Chapter 24 #2
Walker, one of the newer of the group here, was asking Jackson just how busy things got in the summer.
Jackson ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair and cracked a grin. “Fucking busy, man.”
Wade chimed in. “Oh yeah. You think we’re busy now, wait until spring hits.”
Dawson added, “Just hope you weren’t lying when you said you enjoyed leading hikes. We’re booked with those all summer long.”
Walker flashed a smile. “Oh, I meant what I said about that. I like to stay busy, and I love to be outside.”
At that moment, there was a knock at the back door to the staff kitchen entrance. “Well, that’s odd,” I commented as I stood from the table.
“Yeah, who the hell knocks around here?” Dawson commented.
Striding to the door, I swung it open to find Lucas’s sister, Jade, waiting there. “Oh, hey, Jade. What’s up?”
A blast of cold winter air blew in as I held the door open. The sharp sting of sleet struck my cheeks with the wind. “Come on in,” I said. “It’s freezing out.”
Jade stepped in with her arms wrapped tightly around her waist as she shivered slightly. “Oh, thank you.” She shared her older brother’s coloring, with her black hair and green eyes. She smoothed her damp hair with a hand.
“Is it sleeting out there?” I asked.
Jade sighed. “Something between snow and rain. Sorry to bug y’all, but I got a flat tire. I was driving home from Lost Deer Bar. I must’ve driven over a nail or something. I was hoping somebody might be headed in my direction, and I could catch a ride.”
Shay called over from the table. “Why don’t you stay a few minutes to warm up? Do you want something to eat or drink?”
Jade followed me to the table. “Oh, thank you. I’m not hungry at all. But I’ll hitch a ride with whoever’s going in my direction.” She glanced at Jackson. “I hope it’s okay I left my car at the end of the drive. I parked it in the little pullout near the sign.”
“Of course it’s okay. Your brother’s not around. He already came and stole Valentina from us,” Jackson teased.
“I know,” Jade said. “He was the first person I called when my tire started feeling all wobbly.”
Jackson glanced at Walker and asked, “Don’t you live out on the west side of the valley?”
Jade looked toward Walker. “I don’t think we’ve met,” she said politely. “I’m Jade Cole. If you work here, you probably know my brother, Lucas. I live on Blue Creek Lane.”
Walker stayed true to his typically quiet form and simply nodded before replying succinctly, “I live on the same road. Happy to give you a ride.”
I bit back the urge to point out I wasn’t sure Walker ever looked too happy. He had the whole tall, dark, and mysterious vibe going strong. But he’d only been here a month or so, so I didn’t know him well enough yet to know if I could tease like that.
“That would be great,” Jade replied quickly.
“Well, that’s all settled then,” I said as I rounded the table to fetch my almost empty glass of wine. I was relieved for Jade’s interruption because it gave me a reason to create some physical distance between Wade and me.
Quickly draining my glass, I glanced around the table and started picking up the empty plates and glasses.
“Are we done?” Wade asked. There was a teasing glint in his eyes when I glanced down as I picked up his empty bottle of beer.
“I don’t know if you’re done, but I’m gonna clean up and go get some rest.”
Walker stood at that moment, commenting, “I need to head out too. Thanks for the food and drinks.”
Jade had turned away and was saying something to Shay.
I didn’t miss how Walker’s gaze lingered on her.
Jade was lovely—as beautiful as her brother was handsome.
She had a strong cast to her features, bold cheekbones and nose, with dark brows.
Until I’d gotten to know her, she’d intimidated me a bit.
I watched as Walker looked her up and down, his gaze inscrutable. I didn’t miss his open curiosity though. Jade had declared herself permanently single, so I sent up a silent wish for Walker. If he wanted her, he was going to have to go all-out.
Within a few minutes, the group gradually broke up. I actually savored the quiet time in the kitchen when everyone was gone. I puttered around, wiping down surfaces and checking on things. I set the last few plates in the dishwasher to run in the morning.
Turning, I jumped slightly when I found Wade standing by the doorway that led into the hallway where my office was. My hand flew to my chest. “I didn’t realize you were here! You scared me.”
Wade leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, with one hand hooked in the pocket of his jeans. God, he was so damn sexy with his brown hair and dark espresso eyes. I wanted to walk over and lean into him, letting his strength encompass me.
He was quiet for a few beats as he watched me walk toward him. “Just waiting. Figured I’d walk you home.”
My heart was beating rapidly. I wanted to stop right where I was until I could get a grip. But it was going on midnight, and I was truly exhausted.
Stopping in front of him, his scent assailed me. A hint of the winter air clung to him. He must’ve walked outside since I started to busy myself in the kitchen.
Looking into his eyes, the words that strolled out shocked me. “Just so you know, once someone’s had an ectopic pregnancy, there’s a greater risk of having another one.”
What the hell? Why are you bringing this up now?
Wade’s eyes widened slightly. “Um, okay. Is there a reason you’re mentioning this now?”
I tried to take a breath, but a sob caught in my throat. I so did not want to fall apart in front of Wade. I masked my sob by clearing my throat and shaking my head. When I could manage a breath, I replied, “I just thought you should know. I know how much you love kids.”
Wade’s dark eyes scanned my face. His mouth opened and closed. “Look, you’re exhausted. Maybe we should save this conversation for another time. Let me walk you back.”