Page 50 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“Anyway, thank you, brother. You’ve stepped up for Saylor big time, and I’m grateful. You got this place up and built quickly, and I appreciate it. It means a lot.”

“You know I’d do anything for her,” I said, quickly backing up my words. “All of us would. She’s family.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

My stomach dipped. There was no way he could know what was going on in my head lately. I hadn’t told a soul that I’d been getting myself off to thoughts of my best friend’s little sister.

Those were words you didn’t say out loud unless you had a death wish.

Hell, those were words I was never supposed to allow myself to think either.

I cleared my throat. “Go on.”

“I didn’t want to tell Saylor today, it being her big day and all. But Cook called me last night,” he said, keeping his voice low. John Cook was the fire captain at Magnolia Falls Firehouse.

“Everything all right? Is he announcing his retirement?” I asked, because I knew that he’d be retiring in the next few years, and Hayes wanted that job badly. He was a Lieutenant now, and it was the next step in his career. And he fucking deserved it. The dude was the best out there.

“Nah. He’s not there yet. But apparently, there are some bad forest fires dangerously close to Barley Creek outside of Rosewood River, and they need help. They are gathering guys from each house in the outlying towns to try to help, and Cook wants to send a few of ours out there for the next couple of weeks, if necessary, and he wants me to lead the crew there.”

“Damn. I’m sorry to hear that. You’ll be safe, yeah?” I asked. I worried about him when he went into these types of situations. Hayes was trained for this, but that didn’t stop any of us from worrying.

“Always. That’s not why I’m telling you.” He rubbed his hands together, and I followed his gaze to his sister. The dress she wore managed to be sexy as hell, with the thin straps resting on her tan shoulders. The front dipped low, outlining her perky tits, and I’d cussed myself out many times today for the thoughts I’d had. The skirt on her dress hit her mid-thigh, and the desire to drop to my knees and bury my head between her legs was strong.

I was a fucking asshole for having these thoughts.

But I’d save them for when I was alone later tonight.

“What is it?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

“I wanted to see if you’d keep an eye on Saylor while I’m gone. I’m heading out in about an hour. Ruby’s over at River’s every night, and Saylor’s alone at their place. Lionel told me Barry’s been to Whiskey Falls a lot lately, which means he’s drinking again. And when that asshole drinks, it’s never a good thing. He’s got a chip on his shoulder that he isn’t included in anything with us, and he sure as shit won’t come to me about it. He’ll go to her, which he wouldn’t dare if he thought he’d run into me. But the minute he knows I’m out of town, he’ll be looking for her. I want to make sure he stays the fuck away from my sister, you know? I just don’t trust the dude. Never will.”

“Yeah. Don’t give it a second thought. I can keep an eye out. She and I talk often. I can stop by and make sure she’s all right as often as you want me to.” It was the truth. I would do anything for him. For her. But there was a lot of guilt weighing on me for the attraction I was fighting. I knew if I could just go out and get laid, it would probably go away.

But I hadn’t been able to.

I didn’t want anyone else at the moment, and that had never happened.

So, I’d just wait it out. That’s why I’d been trying to keep my distance from her.

But it hadn’t passed yet.

And Hayes needed me, and there was no hesitation. I’d always say yes.

“Thanks, brother. I know River’s busy with Ruby, and Romeo is in over his head wedding planning with Demi, and Nash has Cutler.”

“So, what are you saying? I have no life, and that’s why you’re asking me?” My voice was laced with humor, but I feigned irritation.

I’d never be irritated about helping Saylor.

In a lot of ways, it felt like my purpose.

I’d always wanted to be that person for her.

“Don’t be a sensitive asshole. Of course not. I’m asking you because I trust you, brother. I trusted you all those years ago with her, and I trust you today.”

A heaviness settled on my chest, just as River, Nash, and Romeo came over to sit with us.

“Hey now,” I said, as they crowded me. “Give a man some space.”

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