Page 37 of Surge

He’d done it again—stepped into tender territory—so he sought another topic.

“Dad told me, ‘It’s just a dog,’” she said, deepening her words and voice.

“Ouch.”

“It took a long time before I realized he was just trying to help me with the grief. Even with all my years at the ranch and training dogs, it took a long time before I was ready to bring one home with me again.” She smoothed her hands over Surge’s back. “What about you? How’d you end up in the SEALs?”

“I defended my little brother against bullies. A lot.” He twisted his mouth. “I got in trouble over it.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Yeah, it worked out okay. I was a defensive end on the high school football team, so I had a really good coach. He helped me see that protecting people, rescuing people—it’s part of who I am.” He shrugged. “I fought my way into the SEALs.”

She simply nodded. “Protection. Rescue. Strength. Integrity. You are a SEAL kind of guy.”

That sounded a lot like flirting. But that couldn’t be. She was probably just saying it instead of the usual “Thank you for your service.”

He drained his coffee. “We better get to bed. Another meetup tomorrow. I hope.”

* * *

Five stinking a.m.

Surge’s cold, wet nose had to wake her up at five a.m. He nudged her again.

Delaney rolled over and ran her hands through the thick hair on his neck. “Okay, boy. Let’s go out.”

She slipped out of her pajamas and into black jeans and an ABA hoodie, yanked her hair into a haphazard ponytail. When she grabbed the lead from the dresser, she heard Surge’s tail whipping back and forth. She clipped it on.

They stepped out into the hall and headed to the kitchen and the lower level’s walled-in garden. But her feet slowed as they reached Garrett’s room, recalling his instruction not to go out alone. Had to admit, it gave her a giddy pleasure to wake him up so early to come with them.

She knocked lightly on the door and whispered, “Garrett? Surge has to go out. Want to provide escort?”

Garrett groaned. “Uh, yeah, sure. Just a sec.”

Surge’s toenails clicked as he came to stand with her at Garrett’s door, whining.

She chuckled. “I suggest you hurry.”

The door popped open, and he stood there in workout shorts, threading his arms through his black-ribbed shirt, which he pulled down.

She swallowed, taking note that he’d clearly used that weight room.

He stuffed his feet in his shoes. “Let’s go.”

His rough voice made her gulp again. She rolled her shoulders, looked away. “C’mon, Surge.”

They walked down the hall and turned into the kitchen. Early morning sunlight brightened the soft yellow room. She wondered how Damocles had scored this nice downtown condo. Caldwell had said the team had it to themselves until the remodel was done.

“Just a minute.” Garrett stopped by the coffeepot on the counter by the door to the walled-in garden, reached for the coffee pod.

Surge paced back and forth between her and the door as if telling her how to get outside.

And the coffee was ready. Garrett handed her a cup.

“Oh.” She tried to act natural, not surprised. “Thanks.”

“Let’s get him outside before he does his job here.” He punched open the back door.

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