Christ!

My feet shifted before my mind could process, catching her. Sweeping up in my arms, she was out cold.

Glancing at her bare foot, spots of blood dripped to the floor. I would need to look at her injury. "I can fix this. Where can I place her?" I turned with her in my arms, focusing on Mercy Jane Lockwood, the woman of nightmares.

"The den," she replied, aloof. "I'm about to have that redecorated and it won't matter if she bleeds on anything."

There wasn't a shred of concern for the woman I held. Her furniture mattered more than her own daughter.

Sighing, she flicked her hand. "Fetch her, before she bleeds any more on my floor."

Forcing a small smile, I followed, but my attention kept dropping to the young, beautiful woman in my arms. Under the flush of her cheeks there was a smattering of freckles that weren't there before and damn, weren't they just adorable?

A weird feeling shunted across my chest, as if protective of this small woman who smelled like peaches. Without thinking, I tightened my grip, but then out of the blue, it hit me like a slap to the face.

Mercy Jane Lockwood was her mother.

I'd slept with a Lockwood. Jesus fucking Christ.

Double doors opened up. "There, place her there. She pointed toward a sofa that looked new to me. "I will instruct Stella to help."

I strode past her, my knees brushed against the sofa and I almost didn't want to put her down. Shaking the weirdness, I braced myself and lay her gently down.

The retreating footstep of Mercy Lockwood allowed me a moment to look at her daughter as I swept a dark wayward curl from her cheek, fighting the urge to tangle my fingers in the rest.

"What the fuck!" I looked up to see Chris staring down, his expression as surprised as mine to recognise my one-night stand. "You have got to be kidding me?"

I refocused and nudged past him to sit at the end of the sofa, lifting her small foot so I could take a closer look.

"What happened?" he asked, bending to look with me.

"Safe to say, she was just as surprised to see me." That was an understatement. She'd looked horrified. "Chris, I doubt they will have anything of use, here. Grab your bag from the car." Chris and I went nowhere without being able to perform minor surgery.

"Sure, on it." He looked down again, shaking his head. "Damn, what's the odds?"

Inspecting her foot, marveling at the softness of her skin, I tried not to let my thoughts or eyes wander as I blew out a breath.

A crisp voice broke through my thoughts. "Stella will fetch the first aid and deal with this." She swished her hand over her daughter. "Then you and I, Dr Matthews, can return to the barbeque."

Was she for real? From the irritation bleeding from her eyes, that would be a yes. "I'd prefer to see to it myself. I'm not sure how deep the glass is lodged." I kept eye contact. "We wouldn't want to risk infection."

Mercy's lips pursed. "Dr Matthews, I'm sure you have better things to do than deal with my inept daughter."

I succumbed to another odd feeling—akin to anger as it flushed through me. What the hell was wrong with this woman? Did she have no maternal instincts?

Gritting my teeth, Chris jogged back in. "Got it." I shifted my gaze from god awful woman to him, my jaw tensing.

Chris's attention flitted between me and Mercy. "Mrs Lockwood, you're looking stunning as ever."

I felt a little throw up in my mouth. Chris could charm a rattlesnake... but I thought he had his work cut out for him with this woman.

Lucky for me, she ate it up.

"Why Dr Chambers. You may not be from the South, Sir. But you sure have picked up our Southern charm and please I've asked you to call me Mercy." She eyed him up and down.

Jesus!

She hadn't finished. "And may I say you look mighty fine yourself today."

Damn, anyone would see she's a shrewd, intelligent woman and slicker than motor oil.

Chris offered her his arm. "Please, call me Chris." Her mouth curved into a smile and If I didn't know better, I'd think it was genuine. "How about we leave Adam here to see your beautiful daughter and you give me the grand tour? I noticed you've made quite a few changes since I last visited."

"Well, it would be my pleasure, Chris." Without a glance back, she hooked her arm through his, as he threw me a wink and I mouthed a grateful thank you.

Opening the bag, I fished out gloves, antiseptic spray and sterilized tweezers. Quickly getting to work, it took me no time at all to remove the shard of glass, clean and dress the wound.

"Oh my, oh my." I looked up to see the doorway filled by two women. One slightly older than the other. The smaller of the two held a first aid kit.

"Oh, my sweet darlin' child." The older of the women shuttled forward, reaching for my patient's hand. I could see a family similarity, possibly a grandmother. The lines on her face etched the story of a happy life, and the subtle crow's feet spoke of laughter and warmth.

"You don't have to worry, it's looks worse than it is." Offering reassurance as she eyed me suspiciously. "Trust me. I'm a doctor Mrs—?"

Her green eyes warmed to me. "It appears the good Lord is shining down on us today—ain't that so, Stella?"

The other woman nodded. "Praise be."

There was something charming and proper about southern women, no matter the age, they possessed an eloquence that seemed washed-out in East Coast women, probably because of their cut-throat drive and determination with their careers and expectations of today's modern world. It was something that I'd definitely learned to appreciate since moving to the South.

