“Good,” he mutters. Then he leans forward and taps the tip of my nose with one finger. “I’ll text you in the morning.”
Before I can respond, another familiar voice cuts in. “Everything okay?”
Axle.
I turn to find him standing beside us. Watching carefully. Not possessive. Just protective.
Cabe rolls his eyes. “Of course,” he says, stuffing his hands in his front pockets as he takes a step back. “You two have a good night.”
He gives us a nod before heading toward the firepit and dropping into a chair beside Micah.
I watch him go as Axle’s arm slides around my shoulders. I tuck myself against his side, and he kisses the top of my head.
“You ready?” he asks against my hair, and I nod.
Together, we start walking toward the cabins. The sounds of laughter and crackling fire fade behind us.
The evening air feels cool, and the night is peaceful as he guides us along the gravel path.
Finally, I look up at him. “You know we could’ve stayed longer if you wanted.”
His arm tightens. “No, I was ready to leave too. Things went well tonight, and I didn’t want to push it.”
I lean against him as we continue down the path. “What did you and Cabe talk about?”
His grin immediately appears. “Everything.”
I narrow my eyes. “Axle.”
“It was just two brothers talking.”
That’s not an answer. I stop walking, and he takes another step before realizing I’ve planted my feet.
“What does that mean?”
His grin widens. “It means the bridge isn’t perfect yet. But the foundation has been laid.”
I blink at him. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
He shrugs. “Makes sense to us.”
I huff and swat him on the chest. Not hard. Or so I think.
Suddenly, he doubles over, and a strangled sound escapes him.
My eyes widen. “Oh my God.”
I rush to him. “Axle!”
He remains bent over, and my heart nearly stops.
“Are you okay?”
His shoulders start shaking, and he lifts his head, and I realize the jerk is trying not to laugh.
My eyes narrow. “You ass—”
He grins. “My ribs are still tender, Doc.”
