Page 51 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

“Smoke’s coming out your ears,” Ryan said. “What deep thoughts are going on in that pretty head of yours?”

“Thinking about what we should do today,” she lied. “When do you have to go back to work?”

“Day after tomorrow. And, Matti?”

“Hmm?”

“That wasn’t what you were thinking about, but I’ll give you a pass if you’ll give me a kiss.”

“Sam’s here.”

“He is, and he’s in the living room where he can’t see us. Come on, I made you breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen. I think I’ve earned a kiss.”

“Just one and make it quick.”

“Don’t know if I can make kissing you quick, but I’ll try.” He stepped around the island and when he reached her, he turned the stool so that she was facing him, then pushed his way between her legs. “Pucker up,” he said, grinning.

There he went, making her laugh. She made fish lips.

“So sexy,” he said with a smirk right before he cupped her cheeks with his hands and his mouth covered hers.

Lord help her, but the man could kiss. And there was nothing quick about it.

“Doc, are you coming to play with me?” Sam called.

Ryan chuckled against her lips. “That’s what’s known as kiss-blocked.” He broke away. “Be there in a minute, buddy.”

“You want to just hang around the house today?” she asked.

The doorbell rang before he could answer, and she went and put her eye to the peephole. “It’s Aiden.”

As soon as her brother walked in, Sam jumped up and ran to him. “Aiden! Are we going for a ride on your fire truck?”

Aiden picked him up and flew him through the air, causing Sam to giggle. “Nope, just stopped by to see if you’re being good and eating your vegetables.” He dropped Sam to his side.

“I eat everything Matti and Doc give me.”

“That he does,” Matti said. “Ryan, this is my brother, Aiden. Aiden, Dr. Ryan Palmer.”

“Great to meet another of Matti’s brothers,” Ryan said. “If I’m counting right, only one more to go, your twin.”

“I’m the fun one.”

“That’s true,” Matti said. “What are you up to?”

“Not much. I’m off today, and—”

“Perfect,” Ryan said. “You can hang with us today. Ever been to the dinosaur museum?”

“A long time ago on a school field trip when I was in fifth grade.”

“I haven’t. Sam would probably love that.” She wasn’t sure she would, but she could be wrong. The boys would enjoy it, so with both Ryan and Aiden guarding Sam, she was good with going.

“Dinosaurs?” Sam said, his eyes going wide.

“Yes, and I’m a dinosaur and I love eating little boys.” Aiden nibbled on Sam’s neck, sending Sam into a fit of giggles.

“It’s settled,” Ryan said. “You want to go now or after lunch?”