It was time to seriously consider her next career move…possibly feel him out to discover if their desires were aligned. How he felt about her, really felt, could impact the choice she made. Stay or go. Leave EMS, or turn her back on law.
He pulled into a parking space behind her town house and threw the truck into park. He’d just shifted in his seat toward her when his smile fell and his jaw clenched.
“What the hell is he doing here?”
Coss was staring at them through the passenger window. She startled, suddenly very glad that Luke hadn’t leaned in to kiss her. She took a breath and tucked her hair behind her ears before opening her door. Grabbing her purse, she gave Coss a tight, curious smile.
“Hey,” she greeted him.
He was standing so close, she nearly bumped into him as she exited the truck. She pulled up short to avoid body contact and smoothed her hands over her middle as Coss crossed his arms and stood his ground. Luke came around the front of the truck to stand beside her. Coss gave them a once over with a barely contained smirk.
“Where ya been?”
There was a bite to Luke’s reprimanding tone. “Excuse me?”
He moved ahead of her, getting in Coss’s personal space. The older medic smirked and gave a warning shake of his head.
“What do you need, man?” Luke’s voice was neutral, in no way reflecting his rigid posture.
“I came by a couple times to see Greer, but she wasn’t home. Figures she’d be with you. The two of you are pretty cozy, huh?”
Luke nudged forward a bit more and squared off with Coss, face-to-face. “Our friendship outside of work is none of your damn business.”
A sour taste rose in her throat. Had Coss been spying on them? She knew he lived a few blocks away, and she would see him drive by her place now and then. And she and Luke had taken a huge risk the time they’d gotten frisky in the laundry room. She’d been so clouded with pleasure, she hadn’t stopped to think that anyone could have stopped to listen to what was going on behind the door.
“Friendship. Sure thing.” He turned to her and frowned. He didn’t say anything, just stared at her. She had the urge to step back, but fuck him. He gave her the creeps, but she wasn’t going to let him know. Law school had shown her how to deliver a great poker face.
“That kid you talked to at the coffee shop came by the station last night.”
“Brent.”
Coss waved her off. “Whatever. His daddy’s funeral is Saturday at nine. He wanted you to know.”
Luke glanced at her. She hadn’t mentioned her interaction with the young man. Talking about it didn’t feel right, as if it was something just for her. She held back a heavy sigh. Saturday was her mother’s birthday party. She pulled the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder and moved around Coss toward her porch.
“Thanks for stopping by. You could have just texted me, though.”
She was almost across the sidewalk when her partner’s voice caught her.
“You’re going to be called in on a privacy violation.”
She spun. “What?”
“Sorry, kid. You can’t go around talking about calls. I filed a report with legal.”
Oh fuck him! She tipped her head and put on her fake smile. The one she used when her mother berated her for not being pleasant enough when company was over.
“I know the law, Coss. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Just because you’re a lawyer doesn’t mean a damn thing.”
Luke put a hand up, palm out, as if he was going to push Coss back. Instead, he stopped just shy of touching the older medic. Her heart flipped as the two men faced off. She knew the strength of Luke’s body, had traced each firm line with her fingertips. Coss was huskier, his form comprised of the kind of brute strength that those barrel-chested men on fake wrestling shows had. It wasn’t so much his size that worried her; it was the darkness in his expression, as if he really wanted to hurt Luke.
“What the hell is going on?” Luke demanded.
“It’s between me and your girlfriend.” Coss chuckled as if something terribly funny just popped into his head. “You know, I bet the city board would love to hear about your friendship with Greer at my director interview tomorrow.”
Luke’s nostrils flared. “You’re threatening me?”
Both men stepped forward, so close there was no room between them for her to try and stop them from going at it.
“No kid is going to take that job away from me, you hear? I was a medic when you were still sucking your mama’s tit.”
She couldn’t stop the panic fluttering in her chest. If they started swinging, there was nothing outside of calling the cops that would stop them. She’d seen Luke fight. And Coss didn’t seem the kind to quit until someone was dead.
“Knock it off, or I’m calling the police. You both know what happens if you get nailed with a disorderly. Unless you’re willing to lose your licenses. Then by all means, have at it.”
Since they were both up for director, she figured her threat would be enough to break up the testosterone party. The men pushed off of each other.
“Thank God,” she whispered quietly. She nudged her friend to step back even more, but he wasn’t paying her any attention.
“We’re not done,” Luke said, lifting his chin. “Not even close.”
Coss smirked and half turned to go. “I’ll remember that, pretty boy.”
He gave a fake salute, and with a final glance at her, wandered off down the sidewalk.
“Jesus. I mean, there’s a time and a place to be a fucking caveman, but if you’d started swinging you could have…”
“Stay away from him.”
She spread her hands as if to say, obviously. “I wish, but he’s my partner.”
Luke shook his head. “Not for long. I won’t allow it. He’s trouble, Greer.”
She crossed her arms, wishing her pulse would slow. “You won’t allow it? What does that mean?”
