.

"That actually sounds like a great idea!" Scott chimed in, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"Of course it is!" Bill chuckled, shaking his head. "Women like her are a treasure. If I were in your shoes, I would do everything I could to win her heart. The love of a good woman, especially one who understands the demands of this job, is beyond compare. Just let me know, and I'll get it all arranged."

Nathan quickly ran the numbers in his head and realized he only needed seven days of leave, a mere fraction of what he had accumulated. "Go ahead, Bill. I'll have a formal request ready for you first thing in the morning, so I'm on leave starting when we finish our shift on Monday."

"Sounds like a solid plan," Bill responded, satisfied with the direction of the conversation. "But for now, I suggest we get some rest while we can. We can't have Captain Fire Hazard looking haggard for the station visit, can we?" Bill teased, a playful grin returning to his face. Scott laughed as Nathan rolled his eyes, his cheeks pink as the three headed to the crew quarters.

The sand was a soft, golden hue that felt like silk underfoot, and the sky was a canvas of endless blue, with the sun painting everything in a golden light. The ocean before her was a vibrant tapestry of blues and greens, its waves singing a lullaby as they kissed the shore. Elizabeth sat on her towel, enjoying the idyllic beach around her as she watched the surfers.

Nathan emerged from the ocean like a vision, his body in a perfect silhouette against the backdrop of the sun-dappled sea. Water cascaded off his skin, highlighting every muscle, particularly his divine 8-pack abs, which seemed almost otherworldly in their perfection. His broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist, his arms strong from pulling against the tide.

He walked towards her with an intimidating and alluring confidence, his wet hair slicked back, droplets of water glistening like tiny diamonds. He picked up his surfboard, its surface reflecting the sky, and with a smile that promised adventure, he waded back into the water.

Elizabeth watched, her heart racing, as Nathan paddled out to meet a wave that seemed made for him. He stood gracefully, his body bending in unison with the wave's swell, riding it with an almost sensual fluidity. The way he moved, his control over his body, and his muscles flexed with each shift sent a shiver through Elizabeth, holding her enthralled. Her gaze remained locked on him as he danced with the ocean.

Elizabeth was focused on every detail: the beads of water on his skin, the way the sun caught his eyes, making them sparkle with mischief and desire, and the curve of his back as he leaned into the wave. The water around him shimmered like liquid glass, and as he rode closer to her, she felt an inexplicable pull, a magnetic attraction that made her heart pound with anticipation.

As he exited the water, he approached her, his body still glistening, his breath coming in rhythmic patterns from the exertion. His eyes held her, full of an unspoken promise, as Nathan dropped onto his towel. He was so close now, his scent a mix of salt and sun, his skin warm from the sun's kiss. So close that the water dripped from his hair onto her. As he drew closer and closer, his lips neared hers until she could feel his breath upon them.

"Oh, Nathan," she gasped as the heat from his gaze threatened to consume her.

"Lizbeth," he whispered huskily just as his lips captured hers. That was all it took for the kiss to deepen, igniting a fierce passion that surely nothing could withstand its heat. Though she could hear something like someone giggling, her focus had narrowed down to the heat of his body, the closeness of his breath, the promise of his touch…

"Elizabeth Grace Thatcher!"

The sharpness of Julie's voice cut through Elizabeth's dreams, shattering the peaceful illusion of sun-kissed shores and gentle waves. With a jolt, Elizabeth sat up in bed, her heart racing as she blinked away the remnants of slumber. She instinctively scanned her surroundings, half-expecting to be on a beach with Nathan, not in her bedroom with her sister looking at her in amusement.

"Julie, what on earth are you doing waking me up at this hour?" she groaned falling back onto the bed, still disoriented from sleep.

"It's not that early, Lizzie," her sister replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "We need to be at the station by 11:30. You've already overslept—it's almost 9:45!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow, I really can't believe I slept this late." She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear the fog of sleep.

Julie let out a soft, playful giggle. "Well, considering how you said Nathan's name, I can see why you might have slept in! Care to spill the details?"

A rush of warmth filled Elizabeth's cheeks, and she instinctively pulled the covers over her face, wishing she could hide from her sister's knowing gaze. "Nope! Not a chance!"

