Chapter Nine

Ryker watched the despair spread across Jo Jo’s face as they rushed through the revolving door of the hotel. Sam was more than just a friend to her. He could tell. And that made him even more determined to find her. Alive.

The Ashton Grande, a ridiculously over-decorated hotel, in his opinion, with its overpriced chandeliers, mirrored walls and ornate woodwork, was filled with panicked guests. Kind of killed the Christmas spirit. And finding Sam, or her kidnappers, in the midst of all the chaos would be tough. A needle in a haystack.

“Let’s check the front desk. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find someone who saw them.” Turow motioned for Jo Jo to follow.

“You sure you’re okay?” He laid a hand gently on her shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m good. No more dizziness or nausea.”

Ryker gave them a nod and headed toward the bank of elevators. It would be best if they divided and conquered. They could cover more ground that way. There were plenty of first responders around to help if she had a relapse. More importantly, she seemed okay with the decision.

Jo Jo grabbed him by the arm before he got too far away. “Thank you, Deputy Kane. For helping me back there.”

He tipped his head at her. “Damsels in distress are my specialty, ma’am.” Damn. He’d done it again. Played the macho card, trying to be funny and ease the tension in the air. By the expression on her face, she was clearly not impressed or amused. Not really the best time, he decided.

“Yeah, right. Okay.”

He watched her walk away shaking her head and mentally gave himself a smack on the forehead. Note to self. Lay off the stupid.

Determination building with each step, he focused on the situation at hand. The details of the last victim who’d died at the Black Widow’s hand filtered to the forefront of his mind. Jonathan Ackman had been his father’s best man and good friend for over forty years. Poor man was poisoned with a drug that made it appear he’d had a heart attack, until the autopsy revealed traces of an unknown substance. Their first solid lead in years. Could the drug used on Jo Jo and her friend be the same drug? A lesser dose maybe?

Shit! How the hell did these cases tie together?

The drug. The younger woman and the wealthy businessman. An attempt to get rid of the daughter in order to have the dad all to herself. All of this sounded way too connected and familiar.

The elevators had been cleared for public use by the fire department over fifteen minutes ago, but the wary guests streamed up and down the stairways, nonetheless. Fine by him. He’d be able to move quicker without having to wait. He raked a hand through his hair as he watched the light above the doors. Come on, come on.

Imagine his surprise when the first door opened, and he found himself staring eye-to-eye with one of his kidnappers.

The hotel clerk’s eyes grew wide, his lips forming a symmetrical circle. “Fuck,” the man said, glancing down at the laundry cart between them.

Without warning, the clerk shoved the cart toward Ryker and slipped around the other side, making a mad dash for the side entrance. Ryker caught the edge of the cart just before it rammed into his knees and knocked him down.

“Stop that man!” he yelled. But it was too late. Dodging the other guests and stomping over those unable to move in time, the clerk hit the side exit at record speed, plowed through the door, and vanished.

“Son of a bitch.” He slung the cart to the side and registered its heavy weight at the last second. A moan emerged beneath the white dirty towels the minute the cart hit the wall.

“Sam?” Every ounce of his being hoped it was her. That he’d found her safe and sound. As he removed the towel on top of the mound, the blond hair appeared, and his heartbeat sped up. Quicker now, he removed the rest, the red sparkles of a dress verifying her identity.

“Are you hurt? Sam, answer me.”

The woman lay motionless, her body crumpled into the fetal position, the top of her dress edging dangerously low. Lifting her gently, he wrapped a towel around her shoulders and called, “We need an ambulance! Somebody call one of the EMTs.”

Within seconds, Sam was removed from the laundry cart and placed on a stretcher.

“Her vitals are good,” the EMT said. “We’ll take her to the hospital for observation to make sure.”

“Did you find her?” Jo Jo must have seen the commotion, because she ran over from the front desk, peering over the paramedics at her friend’s lifeless form. “Please tell me she’s okay.”

After searching the cart for the loot and finding none, Ryker made eye contact with her. “Stay with her ‘til I get back. I’m going to see if I can stop the asshole.”

She nodded and he took off after the clerk. The fact that this lowlife was still following the original plan meant he didn’t have a clue the cops were on to their twisted scheme. A sliver of hope filtered to the surface. They might still have a chance to apprehend him.

