Perfect Fling

by Carly Phillips

  He didn’t know how much time had passed before he finally saw Mike come back out of the double doors. This time, the other man was more alert, and his gaze settled on Cole immediately.

  “Hey, man. What are you doing here?”

  Cole swallowed hard. “I was with you when you got the news. I couldn’t very well go home without knowing if you needed anything.” The truth, as far as it went.

  “I appreciate it.” Mike ran his hand through his already screwed-up hair.

  “How is she?” Cole asked, attempting not to show the craziness he was beginning to feel from wondering what was happening with Erin.

  “They’re assessing her now.” Mike checked his cell, then met Cole’s gaze. “You know, there is something you can do for me. I need to track down Sam,” he said, referring to his brother. “Cara is out handling a domestic violence call so she can’t do it for me. Since you’re here, can you wait outside Erin’s cubicle and get me as soon as there’s news?”

  “Sure.” Cole hoped he didn’t look as pleased as he felt, being given the opportunity to see Erin firsthand.

  “Great. Come on. I’ll walk you back.” Mike led Cole back into the treatment area. “She’s in cubicle three,” he said. “I just want to go outside and try to call Sam again. I want him to hear this from me, and the cell service in this area sucks.” Both of the Marsden brothers were protective of their sister.

  “Just wait outside. When the doctor’s finished, you can go in. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see a familiar face and not be alone.”

  Cole wasn’t as certain, but he merely nodded. “I’ll call you if I hear something before you get back inside.”

  Mike nodded. “I owe you one.”

  Cole didn’t see it that way, so he didn’t reply.

  With Mike gone, Cole placed himself directly outside Erin’s small cubicle, folded his arms across his chest, and waited. His pulse had sped up, and now his heart beat hard in his chest and he’d begun to sweat. He hoped like hell the bullet hadn’t been lodged somewhere or she’d need surgery to have it removed.

  Son of a bitch, who’d be firing a gun in the parking lot of the police station?

  He stepped closer to the cubicle and the doctor’s voice sounded through the curtain. “. . . bullet appears to have passed straight through, but we’ll know more after some tests.”

  “Okay,” Erin said softly, sounding weak, probably from loss of blood.

  “Since you’re pregnant, we’re limited to what antibiotics and painkillers we can give you.”

  “What?!” At the doctor’s words, the blood drained from Cole’s head.

  Before he could pull himself together, the curtain swung wide, and he came face-to-face with Erin’s doctor.

  Erin stared at him with a horrified expression on her pale face.

  “Who are you?” the man in the white lab coat asked.

  “It’s okay.” Erin spoke in a shaky voice. She glanced at the doctor, her hazel eyes dull with pain. “Can you give us a few minutes?”

  “Of course.” The physician stepped out.

  And Cole forced himself to take the other man’s place by Erin’s bedside. He took in her ashen skin and the petrified look on her face and decided immediately the pregnancy discussion could wait.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “I’m okay.”

  “Liar.” He chuckled even as he admired her strength. “Now, how are you really feeling?”

  “It hurts like hell.” She bit down on her lower lip and sucked in a shallow breath. Tears shimmered in her pretty eyes and he felt her pain deep in his gut.

  “I know.” He put a hand on her uninjured shoulder. To his relief, she didn’t flinch or pull away.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked.

  “I was with your brother when he got word of shots in the parking lot. We ran outside, I heard it was you . . .” He shrugged. “And here I am.”

  He wondered exactly what he was confessing with the admission. His emotions were in turmoil and obviously they were about to be tossed around even more. “Erin—”

  “Cole—” she said at the same time.

  “Were you going to tell me?” Or was she too humiliated by the thought of being pregnant with his child?

  He wouldn’t blame her, but that didn’t change the fact that the baby she was carrying was his responsibility.

  Oh, man. Baby. Responsibility. Jesus.

  “I was trying to find the right time. And the right words.” Her cheeks turned pink. She still hadn’t met his gaze, but now she looked him in the eye. “You don’t question the fact that it’s yours?”

