Page 49 of Anything for You
“I think my small thing is just you guys. And that’s not small, but… yeah. I love you all, and I’m grateful for you.” My voice wobbled on the last word, and Elise pulled me into a hug.
Kenny cleared his throat. “Okay, you almost got me with that one, Dove Jensen.”
I chuckled. “Well, go ahead then, Kenny Carmichael.”
He grinned. “I mean, I could also say all of you. My job at Saint. My wife.” He swooped in for a kiss. “My cat. My nephew. The leaves starting to change. But I think today I’m going to say, I’m thankful that my friend Dorian isn’t out at the farm all alone these days.”
His beady little eyes fixed on me as Nikki led the salute.
“Cheers to the small things.”
We all repeated the toast, and Kenny’s eyes twinkled maniacally. One might not think such a thing could occur but trust me, if anyone could do it, it was Kenny.
After everyone had taken a drink, conversation started back up and Kenny kept his focus on me.
“So. Howismy dear friend Dorian?”
My eyes darted around, keenly aware that this formersuper-secret soldier-type guy could probably read all kinds of truths on my face if I let him.
“He’s good. He’s a great landlord. Super nice guy. Really glad I’ve gotten to know him.”
He snapped and pointed at me. “Exactly. You’re getting to know him.”
My face fell a little.
“Hey, I think it’s awesome. He’s one of the best people I know, and so few people get anywhere close. Those of us who’ve known him since we served, our partners who are getting to see more of him… other than us and his therapist, no one knows the fabric of the guy.”
Absorbing his words, I nodded. “Yeah. He’s tucked away.”
His gaze searched mine for a second. “He is. And he needs someone who’s not afraid to push a little.”
Someone? Like… like as a friend? As someone more?
I didn’t want to entertain the possibilities, but he wasn’t being subtle.
“He also needs someone who’s kind. Gentle, like he is. Someone who will cherish him.”
When I looked at his face now, it held so much sincerity and a hint of caution.
“Are you warning me away from him?” I asked, as much in confusion as wonder.
“Not at all. If anything, I’m warning you toward him. I think you’d be amazing together, but I also don’t want him getting hurt.” His face softened. “He’s family.”
That got me. “Trust me, I have no plans to hurt him. You don’t know me all that well, but I can promise, I’m not a danger to him.” He should at least know that.
But he surprised me when a sly grin crept over his face and he ducked his head. “Oh, you definitely are.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Dorian
Bear bounded away from me directly at Dove, who was wandering down a trail looking like a fantasy. Cutoff jeans shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt with a repeating pattern that said “One More Chapter” on it. Two blonde braids hung over her shoulders and rested on top of the shirt. She wore sturdy running shoes on her feet, and the stretch between the hem of her shorts and her socks revealed a glorious expanse of her skin.
“How are you boys this fine morning?” she asked, a bounce in her step I hadn’t seen in a while as she practically hopped closer to me, then dropped to one knee to give Bear her full attention.
“He’s perfect. I’m better now.” Maybe too honest. So be it.
She paused, then restarted her pets, blinking up at me with her long lashes and bright eyes.