“It means that it’s my job to protect you, to watch out for you. I can’t stand by and leave you in harm’s way with that guy. He’s always been off, but this goes way over the line.”
The last vestiges of calm and peace from their trip crumbled away. Coming back to reality was always a bit sucky, sure, but they’d stepped right into a shit show. He was right. Coss was trouble. His threats and his reporting her for some perceived violation didn’t indicate a guy that played well in the sandbox. His sudden aggression took her a little by surprise, honestly. During her orientation, Coss had always been friendly, never showing this side of himself.
The detonator seemed to be competing for the same job.
“Does he come by your place a lot?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve seen him drive by, but if he lives nearby, then it makes sense he’d use this street.” Time to change the subject before this got more out of hand. “Will you go to Eugene’s funeral with me? It’s in the morning before my mother’s party.”
His jaw set hard. “Yes, I will, and stop trying to distract me. I’m talking to Chief today.”
She appreciated her friend’s concern, and he wasn’t wrong about Coss, but she was a grown woman. She’d had enough of her mother forcing her choices. It was one of the reasons she wasn’t in a hurry to make a career decision. She wanted it to be something she wanted for herself; not something everyone else wanted for her.
“I don’t need you speaking for me. I have a voice. I can express my own concerns.”
He waved her off. “It’ll be more effective coming from me.”
“I’m the one personally affected.”
“Right, but Greer, you’re too nice. You don’t get out of shitty situations as soon as you should. Okay? I’m going to handle this and get you reassigned so it gets done.”
Now she was pissed. “You’d better head out before I say something you’ll regret.”
He cocked his head with an impatient look. “This is serious. You’re transferring to Hous
e 115. That’s it.”
“Knock it off, Luke” She pulled the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder and moved past him. “I get that you’re pissed at Coss, but don’t take it out on me. I don’t want you speaking on my behalf when I’m perfectly capable.”
“You don’t get it. It’s my job to help you.”
She spun and pointed a finger at him. “No, you don’t get it. We’re not kids anymore. Things have changed, and I don’t need you.”
Her lips tingled as the words crossed over them. She wanted to pull them back in and swallow them down, deep down, so the flicker of hurt and stubborn pride crossing his handsome face never appeared.
He let out a short, hard breath. “You’re right. You don’t need me. Good call.”
The heaviness in her chest got worse as she scrambled for a way to take it back, to explain that she didn’t mean it the way it came across. He walked around the front of the truck, not bothering to even glance at her as he got in, started it up, and drove off.
Mentally kicking herself, Greer opened her apartment door and went in, locking up behind her before going into the living room and tossing her bag on the couch. Her body felt numb.
What a stupid thing to say. Just half an hour ago, she’d been daydreaming about broaching the topic of something more for them, a real relationship. And now she’d stomped on his ego—though, to be fair, he’d done a fair job of stepping all over hers, too.
A dart of sunlight extended from her makeshift art studio and across the living room floor. It spread across the hardwood, taking on an arch not unlike an angel’s wing. The urge to cry had a firm hold on her, but she wasn’t going to give in. She was just tired, and she’d said something she didn’t mean. She was sad she couldn’t attend the funeral this weekend because of her mother’s party. She already missed her friend. Giving in to her emotions wasn’t going to help.
The shape of light continued to slowly change in her mind.
What if Eugene had had an angel on his side when the building collapsed? Maybe he would have gotten out in time. Maybe there would have been something she and Luke could have done.
She went into the art room.
Maybe he could have his guardian angel after all.
Chapter Fourteen
Luke bristled as he spied Coss across the ambulance garage.
The older medic had his second interview for the director position today, unfortunately, before Luke had his at noon. This was it, the final round before the city decided on one of them to step into the director’s job. In a week or so, he’d know if all his hard work was going to pay off.
He crushed a paper coffee cup in his palm and tossed it into the garbage can. There weren’t a lot of advancement opportunities in this job. Director was about as high as he could go. It would feed him professionally, giving him that huge pat on the back for busting his ass so hard these past years. But it would also do so much more.
Greer.
Damn her.
Having her ride along with him to deliver the parts had been amazing. Looking over and seeing her there, listening to her crack stupid jokes, being able to reach over and touch her… She belonged in the passenger seat of his old truck. It had been like old times—hanging out together, just being together. And he couldn’t help but think, the same way he did when they were younger, that she belonged in the front seat of his life.
Like always. Like it was supposed to be.
Except that she’d said she didn’t need him anymore.
Fucking Coss, interrupting them when he was so close to telling her… Telling her what? That he wanted her? That he wanted to make things between them more permanent? He ran a hand through his hair and cursed himself.
She might not be the pampered princess she was years ago. She did a good job of standing on her own feet. But she still deserved the best, and he couldn’t support her the way he should on a medic’s salary. But if he got director, he might have a shot with her.
Coss was dead set on beating him out of the job, one way or another. He’d probably make good on his threat and say something about Luke’s relationship with Greer. They’d crossed the line, yeah. It was stupid, and he knew better, of course. But he couldn’t seem to keep his damn hands off her luscious body. He couldn’t stay away from the drug of her laugh or the scent of her skin.
