Page 19 of Finding Forever

“Kit, look at me.” His voice is rough, expression determined.

I do, and my gaze is snagged by the dark stain spreading across his shoulder. “Luke, you’re bleeding again.”

He stays upright through sheer will. He frowns fiercely. “I need to talk to you.”

He sways and braces himself against the wall. “Fuck.”

I call out and the EMTs rush in just as Luke’s eyes roll back. They catch him before he hits the floor.

I resist dropping to my knees beside him. I want to cradle his head in my lap. Hold his hand. Instead, I stand frozen as they work. In minutes Luke is strapped onto a gurney and he’s wheeled outside.

Seth and Linc seem to be making a decision, then Linc climbs into the back of the ambulance to accompany Luke. My throat tightens. I want to chase the gurney, demand to go with him. That’s something a girlfriend could do. Not a woman who shared a bed with him for one strange night.

When the ambulance disappears around the curve in the drive, Seth walks with me to the kitchen.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I lie.

He flashes a fast grin. “I’ve learned from my wife that ‘I’m fine’ rarely means she is.”

“Let’s say I’m working on being fine.”

He nods. “Fair enough.”

Seth pours coffee for us both. I add creamer and take my cup to the table. He puts a slice of orange and a muffin on a plate and sits across the table from me.

After a sip of coffee, he says, “Thanks for this. It more than makes up for missing breakfast this morning.” His expression turns thoughtful. “Luke’s a good man. He’s upfront and honest. You can trust him.”

I shift uncomfortably. “Thanks.”

He breaks off a piece of muffin. After swallowing, he says, “Can you walk me through what happened?”

I do my best, and when I finish, respect gleams in his eyes. “Luke is a lucky man, Kit. He’d be dead if not for you.”

I shake my head. “Maybe, but so might I. Briggs would’ve broken in if Luke hadn’t been here. I’m glad I could help.”

Seth stands. “I’m heading to Reno and I’ll be in touch. Word is you’re staying with friends nearby.” At my nod, he continues, “Chief Donovan will get you where you need to go. The inn is a crime scene. You won’t be staying here.”

Seth drives away in a big black SUV, and I return to the kitchen. Beckett’s taken his spot at the kitchen table, sipping from a steaming cup. Gideon and Julissa, snow melting on their beanies, help themselves to coffee and muffins.

I let Penny out and sink into a chair. I could use a shower. And sleep. And answers.

“Tough twenty-four hours for you, Kit,” Beckett says quietly. “How you holding up?”

“That’s one way to put it.” I give Beck a wan smile. “It’s been pretty intense and I’ll admit to being exhausted.”

Beckett swallows a bite of muffin and gives me a searching look. “Luke’s a good man.”

“That’s what Seth said.”

“A blind man could sense there’s something between you two, and I like that idea.”

I shift uncomfortably. “I don’t know what’s between us. Or if it’s anything at all. I thought there was something. But I don’t know.”

“You met only yesterday, and not under ideal circumstances. Give yourselves a chance.”

Wanting to change the direction of the conversation, I say, “Luke said you were college roommates.”