Page 64 of Montana Heat

Zoe scoffed. “And how ironic. I just got an email fromthat prison number. Updating me that Alan-the-asshole would be released soon.”

I nodded, even though they couldn’t see me. Both of my friends had been witnesses in the case against Alan. I hadn’t needed them. My bruises and injuries had spoken clearly enough for themselves as evidence.

“I just found out about it too.”

“Came much sooner than I thought it would,” Leah said. “I figured he’d get in so much trouble behind bars that he would be stuck there for a lot longer.”

Those had been my thoughts too.

“I hate to think of him being out at all. I mean, no one wants to run into an ex, but especially not yours.”

As the girls went on about how awful Alan was and then switched to everything happening at the office, I just lay there and listened.

Talking with them calmed me. They were the sisters I’d never had. I was about to hang up and get some rest when the topic changed again.

“Okay. Okay. Let’s talk abouthim,” Leah said.

“Him who?” I asked.

“Don’t even start with us. I stopped by your parents’ to drop off some mail,” Leah said. “She mentioned that you’re working with a mechanic.”

“A hot mechanic,” Zoe added. “Something about being on the cover of a magazine?”

I let out a groan. Mom knew I’d been joking about that. “His name is Jensen, and yes, he’s a mechanic.”

“A hot one?”

“Yes, very hot.”

Hearing my girlfriends wolf-whistling about the man who’d been so sweet and was taking care of me brought out a smile despite everything that had happened today.

“Jensen is…” I sighed, and that prompted them to giggle and laugh in reply. Girl talk wasn’t something I’d planned on today, but if I needed a distraction, this was the best one I’d get. “Jensen is a surprise.”

“What, you didn’t think some sleepy little town would have any sexy men?” Zoe asked.

“I came here to hide and lie low, not find romance. I’ve put a lot of faith in the police chief, and he’s enlisted the help of Jensen and his friends, who are former Navy SEALs.”

“Are they hot too?”

“Well, actually…”

“Taking notes,” Leah said. She exaggerated her tone as though she were writing. “Hot mechanic is friends with hot former Navy SEALs. Maybe we need to figure out where you are and move there.”

I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t picture either of them in Garnet Bend. They were both cosmopolitan, too used to the city life.

“Just so you know, all the hot SEALs are married or engaged. So, you can stop your wayward thoughts. Their significant others are lovely too.”

That caused grumbling all around.

“But seriously,” Leah said. “We’re glad you’ve found some people to help you during this time. Especially if something else has happened. You deserve a break, Kenzie. Tell us more about Jensen.”

“I like him a lot. I came here for temporary security, but now that I’ve met him and we’re…getting closer, I’m beginning to realize, when this is all over, I’ll be leaving him and coming home.”

“Dayum, girl,” Zoe gushed. “Sounds like he’s more than just a hottie.”

“He’s so attentive to me. So sweet and gentle and patient.” I sank back against the pillows. Thinking about Jensen was muchbetter than thinking about being trapped in that bathroom with the snake. “He’s gruff, but with me, he’s so tender and lo?—”

I stopped before I could say the word, but it was too late. My friends both gasped.

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