Live For Me: The Everetts of Tyler, #3

By Hayden Braeburn

Haleigh Carlisle doesn’t exist, or didn’t six months ago. On the run from her past, she and her daughter Georgia end up in Tyler when Haleigh lands a job at Aylesford Memorial Hospital.

Caleb Everett may not have time to date, but that doesn’t stop him from noticing the new, leggy, blonde physical therapist. Making time in his schedule for the skittish woman is hard, but making a place in his heart is easy.

When Haleigh’s past comes back to haunt her, can Caleb live with the secrets she’s been hiding?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hayden Braeburn
• Release date: Mar 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386354697

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as fact. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable, right to access and read the text of this ebook onscreen. Except for use in reviews, promotional posts or similar uses, no part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

Preview: ACHE FOR ME, The Everetts of Tyler, Book 4

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Chapter One

Caleb Everett tore off his scrub top, depositing it in the laundry basket.  He'd spent twelve hours in the ER today, and he'd still had to prioritize, taking emergencies and pressing surgeries only.  He sighed.  He needed a shower, a handful of aspirin, and two fingers of bourbon.  He'd buried himself in work, not allowing himself to dwell on his missing sister and the deja vu that caused from his brother's recent kidnapping, and doing what he did best—healing others.  He glanced at the clock, allowing himself a brief moment of worry when his phone rang. 

His heart beat double-time when he saw it was Dylan.  You find her?

We did.  She and Tiffany Morgan are hurt pretty bad, but I'm afraid to bring her to you.  the bounty hunter sounded ragged, and Caleb's mind conjured all kinds of scenarios.  If Dylan was afraid to bring the women to Aylesford, he expected something to go down here.

He swallowed against the fear creeping up his spine.  Should we evacuate?

Probably.  Call Aylesford PD.  He blew out a slow breath and Caleb wondered what other bomb he was going to drop on him.  There are two bodyguards there I brought in to protect you.  You might recognize them if you see them.  I need you to stay close to them, and get out of harm's way.

He hadn't expected that one, but it made perfect sense.  Dylan was crazy about Nugget, and his sister wouldn't let him go unprotected.  Why, Superman, I might believe you care, he remarked through a laugh.

Nah, it's an act, but your sister would kill me if I let you get dead, so play along, okay? Dylan joked back, downplaying the gravity of the situation.

Aye-aye, sir.  He paused for a beat.  You said I'd know these bodyguards?

Yeah, you will.  They were just at your brother's house.

He thought for a second, trying to come up with names and failing miserably.  Instead of naming his protectors, he just said, Ah.  You keep my sister safe, and I'll follow directions.

He pulled on a new set of scrubs, skipping the shower, the aspirin, and woefully the bourbon as well to go speak to the hospital administrators.  Trying to evacuate a hospital wasn't as crazy as it used to be considering the ever-looming threat of terrorism, but it would take a lot of logistical planning.  He sped up his pace, heading towards administration. If Dylan was right and there was a bomb, they'd have to act fast.  Before they would make the drastic decision to evacuate, they would organize a staff search, deciding to take the final step if a device was found.  He tamped down the worry eating at him, knowing so many people could be in danger.  Granted, Aylesford Memorial was a small hospital, catering to just Ayles county with a staff considered small by most standards, but numbering somewhere in the hundreds nonetheless.  His mind spun with the implications, and he decided then to enlist the help of his assigned bodyguards—if they could keep him safe, they could look after those who really needed it.

He was nearly running down the hallway when he turned a corner and almost toppled the new physical therapist, Haleigh Carlisle.

Dr. Everett? she questioned, and he wished he had time to really study the beautiful woman before him.  She was flushed with embarrassment over slamming straight into him, and it was a look that worked for her.

Miss Carlisle?

Um.... Is something wrong?  You look stressed.

You could say that.  He was afraid the hospital was under attack, so stressed might be an understatement.  He thought briefly of lying to her, but decided against it.  My sister was beaten and kidnapped early this morning, and now they're afraid we might be in danger here.

