his family, the man was as take-charge alpha as they came.
He also liked control in the bedroom, something Cara knew only too well. She shivered at the reminder of one incredible night a few months ago when Mike had been home for the weekend visiting his father. He and Sam had shown up at Joeâs Bar, theyâd flirted, heâd bought her drinks, heâd walked her to her car, and the next thing she knew, sheâd agreed to let him follow her home and take herânot just to bed but wherever he damn well pleased. Heâd been phenomenal, bringing her to heights sheâd only dreamed of and igniting a hunger that had fueled many fantasies in the months since.
âDr. Nussbaum, please call extension fifty-three. Dr. Nussbaum, extension fifty-three.â The voice over the hospital loudspeaker broke into Caraâs 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. Heâd completely rocked her world, but he hadnât mentioned it since his return. Granted, she hadnât 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 heâd want to talk about what she and Sam were doing on Route 80, heading back to Serendipity from the outskirts of town. Theyâd 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 wouldnât share anything without Samâs permission. Not even with her boss. Hopefully he wouldnât push for information. If she had good news about Sam, maybe he wouldnât delve too deeply into where theyâd 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.
âHowâs Sam?â Erin asked.
âWhat the hell happened?â Mike barked at Cara.
She straightened to her full height, which at five foot three wasnât much compared to his almost six feet. âWe were in an accident, Chief.â
âAny news on Sam?â Erin asked.
Cara shook her head. âNot yet, but he was conscious when the ambulance brought him in.â
âI didnât have you two on the schedule today.â 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. âAnd if youâll notice, Iâm not in uniform. Your brother and I were out for a ride. Itâs a gorgeous day,â she said, hating the evasion that fell from her lips.
âEase up,â Erin said, punching Mike in the arm. âSheâs not on duty and sheâs as worried about Sam as we are. And lay off the formalities. Caraâs like family.â
Cara and Erin were the same age, and though they hadnât been best friends in school, theyâd been in the same general group of girls, while Sam, a year older, had been a friend; it wasnât until they both joined the force together that their friendship solidified and Cara became more a part of the Marsdensâ inner circle. By then, Mike had been long gone.
Erin pulled Cara into an embrace. âIâm glad youâre okay.â
Cara managed a nod and hugged Erin back. âIt was scary,â she said, allowing herself to admit her fear for the first time. She stepped away from Erin.
He also liked control in the bedroom, something Cara knew only too well. She shivered at the reminder of one incredible night a few months ago when Mike had been home for the weekend visiting his father. He and Sam had shown up at Joeâs Bar, theyâd flirted, heâd bought her drinks, heâd walked her to her car, and the next thing she knew, sheâd agreed to let him follow her home and take herânot just to bed but wherever he damn well pleased. Heâd been phenomenal, bringing her to heights sheâd only dreamed of and igniting a hunger that had fueled many fantasies in the months since.
âDr. Nussbaum, please call extension fifty-three. Dr. Nussbaum, extension fifty-three.â The voice over the hospital loudspeaker broke into Caraâs 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. Heâd completely rocked her world, but he hadnât mentioned it since his return. Granted, she hadnât 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 heâd want to talk about what she and Sam were doing on Route 80, heading back to Serendipity from the outskirts of town. Theyâd 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 wouldnât share anything without Samâs permission. Not even with her boss. Hopefully he wouldnât push for information. If she had good news about Sam, maybe he wouldnât delve too deeply into where theyâd 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.
âHowâs Sam?â Erin asked.
âWhat the hell happened?â Mike barked at Cara.
She straightened to her full height, which at five foot three wasnât much compared to his almost six feet. âWe were in an accident, Chief.â
âAny news on Sam?â Erin asked.
Cara shook her head. âNot yet, but he was conscious when the ambulance brought him in.â
âI didnât have you two on the schedule today.â 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. âAnd if youâll notice, Iâm not in uniform. Your brother and I were out for a ride. Itâs a gorgeous day,â she said, hating the evasion that fell from her lips.
âEase up,â Erin said, punching Mike in the arm. âSheâs not on duty and sheâs as worried about Sam as we are. And lay off the formalities. Caraâs like family.â
Cara and Erin were the same age, and though they hadnât been best friends in school, theyâd been in the same general group of girls, while Sam, a year older, had been a friend; it wasnât until they both joined the force together that their friendship solidified and Cara became more a part of the Marsdensâ inner circle. By then, Mike had been long gone.
Erin pulled Cara into an embrace. âIâm glad youâre okay.â
Cara managed a nod and hugged Erin back. âIt was scary,â she said, allowing herself to admit her fear for the first time. She stepped away from Erin.
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