Page 88 of Through the Fire
“Otto,” Theo called, and the other man raised his head. “Kit needs to sit down.”
The big guy immediately popped up off the sofa and came over, scowling. “Why are you standing on that leg? You just had surgery a week ago. It should be elevated.”
They fussed at her until she was settled on the couch, her leg propped up on pillows stacked on the coffee table, with an amused Jules and Grace on either side of her. Grumbling, the guys finally left her alone. Deep down, she loved their concern. It was the same nagging she’d offer to one of her partners if they’d been hurt. It meant she was one of the team, and that finally filled the empty spot that had existed since her last department had turned on her.
“No wonder Hugh’s grateful I took the attention off his injuries,” Kit said, making the other two women laugh.
“They’re even more over the top with you, though,” Grace said, keeping her voice low so just the three of them could hear it. “They feel bad about not trusting your instincts with the whole Elena thing.”
“I feel bad, too,” Jules said, squeezing Kit’s hand. “I can’t believe I listened to her, that I defended her. I feel like such an idiot. I’m sorry, Kit.”
Kit squeezed back. “You’ve already apologized about five thousand times, and the guys have apologized about twice that. It’s fine. You’re forgiven. I understand the need to go all mama bear when it comes to your siblings. Speaking of the kids, how are you all doing?”
“We’re good.” Jules took a deep breath that shook a little, but she looked relieved. “It’s hard to believe we don’t have to be scared anymore.”
Sarah left the puppy fest and squeezed in on the end next to Grace. “How’s the leg?”
“Better. It doesn’t hurt that much anymore unless I do something stupid or Justice runs into me. It’s more annoying than anything.”
Grace grinned at her. “This is your chance, though, to have that big, bearded man of yours be your devoted slave. Have him fetch and carry for you.”
With a snort, Kit said, “He already has everything set up at my house so it operates on voice control. It takes some getting used to. I keep opening and closing blinds by mistake, and I think I confuse Robo-Cat on a regular basis.”
“He gave you the robo-cat?” Jules laughed. “It must be love.”
Kit couldn’t completely swallow her smitten grin. She was pretty sure it was love—on both sides. She couldn’t imagine caring about someone more.
“H-hey, K-Kit,” Sam said, looking up from where he sat cross-legged with a puppy in his lap and another trying to climb him like a mountain. “H-how long d-do you have to b-be on crutches?”
“Another month.” She tried not to whine, but it was hard.
“C-c-can w-we train the dogs again after th-that?”
“Of course.” She smiled at him. He seemed different now, lighter. “In the meantime, would you be willing to work with Justice, too? I’ll pay you.”
He scowled. “You’re not paying me.”
Surprised, she looked at him quizzically.
“We’re training partners.” Ducking his head, he ran his fingers over the back of one of the puppies in his lap. The back of his neck turned red. “We’re friends, aren’t we?”
“Of course we are.” Kit had to blink rapidly to keep any tears from escaping. “Okay. I won’t pay you, but I’ll take care of Fifi while you’re on vacation. How about that?”
“Deal.” He gave her one of his rare, sweet smiles, and Kit had to force the happy tears back again.
“I’ll give you weekly homework for both of the dogs. How’s Fifi doing at your house?”
“G-good.” He shot a look at Jules before turning back to the puppies.
“If ‘good’ means she only ate half of everything in the house, then yes, she’s good,” Jules muttered, although she didn’t seem too annoyed. “She’s so sweet that no one can really get upset with her.”
Kit, Sarah, and Grace all grinned at her silently.
“What?”
“You’re so keeping that dog,” Sarah singsonged, and the rest of them laughed.
“Probably.” Jules shrugged, not looking too upset about it. “And we’re getting one of the puppies. I’ve resigned myself to living in a zoo.”
