Page 40 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

“Under the bed,” Ryan said.

She dropped to her knees and peered under the bed. “Sam, what are you doing under here?” She reached her hand to his. “Come out of there.” When he scooted out, she said, “Why were you under the bed?”

“I woke up and you were gone. I thought the mean men took you.”

“Oh, sweetie.” She hugged him. “The mean men aren’t coming here. I promise.” She prayed that was true. “I just got up for a few minutes. You have to go to the bathroom or want some water before we go back to bed?”

“No.” He lifted his gaze to Ryan. “I want you to stay in here, too. I won’t be scared if you’re here.”

That was how Matti found herself in bed with the first man in a long time she actually wanted to be in bed with. She just hadn’t expected it to happen with a little boy between them.

* * *

Matti could have sworn she’d bought Pop-Tarts when she’d shopped yesterday morning. She could even visualize putting them in the pantry. They weren’t there today, though.

Sam had seen an ad for them on TV. “Are those good?” he’d asked.

“I haven’t had any in a long time, but I remember them being good.”

“Can we get some? I never had them before.”

“Sure.” Maybe she was imagining something that had never happened.

“Why are you standing there, staring into the pantry?” Ryan asked, coming into the kitchen.

“Could’ve sworn I bought Pop-Tarts.” She glanced over her shoulder, and jeez, a barefoot Ryan in the morning with his hair all mussed and sexy, and still wearing the sleep pants and T-shirt she’d given him, was a mighty fine sight. Seeing that first thing in the morning made for a perfect start to her day.

He came to stand next to her. “Want me to go get some?”

“Thanks, but no. It’s no big deal. Sam said he’d never had them, so I was going to toast him a couple for breakfast. They’re not healthy, so maybe it’s for the best.”

“You know what is healthy?”

“Vegetables.”

He chuckled. “Not what I had in mind.”

The way he’d lowered his voice and the intimate tone got her attention. “No?”

“No. A good morning kiss before the invasion of a six-year-old is what I had in mind.”

She turned toward him. “How is that healthy?” Not that she objected to more kissing.

“It gets the adrenaline going, makes the heart beat faster, and as a doctor, I can assure you kissing is good medicine.”

“Ah, a kissing prescription. How many times a day do I need a kiss, Doctor?” They were being silly, but she liked it. She didn’t mean to keep comparing him with the men who came before him, but it was hard not to. He was just so different, so much better.

“I recommend at least a dozen.” He put his hands on her shoulders and lowered his mouth to hers.

This kiss was different from the passionate ones last night. His lips were soft and gentle against hers, filled with a sense of tender affection.

“Best medicine ever,” she said when he pulled away.

His eyes locked on hers. “I think another dose is necessary, just to be sure.”

“Matti?” Sam called. “Where are you?”

She sighed, disappointed there would be no more kisses this morning. “In the kitchen.”