Alex breathed in the last of Sylvie’s scent from her pillow before he got up that morning. She was going to move in with him. No argument, no hesitation on her part. They just had to keep things quiet a little longer.
He could live with that.
As he fed the dogs, Alex checked his messages, hoping for a new one from Sylvie. He scrolled up, grinning at the one saying she’d meet him at the festival, and that he’d love it. It would be hard to hide their relationship there, but maybe in the darkness he could surreptitiously touch her, tease her by drawing circles on the small of her back or circling her wrist firmly, reminding her what he had in store for her later.
But, when he got to the kennels, he learned that their day was about to get a lot more complicated. Brian Taylor had turned up beaten half to death, which put everyone on edge. He hoped that Sylvie wouldn’t get dragged into it, that she was out having a normal patrol. He was tempted to text her but changed his mind. She didn’t need him to be a mother hen, she needed him to trust her and let her do her job.
But as the day passed, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being too quiet.
Stop. Don’t crowd her. If something were up, she’d let you know.
Like going undercover. She’d get him word somehow.
You’ll see her tonight.
At the end of the day, Alex made sure the dogs were comfortable before heading down to Lyons. He still hadn’t heard from Sylvie, though she still had a couple of hours left in her shift. He texted that he was looking forward to seeing her, but got nothing back.
Relax, Alex. But his stomach wouldn’t let him. He wished he could have at least brought the dogs for company. Maybe he’d run into Kyle and the rest and get an update. It only took walking through the gate to spot Wolf, Caroline, Arden, and Jake in line for one of the food vendors at the front. He waved and joined them.
“Any word on Brian?” Alex asked Wolf. “I know he was unconscious when they brought him in.”
Wolf nodded. “He’ll live, but he’ll never be the same. Brianna’s heartsick, but she’s still performing in the finals tonight.”
“Poor thing,” Caroline added. “But she’s determined. And her family is finally stepping up to help her. So is Badger.”
Alex grinned, remembering catching them kissing in the restaurant parking lot. His gut twinged with worry again.
Sylvie will be here. Another hour.
“Something wrong?” Wolf asked.
“No, not at all. I’m just waiting for someone.”
“We have a block of VIP seats up at the front,” Wolf said. “If you and whoever want to join us.”
Alex smiled. “Maybe. We’ll see. Thanks for the offer.”
He gave a chin lift and headed toward the silo at the center of the grounds—a popular meetup spot and where he’d agreed to find her. There were plenty of people there—parents meeting up with their kids, teenagers connecting—but no Sylvie. He texted to say he was there and got nothing back. He did have to say, the music was good. He was looking forward to sitting up front with Sylvie.
“Alex,” a man called, and Alex turned around to see Brock from Watchdog.
“Hey, Badger.” They shook hands.
“Decided to check out the festival, huh?”
Alex chuckled. “On the recommendation of someone who said I’d love it.” He didn’t want to mention Sylvie by name. “I’m just hoping I didn’t get, um, stood up.”
Brock raised his eyebrows. “Dog! You dating someone?”
“Um. Maybe. It’s…complicated.”Sylvie where are you?he thought. “Maybe I’m just reading too much into things.”
Brock nodded. “But you’re hopeful.”
Alex nodded. “I am that.”Hopeful she’s just tied up with paperwork.
“Good luck, brother.”
“Thanks,” Alex said, but Brock was already distracted and on his way up toward the front of the stage, presumably to join everyone else. Alex couldn’t blame him. New love was a heady thing. It made you crazy.
