Page 69 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

“That’s amazing, how that one event changed your life and you were only eight years old. Do you know what happened to the man? If he did survive in the end?”

“No, but I always wondered. I like to think he made it.”

“Is that why you chose the emergency room? So you could save lives.”

“Well, a doctor saves lives whatever their field is, but I like the excitement of trauma medicine. Granted most of the emergency room patients aren’t in a life threatening condition, but I love that part of it, too.”

“You were really good with Sam, and I expect that’s how you are with everyone you take care of.”

“I try.” He finished the last of his coffee, then rinsed the cup before putting it in the dishwasher.

“You want another Pop-Tart?”

“No. I’m one and done with those things.” He stepped to her. “You’re all the sugar I want.”

“You say the sweetest things.”

“How’s this for sweet?” He lifted his hands to her cheeks, then covered her mouth with his, and when she opened for him, he slid his tongue over hers, tasting her. He could exist off her sweetness for the rest of his life. Like an addict craving a fix, he craved her.

“Bed,” he murmured against her lips.

“Your wrist,” she said when he scooped her up.

“Is fine. Barely hurts.”

He was halfway through the living room when Wyatt walked in.

“Oh, hell.” Wyatt covered his eyes. “Put some clothes on, people.”

“I’m going to take away his key,” Matti muttered.

“Great idea.” He grinned at Wyatt, who was peeking between his fingers. “Knock next time, man.”

“You can count on it.”

Too bad that what promised to be an awesome morning loving on Matti was going to be ruined with talk of Sam’s mean men.

Chapter 29

Both of them dressed now, Matti walked ahead of Ryan to the living room. She laughed when he grumbled about Wyatt spoiling his fun.

“Much better,” Wyatt said when they returned. He leveled a hard stare on Ryan. “Is this where I ask what your intentions are toward my sister?”

Matti rolled her eyes. “Knock it off, Wyatt.”

He smirked. “Just doing my job. It’s in the brother’s rule book—question the motives of any boy sniffing around your sister.”

“I’m going to marry her,” Ryan said, then winked at her.

“Huh?” What did that wink mean? That he really didn’t mean it? Did she want him to mean it? No, no she didn’t. He was a doctor. She knew firsthand what that meant. It would be all hearts and roses until she had a handful of kids, then he’d never be around because being a doctor was more important. And like her mother, she’d never be able to justify asking for more of his time when he was saving lives. She’d watched exactly that happen to Emily and had decided long ago that it wasn’t going to be the same for her because she’d never marry a doctor.

“No one’s getting married, so both of you stop being ridiculous.” She plopped down on the couch. “Ryan said you were going to talk to your captain about something?”

Ryan sat next to her. “I have a feeling we don’t want to hear what he’s going to tell us, but I guess we have to.”

“Yeah, you’re not going to like it,” Wyatt said. “You got any coffee?”

“You know I do. Go help yourself.”