Perfect Fit

by Carly Phillips

  “Dr. Nussbaum, please call extension fifty-three. Dr. Nussbaum, extension fifty-three.” The voice over the hospital loudspeaker broke into Cara’s heated thoughts.

  Although those sensual memories had been a welcome distraction from worrying about Sam, the last thing she wanted to be thinking about was the man who was now her boss. He’d completely rocked her world, but he hadn’t mentioned it since his return. Granted, she hadn’t brought up the subject either, but his complete refusal to acknowledge her as more than one of his officers grated her female pride. Even the few times they were alone, Mike had been abrupt and all business.

  When he arrived, she had no doubt he’d want to talk about what she and Sam were doing on Route 80, heading back to Serendipity from the outskirts of town. They’d been looking into a cold case Mike had assigned to them and were just beginning to realize that the implications of their findings might affect Mike personally. She wouldn’t share anything without Sam’s permission. Not even with her boss. Hopefully he wouldn’t push for information. If she had good news about Sam, maybe he wouldn’t delve too deeply into where they’d been or why.

  Suddenly the street doors swung wide and Cara caught sight of Mike, his dark hair longer than regulation for a cop, his leather jacket giving him a dangerous edge. During the week, he wore suits and ties when he had scheduled meetings, but Cara knew he preferred his beat-up leather and jeans to the stuffy boss clothing the job demanded.

  Mike barreled through the lobby and headed straight for her, his sister right behind him.

  “How’s Sam?” Erin asked.

  “What the hell happened?” Mike barked at Cara.

  She straightened to her full height, which at five foot three wasn’t much compared to his almost six feet. “We were in an accident, Chief.”

  “Any news on Sam?” Erin asked.

  Cara shook her head. “Not yet, but he was conscious when the ambulance brought him in.”

  “I didn’t have you two on the schedule today.” Mike pinned her with a steady stare.

  Cara looked into his chocolate brown eyes, wondering how they could have been so sexy all those months ago and so cold and forbidding now. “And if you’ll notice, I’m not in uniform. Your brother and I were out for a ride. It’s a gorgeous day,” she said, hating the evasion that fell from her lips.

  “Ease up,” Erin said, punching Mike in the arm. “She’s not on duty and she’s as worried about Sam as we are. And lay off the formalities. Cara’s like family.”

  Cara and Erin were the same age, and though they hadn’t been best friends in school, they’d been in the same general group of girls, while Sam, a year older, had been a friend; it wasn’t until they both joined the force together that their friendship solidified and Cara became more a part of the Marsdens’ inner circle. By then, Mike had been long gone.

  Erin pulled Cara into an embrace. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  Cara managed a nod and hugged Erin back. “It was scary,” she said, allowing herself to admit her fear for the first time. She stepped away from Erin. Suddenly cold, she wished she were wearing a heavier jacket.

  “You’re shaking.” Erin said, breaking into her thoughts. “And your cheek is bruised.”

  “Air bag,” Cara said softly.

  “Were you checked out?” Mike asked, his tone deep and gravelly, sending shivers through her that had nothing to do with the earlier accident.

  “The paramedics cleared me at the scene. It’s just a delayed reaction, I guess.”

  Mike’s frown deepened. “Let’s sit.” Without waiting for her to agree, he grasped her elbow and led her to a chair.

  Because Cara’s legs were truly unsteady, she let him have his way. Erin picked a chair across the aisle, while Mike chose a spot beside Cara. He sat next to her, so close the musky scent of his aftershave warmed her in ways she couldn’t think about now.

  “What happened?” Erin asked softly.

  In a weird way it was a relief to go back to the accident and share the experience. “Sam was driving. He was fine one minute, and the next he doubled over in pain. I reached for the wheel, but I had no leverage and the car hit a tree.”

  She blew out a stream of air and steadied herself before continuing. “My air bag deployed. His didn’t. Sam’s head hit the steering wheel”—she winced as she recalled the awful sound—“and his side of the car took the brunt of the impact. I was able to call for an ambulance and here we are.” She clenched her fists until her nails bit into her flesh.