Her big blue eyes went wide as the color leached from her face.  I thought we were safe here.  I thought— her sentence cut off when she fainted.

HALEIGH STRUGGLED AGAINST the strong arms holding her, not at all sure who had captured her, but she couldn't let him take her, couldn't let herself be carried away.

Calm down, Miss Carlisle, a smooth, deep voice soothed.  I didn't want you to end up with a concussion.  She relaxed for a fraction of a second before she felt her face go up in flames.  She had passed out and he'd caught her.  She pulled free from his arms and scrambled to lean against the wall.

I, she stopped.  What was she supposed to tell this gorgeous, rich, doctor?  She couldn't very well tell him the truth, now could she?  She took a breath.  I don't do very well with panic.

I can see that, he agreed, a laugh in his voice.

A small smile tipped his lips and she had to work not to melt into the floor.  From the few months she'd been in the hospital, he seemed to be a fair man, a good leader, a man who didn't turn to violence to deal with issues.  She also knew every woman in the hospital had a crush on him, and she had to admit she was not an exception to the rule.  While the others admired him for his handsome face and cut physique, she was taken in by his gentle, easy-going nature.  She swallowed.  How long had she been staring at him?

Her thoughts went to what he had said before she'd rudely fainted.  You're afraid we're in danger?  What kind of danger?

He nodded.  It's possible there is a bomb.

She felt herself get woozy and slid down the wall to sit on the floor.  I don't like that idea.

I'm not fond of it either.  He knelt in front of her to study her intently, his dark chocolate eyes taking in every inch of her face.  Your pupils are dilated, your breathing erratic.  Let's get you somewhere safe.

Before she could protest, he'd scooped her up, her arms automatically locking behind his head, her nose finding its way into the crook of his neck.  He smelled amazing, and she was thankful she could blame her heart rate and breathing on a panic attack.  For a moment, she allowed herself to wallow in the connection with another human—a man no less—her body finally acknowledging that she was a woman after years of being nothing.

PRAYING HE HAD TIME, he carried the sweet-smelling woman to his office. It might be a glorified closet, but it was his, and he had a nice soft chair for her to regain her composure. Twice he had to stop himself from smoothing a hand down her back, and when he'd been checking for signs of another panic attack, he had to bite down on the inside of his cheek to keep his thoughts from straying to a much more intimate scene. A beautiful, panting woman did funny things to his overtired body, reminding him it had been a very long time since he'd had a woman. He shook his head. Now was not the time.

Doctor Everett? Haleigh quietly broke into his thoughts, You can put me down now.

Right. Nice going, Dr. Hero. He muttered an apology and deposited his precious cargo into his black leather chair, his body loving the feel of a well formed woman sliding over it. He swallowed a groan. He didn't know Haleigh Carlisle, but his body didn't care. You're a doctor, Everett.

He watched his new charge, noticed the color coming back into her cheeks and her breathing slowing down, and wondered about her reaction to the possibility of danger.  She had fought him when she'd come to, unaware of who had hold of her, fearful and thrashing.  She was a beautiful woman, all graceful curves and golden hair, but he knew outward appearances could be deceiving.  What had happened to her?  He gritted his teeth.  He wanted to know her story, and to his surprise he wanted to know her, but he would have to wait until later.  Right now he had to get help, to figure out if the hospital might blow up around them.  He had his phone in hand once again when Jason Monroe popped his head into his office, his pale blue eyes widening when he found a curvy blonde in Caleb's chair. 

Dylan call you? the detective asked.

He did, he replied with a sharp nod.  You find the bastard?  He might be known for being laid back, but he'd kill whomever had beaten his sister with no remorse.

The other man shook his head, and Caleb noticed Jason's black hair nearly standing on end.  When Mr. Cool was worried he raked his fingers through his short locks, and Caleb hated to know Jason was on edge enough to make himself look like he'd just rolled out of bed.  Any leads at least? he asked finally, fully aware he would get half an answer.

