“He shouldn’t be alone tonight,” Blaze said.
“I’m not staying at Gale’s place,” he said. “I don’t want her with me either. I can’t watch out for her if I’m not a hundred percent.”
“The cabin next to me is the best bet,” Clay said. “Gale won’t bother you there. She hates it.”
“He can’t be alone so I’m going to have to stay there,” she said. “Unless Clay does.”
“What’s wrong with it?” Rory asked.
“It’s rustic. And small. There are mice there too,” she said.
“You said mice don’t bother you,” he said.
Blaze laughed. She realized now this was the first time her brother was meeting the guy she was losing her heart to.
Did she know that was what Ford and Clay were talking about? Yep, she had, but pretended she didn’t.
“They don’t. Not when I’ve got the comforts of home. But when I’m in an old building with loud pipes and other noises, I’m not sure what is going on.”
“Stop whining,” Clay said.
“Your car is totaled,” Ford said.
“If you stay on our property, you can use a truck there for now,” Clay said.
“Thanks. I just want to get out of here. I don’t care where I go.”
“I’ll take you back to your rental for your things,” Gale said. “When you’re discharged.”
“Nope,” Clay said. “You’re not. I’m doing it. If he’s being watched that much, I want it known who is with him and where he is going. I’d like to see someone come onto my property. Maybe I’m just itching for it to happen.”
Her bottom lip came out, tears filled her eyes and she rushed out of the room.
She hated anyone to see her crying, but the way her brothers were banding together just reminded her what Rory never got to do for his sister again.
“Hey.”
She turned to see Blaze standing there. “Sorry. I have something in my eye.” She wiped it quickly.
“Yeah, it’s called emotions. Come over here and talk to me.”
Blaze pulled her along through a door and into a hallway where no one was around. “I shouldn’t have done that.”
“You’re human even if you try to say you’re not. Ford and Clay are talking to Rory anyway. Are you okay? I mean, reallyokay? Maybe you should stay with me or Ash. We’re good with it.”
“It’s too far away from my office,” she argued.
“Twenty minutes, if that,” Blaze said. “Come on. Stop. I’m not sure I want you alone either. At least not tonight.”
“Don’t tell Clay or Ford, but I don’t know if I want to be alone tonight either. And I won’t be. I’ll be with Rory right next to Clay. No worries there.”
“We are all going to worry,” Blaze said softly. “It’s what we do.”
“I’ll be fine tomorrow. One minute at a time. That’s what I’m telling myself. I just hope this is over soon.”
“You’re not the only one,” Blaze said, pulling her in for a hug. “I mean it, Gale. I’ve got an extra room. I’d feel more comfortable all around.”
“This is about me,” she said, forcing out a laugh.