  “Easy,” Mike said as his big, strong hand covered hers and he gently pried her fingernails away from her skin.

  Her entire body reacted to his touch, awareness jolting through her like a sudden burst of electricity. Startled, she met his gaze and in that moment she knew he was as stunned as she.

  Until he jerked his hand back and rose to his feet. “Where is a damned doctor with some news?”

  Erin rose and put a hand on her brother’s shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.” No sooner had she spoken than a familiar voice called out Cara’s name.

  “Alexa!” Relieved, Cara jumped up and turned to Dr. Alexa Collins, a beautiful woman with auburn hair now pulled back in a bun. She was not only one of Cara’s closest friends but the doctor on call.

  “How is he?” Sam’s siblings asked at the same time.

  “He’s stable. He had an appendicitis attack while he was driving.” She glanced at Cara. “Did he mention any pain during the day?”

  She thought back and shook her head.

  Alexa frowned. “Then he must have covered and ignored it. Appendicitis pain typically increases over a period of time. Stubborn man,” she muttered, knowing Sam as well as Cara did. “Okay, well, he’s in surgery to take care of the appendix, and barring any complications he should be fine. He’s also got a concussion from impact with the steering wheel, but again, barring complications, nothing life threatening.” She smiled at Erin, Michael, and Cara to put them at ease. “I’m going to go back in. As soon as he’s in recovery, I’ll let you know. You can see him later.”

  “Thank you,” Erin breathed out in relief. “I’ll go let Mom and Dad know.” She rushed outside, probably to a place she could use her cell phone.

  “Thanks, Alexa,” Cara said.

  The other woman smiled. “I can honestly say it’s my pleasure. It’ll also be my pleasure to kick his ass for ignoring pain. And trust me, he had to have felt something earlier.”

  “I’ll help you,” Mike muttered. “Thanks for everything.”

  Alexa nodded. “I’ll be back soon with news.” She, too, took off, leaving Cara and Mike alone.

  Most of her earlier shakiness had subsided, leaving Cara exhausted. “I’m going to get some coffee. Want some?” she asked the hulking, silent man beside her.

  “No, thanks.”

  She shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said, more uncomfortable now that the mood between them had shifted from connected to awkward. But awkward was the way things had been since his return. She turned and headed for the door.

  “Cara.”

  Surprised, she pivoted back toward him. “Yes?”

  “Thank you. For calling 911 and making sure Sam got here quickly.”

  It was as much of an apology for his earlier rudeness as she was likely to get. If she hadn’t been in the room with him that night three months ago, under him, over him, him deep inside her, his recent behavior would have convinced Cara that the most spectacular evening of her life had never happened. But it had, she thought, shivering as her body recalled the intimate connection. And that brief time together along with the flare of heat in his eyes today had convinced her she wasn’t crazy. He’d been as affected as she was, whether he showed it or not.

  It was his choice not to acknowledge it that proved he wanted nothing to do with her. Heck, he clearly didn’t even want a repeat performance, which merely reinforced Sam’s point. As he’d informed Cara before she’d left the bar with his brother, Mike vi
ewed everything and everyone in life as temporary. He’d even reminded her of Tiffany Marks, the woman he’d dated before leaving for Atlantic City. Everyone in town knew she’d gone so far as to make inquiries into booking the only church in town for a wedding Mike had never planned on happening. Except Tiffany had been certain Mike was on the verge of popping the question, and she’d been heartbroken when he’d left.

  When Cara had agreed to their one night, she’d been okay with that. She knew that while he didn’t stick around, she was a small-town girl at heart, with small-town aspirations. She’d happily remain in Serendipity long after the big-city detective left his temporary job as chief of police behind. She had no doubt if she got involved with Mike again, she’d end up with a broken heart. But he wasn’t asking her for anything.