Once outside the building, he knew his efforts were in vain. The busy street and chaos caused by the fire alarm hindered any chance he’d get a lead. Punching a huge pile of cardboard boxes near the exit, he hurried back inside to see if Sam could offer any clues. He caught up to them just before they loaded her inside the ambulance.

“Sam, hang in there.” Jo Jo sounded frantic as the gurney stopped at the back of the vehicle’s double doors. She looked so fragile. So pale. Even though she tried to be strong for her friend, doubt tainted her words.

“So, Kane? You get a description of the kidnapper?” Turow made his way through the crowd to stand beside Ryker on the sidewalk as they got Sam ready for transport outside the ambulance.

“Hell, yes. He’s the same asshole who pulled a gun on me back at the other hotel. He’s also the suspect in the robbery.”

“No shit? We checked the laundry cart the girl was in and the van. No signs of the missing jewelry or clues to where these suspects are heading. Did find a good amount of blood, though. As well as a suitcase filled with women’s clothes.”

“Well, the blood’s mine.” Ryker fingered the knot now crusted over on the back of his head. “But I have no idea where the suitcase came from. It wasn’t there earlier. Maybe the female suspect stopped by the van for some reason while everyone else was evacuating the building due to the fire alarm.”

“Interesting. Could be. Any idea where the threesome was heading?”

“The airport,” Jo Jo interjected. “They were meeting my father at the airport.”

“Which one? Do you know their destination?” The detective looked hopeful, his eyes still trained on Ryker’s bloody face.

“No.” She hung her head, stroking the back of Sam’s hand. Then she turned toward the detective, and her eyes widened. “Wait. Denise mentioned getting married. Maybe they’re planning to go to Vegas for one of those quickie weddings. Although I can’t believe my father would agree to that. Unless—”

“Your father involved in this, too?” Turow’s brow pinched.

“Unknowingly, I assure you. Denise Miller is his girlfriend.”

“His fiancée, you mean?”

Jo Jo stiffened. “Absolutely not. I saw my father last night at the party, and the two were not engaged or even talking about it. Something’s not right. I fear for my father’s safety.”

“Considering the circumstances, I’d say your fears are justified,” he said.

“So what do we do now?” She took several steps back as the EMTs loaded Sam into the back of the ambulance. Her expression hard, Ryker knew her plans without her having to say a word.

He crossed over to stand beside her. “We don’t do anything. See if you can get in touch with your father. Check on Sam at the hospital. You go home. Detective Turow and I will handle it from here.”

“Like hell you will. You can’t get rid of me that easily. Besides, my purse is still in the jerk’s car along with my phone.” For a moment silence sizzled in the air as she stared up at him, daring him to try and keep her away.

“Don’t make this more difficult.”

“Gosh, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make this hard for you.” Sarcasm dripped heavy off every word.

“Miss McNamee,” Turow cut in, “Deputy Kane’s right. This is not a job for a civilian. We’ll have someone retrieve your purse and get that to you. And an officer will be assigned to you for your protection once you leave the hospital. In case this character decides to try again.”

Ryker watched her shiver, satisfied Turow’s statement hit a nerve. “It’s for the best. On second thought, it wouldn’t hurt for you to go to the hospital and get checked out as well. Make sure that drug is out of your system.”

Her jaw worked overtime, and he sensed fury mixed with frustration. The huff she gave him said he’d won this round, but she didn’t have to like it. “Fine. But only if you keep me informed. I need to know when you catch these guys.”

“I will. I promise.” He squeezed her arm to try and ease the tension between them. An action that both rattled and electrified at the same time. A sudden urge to comfort her, wrap her in his arms and tell her everything would be all right grew stronger. But he fought if off with a steely resolve. In her current agitated state, that action would do more damage than good.

The last thing he wanted was to tick her off, let her out of his sight. Not after he’d found her again after all this time. This had to be a sign. Hell, he needed to be the one to protect her. To show her he wasn’t the cold, arrogant son of a bitch like he came off. “Ride to the hospital with Sam, get yourself cleared, and I’ll check in on you there. Let you know what we find out.”

