Page 60 of A Place Like You

“Nope,” I say, trying to sound neutral, but obviously failing because the last thing I want is for her to be pissed at me.

She stares at me accusingly, tapping her foot as she clearly waits for an explanation.

I glance at Callahan pleadingly. “You’re the one who works for CQS. Maybe you’d like to take over this conversation.”

Cal grins. “Sure, I’ll save your ass.” He stands from the couch and turns toward Wren. “During today’s meeting, we got an update about our situation. Plus, we learned Slade was injured during a mission. CQS rescued him, but we don’t know much beyond his current status and that he’ll probably come to Heartwood Lake when he’s stable.”

“Is he Special Forces?” Wren asks.

We all nod.

“Were you Special Forces?” she asks Cal, her eyes like two slates.

“No, I’m a former FBI agent,” he answers matter-of-factly. Though it’s not confirmed that he’s no longer with the bureau, he’s operating with the understanding that they’ll never give him his job back. “But that’s not important. What matters is that our brother is in critical condition. If he pulls through, Finn plans to discuss the next steps with you.”

“But you’re already deciding that he’ll go to my clinic.” She glares at me, her arms crossed.

I shrug, avoiding her piercing, accusing stare. “It’d be the most logical thing to do, and why I gave them that answer. It’s not easy to keep these assholes calm.”

“More so when we were trying to grill him about your relationship.” Gael grins wickedly, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. “We wanted to know how far you’ve gone . . . we got our answer though.”

River begins to make squeaking noises.

“Stop or I’ll rearrange your face with my fist,” I warn him.

Wren scans the room, her lips pressed in a thin line, and shakes her head in exasperation. “If I ever hear any of you complain about the town’s gossip, I’ll remind you that you’re no different from the rest.”

She begins to walk toward the door, chin held high.

“You’re not staying?” I ask, my heart sinking as she stalks away.

“I’m not ready for sleepovers. We have to tread this carefully,” she states.

I gently take her arm desperately, wanting to smooth things over. “Let me put on something to walk you to your place.”

“I can go by myself,” she says, reaching for the door handle.

“I know, but I’d rather go with you, if you’ll allow it.” I stare at her, hoping she’s not upset and doesn’t kick me out of her life before we even get started.

Will this become some kind of fight between us that will drag on until I buy her some expensive present?

“Okay, just hurry. I really need to be home.” She smiles softly, the anger in her eyes dissipating.

My shoulders relax, and I have to remind myself that Wren isn’t a woman who plays games. She speaks her mind and will tell me when she’s upset and would rather not have me around. The corner of my lip lifts as I’m beginning to understand that things don’t have to be complicated. Not everyone is out to stab me in the back, and I can let myself be vulnerable with the woman I love.

Realization dawns on me. This new life isn’t a punishment from my father, but an opportunity to reinvent myself, and I’m ready to embrace it.

* * *

“Sorry for not disclosing Slade’s condition earlier,” I say as we walk toward Wren’s house, the gravel crunching under our feet.

She shakes her head with a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping. “This is the story of my life. I’m always the last person to learn who’s landing at my clinic. Though I hate it, I understand it.”

I furrow my brow in confusion, struggling to comprehend her calm reaction. “How can you say that so easily?”

“CQS has been my employer for years. Finnegan Gil doesn’t like to explain himself or disclose much. If he tells me your brother is coming, but then something changes that, Finn has to deliver the news to me twice.” She doesn’t stop walking, but glances at me, giving me an exaggerated eye roll. “It’s not practical from his viewpoint. Though, you and your brothers knowing before me irritates me.”

Since I don’t want to have any secrets between us, I tell her more about Slade, his mom, and their current situation. I add my conversation with Finnegan.

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