Should she tell Greta she and Eric were about to go somewhere else? She decided to let him do that, if he ever emerged, which had begun to look less and less likely. For now, she judged it’d be far safer to keep the conversation on trivialities. “How many of you are there?”
Greta smiled, her hazel eyes a much muddier shade than Eric’s bright green ones. “Jack’s the oldest. He runs the family ranch. Eric’s next, then there’s Ryan—he’s the Tulsa PD Detective. And the youngest of the boys is Brett. And me, of course. I’m the baby as well as the only girl. We also have a half brother named Daniel. All in all, there are five boys and me, the lone female.”
“That must have been tough growing up,” MW said, meaning it.
“It was, especially when I got boyfriends.” Greta laughed. “It worked out, though. Now I’m engaged and living in Oklahoma City.” Again, a shadow darkened her eyes. “My mother was very excited about planning my wedding, but since the attack, I’ve put everything on hold. I refuse to get married without her.”
Saddened by this, along with the realization that she didn’t even know if she had a mother to miss her, MW nodded. “I understand. When you start planning again, if you need any help, I’m willing. If you’d like, I could even make the cake.”
The instant she spoke, she widened her eyes. Where on earth had that come from? A wedding cake was a big deal, not something one entrusted to an amateur.
Greta stared at her, clearly at a loss for words. “Actually, I’m planning on having a professional bakery handle that. Thanks for asking,” she finally said, obviously trying to be polite.
“I’m sorry. I have no idea why I offered. I know better,” MW apologized. “But if there’s anything I can do, anything at all, let me know.”
Luckily the bathroom door finally opened and Eric emerged, still toweling off his super short hair. He stopped when he caught sight of his sister. MW suddenly realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt. His muscular chest attested to workouts with weights. MW struggled not to show her appreciation, though her mouth went dry just looking at him.
“Greta?” Eric looked from one woman to the other. “What are you doing here? What’s up?”
Before answering, Greta gave MW a knowing look, as if she knew about her reaction to Eric’s bare, muscular chest. “I’m here because Ryan told me about the explosion. I wanted to make sure you were all right, so I came by on my way back to OKC.”
“We’re fine.” Barefoot, he padded into the room. His low-slung jeans clung to his narrow hips, showcasing his washboard abs.
Damn.
MW swallowed and forced herself to look away. As she did, Greta caught her eye and she realized Eric’s sister had noticed her reaction. Thankfully, Eric had not.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Greta left. Once she’d gone, MW felt unsettled and out of sorts. She needed her memory back immediately. Closing her eyes, she tried to concentrate, despite remembering Eric telling her not to push it.
Nothing. Of course.
“Are you okay?” Eric gave her a long look, his expression inscrutable. She managed to jerk her head in a nod and he turned to head back to his room. Halfway there, he glanced back over his shoulder, catching her eyeing his behind. Even though her cheeks flamed, he didn’t appear to notice. “Go ahead and get packed. We’ll leave in the morning.”
He went into his room and closed the door before she could ask where they were going.
* * *
When Eric told his brother where he was taking MW, for once Ryan seemed at a loss for words. But then he sputtered what sounded like a curse and cleared his throat. “Okay, then. So if you truly want to act like a bodyguard for a woman you barely know, why on earth are you taking her to the Lucky C? I’m not sure it’s safe there. You know I’m still investigating the attack on Mother.”
Once not too long ago, Eric had refused to call Abra Mother. Years past, she’d let them all know she preferred her given name. Recently, due to her mellowing with age, she’d made an effort to grow closer to her children. Of them all, Eric had remained distant the longest. Mostly because he had difficulty forgiving, just like his father.
Now, with his mother in a coma from which he wasn’t sure she’d wake, he regretted his stubborn pride.
He could forgive, but he knew he’d never forget.
When he’d been a senior in high school and expressed a desire to go into medicine, his father had been furious that his second-oldest son didn’t plan to become a rancher like his older brother.
