As I approached the open kitchen, expecting to find a tired Jude up, alone, watching TV or reading in the nearby living room, I instead found both Cavenaugh brothers, deep in discussion.

“You like her, don’t you?” Jude said, a wicked grin spreading across his face, as he leaned back against the sofa.

I pulled back into the shadows, realizing the conversation they were having revolved around me.

“You’re incredibly annoying, you realize that?” Roman fired back before sipping brown liquid from a crystal glass.

Whiskey probably. I’d seen vintage bottles high atop the shelves of his office, dating back to his father’s days, and that night in the club, he’d reeked of it.

“And you’re evasive and a little hostile. We all have our things. So, fess up, and then I can give you some proper brotherly advice before you screw it all up.”

“Screw it up? Who says I’m going to screw it up? And since when does the little brother give the advice?”

“Since the little brother seems to have his shit together, the little brother gives the advice. Okay? And I’m not little, jackass.” Jude laughed.

“Could have fooled me with that joke of a car you have,” Roman growled.

He was still annoyed I’d made him drive the clown car for the evening. But he hadn’t bothered covering up that gorgeous smile of his when he was effortlessly weaving in and out of LA traffic. He’d never admit it, but he’d enjoyed the ride.

“That car is called being responsible. I know it’s a word you’re unfamiliar with—”

“Now, who’s being the jackass?” Roman grinned back before letting out a huge sigh. “She’s my employee, Jude. My fucking employee.”

“And Lailah was my patient. What’s your point?” Jude asked, raising a speculative eyebrow.

“My point? What’s my point? That’s the whole fucking point, Jude. She’s off-limits. No dating the employees. Isn’t that a rule? I’m pretty sure it’s even written in the handbook.”

Jude shrugged casually. “I’m pretty sure it wasn’t exactly kosher for hospital employees to fool around with patients in their rooms either, but Lailah and I did that plenty of times.”

Roman held his hand out in protest. “That’s my sister-in-law. Please stop. And if this is what you call brotherly advice, it sucks.”

Jude laughed, a deep masculine laugh that filled the room. “Look, brother, this is all I’m going to say. I’ve only been around the two of you for a few hours, and I know you’ve got the hots for her. More than the hots, I’d say.

“I’ve seen you with other women. They were disposable. Frivolous encounters. But Cara? She means something to you, and I don’t think you’ve quite figured out what that is yet. But you owe it to yourself to do so.