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curious. It’s just surprising how Nick had been single all these years, and suddenly he falls for his trainee. At least there’s still one eligible bachelor in the family, though from what I can tell, Garrett has his sights set on a bigger career than being a street cop. He doesn’t bend any rules, especially when it comes to the job. And I never see him with the same woman twice. It’s like he doesn’t want any baggage holding him back. I’ll just bet he’s having a coronary over his brother’s scandal!”
    Amber wasn’t sure how to respond. She wondered what in the world made Samantha tell her all that, or if her reaction to Garrett Matthews was that transparent. She felt ridiculous now for going to the hospital to check on him. He probably thought she was a stalker. At least Samantha had answered Amber’s question of Garrett’s interest.
    It would go nowhere, and probably the best for both of them. She didn’t have time for a relationship right now, either. She was so worn out, she just wanted to go home and away from everyone. “I suppose that’s best if he realizes he’s not willing to settle down and make a commitment. No need complicating things for anyone.”
    â€œI guess, though I’d love to change his mind about his priorities,” Samantha said with a smile.
    Amber let out a polite laugh, thankful that they were almost to the shop. “Turn left down the alley, to the third mercury light on the right. That’s my door.”
    After Samantha checked the main level, she left. Amber didn’t mention that her living quarters were actually upstairs. Surely if the cop didn’t realize that, neither would an intruder. After all, it had a separate lock on it to assure the hired help wouldn’t take liberties with her home.
    Nothing was quite as reassuring as hearing the metal bolt on the steel door sliding into the latch. Her grandfather had installed a security alarm on the front of the shop several years back, when gangs started hanging out in the downtown area. Nana had managed to avoid making enemies with anyone, even the gang members, and Amber prayed she would be able to maintain a neutral relationship with them, as well.
    Amber double-checked the alarm, then went upstairs to change into her baking clothes. Even though she was dead tired, she wasn’t going to sleep well until she’d worked off some of this adrenaline. She at least needed to get the dough made and rising before she took a nap. Her phone rang after she’d changed. She checked the caller ID. It was Rachelle.
    â€œHi. How’d the shower go?”
    â€œIt was fun, sorry you had to miss it. I’ve been calling you for an hour now. What in the world took so long? Are you okay?”
    â€œYeah, just shook up,” Amber said, then told her friend about the crime she’d witnessed. “I was following the car to try to get his license plate number when I ran into the cop. I couldn’t believe it. The van just…scooped up the SUV and rolled it over, like it was made to do it. Then the SUV started spinning like a top.”
    Rachelle gasped. “Oh, my gosh, you toppled a cop? There were so many cars at the accident, I guess I thought there were more than the two vehicles involved. You’re lucky you aren’t in jail for assaulting an officer!”
    Amber pressed her hand to her head to ward off the headache that was quickly coming on. “You can say that again. At least a dozen cops were there doing nothing more than glaring at me.”
    Her friend stifled a laugh. “Were they at least cute?”
    Amber smiled, thinking of Garrett. Then she remembered him hanging upside down in the SUV, unable to get out, and the smile disappeared. “You’re terrible. I nearly kill someone, and you’re asking if the cops were cute. You know I’d never, ever, fall for a cop.” Even as she made the vow, her stomach did