Crushed, Eric had looked to his mother for support. Abra had backed her husband, despite having made an earlier promise to Eric to help out in any way she could. When he’d stuck to his plan, she’d let him know he’d do so without the family’s assistance, financially or otherwise. As a result, he was still paying off massive student debt.
But money he could deal with. The lack of support and pride at his accomplishments still rankled. Neither of his parents had attended his college or medical school graduations—both times Abra had conveniently been traveling in Europe. Eventually, she’d come to see the social value of having a physician for a son, but by then Eric’s hurt already ran far too deep.
“Earth to Eric?” Ryan sounded amused. “I asked you if you knew there is still a bunch of weird stuff happening out at the ranch. And Mother is still in a coma, as I’m sure you’re aware.”
“Yes, I am. Though I haven’t seen her since Dad moved her out of the hospital. He’s assured me she has twenty-four-hour nursing care.” That, too, had hurt. Eric hadn’t been able to keep from feeling as if his father believed his son the surgeon wasn’t competent enough to take care of his own mother.
“She does.” Ryan sighed. “Sadly, she hasn’t made any progress. And we’re no closer to finding out who attacked her. I’m still on the case.”
“I figured you were. No one’s mentioned catching whoever did it, so...”
Ryan cleared his throat. “Again, in light of that, do you honestly think it’s safe to bring MW there?”
“Like I said, the ranch is safer than here,” Eric said. “I’ve already considered all the options. It’s a done deal. I’m taking MW to the Lucky C.”
Silence. When Ryan spoke again, he sounded dubious. “Have you talked to Dad about this?”
“No. I’m not sure I will, at least until I get there. Everyone’s constantly telling me I need to go home more. Now they’ll get their wish.”
“True.” Ryan cleared his throat, apparently waiting for Eric to say more. When he didn’t, Ryan continued. “Fine, I understand. It’s none of my business. That said, how long are you planning to stay?”
“I took two weeks’ vacation.”
“Two weeks? As in, fourteen days? Off work?” Ryan spoke as if Eric had just told him he’d quit medicine.
Biting back a laugh, Eric continued. “Yes, from work. The chief of surgery has been trying to convince me to take time off for a while now. So I did.”
“Wow. Just wow. This is one for the record books.”
Warring between amusement and annoyance, Eric sighed. “First, everyone bugs me to take a vacation. Then, when I do, it’s like I went crazy and jumped off a bridge.”
His comment had Ryan chuckling. “Sorry. You just surprised me. Honestly, when you said you’d taken time off, I thought maybe a Friday and a Monday, to make a long weekend. But two whole weeks? That’s just not like you. Why so long?”
Scratching his head, Eric decided he might as well admit the truth. “Because that’s about the longest I can take away from the hospital.” Something he’d never wanted to do before.
“I see.” But his brother’s tone made it clear he didn’t. “Well, I for one am glad. Maybe with you being there, you can save me some trips home.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m always
having to run out there for something. After Mother’s attack, the drama has continued. It’s one thing or another. Vandalism, fires, all kinds of annoying small stuff. Dad keeps threatening to shoot whoever is doing this. Jack’s worried about Seth’s safety.” Their brother Jack’s son, Seth, had recently turned five and all of his uncles adored him.
“I’ll do whatever I can,” Eric said. Privately he wasn’t sure what he could do, other than try to keep people calm. “Do you think it might be a disgruntled ranch hand?”
“I’ve questioned them all. Every single one checks out.” Ryan sighed. “Maybe you can keep an eye open, assess the employees’ attitudes.”
“I guess I can try. But just so you know, I’m not planning on working the livestock with Dad and Jack.” Their oldest brother, like their father, lived and breathed for the ranch. Ryan and Eric’s lack of aptitude for ranch work had never sat well with either man.
“Why not?” Ryan teased. “You’re taking a vacation, which is so unusual that I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me you planned to try your hand at working cattle.”
