Page 113 of Last Chance Christmas
“How did you know where to find us?” Kianna turned to Nathan and Trace.
“When you were late for your shift and didn’t pick up your phone, I asked the chief what was up.” Nathan wrapped gauze around his patient’s arm. “He said he got an email from you that you were heading out of town to help Cole with a family emergency.”
“I thought it was odd you were helping with such a personal matter when you’ve just gotten to know each other. So I asked to see the email.” Trace chimed in. “You said you were hoping to find your Christmas miracle with Cole.” Trace scrunched his brow. “I told him you’re a curmudgeon when it comes to the holidays.”
“Hey now.” Kianna crossed her arms. “I wouldn’t say I’m a curmudgeon.” She laughed. “I simply have a dislike for all the romanticized hype around the season.”
“Exactly.” A contemplative look filled Trace’s face. “I knew something wasn’t right. So Macon touched base with Basuto to see if you were still with Cole. When he said they couldn’t get ahold of Cole and his car’s GPS tracker was down, I knew you were in trouble.”
“How did you know where to look for us?” Kianna moved to the side of the ambulance so Nathan could grab tape from the supply drawer.
“Basuto was able to pull up the satellite in the car, which gave an approximate location, and we followed the cruisers over.”
“Thanks for speaking up.” Kianna gave Trace a hug. “And for covering for me.” Kianna winced.
“It’s not every day I get to work with this guy.” Trace slapped Nathan on the shoulder.
“Looking to swap me out?” Kianna’s mouth gaped with a feigned look of hurt.
“No way.” Trace winked.
“I’m glad.” She sighed. So many emotions. So many realizations that things could have ended very differently. “Thank you for everything.”
Trace shrugged. “The Lord was watching over you, that’s for sure.”
Warmth worked its way up her arms, and she breathed in deeply, letting the cold air fill her lungs. The Lord had never left her side. And there were people who cared for her. “Of course. But you still had my back.” There were no words that would rightly express her thankfulness.
“That’s what partners do,” Trace said.
Kianna caught sight of Cole, still talking with Basuto, Titan now next to him.
Should she go over and tell him thanks too? What else would they say to each other? From the looks of it, everything was wrapped up. Packaged with a bow on top. Everyone safe and the convicts apprehended.
The only thing tying them together after this case was their kiss.
She should leave well enough alone and focus on her life. Go spend time with her family and celebrate what God had given her. It would do no good to hope for something that was far from being a reality. No matter what had happened between them earlier. They’d been in the heat of a moment, thinking they were both going to die. Except she’d stand by her choice to kiss Cole if he asked. She’d grown an attraction for the man that went deeper than his good looks—to his heart.
Was she willing to risk her heart getting broken again if he said he wasn’t thinking when he kissed her back? That he didn’t like her in that way?
Cole leaned down and rubbed Titan’s head. He’d made it clear what he believed about partners.
He must have sensed her looking his way, because he lifted his gaze and connected with hers.
Kianna pushed off the edge of the truck and turned to help Trace put away supplies, then close the back doors of the ambulance.
His actions spoke for themselves. She wouldn’t try to read between the lines and expect a different outcome.
“Rainy’s gone.”
Kianna turned around at the voice and found Cole standing there, Titan by his side.
Kianna closed her eyes for a brief second, then opened them. She didn’t want it to be true. “What about her family?” Kianna’s voice cracked. “She was supposed to see her brother.”
“I know.” Cole swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “I want to reach out to them. Offer my condolences and find out when the service will be held.”
“I’d like to go too.” Kianna bit her lip. Would he read into her request wrongly? It had nothing to do with going together. She just wanted to grieve with the family too. Kianna didn’t have to explain her reasoning to Cole. “Could you let me know the details when you find out?”
“Of course.” He shifted his stance but didn’t make an effort to leave. “Thank you for everything.”
