Page 94 of Renewal After Dark

The other guys were out to lunch, and Kyle, who was wearing headphones, was dead asleep.

“Where the hell were you zoned out to?”

“Nowhere.”

“I said your name twice, and you didn’t even react.”

“Sorry, what’s up?”

“That’s what I was coming to ask you. What’s up?”

“Uh, nothing. Why?”

“That’s not true. You’ve got yourself a little family all of a sudden.”

“What?” Her comment shocked him. “No, I don’t.”

“Sure looked that way to me last night at the marina.”

“What is it that you want to say, Sierra?”

“I’m just wondering what’s up with her. It’s like she’s cast some sort of spell over you or something.”

“Don’t be dramatic. We’re hanging out. Is that okay with you?”

She shrugged, but he could tell by the belligerent set to her jaw that she had something to say. “Sure, it’s fine with me.”

“Thanks. Can I get back to work now?”

“It’s just that this woman shows up out of nowhere, and now you’re suddenly all domesticated.”

“Are youtryingto piss me off?”

“Not at all. I’m worried about you.”

“I’m fine.”

“I don’t want to see you hurt again like you were the last time.”

“Totally different situation.”

“Is it? Is she here to stay forever, or is she going to get bored like the last one did and want something else in a couple of months?”

Sierra’s question struck fear in his heart. McKenzie was having the cabin rebuilt. Would she do that if she didn’t intend to stay? “Don’t worry about it, okay? It’s all good.”

“If you say so.”

“I say so. She’s coming in later to take a look at my books. You want me to have her stop by next door?”

“Sure.”

“Are you okay, Sierra?” It was wildly out of character for her to question his choices, so he felt the need to ask.

“Of course.”

“I’m going to get back to work, then.”

“Okay.”

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