We know who we're looking for, and Black is on it.

Dylan Black was a trained Ranger and a sniper, and he was in love with Cassidy.  Once the big man found his target, that was end of that.  I know this goes against everything I ever vowed, but I hope he kills him.

You'll get no disagreement from me, Jason replied as he left the room, and Haleigh let out a soft gasp.  He'd nearly forgotten she was there as quiet as she'd been. 

He swung his gaze around to find her color up, her chest rising and falling with stilted pants.  Calm down, Haleigh, he soothed again, crossing the room to kneel before her.  Just breathe, Angel.  The term of endearment slipped out easily, and he realized it fit her well.  Add a pair of white, feathered wings and she'd be the perfect embodiment of the angel on the top of the Everett tree every year.

You're a doctor, she said between gasps, her eyes wide and glassy.  You'd never hurt anyone.

Dammit if he didn't want to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he managed to refrain.  I don't hurt people as a rule, he explained softly, but when someone hurts my family, I can become a bit of a Neanderthal.

Her breathing evened out then, and he found himself holding his own breath as he waited for her answer.  This morning he hadn't known her beyond passing her in the hallway and now he was waiting for her to accept his nature.  You defend.

I'd rather heal than fight, but I only fight to defend.  He chuckled.  Luckily I haven't been in a fight in a long, long time.  Not since he'd caught one of Cam's boyfriends pushing her too far.

She slumped against his chair.  Good, she whispered.

He couldn't do anything but smile as he studied her, his mind and body coming to an agreement.  Even with everything going on, he was compelled to know her despite his packed schedule.  It had been nearly a year since he'd wanted to know a woman—really know a woman—and he was determined to do just that.

JASON CAME BACK THROUGH the door with a man Caleb didn't recognize and a beautiful German Shepherd.  This is TSA Special Agent Bennett Olmstead and his K-9, Fitz.  When Dylan called me I called in a favor from Olms, here.  The handler's cheeks colored and Caleb wondered just what kind of dirt the detective had on the lanky, blond agent, but didn't ask.  Mr. Cool wouldn't tell him anyway.

What's the word, Agent O? Jason asked, shortening the other man's name yet again.

It's a good word, came the reply.  The hospital is clean.

The relief of hearing that nearly knocked him over before he became agitated all over again.  If there's no bomb here, then what?

Jason looked at Olmstead who gave him an almost imperceptible shrug.  Call Sheridan General, the detective directed.

I'm on loan to you, Jase, Olmstead said.  I can call up there, but I can't promise it'd do any good.  What do you think is going on, anyway?  You told me you needed Fitz to check out a bomb threat, but I'm getting the feeling this was not just precautionary."

He shot a glare at the detective before answering the agent himself.  My sister was kidnapped this morning, and when they found her and Officer Morgan a short while ago they decided to go to Sheridan for fear something big would happen here.  Now, you're telling me nothing is wrong, so that means something will happen there.  His small office was full of people, including a wide-eyed woman at his desk, and he needed air.  He walked into the hallway, catching a look at the clock.  He'd been here since just before five this morning, and it was nearing seven in the evening now.  He was tired, he was hungry, but most of all he was worried about his older sister.  He didn't know her condition, and now he was afraid she'd be blown up at a hospital more than an hour away.

Agent Olmstead followed him out.  I'm sorry about your sister, but there's nothing I can do from here.

Gee, thanks.  The TSA was always so helpful.  Next time I fly out of National, I don't want a pat down.

The agent's hazel eyes narrowed and Caleb noticed just how young the handler appeared.  What were the qualifications for a TSA agent, anyway?  I can't help ya there.  Fitz and I are busy checking luggage.

Literal much?  Right now I'm more worried about Cass.  He paced away, nervous energy infusing his dead tired body.  Why hasn't anyone called with an update?  Why are we standing here in an evidently safe hospital wondering what the hell is going on in another state?

