From Temptation to Twins(34)
“Are you okay, ma’am?” he asked her.
She was tired and a little cold, but otherwise she was fine.
“I’m good,” she told the man in the heavy jacket and helmet.
He turned his attention to Caleb, removing his glove to offer a handshake. “Zeke Rollins, Station 55.”
Caleb shook the man’s hand. “Thanks for your help.”
“You’ll need the building cleared by an engineer before anybody goes inside or you start repairs.”
“Already set up for tomorrow,” Caleb replied. “Except for the smashed grill area, we’re hopeful it’s superficial.”
“I hope you’re right. You’re definitely at the epicenter of the damage. We lost a couple of historic buildings down the block. Luckily they were empty.”
“Anyone seriously hurt?” Jules asked. She’d been immensely relieved to learn the customers at Neo had gotten away with minor cuts and bruises.
“A few broken bones, and one patient is in surgery. But it could have been a lot worse.”
Jules nodded her agreement. She’d never been in an earthquake before. It had been terrifying.
“We’re hearing it was a 6.0,” Zeke said. “Good thing it was offshore. You won’t reenter the building tonight?”
“We won’t,” Caleb said. “I’ve got security posted on the doors. I’m meeting the engineering firm in the morning, and we’ll take it from there.”
“Glad to hear it. And I’m glad you’re both all right.”
“Thanks, again,” Caleb said.
Zeke gave him a clap on the shoulder before taking his leave.
“You were really great in all this,” Jules felt compelled to tell Caleb.
He’d taken charge, made sure people didn’t get hurt, ensured the building didn’t burn down.
He gave a shrug. He’d long since discarded his blazer, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up. He had a scrape on one cheek, and there was dirt on his arms. He looked confident, capable and strong, if a little tired around the eyes.
“What now?” she asked him, following his gaze to the building. It looked perfectly normal from outside, but she knew the interior was a mess.
“You must be hungry,” he said.
She hadn’t really thought about it. “I meant for Neo.”
“We’ll do the repairs.” He didn’t sound particularly worried.
“Just like that?”
“We have good insurance. We’ll have to close for a few days, but I’m confident we’ll be back in business soon.”
“You are an optimist.” She found herself admiring his attitude.
“Let’s go.” He surprised her by looping an arm around her waist. Then she surprised herself by leaning in.
“Where?”
“Somewhere they’ll feed us. Do you mind heading home tomorrow instead of tonight?”
“No problem.”
Transportation home seemed like the least of their worries. She’d have to call Melissa. Then it occurred to her that Melissa didn’t even know she was in San Francisco. Wow. That was going to be an interesting phone call.
“I’m sure you’ll want a shower,” Caleb said as they made their way toward the parking lot.
She frowned as she looked down at her dirt-stained clothes. She’d torn a hole in the knee of her pants. “These are Melissa’s.”
“Clothes can be replaced.”
“I know. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I was just thinking that she doesn’t even know I left Olympia.”
“I didn’t mean to sound critical.”
“You didn’t. Buying new clothes is nothing. I guess I’m a little rattled.”
He gave her a squeeze around the waist. “We’re all a little rattled. You were fantastic back there. Why don’t you call Melissa while we drive?”
They’d picked up a rental car at the San Francisco airport, and he unlocked the doors.
Jules realized she didn’t have her phone. It was the first time she’d even thought of it. “I left my purse inside the restaurant. My phone, my keys, my credit cards.”
Caleb slid his phone from the pocket of his pants and held it out to her. “My wallet is in my pants. But I haven’t a clue where I left my jacket.” He paused, leaning on the door as she got in. “This didn’t go exactly the way I’d planned.”
She knew she shouldn’t smile, but she did. She accepted his phone. “I don’t think tonight went the way anybody planned.”
“It seemed like such a good idea.”
“I did like your restaurant,” she admitted. “Though I guess it’ll look different after tonight.”