A tidal wave of panic threatened to overpower Joanna at the idea of what the drug might be doing to her. So concerned about Sam, she’d pushed the fact that she’d also been drugged to the back of her mind. Along with the weird nausea coming and going despite her trying to deny it. “Fine.”

She didn’t move a muscle for several long seconds.

“Miss McNamee?” Kane asked, stepping back to search her face. “I’m not trying to scare you. I’m concerned.”

She crossed her arms over her chest to corral the panic building. “I appreciate all you’ve done. But I can take care of myself.”

“Of that I have no doubt.” His hands went to his narrow hips as he straightened, his jawline twitching.

Lord, he was tall. Brawny. The intimidation circled around him like a force field.

And she backed down. She wished his voice sounded more confident in her abilities.

He remained stone-still stoic, watching her, waiting for her to say something else. And when she didn’t, he said, “We’ll take it from here.” Then, giving her arm a gentle pat, he turned his attention to Turow without another word.

She took two slow breaths and strained to hear Ryker and Turow’s discussion as she accepted the EMT’s hand and was hoisted inside the ambulance alongside her friend. Once the doors closed, she sank down onto the seat, scrutinizing her behavior. Why challenge him? He was on her side for Pete’s sake. And besides all that, Sam needed her.

The cops were more than capable of finding her father. They had the manpower, the resources. He’d probably turn up at the Hobby airport or Bush Intercontinental across town. She sighed heavily. He hadn’t married Denise yet, so time was still on their side. But she couldn’t shake the anxiety of not being in the loop. Of being helpless.

All those same feelings from that horrible night Keith’s mother died surfaced, even though she tried to keep them locked away in the deep, dark pitiful part of her existence. She’d been young, but the experience had left weighty scars.

She gulped back a bout of dread as memories of the turmoil that followed assailed her. The chaotic circus had gone on for weeks, complete with media clowns and vicious reporters working to sink their sharp teeth into any piece of information, be it true or false. Over and over, the police questioned her parents, Keith’s father, neighbors who barely knew the family. All the hype and added police presence had done was stir up rumors and gossip, ultimately causing a rift between her mother and father that couldn’t be repaired.

Glancing out the window, she studied the two men walking side-by-side across the street.

Pangs of remorse and indecision followed as her focus zeroed in on the handsome Kane. Gosh, she didn’t want to like this man. He was bad for her. Didn’t fit into her plan. But he’d saved her life and risked his own in the process. And his nearness, not to mention those broad shoulders, trim waist, and rugged looks did weird things to her hormones whether she liked it or not. Made her want things, things she’d never dared hoped for.

The memories she had of their night together were good ones. Shoot, who was she kidding? Ryker Kane connected with her that night on a level she couldn’t explain. Regardless of the stupid bet he’d made, she still felt the pull.

But none of that mattered. They were from different worlds. Wanted different things. She wanted a career, to prove she could be successful on her own. Who knew what Ryker wanted? And his strong, demanding personality proved he’d try to control her the way her father did.

Staring down at Sam’s ashen face, she fought off her confused emotions and her thoughts churned. She ran her hands down her arms to relieve the chill.

“Samantha, you will be all right. You hear me?” She sniffled once determined not to cry. Losing her would be like losing a part of herself.

“I hear, ya. But if you call me that again, I’m gonna smack you one, Jo Jo. I’m not that far gone.”

Surprised by her friend’s voice, weak as it was, Joanna’s heart leaped to her throat. “You can hear me?”

“Yep. Loud and clear.”

Leaning down, she gave her a sideways hug. “I’m so glad you’re not hurt. What happened?”

“Well, not hurt is a stretch. I made that bimbo work hard to get my dead weight in that cart. But she made me pay for it, too. Now, everything’s kinda fuzzy.” Sam tried to open her eyes, but her lids appeared unwilling to cooperate. They fluttered, but ultimately she lost the battle. With an exasperated sigh her friend continued with her eyes closed. “I do vividly remember getting the results back on the wine glass you gave me at the party. You were right. It was Denise.”

“Figured.” Thank goodness Denise’s fingerprints were in the FBI’s system. Joanna stroked Sam’s arm for comfort, wondering if her father was on his way to meet her at the airport or if they’d already boarded the plane. “How did you end up at The Ashton Grande? And please spare me the details of why you never made it home to change.”