  He cocked an eyebrow, surprised. “I question a hell of a lot of things in life, but this? No.”

  Her lips turned down in a frown. “Because I’m such a good, sweet girl, huh?”

  No, because he knew through the grapevine she hadn’t been seeing anyone lately. He’d have expected her to be relieved he wasn’t going to argue paternity. Instead she’d sounded more annoyed by her reputation.

  He shook his head, telling himself this was no time to be amused or find her reactions cute. “If it helps, you weren’t such a good girl that night,” he said, memories and heat swamping him.

  She managed a laugh, which had been his intent. Now for the harder stuff. “About the baby—”

  “I’m keeping it.” She attempted to fold her arms across her chest, but groaned in pain, tears finally leaking from the corners of her eyes.

  His heart clenched in his chest. “Stay still, dammit.” He curled his fingers into fists, feeling useless and unable to help her.

  “Don’t yell at me!”

  “Then don’t assume I’d ask you to get rid of my kid!” he barked right back.

  They glared at each other and Cole realized they’d just had their first major disagreement . . . while still managing to come down on the same side.

  “What the fuck did I just hear?” Mike asked, shoving through the closed curtain, his glare bouncing between Cole and Erin.

  • • •

  One look at her brother’s horrified expression and Erin shrank lower in the bed. What a nightmare, and she wasn’t talking about being shot. Shot! In her sleepy hometown, in the police station parking lot, of all places.

  Although figuring out who fired at her and why should be her brother’s biggest priority, Mike looked as if he were about to attack Cole, and Erin wouldn’t allow that. “Mike?”

  “What?” he asked, his voice gentling when he looked at her. “When did this bastard take advantage of you and why didn’t you tell me?”

  She pointed to his clenched fist with her good hand. “That’s why. And he didn’t take advantage of me. It was mutual.”

  “He should have damn well used protection!” Mike thundered, his voice raised.

  Erin’s embarrassment flew off the charts. “Shh!”

  “Quit embarrassing your sister,” Cole said in a more subdued voice. “Not that it’s any of your business, but we did use protection.”

  Every time, Erin thought, but knew better than to say that out loud. “Accidents happen,” she said instead.

  “Well, I hope he intends to—”

  “That’s enough!” Erin used what strength she had left to yell at her brother before collapsing against the hard pillow behind her. “This is between Cole and me. I know you care, and I understand you’re upset, but you need to stand down.”

  “Or take it out on me when we’re alone. Back off your sister,” Cole said, sounding more protective than she’d imagined him being.

  Then again, she didn’t know how he’d handle things. Considering the way he’d heard the news, so far so good.

  “Sam’s on his way, and so is Cara,” Mike said, still obviously seething, but holding it in.

  Erin sucked in a breath. “You can tell Cara when you’re alone. I don’t expect you to keep secrets from your wife, but I’d appreciate you letting me tell Sam myself. Same with Mom and Dad, and not until they co
me home.” She pinned Mike with her most serious glare.

  “Fine. How’s your arm?” he asked, his voice softening.

  “Hurts. I have to see what the doctors will let me take for pain since I’m pregnant.” Before that could get him worked up again, Erin changed the subject. “Have your people found anything on the shooter?”

  Mike shook his head. “They’re working on it now, scouring the area. We’re hoping to find the bullet so we can run ballistics. We’re interviewing people who work in the area, and when you’re up to it, I’ll need to talk to you.”

  She nodded.

  “Any cases you’re working on that scream trouble to you?” Cole asked.

  “I—” Erin began.

  “Police business, Sanders,” Mike interrupted before she could reply.

  She rolled her eyes. “Cole knows what he’s doing. Another set of eyes, ears, and experience might help.”

  “He knows what?” Mike asked Erin.

  She opened her mouth and closed it again. Her brother was right. Just what kind of experience did she think Cole had, considering how little she knew about him?