He wanted more. Fuck it, he did. He wanted more. For now, he was going to play the good friend, like he always had. She’d asked him to attend Eugene’s funeral on Saturday morning, and he’d agreed because that’s what friends did. Even though a bigger need was brewing in his mind.
A car door shut outside the open ambulance doors, the sound followed by the click of something on the pavement. The clicking grew louder as someone entered the garage. The huge garage doors were open to welcome the nice weather, and it wasn’t uncommon for community members—kids mostly—to stop in and ask to see the fire trucks.
A wave of heavy perfume knocked him square in the nose. This wasn’t a kid. Damn! He groaned and headed that way. He’d know that scent anywhere.
Marvelene Worth stood like a perfect statute just inside the bay. Her arms were pulled into her body as if she was afraid something might touch the sleeve of her burgundy tweed suit. It didn’t matter that his ambulance bays were sparkling clean. Leave it to Marvelene to act like she’d contract genital herpes just from walking in.
“Mrs. Worth,” Luke greeted her lightly.
She smiled tightly and waved her fingers at him. “Lucas! How nice. Where might I find my daughter?”
Good question. He hadn’t seen her all morning.
“I’m not sure. If you’d like to come in for some coffee, I’ll find her.”
“No, no. That’s all right.” She lifted her chin as if the thought of walking through the garage disgusted her. “Perhaps you could give her a message, since she’s ignoring mine.”
He held back a grin. Greer had ignoring her mother down to an art. And it never failed that she’d turn to him to flush her daughter out. Marvelene crossed her hands in front of her and looked at him expectantly. Was he supposed to whip out paper and a pen and take notes?
“Why don’t you let me find her for you, and you can tell her personally.”
The older woman cocked her head. Her light-blond hair was pulled into a poufy thing on her head, not a strand out of place. Her skin was still flawless and perfectly made up. Through the years, Greer’s mom had barely aged. She looked so much like her daughter. Money and good genetics. What more could a girl ask for?
“Let’s be speedy, then. I have court in an hour.”
He didn’t bother asking again if she wanted to come in. She could stand there in all her snooty glory, for all he cared.
“I didn’t know Greer had a younger sister.”
Coss sauntered over with a weird smile on his face and extended a hand as he reached Marvelene. If he thought charm was going to work on this woman, he’d quickly learn otherwise.
“She doesn’t,” Marvelene replied flatly.
“I’m Coss, your daughter’s partner.” He stood there like an idiot, hand still outstretched even though she made no move to accept it.
Finally, she touched the tips of three fingers quickly to his, made a fast shake, and withdrew.
“Are you responsible for my daughter sticking it out in this place, or is he?” She looked between them with her standard displeased frown. Coss took a slight step back.
“Pardon?”
“Well, someone is convincing her to keep up this…this job. I’m assuming she’s getting encouragement from somewhere.”
As much as he didn’t want to leave Coss alone with Marvelene—or hell, maybe he did—he needed to find Greer so she could save them both. Luke quietly excused himself as Marvelene began firing questions at Coss.
“Hurry, Lucas!” she called out.
He rolled his eyes and headed downstairs. Greer liked to hide out in the damn tiny dark laundry room for some reason. It had been great for a quickie
, sure, but it was too depressing to spend much time in. Sure enough, he found her leaning over the quiet dryer, her forearm resting on top as she drew something.
Not wanting to startle her, he rapped his knuckles on the doorframe. It took her a second to drag her gaze his way. She looked dazed, as if she’d been completely immersed in what she was doing. He felt a pang of regret over how their conversation had ended yesterday.
God, he’d felt that same regret a million times since he’d left her outside of her apartment.
The softness of her expression ripped at his heart. She was so fucking beautiful.
“I’m really sorry to ruin your day, but your mom is here.”
Her brow fell before she looked up in exasperation. “Seriously?
“It’s not all bad. She was giving Coss an earful when I left.” He thought the quip would make her smile. Instead her expression grew serious. She set the pencil down.
“I’m sorry about what I said last night. I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”
His entire body softened. God, he wanted to pull her close and kiss the hell out of her.
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
She slowly folded up the paper she’d been drawing on. “I don’t want to transfer to 115. You didn’t say anything to Cane or Chief, did you?”
He shook his head. Speaking for her directly was never his intention, even though he’d come across too aggressive about it. Though he was uncomfortable with her staying with Coss, the choice was hers.
As much as he wanted to stay and clear things up with her, Marvelene’s presence upstairs was pressing on him. “We’d better get to your mom before she brings the place down.”
They didn’t talk as they walked to the garage, but he felt her beside him the entire way. It took all his will not to slip his arm around her back and pull her to him.
Her mouth tightened when she spotted her mother. Coss gave Greer a cursory look before slinking away. Luke was about to do the same when soft fingers slid around his wrist and gave him a tug.
Shocking the Medic (Pulse series) Page 10