“Funny story.” A smile tugged at Sam’s lips. “I got a call on my way back from Josh’s place to meet you this morning. The guy said he had information on Denise Miller. Important life or death information.”

“Why would you meet a stranger at a hotel? A man, no less.”

“Hey, I’m not that stupid.” She tried her eyes again. Still no luck. “I figured Josh did some more checking on Denise, found this guy willing to talk about her, and gave him my number. I told him I’d meet him at the coffee shop on the corner near the hotel just to be safe. I got myself a macchiato, sat down and waited. And waited. He never showed.”

“How were you supposed to know it was him?”

“He said he’d find me.”

“So he knew you? Or knew what you looked like. That should have been a warning sign.” Joanna was already forming a picture in her mind of the mysterious man’s identity. The man would have had plenty of time to drug Sam and then make it back to attack Ryker.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Sam turned her head toward Joanna’s voice.

“When he didn’t show up at the coffee shop, you left and went where?”

“That’s the funny part.” She lifted a shaky hand to her forehead. “I have no idea. I don’t remember leaving the coffee shop.”

“You think he put something in your drink?” An eerie similarity to her college experience formed in her mind, but she pushed it back. “Did you leave the table for any reason?”

“He would’ve had to have done it at the counter before I picked it up. They called my name, but I was on the phone with a client and didn’t get up right away. A few minutes, tops. That’s all the time he would’ve had.”

“That’s all he needed. You got lucky this time. Please tell me you’ve learned your lesson.”

“Believe me, I have.” She shifted her body on the gurney and moaned. “Will someone please tell me what the freakin’ hell is wrong with my eyes?”

“You need to try and be still.” The EMT leaned closer, lifting each lid and flashing a beam of light into each pupil. “Not sure what’s going on with your vision. They seem responsive. Can you see the light?”

“Light? No. Hell, I can’t see anything.” Her voice sounded like a frightened little girl. So out of character for her strong personality.

“We’ll be at the hospital soon. They’ll figure out what’s wrong.” Joanna hoped the drugs weren’t causing permanent damage to Sam’s eyesight.

“They better. I have some serious payback to hash out.”

“That’s the last thing you need to be thinking about, Sam. Take it easy and rest.” Joanna heard the words coming out of her mouth and cringed. Hypocrite. That was exactly the thought zooming through her head—payback for all involved.

As the ambulance pulled into the hospital parking lot, stopping in front of the emergency exit, Joanna’s stomach did a flip-flop. She hated hospitals. With a passion.

So much sadness. So much sickness. And so often, so much death. Those who went in, rarely came out unscathed. Her father holding her sweet grandmother’s hand as she took her last breath still did a number on her psyche. It was the only time she’d seen her father break down and cry. She drew in a cleansing breath, leaning her head back against the wall of the ambulance. That incident still chilled her to the bone. Now more than ever she wished she had her phone so she could try to call her father again.

“Let’s get you well before you do any butt kicking, okay?”

Sam didn’t respond as the EMT readied her for transport into the hospital. But she squeezed Joanna’s hand, the act one of helplessness and fear, and one that upped the dread factor ten times over.

“Let’s get you ladies checked out.” The EMT waited for his partner to open the doors and then hopped out.

“The deputy asked me to make sure you got this, ma’am.” The EMT who’d driven the ambulance helped her down and handed over her purse.

“Thank you.” An answer to her prayers. Ryker must have given it to him right before the ambulance left the parking lot. Good grief, that man was making her effort to dislike him harder and harder. As they unloaded Sam she slipped the strap over her shoulder and pulled out her cell phone to check for messages. The ride to the hospital had only been about twenty minutes, but sure enough she’d missed several calls.

Only one voice message. Her heart sank. Not from her father but from Keith. The missed calls were also from him. She hadn’t spoken to her friend since last night and was curious as to why he’d called Deputy Kane earlier this morning. What new information on the truck-jacking could he have turned up? Maybe some incriminating evidence on Toby? She could only imagine how worried he must be if he’d called the hotel and discovered she hadn’t checked out, but wasn’t on the premises. Especially if he couldn’t reach her father, either.