  “I don’t know,” she admitted. But she’d gone off and defended him like he’d been working for the Secret Service for the last few years.

  Her brother and Cole eyed each other warily, as if in possession of some big secret. Erin had seen that look over the years between her two brothers when they wanted her left out of something—for her own good.

  “What?!” she half yelled at them.

  Cole inclined his head at Mike, obviously giving him permission to reveal it. Whatever it was.

  “Your instincts are right,” her brother said through gritted teeth. “Cole knows what he’s doing. He’s been doing undercover work for the NYPD.”

  Erin blinked in surprise. Not that her gut feelings about Cole had been on target, but because she hadn’t any idea where he’d been, what he’d done . . . or seen. She still didn’t have any inkling about the details, but with the darkness that surrounded him now being the beginnings of an explanation, she suppressed a shiver.

  “When will you be released?” Mike asked, changing the subject from the shooter and from Cole.

  “They aren’t keeping me overnight, but the doctor still has to run some tests, clean the wound, and bandage it better.”

  Mike nodded. “Then Cara will take you back to our place.”

  “I’ve got her,” Cole said, stepping close to the head of the bed, his voice firm.

  “Whoa,” Erin said. “I don’t care who takes me home, but I’m going back to my place.”

  “Not alone,” Cole said.

  Erin scrunched her nose and looked up at him. “Why on earth not?”

  The two men looked at each other, clearly coming to yet another silent understanding and agreement that didn’t bode well for her. “Well?”

  “You were shot and you were in pain, or has the burn suddenly worn off?” her brother asked.

  “No.”

  “Then it’s not safe for you to be alone,” Mike said, sounding almost pleased.

  Sadistic bastard, Erin thought, uncharitably.

  “That’s ridiculous. There’s no way someone deliberately aimed at me. I’m sure I was at the wrong place, wrong time. I don’t have any cases that would remotely lead to someone wanting to hurt me!”

  “You think.” Mike narrowed his gaze, his mulish expression one she’d seen many times before.

  “You can’t say for sure, so safety’s an issue until we know it’s not,” Cole said, not only agreeing with her brother, but clearly taking charge. “You admitted to being in pain, which will get worse before it gets better, and if they let you take painkillers, you’ll be fuzzy. Not to mention that you’re immobile with the arm being bandaged and in a sling.”

  He leaned closer and met her brother’s determined gaze. “I’ll take her back to her place and stay. She’ll be safe with me.”

  “The hell she will.” Mike’s expression morphed back to furious. “She’s coming to my place until we can ascertain who shot her and why, and until I know she’s safe.” Mike straightened his shoulders, preparing for a fight.

  Erin had had enough of their posturing. “She is right here. And she will decide what’s best for herself.”

  Cole lifted her good hand, taking her by surprise with his gentleness. “While you’re deciding, remember that’s my baby you’re carrying, which makes you my responsibility.”

  “I can take care of myself.”

  The two men did that silent communication thing again, but no way would they decide what was best for her. She’d choose for herself where she was going.

  “I’m going home,” she told them in the strongest voice she could manage.

  Mike set his jaw. “Then Cole’s going with you.”

  Erin whipped her head around and glared at her brother. “Weren’t you the one who just questioned his ability to keep me safe?”

  “I wanted you with me. I also know better than to think I’ll win when you make up your mind. So if you insist on going home, you’re not going alone. If you prefer, Sam can move in.”

  “No!” Erin and Cole spoke in unison.

  Erin loved her brother, but if they were staying under one roof, she’d probably want to throttle him within an hour. “Mike, go do your job. Cole and I need to talk, okay?”

  Her brother braced an arm behind her head. “Promise me you won’t leave here by yourself?”

  “I promise,” she said before Cole could answer for her—because she just knew he would.

  Mike leaned down and kissed Erin on the forehead. “I’ll be by later.” He spoke to her, but his intense stare was on Cole.

