Page 83 of Love in the Wild

“How can you joke right now?”

“Ma’am, please step aside,” one of the officers said. “We just need to question him right now.”

Hadley looked up at him as a single tear raced down her cheek. He’d been through so much, and he was trying to choose the right path now. Why was this happening to him when his intentions were good?

“Okay.” Hadley’s voice shook as she backed up a step.

Another officer walked over. It was Dawson Keller. She’d been getting to know him since she started hanging out at Beau’s garage.

Dawson held up his hands. “Easy, boys. We don’t need the cuffs.”

One of the officers loosened the cuffs until Gage’s hands fell free.

“Sorry about that. Standard procedure,” Dawson explained.

“Thanks, man,” Gage said as he reached for Hadley. With his arms around her, she finally took a full breath.

“They said I need to be interviewed by the detective, but I’ll call you when it’s over.”

“Not a chance. I’m coming with you.”

“I have no idea how long this is going to last, and you need to take care of your shoulder. You shouldn’t be sitting around at the police station.”

Hadley lifted her chin, determined not to be swayed. “I said I’m coming with you.”

Gage shook his head. “You’re stubborn, sunshine.”

A man in a paramedic uniform walked up to Gage and slapped a hand on his shoulder. The man’s warm smile said he didn’t see Gage as a criminal or a threat. “Hey, man. I was wondering why you missed our morning spar.”

Gage huffed. “Kinda got my hands tied.”

The man rested a bag on the back of a police vehicle and pulled out gloves. “You need any medical assistance?”

“Nope. Not a scratch,” Gage said. He jerked his head toward Hadley. “Travis, this is my girlfriend, Hadley.”

She sucked in a quick breath at that word. Girlfriend. She was finally in a relationship, and things were kicking off with a bang.

“Hadley, this is Travis. We train in mixed martial arts together.”

Travis had a tall, strong build, naturally golden skin, and a friendly face that contrasted with Gage’s usual gruff expressions. He shook Hadley’s hand warmly. “He keeps me on my toes.”

“I’m glad to know Gage has friends. He told me he didn’t have any.”

Travis coughed to cover up his laugh. “Dude, I thought we had something special.”

Gage shrugged. “Speaking of friends. You think you could give me a lift home from the station later? Assuming they release me.”

“You got it,” Travis said.

Hadley raised her finger. “Give me a second. I need to talk to my sister.”

Gage nodded. “Do what you have to do. You really don’t have to hang around here.”

Hadley cuddled up to Gage’s side, looking up at him with determination. “I said I’m not leaving you,” she whispered.

Gage’s jaw tensed, but he finally nodded. “Okay. I’m listening.”

She patted his side and smiled. “Good boy. I’ll be right back.”

---