Page 39 of GAF Factor

“Thatis your ex-wife?” Riley snapped. “Seriously, do you have no standards?”

“It wasn’t my fault!” Bowie exclaimed. “I was trying to get rid of her for Duke, and I wound up in Vegas. I don’t even remember getting married!”

I had a feeling there was way more to the story than that, but I wasn’t about to get involved in it.

“She attacked me for no reason.”

Carly stood and stormed over to Riley, but the police officer blocked her. “You stole my husband!”

“We’re not even married!” Bowie yelled.

I rolled my eyes, tossing the ice pack back on the bench. The officer beside me eyed it, nodding when I shook my head that I didn’t need it anymore.

Kavanaugh got down on his haunches and ran his thumb over my lip. “That’s quite the bruise you’re gonna have.”

“I was attacked by a tent. And a fist.”

“Looks like the fist won,” he grinned. “Come on. Let’s get you home before you destroy anything else in town.”

I hesitated as he held out his hand. I hadn’t even wanted him to show up, but it wasn’t like I had anyone else to vouch for me. Besides, once he got wind of it, there was no stopping him. I putmy hand in his and allowed him to help me to my feet. As soon as I was standing, I pulled my hand away, ignoring the hurt look on his face. I couldn’t handle it today.

“So, have you had enough for today or did you want to see if the shelter needs you to kick a few puppies?” he teased, trying to change my mood.

“Ha ha,” I said mockingly. “It’s all her fault. I didn’t even want to come out today.”

“Why not?”

I shrugged. “Too cold.”

“It’s just brisk.”

Brisk. That’s what they all thought. I never wanted to be cold again. In fact, right now, I was considering a permanent move to the southern states just so I never had to feel that bone-deep chill ever again.

“I’ll take you for some hot cocoa.”

“Actually, I’d just like to go home. With all the excitement, I’m kind of worn out.”

I knew it was the wrong thing to say as soon as he turned that inquisitive gaze on me. It wasn’t often that Kavanaugh picked up on exactly what I was feeling. In fact, most of the time, I was pretty good at hiding it from him.

“When do you go back to the doctor?”

“I don’t. I’m fine.”

“But you said you’re tired,” he pushed.

I sighed, wishing he would let it go. “Yes, I’m tired because I came out today and got in a fight with a woman, took down a tent, and I’m crabby. I didn’t want to come out today, anyway, but Riley kept pushing me to leave the house.”

“Because she’s worried about you.”

“I don’t need her to worry about me.”

“Hey,” he said, stopping me from walking any further. “What’s going on?”

“What’s going on is I want to go home. There’s nothing wrong with me. I just don’t want to stand in the freaking cold anymore.”

“It’s not that bad outside,” he chuckled.

“Yeah, not that bad. I was only in a freaking ice box for four days. So pardon me if I don’t want to stand in cold weather all afternoon for fun.”

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