Tonight and Forever by Brenda Jackson

they—”
    “They’re alive, Lorren, but barely. I hope the chopper gets here soon. They need to be transported to the hospital immediately. Both have extensive injuries.”
    A few minutes later the sound of a chopper could be heard overhead and the loud squeal of sirens followed. Shortly thereafter, the area was swarming with help.
    Justin beckoned to her when both victims were being loaded in the chopper. “I’m going with them to the hospital. It was touch and go there for a while with the girl, so say a prayer for both of them. Drive the Vette back to your place. I don’t know how long I’ll be, so just leave the keys under your mat.”
    “How will you get home?”
    “I’ll get one of the officers to drop me off.” He quickly brushed her lips with his. Then, turning, he ran toward the chopper.
    Lorren got in Justin’s car. Before starting the ignition she bent her head and said a prayer.
     
    Lorren threw off the bedcovers when she heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Not bothering to slip into her robe, she quickly went into the kitchen and turned on the coffeemaker. A quick glance at the kitchen clock indicated it was almost three o’clock.
    Peeping out the window, she saw Justin get out of a patrol car. He headed toward the porch to retrieve his keys from under the mat. She opened the door. “Justin?”
    Justin came toward her, then stopped. Hooking his thumbs in the waistband of his jeans, he cocked his head to one side. “What are you doing up?”
    “I couldn’t sleep.” She moved aside, holding the door open for him. “Come in. I’ve made coffee.”
    Inside, in full view of the lights, she saw lines of strain and fatigue etched on his face. Without further thought, she took his hand and led him into the kitchen. She poured a steaming cup of coffee and gave it to him.
    Justin gazed into the dark murky substance before lifting the brew to his lips. He raised his head and met her eyes, knowing the questions lodged there. “They’re in critical condition. Let’s pray they make it.”
    He let out a deep breath, and his eyes bored into Lorren. “They had a high alcohol level, way over the limits. Can you believe that? The boy is only seventeen and the girl is sixteen. And to top if off, neither of them were wearing seat belts. It’s a wonder they weren’t killed instantly. If we hadn’t heard the crash, there’s no telling what would’ve happened. That stretch of highway is pretty much deserted after midnight.”
    His voice crumbled slightly. “They’re just kids, Lorren. Kids who should have a full life ahead of them, going swimming, skating, dancing. Kids who should not have been drinking. The girl is just a few months older than my baby sister.”
    Instinctively, Lorren put her arm around Justin and pressed her head against his chest. He was a man who had dedicated his life to helping others, but he was also human. And at the moment, the human side of him agonized over a senseless accident. His hold on her tightened, and she knew he was trying to come to grips with what he’d witnessed tonight.
    She pulled back and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “You did all you could, Justin. And you may have saved their lives. You even risked your own life by getting inside that car to help them. The car could have caught fire at any moment. I was so proud of you tonight.”
    Justin slipped an arm around Lorren and drew her back against the hard warmth of his chest. She became confused with the feelings of warmth and protectiveness he was stirring in her. The thought that she could protect him from anything was absolutely ridiculous. But still, she couldn’t help feeling she was comforting him in some way.
    Lorren intended to place another kiss on his cheek, but he turned and caught her lips with his. Her mouth responded to the gentle probing of his tongue. He drew her closer to him. She moved her hips and gasped when she felt his hardness pressed against her.
    Justin gently