Both men laughed. Though they loved the Lucky C, neither Eric nor Ryan had been able to wait until they could get out of the rancher’s lifestyle. Now Ryan worked as a detective in Tulsa and Eric as a surgeon in the same city.
“I guess this means you’ll finally start making a few family meetings.” Apparently, Ryan couldn’t resist one final jab. Once a month, their father called a family meeting. He’d done this ever since they’d been little. Eric despised them and as a result hadn’t been to one in years. Of course, he’d never wanted to be too far away from the hospital before either.
“If they have one while I’m staying there, I guess I won’t have a choice.” He kept his tone mild, ignoring Ryan’s chuckle. “Meanwhile, would you mind swinging by here and picking me up and taking me to get a rental car? I need something to drive until I can buy a new vehicle.”
“Another sports car?”
“Maybe. I haven’t even thought that far ahead. This has been a shock. Right now I just need something to drive.”
“Sure, I’ll take you. I’m on my way,” Ryan said.
After ending the call, Eric went to check on MW. Though she’d clearly packed, he found her sitting on the edge of her bed, so lost in her thoughts she didn’t notice his approach.
“Hey.” He kept his voice soft, not wanting to startle her. “Ryan’s going to come by and take me to get a rental car. Will you be okay here or do you want to come with us?”
“Which do you think would be safer?” she asked, unable to hide the quick flash of fear from her expression.
He took an impulsive step toward her, barely stopping himself from touching her. “Come with. Ryan’s a detective with the Tulsa PD. I’m sure you’ll be safe if you go with us. Plus, you get to meet my brother.”
Her gaze searched his face. Finally, she nodded. “That sounds good. Greta told me you have a large family, so meeting them one at a time might be easier.”
He still hadn’t told her where they were going. Since the ranch was the hub around which their entire family revolved, she’d be meeting a lot of people at once. To minimize stress, he figured he’d wait until they were on the way before he filled her in. “Are you all ready?” he asked. When she nodded, he told her he hadn’t packed a single thing and hurried off to his room to get started.
When Ryan arrived, rather than ringing the bell, he rapped on the front door in a drum-like cadence. Grinning, Eric let him in, giving him a quick, one-armed guy hug. MW hung back, almost as if afraid.
Releasing his brother, Eric turned him to face MW. Noting her wide eyes and heightened color, he smiled, hoping to reassure her. As their gazes locked, a slow smile blossomed over her face, making Eric’s chest tighten.
He cleared his throat. “Ryan, meet MW. MW, this is my brother Ryan.”
“I’m pleased to meet you,” she said, holding out her hand. “Since we don’t know my name, Eric calls me MW for Mystery Woman. I’m pleased to meet you.”
Instead of shaking hands, Ryan pulled her in for a hug. He met Eric’s eyes, his own full of approval, as he released her.
She exhaled and stepped back. “You two look a lot alike,” she said, glancing from one to the other. “I’m not sure who has the shortest hair.”
“Ryan does,” Eric put in. “He keeps his in a military cut. I keep mine short for convenience.”
At his words, Ryan snorted. “Convenience. Right.”
MW’s uncertain expression told Eric she wasn’t sure whether to be amused or worried. Clearly, she’d never had a brother or a sister.
She continued to eye Ryan, almost as if she was afraid he might bite her.
“What’s wrong?” Eric asked.
Slowly, she shook her head. “I’m not sure. Ryan, were you there the night I got hit by that car?”
“No, ma’am. I was not. Why?”
“I don’t know. You look...” She blew out her breath in exasperation. “So familiar.”
As Ryan studied her, Eric couldn’t miss the appreciative glint in his brother’s gaze. The flash of jealousy tightening his gut stunned him.
He pushed away the thought and took her arm. From the way Ryan narrowed his eyes, Eric knew his brother had noted the possessive gesture.
“Are you ready to go?” Eric asked, aware of his curt tone.
