Ryker (Hope City #6) - Kris Michaels Page 0,35

appreciate it.”

She glanced at the engraved card and pocketed it. “I’d be glad to do that. I’m sure Ryker will call you tomorrow.”

Xander smiled, although it didn’t go all the way to his eyes. “I would like to believe so, however, our past has been rocky. We’re trying to close the gap between us. It’s been difficult.”

Brie saw the honesty in Xander’s face and reflected in his brothers’ expressions. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you.” Not being close to family was almost impossible for her to fathom. Her life teemed with all the messes and joys of brothers, sisters, and neighbors being in everyone’s business. Sure, there were differences and squabbles, but she’d do anything for her family, and if she had a problem, all she had to do was pick up a phone. It appeared these four brothers had that. Why didn’t Ryker?

They said goodnight and walked in pairs down the almost vacant hallway.

“Brie? You okay?” Brody walked up to her.

“What? Oh, yeah, I’m fine.” She rubbed her arms. “When can I see him?”

“Now. I’ll run interference with the nurse and buy you some time, but you will get kicked out sooner rather than later. It’s already almost one.”

“Really?” She glanced at her watch. In some ways, it felt like it should be morning already. The hours had dragged by.

“Do you want me to wait and drive you home?” He folded her into a hug. “I’m happy for you and him. It’s just going to take a hot minute to get used to.”

She chuckled and hugged him back. “Thank you. That admission really had to hurt.”

“Yeah, you have no idea how much.” Brody broke the hug and nodded to the room. “He’s waiting for you.”

She beamed a smile at him and went to Ryker’s door, stopping only to knock and peek her head inside. “Hey.” He smiled and lifted his hand. There was still an IV, so she was careful when she took his and leaned past the silver guardrail to kiss him. “You can’t do that again. I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I got the call.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He smiled up at her. “You called my stepfather.”

She winced. “Yeah, Mom and I thought if the situations were reversed, we’d want someone to call for us.”

“For normal family dynamics, perhaps.” Ryker closed his eyes. “We aren’t the typical family.”

“Your brothers came.”

His eyes snapped open. “What?”

“Yeah, Xander, Elias, Dimitri, and Killian? They wanted to make sure you were okay. I told Xander that you’d probably call him tomorrow. I may have made a mistake.” She winced again and dropped her head back, looking at the ceiling. “I told them you were a highly-decorated captain of JDET. I don’t think they knew that.”

Ryker chuffed a harsh breath. “They don’t want to know what I do.”

She ran her hand through his short hair. “I didn’t get that just now. They seemed worried and I could tell they care.”

Ryker gave her a weak smile before his eyes dropped again. “Okay. I’ll agree to disagree.”

She leaned down and kissed his lips again. “I’m going to go so you can rest. I’ll be back in the morning.”

“No, sleep in, get some rest, and bring me some lunch. I know you’re exhausted.”

“Well, I’m not sure I can stay away that long, but I won’t set an alarm.” She stared at him for a moment before she asked, “Can I bring you anything else?”

“God, yes. Jeans and a tee-shirt and socks. I feel exposed in this damn thing.” He picked at his hospital johnnie.

“Well, that’s because it is about twenty sizes too small for you.” She brought up the untied fabric from his good arm and tucked it under his shoulder. “Do you think they’ll let you put a tee-shirt on?”

“Maybe. In the guest room closet there are some winter flannel button-ups. Bring me one of those? No, wait.” he dropped his head back on the pillow. “I don’t want you going to the house.”

“Why?”

“Because they haven’t caught the shooters. We don’t know why they targeted me. If they are watching the house, they’ll see you. I don’t want them to have access to my personal life.”

“Would they be watching the house?”

“It is one theory.” He opened his eyes. “Promise me you won’t go back to my house, please.”

“Okay. I’ll call Brody in the morning and see if one of your people can stop by and get those things for you. I’ll probably have them bring my