The two had grown pretty tight over the years. No doubt Keith had heard about the robbery and wanted to make sure she was all right. After calling her father’s number and getting a busy signal, she started to call Keith back and then took in her surroundings. Might be better to settle Sam in, get her anxiety under control, and then return his call.

Once inside the building, the smell of disinfectant and over-cooled air played havoc with her sensitive senses. Her decision to call later was definitely a good one. At first, she thought the queasiness was due to riding in the back of the ambulance, some sort of motion sickness. But as the bitter taste rose in her mouth with a strong metallic tang, she realized she didn’t feel all that well. She gulped back the sickly feeling and gripped the side of the gurney tighter as it clanked down the hallway.

“Can we stay together? I don’t want to leave Sam.” She glanced down at her friend as they wheeled her into a room. “She can be a bit of a handful at times.”

“I can’t see, but I sure as hell can hear you.”

Joanna rolled her eyes at the nurse who walked up to join them. The older woman nodded with a sweet smile. She reminded Joanna of her favorite teacher back in high school with her graying hair braided and twisted up in a neat knot at the base of her neck, and the similarity helped ease some of her apprehension.

“You two can stay together until the doctor arrives and says otherwise.”

“Thank you.” Joanna plopped her weary body down in the seat next to Sam’s bed and gave her friend a stern look, although she couldn’t see it.

Sam huffed down a breath. “So, where’s the hot cop?”

“What? Don’t try to change the subject. We were talking about you.”

Sam shook her head back and forth on the pillow. “I heard Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome tell you he’d meet you here.”

“Just how long have you been awake and playing possum, slacker?” Joanna watched her friend fidget trying to get comfortable and denied the wild thundering of her heart had anything to do with Kane.

“Long enough. What on earth happened between you two back there? You weren’t nice.”

“Nothing. He happened to be at the right place at the right time, that’s all.”

“He saved your ass, didn’t he? And you liked it.” Sam smiled. That all-knowing goofy grin from high school that still pissed Joanna off.

“Ugh…you’re impossible.” Joanna stood, the quick action making her sway and use the wall for support as she edged to the far side of the room. Damn Denise and her stupid drug.

Sam giggled. “You can’t hide the truth from me. So don’t even try. He’s that boy from high school. The one you spent the night with in college, isn’t he? The one who stole your heart, locked it up tight, and threw away the key. I thought he looked familiar.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Well, that’s why I did my own research.”

“You did not!” Disbelief coated her words.

“Yep. Deputy Ryker Kane graduated top of his class, became an outstanding detective with the Houston Police Department, and was on course to take over the captain’s position when he retired. But Kane put in for a transfer about six months ago after his last case for reasons unknown. Or at least that was the only information I could get out of my informant.”

“You have an informant with the Houston Police Department, too?”

Her friend lifted a brow, her eyes closed. “Oh, yes. Several. Just friends, you know.”

“Sam, you and I need to have a serious discussion about boundaries.” She swallowed down another bout of the sickening feeling. “I sure hope you’re careful.”

“Go find your cop friend. I’ll wait here for the doctor. No need to keep an eye on the blind lady. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

A knock sounded on the door before it opened and a stout, middle-aged man with wispy dark hair and freckles entered the room with a nurse following. “How are you ladies doing today?” He reached out and shook Joanna’s hand. “I’m Doctor Lewis.”

“Been better, doc,” Sam responded from across the room, her hand waving over her head.

“Party hard last night?” Doctor Lewis chuckled, turning his attention to Sam, his brow lifting as he focused on her red party dress. “What seems to be the problem?” He moved over to the bed and pulled out his stethoscope.

“Miss McNamee.” The nurse who’d checked them in walked over to Joanna, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. “Why don’t we step outside and I’ll take your vitals while the doctor tends to your friend.”

“Go, Jo Jo. I’m fine. Me and Doctor Lewis here have some things to discuss.”

“You sure?”

Sam nodded, shooing her away with her hands. “Go. Get yourself checked out. And then find that cop.”

Closing the door behind her, she rolled her eyes, swearing on everything holy she’d not break down as she digested the events over the past few hours. The tightness in her chest grew. She’d figure this out. Find her father. She had to.

