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“You realize that your logic implies you’re part of my team.”
“Is that what I am? A teammate?”
He reached up and tucked some strands behind her ear. “You’re something. I’m just not sure what, yet.”
“Maybe if your buddies can stay out of danger for more than a few hours, you might find out.” She waved at the doorway. “After you.”
Foster glanced at the door then back to her, all that heat and confusion from earlier returning. How he’d been lost the moment she’d walked into his home. And he couldn’t help but wonder if their next kiss would be just as explosive. If she’d taste just as wild.
He could find out. He was already leaning in. All he needed was to move a few inches closer — tilt his head — and his mouth would be over hers. Though, between the adrenaline from the recuse — nearly losing her in that damn Bronco — he wasn’t convinced he could stop at one kiss. A week’s worth didn’t seem like enough.
Mackenzie sighed, as if she’d read his mind. Knew he was torn between wanting to talk to Chase and Zain and wanting to pick up where they’d left off. Not that it was an option in the middle of the hospital, but he knew it was written across his face. Probably tattooed on his forehead.
She palmed his cheek like she’d done back at his place. “Earlier wasn’t a one-off for me, either. If that helps with your indecision.”
“Maybe I’m just enjoying the view for a few moments before I have to face reality, again. Acknowledge that someone tried to kill Zain, Chase and Greer. And that it’s likely my fault for asking her to dig deeper.”
“Even if that’s why she got hurt, it’s not your fault. She’s a cop and an ex-fed. And not to absolve you of any guilt because who really needs a reason to self-blame, but even if you’d told her you’d uncover the intel by other means, she would have dug deeper. That’s who she is, and she doesn’t take anyone threatening her friends lightly, either.”
“So, we’re all friends now?”
“That’s kinda how it works. Friends by association. And it’s a good thing, Beckett, in case you were having doubts. Now, are we going to hear what Zain and Chase have to say or just stand out here until they march their asses out against doctor’s orders?”
Foster smiled. “I’m starting to think that you’re really just a pain in my ass.”
“Sounds like I’m doing everything right, then.”
“More than you know.” He straightened, pushing all that heat and unfamiliar emotion down until he’d locked them away. Or at least, curbed them enough his team wouldn’t call him on them the minute he walked through the door.
Mackenzie giggled, schooling her features when he arched a brow at her, before sliding her hand over his. An obvious declaration that there was something brewing between them, as she’d phrased it. And that she didn’t care who knew.
“Foster! About damn time.” Chase waved him over with his right hand. “What’s up with Greer? No one will tell me what the hell’s going on. Is she okay? Is there a guard outside her door? Do I need?—”
“Whoa, slow down.”
“Then, start talking.” Chase paled. “God, she isn’t?—”
“As of ten minutes ago, she was still in surgery. The doctors said she broke several ribs and that the splinters from them caused some limited internal bleeding and a collapsed lung. But they promised to grab Mackenzie as soon as Greer was in recovery. And they said it looked promising.”
“Internal bleeding and a collapsed lung is not promising. Shit.” He speared his right hand through his hair. “I need pants.”
Foster glanced at Kash when the man shook his head, blocking Chase from swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. “Why on earth would you need pants?”
Chase glared at Kash. “So, I don’t flash my ass to everyone as I walk out of here and over to the sheriff’s station to beat some intel out of her fucking colleagues.”
Zain grunted as he levered up and tossed the blankets aside. “Hell yeah. If Chase is breaking ranks, then so am I. Especially if it means getting some payback.”
“Jesus would you both just stop for a minute?” Foster moved between the twin beds, ready to pounce on whoever’s feet hit the floor, first. “No one is going anywhere until someone explains why you want to start a war with the sheriff’s office.”
Zain snorted, nearly tumbling out of the bed before Kash caught him. “I don’t know. But if Chase is going, I’m backing him up.”
Foster sighed, staring at Kash. “He already took his meds, didn’t he?”
Kash merely nodded. “And they’re kicking in right on schedule.”
“I’m fine.” Zain grinned, motioning Foster closer. “But I do have something I need to tell you.”
Foster arched a brow. “What’s that?”