Chapter 72

"If now's not a good time--"
"No, it's okay." Kiki replied a bit too quickly. "Come on over and sit down. I'm glad you came by."
Taren did as she asked, and placed his hands on his knees. "Well, I have some good news for you. Or- at least I hope it's good news."
"What's that?" Kiki asked, suddenly caught up in his enthusiasm.
A broad smile spread across his face. "Well, I just came from The North Pole Lodge and Liam is going to give you a room until you get on your feet again--free of charge, for as long as you need it."
"Liam White? Really? Isn't he the general manager of The North Pole Lodge?" Kiki's rose almost into her hairline. "Why would he do that?"
"He's a friend of mine." Taren shrugged. "I paid him a visit and when he heard about the fire and what happened, he didn't hesitate. In fact, he's giving you a suite, complete with a kitchenette, and he's having it fully stocked. And the townspeople took up a collection for you and wanted me to give you this check." He reached over and handed it to her.
"Oh, my goodness!" Kiki took the slip of paper and it was a check for six thousand dollars. "This is too much-" She tried to hand it back to him, but he closed her hand around it, sending shivers over her body.
"No, it's not," Taren proudly replied. "When the people heard what happened, they were quick to respond." He chuckled. "Money just started pouring into the fire station, earmarked for you."
"Wow." Kiki looked down at the check in disbelief. "Please tell everyone how much I appreciate this."
"I'll let you tell them yourself when you get out." He thought for a moment and then asked, "Speaking of which, when are they letting you go?"
Kiki let out a deep breath. "I'm not sure yet, but probably tomorrow."
Taren nodded. "I heard your friend say that she would come by and get you when it's time to leave. If you have somewhere else to stay--"
"No, that's okay," Kiki cut him off. "Jocelyn was going to let me stay at her house until I get on my feet. But her sister and her are finally getting along and she's about to be married-." Her voice trailed off. "Let's just say that this couldn't have come at a better time. I truly appreciate this." Then she narrowed her eyes. "So, how did everyone find out so quickly?"
Taren laughed. "Well, I went by The North Pole Lodge and spoke with Liam, but he must have told the rest of the town."
Kiki chuckled. "Word travels quickly among the residents of Christmas Cove."
"Yes, it does."
"I'll thank Mr. White personally when I see him."
Taren nodded. "That would be nice."
Just then, in walked a balding doctor carrying a clipboard with a stethoscope draped around his neck and wearing a white lab coat with scrubs on beneath. He peered at Kiki over his glasses, which were down on his nose. "It's nice to meet you. My name is Dr. Jonas Ramirez. So, how're you feeling, young lady?"
Taren rose to his feet. "I'll be right outside if you need me." Before Kiki could object, Taren was out the door. She just hoped that he wouldn't go far.
Turning her attention to the doctor, she replied, "I'm feeling much better now. My head's still hurting, but it's not pounding like it was before, and my throat still hurts, but not as badly."
Dr. Ramirez scribbled something on the chart and handed it to the nurse. "I'm going to keep you one more night for observation, but I think you'll be well enough to go home tomorrow morning." He looked up at her and smiled. "You're a very lucky lady."
Kiki nodded. "Yes, I am. Thank you doctor."
"It's my pleasure." He clicked his ink pen closed and shoved it into his pocket protector. "I'll send your friend back in. In the meantime, don't hesitate to use that call button if you need anything."
Kiki returned the smile. "Thanks, Dr. Ramirez. I will."
The doctor headed out. There was some talking in the hallway that Kiki couldn't really hear, and then Taren came back in. He shoved his hands into his pockets. But didn't sit down. "So, you'll live?"
"For now," she teased. Kiki sat up and attempted to adjust her pillow, but Taren beat her to it. Once she was settled, she replied, "Actually, he said I could leave tomorrow morning."
Taren smiled, rocking back and forth on his feet. "About that- this may be a little forward, but would you mind if I come by and pick you up?" When he saw the look on her face, he quickly added, "To take you home, of course- er- to the hotel- I mean to your new home at the lodge."
Kiki smiled, enjoying his discomfort a bit too much. It was so unlike him. Usually he exuded confidence. "Why? I mean, carrying me out of the burning house was enough." She mentally kicked herself for asking, but she had to know.
"It's just that it's been a while since we've had time to catch up. I thought it might be nice." Taren smiled as he lifted an eyebrow, finding his confidence again. "I can promise you, I'm not a stalker."
"Yeah, said the stalker," she teased.
Taren shrugged. "I just thought you might need a ride to your new home. I can take you by the store to get some things, too, if you like."
Kiki smiled, touched by the gesture. "Well, if you're sure-."
"I am." A broad smile spread across his lips. "That is, unless you'd rather have someone else take you home."
"Jocelyn is the manager of the jewelry store where I work and I think she has her hands full, so if you don't mind-."
"Say no more." He held up his hand, stopping her. "I'd be glad to. I'll be over first thing in the morning to get you."
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you in a rush?"
He shrugged. "The game's on and I don't want to miss the kick off."
"Who's playing?" Kiki asked, truly interested.
"The Redskins and the Cowboys." One corner of Taren's lips curled into a smile. Of course, he loved football since he played it in high school and even turned down a football scholarship.
Kiki scoffed. "And you're going to leave?" She handed him the remote. "Go ahead and turn it on."
Taren raised his eyebrows. "You like football?"
She shrugged. "Sure! Why not? But if you have to go home or if you we're going to watch it with the guys, it's okay."
"No. Just Abby."
"She likes football, too?"
Taren winked at her, causing her heart to flutter. "I've taught her well."
"Yes, you have." Kiki chuckled. "Well, you can go get her and bring her back at halftime, if you like."
"You wouldn't mind?"
Kiki laughed. "No. Not at all! I could see if she knows as much about football as she knows about Chess."
He made a clicking sound with his mouth. "She is her daddy's girl."
"I can see that." Kiki laughed, already feeling better. Just visiting with him made her feel much better. One thing about Taren, they had always been able to laugh together. And they did plenty of that in high school. Back then, Kiki had always thought that Scarlett was a bit too uptight for him, but what did she know?
"Okay, then. I'll go get her and we'll be back during halftime." Taren smiled. "It'll give us some time to catch up between plays."
Kiki nodded toward the television. "Well, you'd better hurry. Kickoff is in five minutes."
Taren took her by surprise when he crossed the room and kissed her forehead, probably without thinking. "I'll be back later- if you're sure."
"Of course! Now, go!" Kiki laughed. "You don't want to miss the kickoff!"