"Nana Em. But you can call me Em, young man. And thank you for fixing up my Riley Jo, but she looks so pale, doctor. Sure she doesn't need to visit the hospital?" Her words were sincere, but I felt a flush of embarrassment.

Riley Jo...

I hadn't known her name. How fucked up was that? "Please call me, Adam and no—no hospital. She fainted. I don't think blood is a friend of your granddaughters."

She nodded and gave Riley's hand a squeeze.

"Guessing you won't be needin' this, huh?" asked Stella.

I shook my head. "It's a habit that Chris and I always have something in case of minor emergencies."

"Well ain't you a good one to have around. My Riley is damn lucky." Em winked at me and I couldn't help but grin. Seemingly, not all the Lockwood's were devoid of character. But I wasn't so sure she wouldn't be saying that if she knew how I treated her granddaughter on Friday.

Riley's foot moved as my eyes travelled up.

"Ooh... ooh... where—" Her eyes fluttered.

"Stella. Go fix my granddaughter a glass of water."

Stella left. Riley's eyes latched on her grandmother. "Nana?"

"You be still, child. You've hurt yourself, but this fine man tells me you'll be just fine."

"—Where's Mama?"

"Off doing god knows what with god knows who." Riley let out a relieved sigh. "And I dare say the man I saw with her will keep her out of your hair for a good while." She cupped her cheek. "So don't you go fretting about your mama. Just thank this man here."

Her eyes blinked as she looked at me. Colour rushed to her cheeks as her soft pink lips parted.

"Are you gonna thank the man? He's done fixed you up good. He's a doctor and just look at those hands. I don't think I've ever seen a nicer pair." Nana Em smirked but not with her mouth, but with a slight crease around her green eyes as if she was thoroughly amused.

It was fair to say I liked her and smiled at the compliment. "Honestly, no need for any thanks. I'm just happy I was here to help."

Riley's eyes widened as her eyes flicked to her grandmother and then back to me. "Thank you—doctor?"

My chest squeezed, such innocence in those beautiful green eyes. "Just Adam... and it's the least I could do."

"Thank you, Adam."

My stomach twisted. The way she said my name. Breathy and a lot sexy.

Quit it! I told myself. She's innocent and sweet and young... young enough to be your daughter. I looked away.

Stella returned with a glass of water. Nana Em took it from her and offered Riley a drink. "I'm good Nana, I can do it myself."

"Hush child and drink, let an old woman look after you."

Riley stubbornly took a sip, but her eyes searched out mine. Em placed the glass down next to her and then looked at the other woman. "Come Stella, let's leave my Riley here with the good doctor."

"No—Nana you can stay. I thought you said you wanted to look after me?" Riley panicked.

"Hush, you're in expert hands, child." She turned and the other woman followed.

Riley grumbled, pushing herself up as her eyes widened, landing on her foot and where it lay... on my lap.

"Sorry," she muttered, lifting it with a partial wince. "You don't have to stay. I'm sure I'll be fine." Her eyes shifted to my hand, and I was sure she was looking at my wedding band.

I cleared my throat. "I'd like to stay if that's okay with you." At least she couldn't run away this time. "And talk if you'll allow me?"

She pushed herself further up into the sitting position, putting distance between us, no doubt—not that I could blame her. I'd been a total asshole.

"I want to explain and apologise."

She shook her head. "No need." Her eyes flitted to the door and then back to me. "Won't someone be looking for you?"

I twisted my wedding band out of habit, shaking my head. "No."

Riley's brow furrowed. "What about your?" Her eyes watched my fingers. "Wife?"

She thought Emma was still alive. I had a feeling she would have assumed with me stupidly leaving our bedroom door open. "My wife's gone."

Her lips parted as she digested the information. "Gone? But—" she nibbled her bottom lip. "I saw her clothes... pictures."

"I haven't had the heart—" I took a deep breath. "I lost her in March."

The penny dropped. "You mean." She paused, the words lost.

"Yes... she died." I waited for the usual platitudes that came with those words. The pity and pain painted across their faces as they faced someone else's loss and lacked the skills to deal with a person or find the right words to say.

Silence.

She nodded slowly, digesting what I'd just told her. I braced myself for the awkwardness, but forced my eyes to meet hers. I should have told her.

But it wasn't pity I saw. Her green eyes were inquisitive, more like anatomizing. "So that's why you were yelling at your friend on the phone. You felt bad, like somehow betraying her memory?"

This wasn't what I expected, and I was the one unsure what to say.

"Emma?"

She knew Emma. "You knew my Emma?"

She shook her head, her eyes creasing. "No, you called me Emma."

Fucking hell.

My breath caught in my throat as I rubbed my hand across my forehead, mortification flooding my face. Not only had I behaved like an asshole, I'd been a complete and utter bastard. I wouldn't blame her if she hated me.

"Jesus. Shit. Christ. I'm so sorry, Riley." This was messed up. It amazed me she could stand to look at me at all. "I can promise you; I honestly don't remember saying that." I hope to Christ she believed me.

