ShelbyGlancing at the clock, I blow out a relieved breath when I see it reads five. This has been one of the longest work days ever. Probably because my night with Sullivan ran late.A smirk plays along my lips as I think about what Sully and I did in his apartment. Today I haven't heard from him, but that's not completely unusual. More than likely he's been busy, just like I have.My phone buzzes with a text, and I grab it as if it could walk away at any second.K: We still on for coffee?S: YES! Will be there ASAP, closing up the office right now.Coffee with Karsyn. I can't believe I forgot. Start thinking about Sullivan and everything else leaves my brain. Quickly, I grab my briefcase and purse, throw my coat over my arm, and hurry to the door. I guess I'm lucky A Whole Latte Love, the new coffee shop in town, is about a block from my office. Setting the alarm is second nature, and then I'm on the sidewalk. There aren't many people out and about today. As I shive

ShelbyAs I leave the bathroom, I chance another look back at Sully. He's already rested his head against the tub, and seems to be deep in his thoughts. I can't help but wonder who takes care of him, after he takes care of the rest of the world. My heart speeds up to scary levels when I realize I want to be that person for him. It's the first time I've ever had those thoughts about someone else. I would have to have them during one of the most transitional points of my life. Shaking my head, I walk to the kitchen, trying to figure out what I can make him for dinner. I haven't been grocery shopping in a while. I'm very much content with cereal and a banana for dinner more often than not, but I know that won't do for the man in my bathroom. Rifling through the cabinets, I spot some rice. Pulling it out, I check the expiration date, because I'm pretty sure I brought this from my old apartment. Sweet, two months to go. "He'll want something to off-set the carbs." I look behin

ShelbyWhen I get home, I don't see Sully's patrol SUV, which means he's probably still on-shift. Until right now, I didn't realize how much I look forward to seeing him at the end of a stressful day.Reaching in, I grab my briefcase and drag myself up the stairs to my apartment. Going into an empty living room is not what I want to do, but it's the life I have right now. It's nights like these I wish I had the life of most of the friends I've made here in Laurel Springs. Everyone is married with kids, or fixing to get married. They're settled. And I'm not. All the plans I had for myself seem to have never come to fruition, except being a lawyer. I love my job and I'm incredibly proud of what I've done, but none of my personal goals have been achieved.I'm not married, no kids, not even a prospect. Granted, Sully and I are getting closer, but who knows how close we'll get. Who knows how far it'll go – it's just as likely we'll burn hot and fizzle out - as is it we'll

Sullivan"It's hot as fuck in here." Cutter runs a hand through his hair. The Laurel Springs Emergency Response Team isn't a small group of people, and Cutter's right - it's stifling. When we have a meeting with all of us, it's obvious we need a different space."They must have the heat on.""On the day it's almost seventy degrees outside," Cutter bitches."It was chilly up until today. Who pissed in your Cheerios?" I give him a look. "Dude, I have been up for thirty-six fucking hours," he grumbles."Why so long?"He rolls his eyes. "Somebody called in and we couldn't find anyone to take the spot. It's not like we can run ambulances without EMTs, so I had to stay.""Don't act like you're the only one," a voice says from the other side of Cutter's body.Moving forward slightly, I glance by him to see who's talking. "Hey, Devante." I reach out my hand to shake his. "How you doing?""Tired as fuck, just like Cutter, but if you ask him, he's the only one working mor

Sullivan"Domestic at thirty-five sixteen Laurel Court."I groan when dispatch comes over the radio with the address. Third time in the past month we've been called to this place."Neighbors are calling saying white male with no shirt on and a pair of jeans is beating a white woman in the front yard of the home. They've tried to intervene, but he's got a knife."Immediately my adrenaline surges. The man at this home has been escalating, and I'm honestly surprised it's taken him this long. "Show me as responding," I radio in. "Me too." Nick's voice on the other end gives me a glimmer of hope. We're both big guys and possibly together we can take him down.Flipping on my lights and sirens, I press the pedal on my Charger, feeling it respond underneath me. It doesn't have the same loud motor my Mustang does, but it has a lot of get up and go. While a huge part of me wants to race through the streets going as fast as I can, another part knows I have to be as safe as possibl