Now I’m not sure what to do—chastise him or shrug and tell him to forget about it?
Glancing over I see two nurses watching. To maintain my appearance of authority for their sake, I opt for a chilly, “Since your cousin gave me a pass on the ticket, I’ll repay the favor. I have family, too.”
Caden’s eyes flicker.
He steps back and I walk between them to continue my shift.
It takes four distracted steps before I remember that he is not supposed to be here. Their banter and awkward apology undermined my sanity.
How do I handle this?
I turn around and discover that the extremely handsome cousins are watching me. Wyatt is entertained. Caden, guarded. He cares intensely about his position at this hospital, I give him that.
“Dr. Cocker, go home.”
“I slept well last night. I can be of service here.”
“Not if you force me to kick you out of the program due to your inability to obey the rules.”
He huffs, “Why can’t you just see this as what it is?”
“Insubordination?”
“Dedication!”
We stare, and when he doesn’t move, I bark, “Cocker!”
“I’m gone.”
“I’ll wait here until the miracle takes place.”
His cousin stifles a laugh. My gaze darts to him. He doesn’t flinch.
“Officer Cocker, I have a gunshot wound you are probably here to investigate. Why don’t you do your job?”
His smile disappears. Smacking Caden’s shoulder Wyatt gives a sarcastic, “Good luck with that, Cade,” and walks away.
Caden stares after him, then flips around to ask, “Gunshot wound? Who’s digging it out?”
“Go home.”
Gnawing on his cheek, he passes me for the exit, the freshly showered scent of him nearly making me forget our positions. “See you tomorrow, Dr. Myers.” Walking backwards, darkness overtakes his features. I glance behind me because he’s not looking at me anymore.
Janet is walking up to stand by my side, face passive. “What is he doing here?”
“Is that your business, Dr. Gilroy? Why aren’t you in the O.R.?”
“Got the bullet out in no time.”
Glancing back to discover Caden is gone, I ask, “Why aren’t you filing the report with the police officer, then?”
She blinks at me, unaccustomed to this harsh tone. “Dr. Pivens said he’d take it from there after the officer said he’d stay to make sure the criminal didn’t escape when he regains consciousness, until a security patrol is put on the room. See? I didn’t slack off.”
At an approaching siren, she and I turn our heads toward the E.R.
I spring into action. “Then make yourself useful!”
CHAPTER 6
C ADEN
L eaning against Wyatt’s patrol car I’ve got the sun beating on me, and an even stronger heat inside my chest.
I’m sitting on my ass when I could be…
“You thinking of sneaking back in?” he calls out, drawing my attention his way. “Didn’t think you’d be out here. Would’ve told you I was stuck inside until my replacement arrived. Glad it’s not me sitting on my ass in there.”
“—I was just thinking that about myself.”
“—Especially with your boss roaming around the halls looking for trouble!”
“I’m not smiling, Wyatt,” I mutter. “She’s got my balls in a sling.”
“Bet you want ‘em in her mouth.”
Snorting, I drag angry fingers through my hair. “Not a chance.”
He looks into the sun, tone thoughtful. “Kid in there is a fuckin’ nightmare.”
“Gunshot victim? Sounds like you know him.”
He meets my interested gaze, his older than his years. “A lot of the calls I get are repeats of the same locations, different offenses. I’ve been to this kid’s house. Never for a bullet in his side. Problems escalate, that’s what I’m learning.”
“He gonna be okay? What happened?”
“Bullet hit no major organs. But that’s the least of his worries. He robbed a place for drugs. High as shit, too. Tests came back with crack in his system. He’s wearing it like a badge of honor though, so if you asked me if his future is okay, I’d predict a big fat nope.” Wyatt uses his thumb to scrub out a mark from his pristine paint job. “Now where’d this come from?” Satisfied he wiped it from existence, he locks onto me, cocking an eyebrow. “What’s that smirk for?”
“You, a cop. It’s pretty cool. But also fucking weird.”
A grin flashes and he squints into the hot sun. “When I was a boy I thought I’d go into the armed forces like my dad. Didn’t think this would be the one I’d choose then, but I’m glad I did.” His gaze flicks to the hospital and returns to me. “I don’t have to give this up after four years. It’s for life.”
“You could have become an officer. The other kind. A lifer.”
“Thought about it. Talked with Dad about it, too. But in the end, I like to keep my protection localized. Get to be near family.”
“I hear ya.”
Jerking his thumb back, he smirks, “Your boss in there—”
“She’s not called my boss.”
“Whatever her title, she’s hot as fuck. When I pulled her over…I don’t know if you’ve seen her in civilian clothing but damn, that body, and it matches the face. I knew instantly I wasn’t going to give her that ticket. Took her docs for show. If I hadn’t been interrupted with the armed robbery, I was going to ask for her number.”
“I would’ve put a fuckin’ stop to that!”
His head swings back. “Whoa, Caden. I had no idea you were into her! I’ll back off.”
I didn’t realize the anger that had come out in my voice until he reacted.
Frowning, I shrug to dampen the flame. “I’m not into her. But she’s the one who will determine if I stay in Atlanta or get assigned to some other state. She’s been watching me and Janet. It’ll be her word the Chief listens to. If you go near her, and I mean this, I will kick your ass.”
My cousin stares at me, and busts up laughing. “Yeah, okay, whatever.” Smacking my shoulder, he opens his door. “You’re hot for her, dumbass.”
