Page 31 of Mountain Defender

“I hope so.” As we approach the barn, Rory leans forward in her seat. “I really hate leaving them, especially considering how much instability they’ve been through already. Last month, I had to go to Texas to meet Isla’s baby—” She stops. “I mean, I wanted to go. Of course. But I felt bad about leaving the dogs. The volunteers from the Stowe shelter are nice, and I was gladthey agreed to help out, but it’s not the same as being here. You know?”

“If you want to go to Texas again, I can watch the dogs.”

Rory’s head jerks towards me. “But what about your work? Watching the dogs is a big time commitment.”

“It’s fine, I’ll just let the guys know I can’t take on any jobs until you’re back. And my day job is pretty much all remote, except for a couple in-person meetings a year. So it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“Gage.” Her voice softens. “If you’re sure. I would feel so much better if you were watching them. Not that I have plans to go to Texas for a while, but just in case…”

“I’m sure.” And now that I brought it up, I’m kicking myself for not offering last month. No, I didn’t know Rory was leaving until a few days before, and she’d already made arrangements with the shelter in Stowe, but I could have made it work. The guys on the team would have understood.

But last month, I was still telling myself I didn’t want more commitment than a once-a-week visit. I thought distance would make me want Rory less.

It didn’t.

“Is that Max?” Rory nods in the direction of a tall, dark-haired man standing out front of the barn.

“Yeah, that’s Max.” I raise my hand as we approach, and he gives a quick wave in response. “Some people are a little intimidated by him at first, but he’s a great guy.”

Her brow creases for a moment before she says, “I guess I could see that. He’s pretty big, isn’t he?”

“I think he said he’s six-six,” I reply. “So pretty tall, I guess.”

As I say it, a flash of jealousy hits me. Not about his height—I’m satisfied with my own six foot two—but suddenly I’m wondering what’ll happen when Max meets Rory. Will he flirt with her? Dare to ask her out?

And would she say yes?

Will I have to sit back and watch Rory date my friend?

For the second time in so many minutes, I contemplate turning around and going home.

But what would I tell Rory? I’m worried that she’ll decide she likes Max better than me?

And really, who would I have to blame but myself?

Gritting my teeth, I slow the truck to a stop. Then I force a smile as I say, “Let me come around, okay, Ror? Since it’s a big step down to the ground.”

Instead of arguing that she can do it herself, she gives me a soft look. “Okay, Gage. I’ll wait.”

But that asshole Max beats me to it.

No, he’s not really an asshole. But ten different curse words fly through my head as I watch Max open the passenger door and extend his hand out to Rory, smiling kindly as he does it.

Seconds later, my jealousy shifts to concern. Instead of taking Max’s hand, Rory stiffens. Her shoulders hunch up. Her gaze flickers to me, uncertainty in her eyes.

A surge of protectiveness slams into me so swift and intense, it steals my breath.

Even though I know damn well he would never hurt her, that he’s only being polite, probably wanting to be helpful considering what he knows of Rory’s injuries, I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from snapping at him.

But before I can tell Rory it’s okay to wait for me, she takes a deep breath and grasps Max’s hand, allowing him to help her down.

I practically leap out of the truck, hurrying around to the other side of it. As I come around the hood, I hear Max saying, “The dogs have been great. So well behaved. And that Charlie, he’s such a cute little guy. I have to admit, I’m tempted to adopt him myself.”

“I’m sure he’d love that,” Rory replies. “And thank you so much for helping out.”

She sounds normal. Pleasant.Interested?

But when I see Rory’s face, I can immediately tell something’s wrong. It’s not obvious, like a blatant frown or even fear, like I’ve seen in some women’s eyes when they see Max for the first time.

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