Saving Sleeping Beauty (Book Four of the Connor's)

By Rita Hestand

Book Four of the Connors. Ray Connor couldn't believe he was in the hospital. He was too healthy to be in the hospital. However, smoke inhalation had taken a toll on him in the last high rise fire, and his partner, Kelly Price had saved him by pulling him out of a building where ceiling beams were falling like sticks. Of all the people to save him, it had to be Kelly.

Ray made a habit of not getting personal with Kelly, as she was a girl and it could complicate things. But what did he do when he owed her his life. And he really did. Kelly and Ted had to move a fallen beam from the doorway to get Ray out. It couldn't have been an easy feat. At the time he hadn't known she had a little smoke inhalation herself when she offered him a draw on her oxygen mask several times to keep him breathing.

Ray already had a girl-friend but he knew it was just a shallow affair. He ached for a family of his own, secretly. There were also a few more secrets he didn't want to talk about. Kelly was a big part of those secrets because from the moment she walked into the station and took the job as his backup partner, he had to stifle the immediate attraction he felt for her and do his job. It was that or quit. And he wasn't quitting!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Aug 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463539255

Rita Hestand

Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

Book preview

Saving Sleeping Beauty

Rita Hestand

Saving Sleeping Beauty

Book Four of the Connor's Series

Rita Hestand

Smashwords Edition

Copyright© 2016 by Rita Hestand

All Rights Reserved

ISBN # 978-0463539255

Cover Design by: Barb Hoeter (Covered Ink Book Designs)

License Note

This book, Saving Sleeping Beauty is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. If you did not purchase this book or it was not purchased for your use, please go to Smashwords.com to purchase your personal copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Saving Sleeping Beauty is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns do exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.

Dedication:

This book is dedicated to all the fire-fighters out there, especially my grandson, Russell Rolandson who work for the Dallas Firefighters. May you love your jobs, keep safe, and continue to help your communities. God bless you all!

Rita Hestand

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

About the Author

Rita's Other Books

Chapter One

When he opened his eyes, he saw a sand and blue colored wall, it was unfamiliar. The sound of rhythmic beeps had drawn his attention to the monitor beside the bed he was lying in. He raised his arm and saw he was connected to that monitor. His blood pressure was good, his pulse was good, his mind registered. He was in the hospital, he quickly realized.

He ran a hand over his head, to clear his mind.

Ray felt a bit groggy when he opened his eyes and realized he was still in a hospital bed. He looked about, and heard the nurses walking down the hallway. He looked under the covers and saw at least he had his pajama bottoms on. He sighed.

The room was cool, sterile and even the flowers on the window sill didn't perk him up.

He didn't need to be here, he should be at work.

He stuck his foot out from under the sheet and touched the floor, but when he raised up, he became dizzy and quickly laid back down.

Not a man used to lying on his back, he wanted to throw caution to the wind, put his clothes on and get out of here. It was smoke inhalation, not major surgery.

Ray Connor never considered himself a lonely man until he found himself lying in a hospital bed from severe smoke inhalation. He'd almost suffocated from that fire, and it had taken a lot out of him. How could something so untouchable, such as smoke, lay him flat on his back?

Unaccustomed to feeling weak and needy, a sense of helplessness assailed him. He'd never been sick in his life, that he knew of, except for having the measles and chicken pox. But today, he felt lonely, out of place, out of sorts, he wished someone would come and see him. His brothers were working, so they wouldn't be up here, and his sister was a teacher, so she was too busy too. He had an on and off girlfriend, but it wasn't her he wanted to see so badly. Oddly enough it was his working partner, Kelly Price, because she was the one that saved him. He remembered that much. How could he not, the last thing he remembered were those oh-so-blue eyes of hers searching his.

His mind worked overtime since he'd been here. Funny how you got used to seeing a face and missed it. Kelly Price owned that face. He owed her big-time.

He had to admit it was embarrassing to be saved by a woman, but he was also grateful.

Hey, came a soft voice full of concern from the doorway. You're awake, how are you doing, Sleeping Beauty? Kelly smiled brightly, as she set the flowers on the shelf in his room and came up to his bedside. She put her warm hand on his arm and smiled at him.

In record breaking time, those oh-so-blue eyes registered his hairless chest with stunned appreciation. They sparkled, but she wasn't aware of it.

Ray's glance slid all over her as she came close, he could almost smell that delicate perfume she wore most every day, and she was dolled up too. God, he wished she wouldn't doll up, she certainly didn't have to for him. His libido was always stirred when he was around her, and there was that constant attraction he fought so hard not to acknowledge. He didn't know why he was thinking of her as a beautiful woman right now. Up until today, he'd maintained a close partnership with her. But something about those last-minute blue eyes sweeping over him before he finally closed his eyes to oblivion had him reappraising his female partner.

