Third Chance Read Online Free Page A

the police, Ryan’s head cleared of the fuzzy remains of sleep and he sat up with a groan. While it would be nice to just laze about in bed all day, something he rarely did, Emma needed him right now and that took precedence over his desires. She’d made him some oatmeal and at the sight of the big glass of orange juice, his stomach gave an angry grumble.
    Her giggle warmed him inside and out as she set the bowl and glass down next to the bed along with a couple of big white pills. “How many calories do you eat a day to maintain your bulk?”
    “A lot,” Ryan muttered as he dug into the oatmeal. Emma had mixed some dried fruit in and had drawn a heart out of honey on top. It was such an unexpectedly sweet thing to do that he couldn’t help but smile at her. “You’ll make a good mom someday.”
    “What?”
    He gestured to his bowl. “Not many people draw hearts on oatmeal.”
    She blushed, then stood and brushed her hands off on her jeans with a brisk movement. “It’s no big deal.”
    “To me it is.”
    The red of Emma’s cheeks deepened. “Yes, well, we need to get you dressed, so eat up and take your pills.”
    Ryan did as ordered, grinning at Emma while she dug through his closet, picking out his outfit for the day. Instead of taking both painkillers, he only took one. He had a feeling he’d need his wits about him for the day to come. By the time he was done and out of bed, Emma had returned from the bathroom and frowned at him as he began to get dressed as best he could with one arm.
    “What are you doing?”
    “Getting dressed.”
    “You’re supposed to wait for me to help you.”
    “Why? I can get dressed on my own, Emma. It’s just a flesh wound.”
    Her full lips pressed into a firm line as she snatched his pants away before kneeling before him and helping him into them. “Ryan, you got shot.”
    “Emma, I got grazed.”
    Instead of anger, fear mixed with guilt filled her beautiful blue eyes when she looked up at him. “I’m so sorry.”
    “Hey, hey, hey, take it easy.” Ryan drew her to his feet with one hand and hugged her the best he could. “It’s not your fault.”
    Emma buried her face against his chest and muttered into his bare skin, “He was watching me.”
    “What?”
    “He had cameras at my house, Ryan. That’s how he knew you were there.” Her voice broke on the last word and the warmth of her tears wet his skin. “I feel so violated.”
    A hint of guilt panged through Ryan’s stomach at the thought that he’d watched her without her permission as well, but he’d tried to justify it because she knew there was a video camera in the room at her work and was aware that someone could be watching her.
    Unable to think of anything to say that would make Emma feel better, he settled with a lame, “You’re safe here.”
    She softened against him and nodded. “I know, but I can’t stay here forever.”
    “Yes, you can.”
    That made Emma push away, and she blinked up at him, yearning mixing with confusion on her expressive face. God, she was so beautiful she stole his breath. “I appreciate the offer but—”
    He silenced her with a kiss that grew more and more heated right up to the point that she inadvertently touched his shoulder, making him hiss.
    “Shit, I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be.” He kissed each of her cheeks, then her forehead, trying to pour his affection and strength into her. “You have to know that I’m not thinking short term with you, Emma. As far as I’m concerned, my home is your home, and you will always have a place here.”
    “Ryan…”
    “Like I said, when you’re ready.” Ryan gave the top of her head a final kiss. “Come on, let’s get some coffee before the police arrive.”
     
    An hour later, he sat on the other side of the broad oak coffee table in his formal living room, keeping a close eye on the young, good-looking cop, Officer Daniels, who seemed to have more than a professional interest in Emma. Not that she noticed in