Free Fallen Angel by Melissa Jones

couldn’t see any flames at all only smoke. 
    “Can you see any flames from down there?” He called to James.
    “No, looks like it’s out.” He called back.  Angie dropped her bucket and sank down to her knees with a sigh, he sat as well and watched as she pulled the bandana away there was a clear line on her face where the upper half was covered in smoke and soot and the lower half wasn’t.  He wanted to laugh but he just couldn’t summon the energy.  She began to cough and his attention focused. 
    “Come on let’s get you out in the fresh air.” He stood offering her hand she took it and he pulled her too her feet not releasing her as he led her toward the ladder.
    “See I knew we could do it.” She said her voice was hoarse and raspy.  He stopped and turned and looked at her.
    “You are a stubborn woman.” He said forcefully. “Yes we got the fire out, it only would have taken one spark in there,” he pointed at the bales stacked beside them. “And there would have been no way out.” She met his gaze squarely.
    “We saved the barn.” She rasped.
    “Buildings can be replaced, people can’t. I swear Angie, if you ever do anything like this again I’ll… I’ll throttle you.” He said angrily. She couldn’t help it his choice of words made her giggle.  “Don’t laugh, I am serious.”
    “You’re threatening to hurt me if I do something that might get me hurt.” She said and laughed again. He couldn’t believe she was laughing, she could have been killed and she was laughing. He wanted to throttle her now. He grabbed ahold of her other arm intending to pull her close enough so that she could see the seriousness in his eyes.  But when he pulled her closer he didn’t stop. He pulled her against him and kissed her.  She felt good her lips were soft and warm and he felt sudden desire surge through him. He released her, shocked by his own actions. He waited for her to slap him. He knew he deserved it but she didn’t she just stared at him. He flushed embarrassed by his lack of restraint and thankful for the dim light so she couldn’t see it.
    “Come on.” He said gruffly pulling her toward the ladder again. He stopped at the top and motioned for her to go first.  She started down the ladder and he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. He had no idea what had come over him.
    Angelica wobbled a little on her feet. She didn’t feel very steady, her heart was pounding. She tried to take a deep breath to calm her nerves but it sent searing pain though her chest and she began to cough.
    “Are you alright?” Concern etched Luke’s brow and she nodded even as she continued to cough. “Come on let’s get you away from the smoke.” He put his hand on her lower back and gently pushed her out the door.  The air out side was cool and crisp and it felt good on her burning chest. She tried to force herself to stop coughing and just breathe but it only seemed to make it worse.
    “Come on dear, let’s get you some tea for that cough.” Ella said wrapping her arm around her waist.
    “No, I need to check on Ice.”
    “I’ll check on her, you go with Ella.” Luke said forcefully. She wanted to argue with him but the coughing made it difficult so she relented and let Ella lead her into the house.
     
    “Here you are dear.” Ella said placing a steaming cup in front of her on the table. Angelica was surprised it didn’t seem like enough time had passed for the water to boil. She took a swallow and tried to keep her nose from wrinkling as she forced the bitter liquid down her throat.  She really didn’t like the taste but she didn’t want to be rude. She placed the cup back on the table as she began to cough again. She closed her eyes concentrating on taking very shallow breaths to keep from coughing.
    “That was a very brave thing you did.” Ella said quietly sitting in the chair beside her.
    “Luke didn’t think so.” Angelica said softly.  She folded her arms on the table and