After a full round of questions on family history, having her blood drawn and blood pressure taken, she was more than ready to go home. Cell service had been spotty inside the emergency room so far, and not being able to reach her father stirred up fears like she’d never had before. It wasn’t like him to not check in. To not check up on her.

She listened to Keith’s voice message and learned he’d called at some point during the ambulance ride. He asked her to apologize to Sam for not being able to make it to the hospital. Something about being held up at The Pine Woods Hotel and questioned by the police about the robbery.

“Weird.” How did he know about Sam? Would the police have mentioned it during their conversation? The last time she’d spoken to him was after her run-in with her missing crew. Dang it. She wanted answers. Why hadn’t she heard her phone ring? She sighed heavily. Probably because it was still in her abductor’s car at the time.

Deep in thought, she rounded the corner and her heart jolted. Ryker stood next to Sam’s door, his back against the wall, one muscular leg crossed over the other as he stared at his phone. Her breath caught. He’d cleaned up nicely, now dressed in a plain, white short-sleeve shirt and jeans that fit oh, so right.

He cocked his head to the side and smiled, his dark brown eyes glinting with the sexy challenge she’d always found fascinating. She was in trouble. Big trouble.

“Hey there. How you feeling?” He straightened and moved toward her.

“Better.” Slipping her phone into her purse, she fidgeted with the tassel on the strap. Why did he have to be so charming? “Did you find my dad?”

“No, not yet. But we have several leads.” Stopping in front of her, he eased his hands into the pockets of his jeans. His nearness fogged her brain as his heat warmed her from the inside out. He stood so close she could see the light flecks of gold in his eyes as well as the bruises trailing across his cheekbone.

“Ouch. Do they hurt?” She winced, barely able to inhale, due to the fact that with each breath the tantalizing smell of his cologne teased her senses.

“Nah…I’ve had worse. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”

She wrinkled her nose. “How about a Dr. Pepper?” Shoving her purse to one hip, she dared meet his amused gaze.

“Still hooked on those, huh?” He grinned.

“I’ve cut way back since high school,” she told him.

“Okay, Dr. Pepper it is.” His mouth curved into a full-fledged smile, and her composure threatened to evaporate.

Silence swirled the air around them as they fell in step together on the highly polished ceramic tile floor. She watched each booted footfall, the heavy sound thumping through her and stirring a restlessness inside. So much for thinking the strong chemistry had faded after all these years. Even though Keith’s warnings to steer clear of Ryker rang in her head like the blaring horn of an eighteen wheeler, she’d always found herself drawn to the lean, broad-shouldered, six-foot cowboy—his kind eyes holding secrets and promises she’d wanted to explore. She inhaled deeply. He smelled so darn good freshly showered, his musky male scent wafting up with each step. Better stop it. Get your mind off him. “Any sign of the man who was with Denise?”

“No luck there, either. Seems he and his friends are hiding out.” He put his money in the soda machine and pressed the button. “One cold Dr. Pepper, ma’am,” he said, holding the bottle out to her.

“Thank you. I’m seriously thinking I’m addicted to these things.”

He chuckled under his breath. “Well, then I suggest you drink it slow. We can’t have you dancing on the operating tables, now can we?”

She smiled, remembering his funny personality and how she felt so comfortable with him that night. “As I remember it, you got on the table first. I was only trying to get you down.” After all the innocent flirting in high school, finally being able to interact with him on a more personal level had felt nice. Like now. Her face flushed at her silent confession.

“Funny. My mind tells a different story.” He bumped her shoulder with his, and her body reacted immediately to his hard, muscled form.

“Oh, it does? We’ll just have to agree to disagree then,” she laughed, knowing she was treading on dangerous ground.

Once they had their beverages of choice from the vending machine, they made their way to an empty waiting area not far from Sam’s room.

“Can we sit and talk?”

“Okay.” She eased down on a faux leather couch, taking a large gulp of her soda to ready herself for what he had to say. She wasn’t prepared to talk about what happened all those years ago with him. She liked these good feelings. Didn’t want to hash up the bad ones.

“The doctor said your friend is resting now. Best not to disturb her for a few hours.” He took the seat next to her, his eyes focused on her face. “From what he can tell, she’ll make a full recovery. But they want to keep her a few days for further observation.