She wore black fitted dress pants, with a white ruffled blouse that hinted at a mature cleavage and what looked like wedged heels. He breathed in deeply, she smelled wonderful, like always. The things he remembered most about her were those delicate blue eyes and the sensational perfume she always wore. He wondered where she'd been, or where she was going.

Ray had ignored how her touches and smiles affected him before, but now somehow things had changed. He couldn't define what kind of change, but he suddenly felt differently about Kelly. It was more than her saving him, he felt there had been more to it than that. His memory of exactly what happened failed him, but in those few seconds of being rescued, something had changed, and he couldn't change it back.

He remembered some of that day. It had been a high-rise apartment building, close to the Amtrak service. The flames licked the area around them as the fire must have started somewhere between the fourth or fifth floor. After gearing up, Kelly and he went inside, Ted called for immediate backup as he hooked the hoses and secured the area from the on-looking crowd around the building. Sirens echoed in the background as black smoke wafted the air. Ted managed all the hook-ups and radioed to the oncoming backup. Ray and Kelly made it inside, there was no flames on the first floor. But smoke was beginning to fill the lobby of the building. Several people were scattering, and Kelly helped them escape through the doors. They took the second floor and although it was filled with smoke they managed to weave through. Secure the floor, I'm going up. He told Kelly.

Kelly nodded, making her way through the long hallways to check for people and help them out. He vaguely remembered reaching the third floor when a beam fell from the fourth floor, and flames were shooting out from the roof of the third floor. When the beam hit him, it knocked his hat and mask off, and he knew he was in trouble. The smoke was so thick, he couldn't see to find his gear. He remembered reaching out for it, but then he kept blacking out. Ray remembered feeling a bit dazed and then suddenly everything went black. All he remembered then was the distinct smell of Kelly's perfume a few seconds later, and a sensation of being pulled away.

I guess you know you scared the wits out of me, don't you? Kelly chuckled, her light impersonal grin set the mood between them as she scooted the chair closer to his bedside.

He relaxed, funny how her voice could calm him.

He stared for a moment, Sorry. It wasn't intentional.

For only a split second, her face went serious, but she soon wiped that away and smiled again.

I'm just glad you are alright. Her voice lowered to a whisper now.

Thanks to you, he sighed a bit too hard, and she stared at him now. But I sure as heck need to get out of here.

The room went silent. She glanced at him and saw his expression.

Okay out with it Ray. I know you hate the idea of being saved by a woman. But I was there, and you were in danger. I had to act. Besides, you'd have done the same if it had been me, she quickly informed him.

Yeah, I would have. he tried to laugh. He grabbed her hand, a habit he had when he was serious. It couldn't have been easy for you, though. I'm not exactly a light weight.

Easier than it was for you. You'd somehow lost your helmet and mask. I guess that beam falling didn't help things. If you'd been there a little longer or that beam had hit you square on the head, you wouldn't be smiling now. So, how do you feel, this beautiful day? Her face sobered.

I'm alright, having to use one of those nebulizers three times a day, and wear this oxygen thing all the time doesn't endear me to the nurses around here, but my lungs are clearing out now, last report I had.

Are you giving these nurses a hard time She asked playfully, keeping it light and smiling at him.

I hope so. Hey, you don't have to come up here every day, I'm okay, really. But I've been dying of boredom all morning, I am glad you did

Maybe I should leave and let you get more rest.

He pulled on her hand, his expression serious, Don't you dare, with all these nurses sticking me with pins and needles and telling me at the same time to get some sleep. I guess I'm not the best of patients.

His light bantering made it easy to slip back into a comfort mode with her.

Grumpy huh? So, how soon you gonna be back to work? She asked slipping out of her shoes and tucking her feet under her in the chair.

A few days. Miss me? He asked.

Of course, I do, I'm working with Chuck right now and he's as grouchy as you used to be when I first became your backup. If it wasn't for Ted, I'd be going crazy.

He chuckled at that. Tell Chuck to grin and bear it.

Is that what you do? Her brow raised.

I used to. He teased.

She shook her head with disgust. What's the big deal, so I'm a female, what's so hard to get used to? She frowned now. You're not so alpha male you can't get over a woman saving you, are you?

If you were old an ugly, I might have gotten used to you sooner. But you are young and beautiful, it's a little hard to see you as a man. He grumbled and moved his arm so the IV wouldn't tangle. And how can I be Tarzan if Jane is saving me all the time. He chuckled.

You think I'm beautiful? She gasped.

You know you are, he laughed, but his eyes bore into her. Then he shook his head, But you don't seem to realize it?

Never heard you come right out and say it. Besides, my dad always said I was cute, not beautiful. For only a split second their eyes met, but she quickly distracted herself.

The relaxed feeling faded as a new tension surrounded them.

So, where's that good-looking girlfriend of yours? She asked trying to put the tension where it belonged, on him.

Probably working. You think she's good-looking?

Are you kidding, she gorgeous, and knows it.

