Page 44 of When We Dare

At one point after we had moved away from the counter, Parker paused beside me. “I’m glad you told her the truth.”

I held his gaze. “I don’t hide my past. I respect that you have your reasons to be protective, but you know I’m not some asshole.”

“I know that. Just don’t hurt her.”

Beck arrived at my side, taking a swallow of his coffee. “Don’t hurt who?”

A dry laugh rustled in my throat. Parker replied, “Stella. They’re seeing each other, and she’s my sister.”

Beck’s brows rose as his curious gaze landed on me. “Oh, well then.”

I rolled my eyes. Another guy walked over with Griffin, stopping beside Beck.

Griffin glanced around. “Guys, this is Leo.” He did the introductions quickly. “He’ll be starting on our crew in another few weeks.”

“Why aren’t you starting now?” Beck asked.

“I’m in town to deal with the paperwork, but I have to go back to finish moving,” Leo explained.

“From where?” Maisie prompted.

Leo was unruffled by the curiosity. “I grew up here, but my parents moved away when I was in high school.”

“Wait a sec, are you Leo Massie?” Beck prompted.

“That would be me,” Leo said with a grin.

“Holy shit!” Beck’s eyes widened. “You used to live next door when I was a kid.”

“Beck Steele?” Leo asked.

“Hell, yeah!” Beck lifted his palm for a high five and Leo chuckled when they slapped palms.

“Oh, man, we used to have some fun together. We ran around in the woods like wild kids.” Beck chuckled. “This is awesome! So, wait, where did your parents go and don’t you have a sister?”

“My parents are back and forth between Juneau and here, and my sister’s in grad school in Juneau,” Leo explained. “That’s where my mom grew up. My grandparents had some health stuff to deal with, so my parents moved to help them. When I saw this position, I decided to go for it. My parents never sold the house here and they live there when they’re in town. There’s a small house beside the main one, so that’s where I’m staying.”

“This is so cool!” Beck beamed. “Really good to have you back.” He glanced around the group. “Guys, we need to go to Wildlands tonight.”

When I left a few minutes later with Stella, Parker was still grumpy and I could feel his gaze practically burning a hole in my back. I told myself I wasn’t going to hurt Stella, so it didn’t matter.

Chapter Thirty-Four

STELLA

A few weeks later

Casey cast a dimpled smile as she handed over my coffee. “Here you go,” she said in a singsong voice.

“How many customers’ favorites do you have memorized now?” I teased as I took a swallow of my coffee, letting out a satisfied sigh when I lowered the cup. “This is perfect, just strong enough and not bitter.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I guess I memorize favorites for anyone who comes in more than once or twice a week and usually gets the same thing. I don’t really try, it becomes ahabit.” She reached up, tightening her ponytail, her auburn hair swinging as she released it.

“You mentioned before Alaska was on your bucket list. What do you think of it?” I asked.

“I love it so far. It feels a little cliché because lots of people say they want to come to Alaska, but I’m so glad I came. It’s hard to describe how amazing it is.”

“Cliché or not, Alaskaisbeautiful,” I pointed out. “Do you think you’ll stay?”

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