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“Wait until everyone is up safely,” he urged.
Two members stood on either side of the spinal board with Rueben, and the third assisted Burke’s ascent. As soon as everyone was on solid ground, Cash and Nick rushed over to the group. Two EMTs approached the spinal board at the same time.
“One minute, please,” Cash asked them. He dropped to his knees on the pavement without waiting for them to respond. They’d draped Rueben with a shiny rescue blanket and strapped him to the board. He didn’t seem to notice Cash’s presence because he was too busy frantically searching for someone else. Cash had seen the wild-eyed expression on frightened animals before, and it killed him to see it in Rue’s dark eyes. He knew the moment Rueben’s gaze landed on his target because the straining muscles in his neck relaxed, and he released a heavy sigh.
Cash chuckled because he knew who Rueben had been looking for. The sound got Rue’s attention, and he attempted a smile.
“Hey, boss.” His teeth chattered, probably from shock.
Cash wished he could grip Rue’s hand to calm him, but it was tucked under the blanket. He rubbed his hands up and down Rue’s shoulders and arms, hoping to stimulate some warmth to comfort him instead. Cash could barely swallow around the lump in his throat, let alone speak, but he gave it his best try. “I’ve never been happier to see you.”
“Back at ya. I’m really sorry about your—”
Cash shook his head to cut him off. “I don’t care about material things. I just wanted you home safe and sound.”
“Makes two of us. Burke said I need to get checked out at the hospital, but I didn’t break anything. Can you just take me home?” He sounded so small, and it made Cash’s heart ache.
“I think Burke is right, but I’ll tell you what. I’ll stay at the hospital with you, okay?”
Rueben glanced in Burke’s direction once more and scowled. Cash turned to see what had put the thundercloud in his expression. Captain Hart had Burke wrapped in a bear hug and didn’t seem interested in letting go. When Burke wrestled free, Hart kept a grip on the sheriff’s biceps. Their interaction seemed intensely…jovial if that was a thing. Their conversation appeared heavy while their expressions displayed affection and respect.
Rue released a little growl, then shouted “Hey!” loud enough to get everyone’s attention. Burke broke away from Captain Hart, who smiled as he watched the sheriff walk away.
“Just who the hell is manhandling my man?” Rueben asked when Burke dropped to one knee opposite Cash.
Burke’s mouth quirked into a wry smile. “That’s my cousin, Kerry Hart,” he said. It was worth noting that Burke didn’t rebuke Rue’s possessive claim. “Kerry and his crew are responsible for getting us to safety.”
Rue didn’t look remotely relieved. “Kissing cousins?”
Cash suppressed a startled snort, but Nick didn’t bother.
“Gross,” Burke said. “I’m not presently kissing anybody.”
Rue’s irate expression morphed into full out flirtation. He batted his mile-long eyelashes and said, “Want to change that?”
“Okay,” said the female EMT before Burke could respond. “It’s time to take Mr. Sanchez to the hospital for evaluation.” Her tone was serious, but her eyes twinkled with good humor. “That was quite a ride you took, and I fear you might’ve bumped your head too hard if you want to kiss this big oaf.” She hooked her thumb in Burke’s direction.
The sheriff groaned as he stood up. Burke hooked his arm around the EMT’s shoulder and introduced her as his baby sister, Shawna.
“And, no,” Shawna said to Rue. “We don’t kiss.” She elbowed Burke in the ribs and added, “I can barely tolerate him.” The huge smile and adoring expression she aimed at her brother said otherwise.
“I can’t believe my good fortune,” Rue said as Shawna and her partner lowered the gurney down next to him.
“You careened down a ravine and knocked yourself silly,” Shawna said. “How is this fortunate?” She and her partner lifted the spinal board and gently placed it on the gurney.
“Well, I got rescued by my very own knight, and now I get to pump you for information about him.”
Shawna looked up from releasing the spinal board straps. “Oh, honey, I will tell you everything you want to know.”
Burke groaned and rubbed his temples. “I must be dreaming.”
Rue snorted, then let out a giggle. Cash thought maybe he had rattled something pretty good. “Sugar,” Rue crooned, “you’ll be saying that for sure once I get out of the hospital.”
“Now we’re definitely getting a little loose-lipped,” Shawna teased. “But I have a caveat to feeding you information.”
Rue’s eyes widened. “What is it? I’ll do anything.”
“Happy to hear it,” Shawna said. Once they removed the spinal board from under Rueben, they strapped him down to the gurney and raised it for transport. “I will answer all your questions if you refrain from telling me the wicked things you plan to do to my brother.”
