The crowd stood and cheered as Caris finished her speech. She felt flushed with excitement and pride. Finally, she was a doctor. Well, she would be once she’d finished her residency, but right now it felt like she was on top of the world.

As she walked down from the stage she searched for her family. There they were, two rows back, beaming right along with her. Her mother, her brother Ben and his girlfriend Jenna, her sister Sarah with her partner Christian, who held their baby, William. The twins, Evan and Matt, were in the row behind with their partners, Macy and Aimee. And most importantly—Andy.

The tall Texan stood at the back of the pack as they made their way towards her, his ever-present Stetson grasped in one hand. He gave her a smile as she got near, and her heart skipped a beat. If he was a movie star he’d be a shoo-in to play Thor. All that was missing was the flowing blond hair. Not that his short cut, a legacy from time in the army, wasn’t just as attractive.

Congratulations and hugs followed which was nice, but wasn’t what she was waiting for. Or rather, who.

At six foot seven, he towered above everyone in her family, which meant next to her, he was an absolute giant. She measured barely five foot four, something the others had mercilessly teased her about all her life.

Andy’s face, usually so impassive, came alive when she joined them. The Stetson passed backwards and forwards between his hands, a sign he was nervous, and something she hadn’t witnesses for years.

In truth, she hadn’t noticed Andy until she’d turned sixteen—when she saw him for the first time in his army uniform. That day he hadn’t looked like the wild kid he’d been. He was all grown up, and her feelings had shifted gear.

Right now, as she watched those huge hands, all she could think about was how much she wanted them on her. In those hands, you would be safe. She shook herself at the odd sentiment. As a Knight, she was already safe and ’certainly didn’t need a man to make it so. With the family talking amongst themselves, she watched Andy make his way to her side.

“Well done, Caris. You must be happy now that part’s over with?” His voice, so deep that it sent shivers up her spine, was quiet. He didn’t raise it unless he had to, but the way he spoke to her made her feel as if they were the only two people there.

She swallowed hard. “I’m always happy.”

“I’ve—we’ve hardly seen you this last year.”

Had he missed her then? She doubted it, not with all the goings on with this mad family of hers. Weddings turned to chaos, unplanned babies, and everyone finding their soul mates. Except for her and Andy. Did he feel it too? A sudden divide, where the others were going their own way.

“Studying is hard work, and I’ve been trying to help out with Knight Industries when I can, but my free time is limited.”

“I can imagine, especially after seeing some of those books you carry around. So, what now for Doctor Knight?”

She smiled. “I don’t think I’ll get tired of hearing that. I have offers I’m considering, but Mom’s suggested some time off. I can’t argue with needing a rest, but I’m also ready to begin my residency and I haven’t decided where.”

“You deserve a break. Coming top of the class surely means any decent hospital would have you when you’re ready.”

She blushed, never comfortable with praise or attention. Which was lucky, because when it came to her siblings, who were loud and forceful, she often took a back seat. It was simply a matter of who could talk the loudest and say the most, that ensured the winner in most debates. Something she didn’t care enough about to participate in.

“The options I have are pretty good. I’ll make up my mind while I’m on vacation.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Where will you go?”

“I don’t know yet. Maybe to Heaven Bay to see Evan and Macy’s marina. Paris? New Zealand? The possibilities are endless.”

Andy was about to comment when her mother touched her arm.

“Sorry to interrupt, but we should get home since we have a party organized for our Doctor Caris Knight.”

Andy nodded. “I guess we can’t keep people waiting for the star of the show. Can I give you a ride?”

Any other time she would have been more than willing. Darn the man, today of all days he had to ask her that. “No thanks, I have my car, and the class wants a photo of us all.”

“Of course.” The humor bled from his expression and he lifted a hand in brief farewell. “I’ll see you at home.”

She swallowed a sigh as she watched his departing back. He was so handsome, so good—and so annoying. Every woman’s eyes were on him as he walked through the crowd. His fair hair and broad shoulders, which no one seemed immune to, drew many appreciative glances. Even men admired him or wanted to be him.

The drawl and casual manner belied his sharp mind and sharper reflexes. Growing up with him had been both pleasure and pain. Not that she’d ever thought of him as a brother, unlike Ben and the twins. To her, he’d been Ben’s best friend, the angry kid with the foul mouth who’d eventually come to live with them.

Right up until that day, when he’d walked inside the house and she’d looked up from a biology book to see him duck to get into the room. In uniform, his sun-kissed skin and body had filled out in all the right places into that of a man. All bets that she could remain as aloof as she previously had been were off.

When the family dissipated she was left with her fellow doctors.

“Caris, we’re off to a restaurant after the photos. Do you want to join us?”

Kane was a nice guy, and he’d made it more than obvious he was interested in a relationship, but she’d never been attracted to any man the way she was to Andy. He’d spoilt things for her in more than one respect. Except for a few kisses and preliminary stuff, Caris was a novice in all things sexual.

She lifted her voice to address the whole group. “Sorry, I can’t. My family has a big party waiting for me.” She was genuinely sorry. They’d spent an enormous amount of time together over the last few years and it didn’t feel right to finish this way. “You’re all welcome to come by later.” She knew her family would be happy to have her friends join in the celebration.

They let out whoops and cheers, excited by the prospect of a party, especially one at Knight Stables. She blushed furiously, and Kane stepped forward, an odd glint in his eyes.

“That sounds like a plan. Thanks for inviting me.”

She wasn’t prepared for his hug and found herself trapped in the embrace for longer than seemed appropriate. Even when he moved back, he held on to her arms for a bit longer, gazing into her eyes.

“I can’t believe it’s over. Now comes the good stuff,” he winked down at her.

“Let’s hope so.” She had her suspicions about what good stuff he was referring to, and it had nothing to do with work.

He seemed reluctant to let her leave, even after the photos were taken, where he’d stood as close to her as he could, and now felt glued to her side, even as the rest of the group said their goodbyes. She was seriously regretting her invitation.

“I have to get going. I hope you all have a fabulous night and remember if you’re still functioning, come by Knight Stables. I’m sure the party will go all night.” She called after them, hoping Kane would take the hint.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” he insisted.

When they got to her bright blue Ford Focus and she’d unlocked the door, he surprised her once more when he took her arm and spun her quickly. She was so unprepared that she couldn’t react when his lips smashed down on hers. The kiss was both hard and awkward, and thankfully over in seconds.

“Sorry.” His grin belied his words. “Guess it’s the excitement.” He stooped down and picked up the keys she wasn’t aware she’d dropped. He wrapped her fingers around them, and casually said, “I’ll see you later.”

He looked back and waved as she collapsed into the car. What the heck? They’d been friends as a group for four years, and he hadn’t done anything like that before. Sure, he’d made insinuations about them being more once they’d qualified, but she’d previously managed to block him. She’d been polite about it. Maybe that was the problem.

She rubbed her lips with the back of her hand, feeling a little grossed out. Still, she wasn’t injured, and he hadn’t tried anything else. Caris shut and locked the door as a shiver crept up her spine, and not in a nice way.

Home had never sounded better.