I scooted forward, bringing us closer, happy the sofa was large enough that I don't squash her. She didn't back away. "Riley, I swear I knew it was you who I was sleeping with."

Doubt but a flicker of hope lightened her green eyes. I would be honest as I took her small hand in mine. "What you gave me on Friday night." I paused, my throat drying as I blew out a ragged breath. But she deserved to know. "It was the first time I'd felt something... anything for months."

That was the truth.

Her eyes widened, brightening further. "You did?"

I nodded as a tiny smile teased those beautiful lips that suddenly I remembered kissing... the softness.

"You miss her." It wasn't a question.

For a second time, I was stunned by her words. And again, not an ounce of pity in her eyes, I saw something else, but I didn't want to overthink it. "Every damn second." The words left my mouth, unsure if I'd overstepped on the sharing feelings.

My eyes dropped to her lips and I saw myself kissing her. Her soft body pressed up against mine.

And then I did the craziest thing since meeting her... the second craziest thing. I leant in and kissed her before I could question what the hell I was doing.

Fuck. I hadn't imagined how soft her lips were. Hesitant, she slowly relaxed, her lips moving against mine and I felt so hot, impassioned as I slipped my tongue past her lips to stroke over hers before twirling in rapturous riots. Her small hand settled on my arm, the heat searing as I almost imprisoned her against the arm of the sofa. Her soft moans sent instructions to him downstairs, hardening, pressing against my zipper.

Jesus. I felt the heat rising, the ache I'd lived with since losing Emma lifted slightly and once again this beautiful young woman brought something to life in me, light in the darkness. Warmth where there'd been only cold.

Fuck... young. The word broke our kiss.

"Shit. I'm sorry Riley—I shouldn't have don't that." Her sweet features contorted, stiff with confusion. What the hell was wrong with me?

For a third time, her words shocked me. "'I'll be damned if I'm sorry."

I shot up from the sofa, the distance necessary as I paced like a wounded animal. "I'm old enough to be your father, Riley." There I'd said it. One of us needed to keep our brains on the level before my brain slipped down to a different head.

"Why, how old are you?"

I cringed. "Forty."

"Well, I'm almost twenty-three, so I think that makes me adult enough to make my own choices."

Twenty-two. Eighteen-year age gag. Double what was between me and Emma.

Throw in the fact that she was also a Lockwood. And Mercy Jane would have my ass if she knew I'd seduced her daughter. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken advantage of you, Riley. It was wrong."

"I'll kindly remind you, doctor —was it not me that approached you on Friday night?"

True. "Why did you?" The question had passed through my mind more than once.

She bit her lip, looking sheepish. "Well, technically I wasn't supposed to kiss you."

She had my full attention as I stopped pacing. "Who were you supposed to kiss?" A weird flutter of what I could only describe as jealousy tightened across my gut.

"There was a man with you... sat next to you."

Jesus. "Chris—you were supposed to kiss Chris... Dr Chambers?" My best friend.

She sighed. "Yeah, but then I saw you—"

"And?" My heart-rate kicked up a notch.

Riley's cheeks pinkened. But I wanted—no, needed to know why she kissed me.

Looking down, twiddling her fingers. "You'll laugh. Or just think it's childish."

"No, I won't." My feet edged closer to the sofa.

Eyes lifting, they narrowed. "If you laugh—" She jabbed her finger toward me. "I swear—"

Holding up my hands in defense. "You have my word, Riley."

Following an exasperated breath. "Okay. I read a lot." She paused. "And you were straight up one of my book characters–in the flesh. Dark, brooding... sexy." Her cheeks flushed again. "My ideal fantasy comes to life."

Wow. That was the best compliment I'd ever had. Emma had said I was handsome, but I'd always felt I'd never measured up to her late husband. I stared at Riley, shocked.

"See, you think it stupid."

"No—no, I don't." She twiddled her fingers again. "That's one of the nicest compliments I've received."

"Honestly?"

"Honestly."

She smiled, her entire face lit up, and it made me smile. Something I thought I'd forgotten how to do.

"So what you planning on doin' about it?"

"I don't understand."

Mischief danced in her eyes. "Well, I have a proposal for you, doctor."

She was the only person who could make the name doctor sound sexy. My eyebrow lifted as a smirk stole my lips. "A little soon for that, don't you think."

She laughed, and it sent a rush of heat through me. "I think you know I never meant that sort of proposal."

I did.

"I'm only in Lockwood Creek for four weeks. And I've been told I can bring light into any man's life. And if, like you said, I made you feel something. How about we spend some time together?" She shrugged. "Help each other out... as friends."

Interesting. "How would I be helping you out?"

"You've met my mama, right?"

I gave her a sympathetic smile.

"So, you can see why I like to be anywhere but here. Trust me, you'd be helpin' me out."

"Just friends?"

She nodded. "Friends."

I couldn't believe I was agreeing to this. "Okay, friends."

She smiled again and I wouldn't deny it felt good to be the one making her smile