“That’s good news.” She eased back on the couch so her knees were supported against the cushion. By the strained tone in his voice, this was not the topic he’d intended to discuss. But she was going to go with it. Keep the focus on the here and now. “Do they know what type of drug was used?”

“No. Not until they get the blood work back.” He gave her a concerned look. “You had yours drawn as well?”

“Yes. But I feel fine.” It wasn’t a total lie. The nausea had dissipated slightly, and she did feel more in control. But not near normal.

He tilted his head. “Good. Just a precaution. My guess is, it was some type of date rape drug. No long-term side effects.”

“Well, I guess that’s good to hear.” Joanna sat her drink down on the table beside them and folded her arms loosely across her chest. Date rape drug? Not at all the best news. Wonderful.

“You going to look after your friend until her eyesight returns fully?”

“She doesn’t have family close, so yes, that would be me.” Joanna laughed. “Do you think she will have vision problems? I mean, long term?”

Setting his coffee down, he twisted on the seat to face her. His knee brushed the outside of her thigh and danged if sparks didn’t shoot up her leg. “I’m not a doctor, but, no. It’s a side effect of the most common date rape drug. But I’ve never heard of it leaving permanent damage. The doctor said it looked like she’d been given quite a big dose of the drug, though. The bruises on her arms were caused by using a needle improperly. That’s one of the reasons they want to keep her here.” He took her wrist gently, straightening her arm and turning it to look at the veins in the crook of her elbow.

She raised a brow confused but was more alarmed by the response his innocent touches evoked in her body.

“Just checking,” he said with a lazy smile. “If you were knocked out, there’s no telling what else they could have given you.” He released her wrist and swiped a stray hair behind her ear, his finger lightly grazing the tip. Electric currents sizzled to the surface.

She gave him a troubled, uneasy smile. “Don’t remind me.” Distance. She needed distance. Fast. Remember him ordering you around, just like your father. But she couldn’t move a muscle.

After a moment, Ryker drifted in closer, his face inches from hers as he stared deep into her eyes. “Your eyes are the prettiest shade of green,” he said, his words slow and deliberate, as were his actions.

He’d given her plenty of time to retreat, but she inhaled the scent of him instead, her body warming in all the right places. She remembered how his lips felt against hers that night. Soft at first, then strong, demanding and earth shattering as they moved in unison with hers. God, how she wanted him to kiss her.

When she didn’t respond negatively, his breathing changed, quickened, his hand lifting to trail sensuous chills from her ear to her chin. And then he did kiss her, lightly, a brush of his warm lips against her own. Heart pounding, her lips parted in an open invitation and he accepted, deepening the kiss. With each flick of his tongue, the wild flutters multiplied in her chest, goose bumps traveling along her arms and legs.

“This is a hospital.” An unfamiliar voice broke their passionate trance. “Get a room, you two.”

Ryker pulled away first, his breath ragged, his dark, heavy-lidded eyes full of mischief and a hint of forbidden pleasure as he studied her gaze. “Sorry ‘bout that. I couldn’t help myself.” His husky voice did even crazier things to her pulse.

“Yeah.” She touched her lips with a shaky hand.

“But it was nice.” He ran his forefinger along her chin. “I’d forgotten how good a kisser you were.”

Butterflies danced in her chest. He remembered. Joanna felt her face flush hot, not only from the amazing kiss and being caught in the act, but also from the fact he’d admitted he remembered their special night together. The nurse who’d spoken never stopped or turned back around, but the interruption brought her back to the present. Unable to form simple words or draw in air, due to the fact that he’d set his hand lightly on her hip during the kiss, she nodded.

He smiled, giving her side a quick squeeze before pulling back. “I have some things I need to check into. But I’ll be back. I can take you home if you like.”

She nodded. “I want to talk to Sam’s doctor before I leave.”

“Okay then. I’ll call and check in later.” He stood, grabbed his coffee, and was gone before she could swallow.

Several seconds passed as she just sat, breathing in and out, trying to figure out what happened. How she’d let it happen. When her heartbeat settled into a reasonable rhythm, she forced herself to concentrate.

Did she just tell him he could take her home? Oh, dear lord. What was she thinking? That drug must have impaired more than just her common sense.