  Yet if he pressed, she’d be tempted. And what did that say about her? She shook her head to dislodge thoughts of a man who clearly wasn’t interested. Cara wouldn’t chase after a man any more than she’d let one take advantage of her. Her mother and father’s unbalanced, unhealthy relationship set an example Cara refused to follow.

  With that reality firmly in mind, she went for coffee.

  Mike had faced down drug dealers and embezzlers with enough at stake to warrant killing him in order to keep their activities secret, and he hadn’t been afraid. He’d be damned if he’d let one pint-sized police officer with ocean-blue eyes get under his skin. His brother would be okay, and that was what he needed to focus on, not the way Cara, the always-in-control cop, had nearly broken down, reminding him she was also soft and female. He already knew that all too well.

  After seeing Cara at the hospital yesterday, Mike had promised himself that except for work, he’d steer clear. He’d even thought his self-imposed directive would be simple. But when he came to visit his brother the next morning, Cara was already there, having stopped by on her way to work. He heard her laughter from the hallway as he approached Sam’s room.

  Though he wanted to come back later, Mike wasn’t a coward. He gripped the handle and let himself inside.

  “Nice way to get some attention,” Mike said to Sam, who was laid up in bed.

  “I’m not stupid.” His light-brown hair was messed and sticking up at odd angles, his face pale, yet he managed a grin.

  “No, you’re not. The nurses are lining up to take care of him,” Cara said, catching Mike’s gaze.

  She rose to her feet. In her blue uniform, she looked every inch the professional.

  “I was just leaving for work. I’ll let you two visit.” She gestured for Mike to take the chair she’d vacated by the side of the bed.

  “Don’t let me run you off,” Mike said. “I’m sure your boss won’t mind if you’re a few minutes late for your shift.”

  Cara pursed her lips. “Oh, I don’t know about that. He’s quite the hard-ass sometimes.”

  Sam burst out laughing, then groaned and shut his eyes.

  “I’m sorry.” Cara leaned over and pressed her hand to his cheek. “Are you okay?”

  He nodded. “Maybe you should go. I may burst my stitches if you stick around while he’s here.” Sam inclined his head toward Mike.

  He frowned, not liking that Cara hadn’t yet removed her hand from his brother’s cheek. “I’m her boss,” Mike reminded them. “Doesn’t that warrant at least some respect?”

  “Only when you’re on duty, big brother.” Sam swallowed what was sure to be another laugh.

  Cara shook her head, her smile coming through as she finally pulled her hand away.

  Apparently she’d taken his sister’s words to heart and decided she could give him a hard time off duty. Her sassy mouth was one of the things he’d enjoyed about her when he’d visited a few months ago, and it could definitely get him in trouble again now.

  “I’m going, I’m going,” Cara muttered. “But I’ll be back after my shift. You,” she said, wagging a finger at Sam. “Behave and listen to your nurses.”

  “Bring me a burger from The Family Restaurant?” he asked.

  Cara shook her head. “Not until the doctors say it’s okay.” She glanced at Mike, meeting his gaze with a wry smile, showing off two dimples in her cheeks.

  Damn. How could she be professional, cute, and sexy all at the same time? He’d worked with many women over the years, and he’d never been affected like this. Never mixed business and pleasure on the job because that made a situation harder to walk away from.

  “Who’s her partner while I’m stuck here?” Sam asked.

  One of the changes Mike intended to make within the department was eliminating partners. The way he viewed it, the force was small, as was the town. No need to tie up two officers together who could cover more areas separately. He’d planned to schedule a meeting with his officers next week, but now he’d wait a little while longer until Sam was up to speed.

  “I paired her with Dare,” Mike said, giving her a heads-up.

  “Dare and I work well together, so thanks,” she said, sounding surprised.

  Did she really think he’d deliberately put her with someone more difficult after the day she’d had yesterday?

  “Don’t forget to save the fun stuff for me,” Sam said, sounding suddenly intense.

  Cara met Sam’s gaze. “You know it,” she said.