“Sure,” Ryan drawled, giving him another long look. “Let’s do this.”
Once they’d all piled into Ryan’s police cruiser—he made MW ride in the back, claiming it would be safer—they took off. On the drive, Ryan peppered her with a steady stream of questions. She didn’t know the answers to most of them, of course. Hearing the growing frustration in her voice, Eric shot Ryan a warning look, but either his brother didn’t see or chose to ignore it.
Finally, after hearing MW’s husky voice apologize for what seemed like the twentieth time, Eric spoke up. “Stop. What are you doing?” he asked, glaring at his brother.
“What do you mean?” One corner of Ryan’s mouth quirked up, as if he found Eric’s aggravation amusing.
“Why are you interrogating her? She has spotty memory. It’s coming back, but slowly. All the questions you’re asking are making her feel worse.”
Ryan glanced back over his shoulder at MW, who sat silently. “Is that true, sweetheart? Am I bothering you?”
Sweetheart? Pretending the endearment didn’t rankle, Eric half turned in his seat to look at her. “It’s okay. You can tell him the truth.”
Her sigh expressed her frustration better than any words. “I figure he’s doing what comes naturally to him. He’s a cop. They question. I understand that. I’m more upset with myself since I can’t remember anything.”
“Not your fault.” Again Eric shot Ryan a warning glare. “It’ll come back in its own time.”
Though Ryan shook his head, he didn’t ask any more questions, much to Eric’s relief.
Though Eric had originally requested a sports car, he changed his mind and decided he’d ask for a midsize SUV. He wasn’t sure why exactly, since he loved a fast car. But with MW and the ranch, he wanted something different.
When they pulled up at the car rental agency, the black Chevy Tahoe waiting for him fitted the bill perfectly.
Ryan hung around until Eric completed the paperwork, apparently to protect MW. Eric appreciated this, though part of him wanted to tell his brother he was perfectly capable of protecting her himself. The fierceness of his resolve didn’t shock him—he’d always been determined and focused on something when he wanted it.
Or someone? Again, the odd thought. Since logic and facts had never failed him before, he applied them here while the rental clerk entered information in the computer.
MW was a very attractive woman. Her curves, her curly mop of light
brown hair and the way her beautiful eyes sparked with life drew him to her. This was completely normal; as a healthy male, he’d expect no different from himself.
Just because he desired her didn’t mean they’d become involved. He actually didn’t have time for anything like that. He’d keep her safe until she figured out who she was, find out who was trying to kill her and why, and then he’d go back to his normal, busy and very fulfilling life.
* * *
Trying not to be nervous, MW waited in the lobby while Eric put their bags inside the SUV. If the counter clerk found it odd that her latest two customers had arrived in a police cruiser, she didn’t comment. She didn’t even raise a brow when a uniformed Ryan carried two duffel bags inside and set them on the floor. She’d packed her cookies and the brownies in a couple of plastic containers and Ryan brought them in, too.
Now Ryan had gone and Eric had finished the paperwork and had the keys in his hand. “Are you all right?” he asked, unsmiling.
She nodded.
“I’m sorry about all that.” His gaze came up to study her face.
It took her a second to understand. “You mean about Ryan and his questions? That didn’t bother me. I meant what I said. He was just doing what comes naturally. His job. He’s your brother and wanted to look out for you.”
He shook his head. “As long as you’re okay...”
“I’m fine.”
“Then let’s get on the road.” His green eyes glinted with either mischief or humor. “I’m glad you’re so understanding. Just wait until you meet the rest of my family.”
As she climbed up into the passenger seat, she found herself smiling at him. “If they’re all as nice as Greta and Ryan, I can hardly wait.”
“You won’t be waiting for long,” Eric said, smiling back. His smile made her stomach turn somersaults, making her wonder what it must be like for his female patients. She’d bet most of them, no matter how old or how married, had a crush on their handsome doctor.
The Temptation of Dr. Colton Page 10