“You’ve never said anything before.”
“Because I never had to answer your ICE call before. It was one hell of a wake up call.” He swallowed whatever he planned on saying next.
Shane had been my In Case of Emergency contact since my sophomore year in high school. Somehow, I’d served eight yearsas a Navy SEAL without him getting that call.Not everyone was that lucky.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For worrying you.”
“Boy,” Shane only called me boy when I’d fucked up, but I wasn’t sure what I’d done. “From what I hear, you rushed into a burning building to save your boss’s daughter. Don’t you dare apologize for making me worry a little.”
Ah. John must have told Shane the details I’d left out when I talked to him.
“He filled in a few gaps in your story.” He leaned back. “On the job injury my ass. You risked your life to save the woman you love.”
Shane was the one person I’d talked to about my feelings after the shock of seeing Madi at the company Christmas party. Though I never said I loved her.
“I would have done it for anyone.”
“Maybe. But you and I both know, the SEALs taught you to assess a situation, not run in blind.”
“And you and I both know that rule goes out the window when innocents are involved.”
“Sometimes.”
He’d done his fair share of stupid stuff, both in and out of the military. Ranches could be dangerous places, and jumping into a raging river during flood season to rescue a calf wasn’t much different from running into a fire.
Shane didn’t bother looking guilty when I reminded him of that particular folly.
“I did what I did.”
“You did.” I sucked in a deep breath and admitted what I’d known for a long time. “And I’m happy that I learned to ‘do what I do’ from you.”
“Don’t make an old man tear up.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
He waved his hand and changed the subject. “You know you can always come to the ranch. The kids would love it.”
Shane frequently reminded me, but I wasn’t ready to settle down into a councilor or coaching job.I still crave action.
I always figured I’d settle down at the ranch. Eventually.
I may have to reconsider. Madi has such strong ties here.
“I like what I do.”
“I know, I didn’t mean forever, just while you heal.”
My eyes darted to the door. “I’m good here.”
He finished his coffee and set the mug on the table. “Any particular reason you want to stay here instead of being spoiled back home?”
Playing dumb with Shane was, well, dumb. “What reason could I possibly have?”
I knew. He knew.