  Which, to Mike, sounded like a promise. He glanced from his brother, who lay prone in his bed, to Cara. She stood by the door, massaging the muscles in her neck.

  “Are you sure you’re up to working today?” Mike asked. “No whiplash, pain, or trauma?”

  “Nah. I’m tougher than I look. And definitely tougher than my partner.” With a wink at Sam and a quick gaze at Mike, she ducked out the door, leaving the brothers alone.

  “Sit,” Sam said in a no-argument tone that belied the fact that Mike was the older brother and Sam was laid up in a hospital bed.

  Not wanting to upset Sam in his condition, Mike lowered himself into the chair. Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned back. “What’s up?”

  “What’s going on with you and Cara?” Sam asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “You haven’t discussed what happened between you two yet?” Sam asked, or rather croaked through his dry throat.

  Mike handed his brother a cup of water from his tray. “It hasn’t come up.”

  Sam drank and put his cup down. “You mean she hasn’t brought it up, so you won’t.”

  “Why the hell did you wait until you were lying in a hospital bed for this discussion? It’s not like we couldn’t have had this talk weeks ago.” Or preferably not at all, Mike thought.

  “Because you’ll pay attention to me now.” Sam smirked at that little bit of truth.

  “It’s none of your business,” Mike tried reminding his brother. He shifted his gaze to the white hospital walls. Unless…A sudden thought came to him. “Did Cara say anything to you about us?” The word sounded awkward on his tongue.

  “No. She knows not to expect anything from you,” Sam muttered.

  “Good.” Mike exhaled the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

  The last thing he needed was a woman he’d slept with and who now worked for him having any expectations. He shuddered at the thought. It was taking all he had inside him to focus on staying in Serendipity, working at his father’s job, and worrying about his old man.

  “Good?” Sam clenched his fists at his side.

  When it came to Cara, his brother’s protective instincts came out like crazy. Another reason Mike knew he’d made a mistake sleeping with her.

  Except it hadn’t felt like a mistake at the time. And he wanted to do it again.

  “Just because she knows doesn’t mean you aren’t making her feel like shit by ignoring what happened. Jesus, Mike, was it that bad?”

  “No, it was that good. Now can we drop it?” Mike barked at his brother.

  To his shock, Sam grinned. “Just one question first. What would you do to someone who treated Erin the way you’re treating Cara
?”

  Mike preferred to think of his younger sister as a sweet innocent, not a twenty-seven-year-old woman. “I’d kick his ass,” Mike said immediately.

  Sam’s knowing stare, full of meaning and, yeah, disappointment, stabbed Mike in the gut, and blood rushed to his cheeks in embarrassment. Shame quickly followed. Okay, so he and Cara had some talking to do.

  And clearly Mike had walked right into his brother’s trap. “I’m still not discussing Cara with you.”

  “Good, because I don’t want details. I just wanted you to look at things the right way.” Sam gestured to the water, and Mike poured him some more. “Besides, I figure you two can only ignore the obvious for so long before something gives.”

  Sam had a point. Which brought Mike full circle to his earlier thoughts. No matter how much he denied it or tried to pretend otherwise, the woman got to him in a way that made her more dangerous than any potential suspect or case. And now that he realized he could no longer ignore the past, putting it out for discussion would only make the feelings between them more real.

  No, not feelings, he thought with a hard shake of his head. That word involved emotion. What he and Cara had shared was hot sex. Hotter than any he’d ever had—

  “So how are you feeling?” Mike asked Sam, deliberately changing the subject.

  His brother’s wince said it all. “Like my head’s about to explode, and my abdomen’s bloated and hurts like a son of a bitch.”

  Mike nodded in understanding. “Rest. I’ll tell everyone at the station to hold off visiting for a day or two.”

  Sam’s eyes began to close. “I’d appreciate that. I’m getting kicked out in two days, so they can come by and visit me then.”

  “Do you need me to move in for a couple of days and help you out?” Mike asked.