  Then he took off, leaving Erin alone with the father of her baby. Who wanted to move in with her. Which made Erin wonder just when her life had gotten so complicated.

  Just as Mike left, the doctor returned, which put off any conversation. Exhausted and in pain, Erin was relieved, but she knew the reprieve was temporary. She had a hunch she and Cole would have plenty to talk about once she was released.

  Four

  Seated in the waiting room, Cole watched the clock while Erin was treated. Knowing basic protocol, it would be a while before they assessed the extent of the injury, flushed and treated the wound properly, and prepped her to go home.

  He wasn’t surprised when Mike returned, cornering him in the hospital waiting room.

  “We need to talk,” the other man said.

  Cole nodded. “I’m listening.”

  He owed Mike the respect due as Erin’s brother, but the decision had been made, and he refused to budge. As for Mike’s feelings on the pregnancy, well, Cole didn’t need to hear that either. Facts were facts, just like done was done. He couldn’t change things now.

  To Cole’s surprise, Mike settled in beside him in a chair, instead of remaining on his feet to give himself the tactical advantage.

  “You’ve been gone awhile so you missed the drama with my old man,” Mike said.

  Cole hadn’t expected this line of discussion. “Simon?”

  “No. Rex Bransom.”

  Cole raised an eyebrow, then suddenly recalled old stories about how Simon Marsden had adopted Mike when he was a baby. Unsure where Mike was going, all Cole could do was listen. “Go on.”

  Mike groaned. “Rex got my mother pregnant when they were dating. He was always the bachelor, the charming guy, but not the one anyone could really count on for the long haul.”

  “Like me,” Cole said, not missing the similarities—or the dig.

  Mike eyed him intently. “I’m hoping the jury’s out on that.”

  Cole appreciated even that much leeway.

  Mike leaned back in his seat. “Look, I know what it’s like to grow up feeling unwanted by my real father. It didn’t matter that Simon did everything right; those scars remained. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “I won’t be abandoning my kid,” Cole said emphatically. If he knew nothing els
e, he knew that.

  He loved his job. It was dangerous and it took him away from any semblance of a real life, or even the chance of one. But it was all Cole knew. And it suited him. None of that meant he wouldn’t provide for his kid.

  Mike inclined his head. “That’s a start. But it’s not everything.”

  Cole swallowed hard. “Erin.” He said her name before Mike could.

  “This is my baby sister we’re talking about. I know the hell my mother went through, loving Rex, or thinking she did.”

  “It’s not like that between me and Erin.”

  Mike scowled. “Somehow I think getting pregnant from a one-night stand is worse.”

  Cole opened his mouth to speak, but Mike held up a hand. “Look, much as I love my sister, I respect that she’s got to live her own life and make her own choices.”

  Cole narrowed his gaze. “But?” He heard the unspoken word.

  “But she needs to have choices to make.”

  “That’s between me and your sister,” Cole bit out tightly. He wasn’t about to be pushed into anything by her concerned brother.

  Not only was it none of Mike’s business, but the pregnancy had just been sprung on him. He wasn’t denying responsibility, but whatever he and Erin decided, it wasn’t Mike’s call.

  Mike rose to his feet. “She’s got an entire family willing to step up and help her. If you’re going to break her heart, don’t hang around.”

  The other man hovered over him, but Cole wasn’t intimidated and refused to rise from his seat or take the bait. “Wasn’t it you who just said bailing on a kid leaves lingering scars?”

  Mike glared at him. “It sucked but I dealt with it. All it took was the love of a good woman. Take a hike if you can’t handle it. Erin will find someone worthy of her to step up in your place.”

  Cole’s stomach twisted, and he glared at the man he had thought was a friend. “And now we get to the real point. I’m not good enough for your sister.”

  “You said it, man.”

  Cole set his jaw, willing himself not to launch into anything physical. “I suggest you leave before we both say anything more we might regret. I’m that baby’s father and I’ll be around in whatever capacity Erin and I decide. Deal with it.”