Before I can respond, Declan does it for both of us. “She was fine. We found ways to pass the time.”
I turn to him, incredulous at his obvious territorial claim.
Nash ignores the subtext. “Just curious, and no shaming intended here, but why didn’t you use the safety release?”
“It didn’t work.” I smooth my hands on my skirt, my bare feet seeking my heels that I long ago abandoned.
Nash heads over to the silver plate on the wall. “What do you mean it didn’t work?”
“I pressed and pressed it, but nothing happened.”
Nash bites his lip, his nostrils flaring like he’s trying not to laugh as I speak. “The latch lifts and clicks.” He demonstrates, popping the lever out before lifting it with a loud click.
Declan bursts out laughing, causing the puppy to lick his chin as I turn beet red. I should have known this.
“Good to see you, man.” Nash steps over to Declan, slapping his back like two old friends. “Who’s this?”
“Not sure yet. Bree rescued the little thing from oncoming traffic.”
“You keep Nash in line while rescuing dogs?” Walker winks at me. “I know I liked you, Bree Winthrop.”
I don’t need his excessive flirting right now. Walker James is definitely not interested in me, but Declan doesn’t know that from the way his jaw clenches whenever the country artist speaks.
Cal, a little late to the party, looks from me to Declan, back to me. “Uh, hi, sweetheart.” He shifts over to me and awkwardly puts his arm around my shoulders. “I was worried about you.”
“He knows we’re not dating, Cal.”
I should be offended at the relief on his features or how quickly his arm disappears, but he did me a solid by still playing along with my stupid farce, so he’s forgiven. And is it me, or is Walker James smiling a little at Cal’s quick rejection?
Nash takes in the four of us, shaking his head. He motions to me and Delcan. “I know there’s a story here, but I’ve got to gethome to Rebecca. She’s craving salmon and strawberries, so it’s grill time for me.” He holds up a high-five aimed at me. “Glad you’re alright, Bree. Can’t have you disappearing on us now. I don’t think Walker here would know how to function without you.”
The young artist is a little needy, but only because he’s green. The poor guy just doesn’t know what he doesn’t know yet.
To Declan, Nash adds, “Still on for poker tomorrow night?”
“Wouldn’t miss it, man. Bannon’s house, right?” Ryder Bannon is Nash’s cousin and a fire captain for the Cobalt County Fire Department. He’s a fixture in my circle now, especially when Nash’s daughter Harlow is around.
“Yep.”
“Thanks for the rescue, Nash.” I reach over, scratching the pup behind her ears. She must like it because the little thing leans into it. “How did you guys figure out we were in the studio?”
“When you didn’t join us at the compound to debrief, we knew something was up.”
Poor Cal looks sheepish. “Sorry again, Bree.”
I pull my friend in for a hug. “It’s not like you did it on purpose, Cal. You had said you’d lock the vault. It’s really okay.”
Declan puts out a hand with a nod. “No hard feelings, man. Could’ve happened to anybody.” The way his biceps flex with this simple movement underneath the white tee makes my insides quiver. It’s a good thing I couldn’t see him all this time, or I might have melted right into a puddle of lust.
He nods toward the pup in his arms. “Do you think that vet is still open?”
“It said six.” I look at the clock on the wall. “It’s five-fifteen now. We can make it. I can drive. My car’s right in front.”
As Declan slides into my SUV, I can’t help noticing how natural it feels to have this lumberjack of a man in my space.
Huh.
Chapter 6