He extended his hand toward her again, she clasped it, but when she heard a noise she let go. Just then a young vibrant woman with long brown hair and big brown eyes came in, dusted his lips with a kiss and waved at Kelly.

Debra was a knock-out, her figure was to die for, but those huge brown eyes of her would make any man pay attention. Kelly didn't envy many women, but Debra had to be one of the most stunning she'd ever seen. If only her personality fit her looks, she could conquer the world.

Debra didn't just walk into a room, she swept gracefully through it, like a movie star.

Ray smiled loving the attention of two women at once.

How's my fella? she cooed, bending over him, and letting Kelly know exactly who she was. In fact, Kelly had to move her chair, so she could snuggle up to Ray.

I'm fine. Why aren't you at work, Debra?

I'm on lunch. I thought I'd swing by and see if I could bring you something to eat later.

Oh, that sounds good, pick up some chicken. For supper, if you're coming by then. Ray told her.

Chicken! she exclaimed. I was thinking more along the lines of sushi.

You know better than that, I don't eat that crap. Ray hollered. I'd just as soon have hospital food as that.

Ray glanced at Kelly who was grinning.

Have I introduced you to Kelly before? Ray asked glancing at Kelly who seemed to have shriveled up into a ball now.

Yeah, I met her at the Fireman's ball last year. She gave Kelly a half smile. Well, look, I can't stay, but I'll bring you some fried chicken this evening. Debra promised.

Great, he smiled, and she kissed his lips once more before she left. On a hind thought she turned at the door and stared at Kelly, Nice seeing you again.

Yeah, same here. Kelly responded.

Kelly had folded her legs under her in the big, wide chair and gotten comfortable. She'd brought her and Ray a cold drink and she dug them out of the sack on the floor beside her.

Oh, you remembered. Dr. Pepper, huh?

Yeah. I figured you'd have a conniption if I didn't remember that.

I'm a little surprised you did remember.

Hey, it hasn't been that long since you were on your feet. Besides, Dr. Pepper is the one thing we agree on.

He enjoyed the easy bantering between them. He felt so at home with Kelly. So, are you off today? He asked.

Yeah, and tomorrow.

What day is it?

Friday. You lost track of time I see.

What day did they drag me in here?

Monday, evening.

He nodded. He remembered the fire alarm going off, getting into the firetruck with Kelly and Ted. He barely remembered seeing the building going up in flames. It was a rare thing to see a multi-story building burning like that, and all three of them stared like they couldn't believe it, then Ted called for backup. It had been a twenty-four-story high-rise apartment building, in the plush part of Dallas.

Just so you know, the other guys that are off are coming too. They stopped to get you a Whataburger.

You're kidding?

Nope, they'll be here any minute. Kelly beamed at him. The chief wanted you to know, he will be up this afternoon some time. He wanted to give you time to feel better first. He hates hospitals too.

I'm not too fond of them myself. Glad you got the drinks. He winked. As he studied her out of the corner of his eye, he realized she was a bit timid, despite the smile. Glad I could thank you before they all pile in here and start a laugh-in.

You don't have to thank me, it was my job. And I really don't want to hear any more about it. You know this is why we are all paired up with back-up, and I think it's pretty clever to have someone have your back all the time, gives you a lot more confidence in doing your job.

I know, but I feel indebted to you. And if Debra really cared, she should have too.

The last thing I want is you indebted to me. And I didn't save Debra, so don't blame her. You are a little grouchy today, not feeling up to snuff, huh?

His look galvanized her, It wouldn't have hurt for her to appreciate your efforts. I don't think she realizes you saved my life.

Quit making a big deal out of it. It was all in a day's work. She relaxed in the chair, took a sip of her drink and leaned back. They gave you a private room, huh? She changed the subject entirely. It's nice. I like the artistic paint job in here too, not some dull white with no character.

Yeah, say…do you know how long I was out?

All that night, they gave you something to help you rest, put oxygen on you and I don't know what else, they were busy with you for a while. You really took in some smoke. I know one of them commented that they appreciated the fact that you weren't a smoker.

I've never been in a hospital, except when I was born.

She looked at him squarely, You're kidding?

Nope. First time. And I've decided hopefully my last. It's lonesome in here.

She giggled. You have a big family, and a girlfriend, how could you be lonesome? Looks like half the nursing staff is taking care of you. What do you want a parade?

He looked at her, I've missed everyone from the station. I consider you guys family too.

Just be thankful you're alright. You sure gave me a scare, though.

Sorry, I didn't mean to. So, tell me, how the hell did you get me out of there.

I don't know how, she shook her head, you are so much heavier than I thought. Must be all that muscle. But I managed to get you out, just before it all collapsed. She told him. I wasn't sure we were going to make it, at first. Part of a beam fell in front of the exit door and I had a time getting it open. Ted came up though and with his help we managed to drag you to safety.

Remind me to thank him too. So, I guess I owe you and Ted!

"Of course, you don't, you big ape. If it had been me, you'd have done the same. Ted