Page 42 of Caught in the Crossfire

The women razzed him for a few minutes about his taste in movies before selecting one that he enjoyed but contained a romance storyline that he tolerated. Fifteen minutes into the movie, Nicole slept against his shoulder while Dawn snoozed in the recliner.

Smiling, he turned down the volume and switched the channel to a baseball game.

Matt went to the kitchen for more coffee during the fourth inning and smiled at the sight of the sleeping women. With a shake of his head, he returned to the security room. At 10:30, he returned. “Linc is here.” He unlocked the door for the PSI instructor.

Linc walked in with his Go bag over his shoulder. His gaze tracked to Dawn, eyebrows rising. “Why didn’t she go to bed?” he asked softly.

“She was waiting for you,” Mason said.

Matt hoisted his mike bag onto his shoulder. “I’ll leave you the watch, Linc. Delilah is waiting for me. If you need me, call.” With that, he left.

Linc set his Go bag near the door and locked up behind the medic. He nodded toward the television. “Who’s winning?”

“Braves.”

He returned his attention to the sleeping women. “Do we wake them or let them sleep?”

Dawn stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled when she saw Linc. “Hey. You made it. Are you hungry?”

“I wouldn’t say no to a meal.” His eyes twinkled. “I didn’t have time for dinner.”

She lowered the footrest and stood. “Come on. Mason bought dinner at Delaney’s.”

“I see.” He looked at Mason. “Is that where you got the bruise to the jaw?”

“Yeah. Long story. I’ll fill you in later. Matt kept watch in the security room. Down the hall, first room on the left.”

“I’ll heat your dinner and bring it to you,” Dawn said. “We have soft drinks, coffee, or water to drink. What’s your preference?”

“Water’s fine. Thanks.”

She smiled and left.

“I’ll be in the security room if you need me.” With that, Linc walked down the hall.

Mason wanted to let Nicole sleep exactly where she was, but she’d be more comfortable in a bed. He eased away from her, then slid on arm under her knees and one behind her shoulders.

She woke with a gasp when he lifted her into his arms.

“It’s all right. I’m carrying you to your room,” he murmured.

“Two months and five days, and I get to sleep in your arms every night.”

“I’m looking forward to that day.” He kissed her forehead as he passed the security room and angled her through the doorway of her room.

He set Nicole on her feet at the side of the bed. “Need anything?”

“Kisses. Lots of kisses.”

He gave a rough laugh. “I need the same thing, but I don’t trust myself right now. Rain check?”

“Deal. The debt’s due tomorrow.”

“Copy that, Ms. Copeland,” he murmured and brushed her lips with his before forcing himself to release her and walk out while he still could.

On the way to his room, he heard the low hum of conversation in the security room and realized that Dawn was going to keep Linc company for a while. Maybe Nicole was correct. There might be a romance brewing between Linc and Dawn.

He popped three over-the-counter pain killers into his mouth and swallowed them, then stretched out on top of the bed fully dressed. Although he didn’t anticipate trouble overnight, he’d learned to be prepared for anything on missions. This one, however, was more personal than any other. He dropped off to sleep.

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