The younger man blinked and Caleb realized Jason had told the agent almost nothing when he'd secured his services.  Did he tell you Cassidy's house exploded this morning or that her car was rigged a few weeks ago?

The agent swallowed audibly.  Why didn't he call sooner?  Why didn't McNamara?  His expression hardened.  All Jason asked me to do was check the place because someone called in a threat.  I'm sorry about your sister.  I hope she's okay.

He did too.  He also hoped Haleigh wasn't hyperventilating in his office chair.

SHE WAS GOING TO PASS out again if she didn't calm down.  The dog hadn't found anything, so they were safe.  She wished she could feel safe, instead of anxious and jittery.  She needed to get home to Georgie, needed to hold her baby girl and remember who she was, why she was here, what she needed to do.  Dr. Everett had walked out the door, the agent and dog following close behind.  She looked up to see ice blue eyes studying her.  Can I help you? she asked, infusing as much sass in her voice as she could.

A smile crept across the detective's face.  Cale's got himself a feisty one.

She'd never been described as feisty in her life, and she didn't belong to Caleb.  I'm not with him.

Could've fooled me, he said through a laugh.  To belong to Caleb Everett would be wonderful and horrible.  She knew he'd never treat her the way Lewis had, believed he was the type of man who would cherish a woman he chose as his own, but she also knew she was not the woman to fill that role.  She wasn't the woman to fill any role except mother and physical therapist.  The rest were things she was content to watch from afar.  Keep telling yourself that, girl, and you just might believe it.

The phone on Caleb's desk rang and she answered automatically.  Dr. Everett's office.

Who is this? a rough voice demanded.

Do you need to speak with Dr. Everett?

Haleigh?

She forced herself to stay calm even though the caller recognized her voice.  Yes?  He knows my voice.  Her breathing steadied as she thought about what he'd growled in her ear.  He knows Haleigh's voice.

It's Dylan.  Tell Caleb I'm bringin' Cassidy to him.  Of course Dylan was calling for Caleb.  She breathed a sigh of relief as she shook her head at herself.  She should've recognized her own patient's voice.  Is everything okay?

In a manner of speakin'.  The threat is neutralized.

That sounded like military-speak for dead, but she chose to leave the statement alone.  I thought you were at Sheridan General.

He made a gruff noise and the hair on her arms stood on end.  Her hero patient could be scary when he wanted to be.  It blew up, I killed the bad guy.  End of story.

There was no way that was the end of the story, but Caleb walked back in the office then and she waved him over with one hand, the other covering the mouthpiece.  It's Dylan, he's bringing Cassidy back here.

Caleb snatched the phone from her fingers, his dark eyes full of concern.  Tell me what happened.

Part of her wanted to know what went on in Sheridan, but she knew Cassidy was safe, so she chose to get out of Caleb's office.  His back was turned, the tension in his shoulders calling out for her fingers, but she shoved her therapist tendencies out of her mind.  She was not touching Dr. Caleb Everett.  Not now, not ever.

CALEB KNEW HE HAD TO relax, but knowing and doing were entirely different things.  He hated what Dylan was relaying to him through his office phone, hated that Cass had nearly been killed he wasn't sure how many times in one day, but Dylan swore she was safe now.  There was something else in the Ranger's voice he couldn't pinpoint, but it didn't matter too much.  Nugget was found, she was safe, and her injuries would hurt, but weren't life-threatening.  He sighed.  His family had been through so much in the last few weeks, first with Mason, then the destruction of his parent's house, and now Cassidy.  He ran a hand down his face.  How much more would they have to go through?  At least his sister had a big man ready, willing, and more than capable of killing for her. 

His thoughts went to Haleigh.  How could anyone hurt her badly enough to elicit a panic attack from the mere thought of danger?  He remembered she had a daughter, a tiny carbon copy of herself and his blood went hot.  Someone, presumably her baby's father, had hurt her.  Had he hurt the baby?  For the third time today he found himself wanting to know her story and turned around to talk to the woman in question, instead finding