"Oh, come on, Lizzie," Julie insisted, her voice a mix of excitement and curiosity as she tugged playfully at the covers. "At least give me a few highlights. Just one little morsel?"

Elizabeth laughed as she jumped out of bed, the cool wooden floor stark against her feet. She made a beeline to the bathroom, firmly closing and locking the door behind her, cherishing these precious moments of privacy. As she splashed water on her face and brushed through her hair, snippets of her vivid dream danced in her mind, reminding her of Nathan's warm, inviting kiss. The memory left her breathless, wondering how it would feel to experience that sweetness in the waking world.

Her heart raced as the dream replayed: the way he looked at her, the firm yet gentle brush of his lips on hers. With a playful grin, she snatched a magazine left on the sink from the previous day, using it to fan herself as she tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach.

Thankfully, Julie was gone when she returned to her room. A sudden ping from her phone caught her attention, and she hurried to check the message. Her face lit up when she saw who it was from.

Captain Fire Hazard: Good morning, beautiful.

Elizabeth: Good morning, Captain. How was your evening? (Heart emoji)

Captain Fire Hazard: Safe but BUSY! I also almost burned dinner when I received this… (Then a picture of her last night appeared.)

Elizabeth: OH! I wondered if a picture would make its way to you...

Captain Fire Hazard: You looked so good in this dress that it should have a warning label when you are wearing it. Luckily, you were with a cop or could have been cited for being a moving violation. Any chance I can get you to wear it again for me? (Fire, Heart, and Wink emoji)

Elizabeth: I can arrange a special viewing with flattery like that. (Heart emoji)

With every word exchanged, Elizabeth felt warmth spreading through her, a blend of anticipation and delight brewing at the thought of their next encounter.

Captain Fire Hazard: I can't wait. How did you sleep?

Elizabeth: I might have been dreaming about a certain surfer I was with yesterday. (Fire, Heart, and Winky emoji.)

Elizabeth held her breath, anticipation coursing through her as she awaited a response. The atmosphere felt charged, and just as her thoughts began to swirl, her phone buzzed, signaling an incoming FaceTime call. With trembling fingers, she answered, and her heart skipped a beat at seeing him. Nathan's smile lit up the screen, effortlessly charming and just as mesmerizing as she remembered.

"So you were dreaming about me, huh?" he teased, his voice laced with playful confidence.

Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm, a deep blush creeping up. "I did," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "We were… at the beach… and… um, you were… surfing." The images from her dream danced vividly in her mind—waves crashing, sunlight glinting off his skin, and the thrill of him riding the surf.

Nathan stood up, and she could hear a door closing softly in the background. He returned, his expression shifting to something more intimate as he lowered his voice. "What were you doing while I was out there?"

She bit her lip, a teasing smile forming as she leaned closer to the screen. "I was sitting on a towel, watching you," she replied, her tone playful. "Enjoying the show."

A smirk crept across Nathan's face, and she saw a spark of mischief in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. Hope I lived up to your dream yesterday," he rasped, his mind briefly drifting back to the memory of her wearing that stunning bikini yesterday—the image burned into his memory.

"Oh, you surpassed it, Nathan," Elizabeth purred, her gaze burning with intensity. How she looked at him made his heart race, stirring a longing deep within him. He found himself wishing it were already Monday, the day they would finally see each other again.

Before he could respond, their moment was shattered by Julie's voice calling out for Elizabeth. With a reluctant sigh, they ended the call, leaving both of them a little breathless from the interaction. Nathan reached over and began fanning himself with a folder from his desk, trying to cool down. "I need to find out what happened in that dream and make it a reality," he muttered, his determination igniting. With a begrudging sense of duty, he got up, ready to tackle some work. But the thought lingered in the back of his mind—he would see Elizabeth in a little over an hour and have the chance to share his plan with her.

Author's Note: I hope you're not too disappointed that it was just a dream. However, I wanted to give you a little something to hang onto because I promise the real thing is not far off. ;) This chapter turned out so different than I had originally intended. Alas, Nathan and Elizabeth had their own plan for this chapter. In fact, half of what I wrote last week is not even included, so expect a chapter in the next few days. This story is just starting, and there's lots of fun in the land down under to come.