Page 67 of Hero's Heart

He almost argued that he wanted to take care of her. That, no, he wasn’t responsible for her, and that he didn’t even understand exactly what was going on, but that he wanted tohelp.

She needed this stuff, and he needed to figure out a way to get it for her that she could accept.

“How about this—you let me pay now, and you can pay me back later. We’ll keep the receipt so you can keep track.”

She considered that, then nodded slowly. “All right. But Iwillpay you back.”

“I don’t doubt it for a second.” Although he wished he could make her understand that he wouldn’t mind if she didn’t.

As they walked back to the truck, Sloane’s gaze drifted toward the edge of town, where a rustic sign marked the entrance to the Eagle’s Nest. “That’s the place you told me about, isn’t it? The one with the Electric Smurf?”

Callum grinned. “Yeah. Are you hungry? They’re open for meals during the day.”

“Actually, yes, I’m a little hungry.”

Good. He wanted to feed her more. She was still too thin. He pulled into the gravel lot, and they stepped inside the cozy pub. Callum was so used to coming in here that he barely took in the details anymore. But with Sloane, he was much more aware of particulars. The scent of wood smoke and grilled food greeted them, along with the faint hum of conversation. It was a good, friendly place.

Callum spotted Hudson Zimmerman, who had taken over ownership of the bar a few years ago when he’d moved back home, putting away some glasses behind the bar. Bear was back there too, chatting with a customer.

“Hey, Callum,” Hudson called, hand raised. “Good to see you.”

Callum nodded. “You too. Hudson, this is Sloane. She’s new in town.”

Hudson offered a warm smile. “Welcome to Oak Creek, Sloane.”

Bear came over from behind the bar. He looked like he might hug Sloane but then thought better of it and offered his hand to her instead. “Sloane, good to see you again. I didn’t know you were coming to Oak Creek.”

She took his hand, giving him a shy smile. “I didn’t know I was coming either. It’s good to see you too. I never got a chance to thank you for getting Marissa to safety in Moldova. And, knowing her, she probably didn’t say thanks either.”

Bear grimaced. “I have to admit, when I first saw you come in the door, I thought you were Marissa.”

“Did you have to fight the urge to run for the hills?”

Bear let out a bark of laughter. “Maybe.”

Bear headed back to the bar to help some customers, and Callum led Sloane to a booth near the window. When the waitress came by, they ordered their food, Callum being sure to include an Electric Smurf, despite the early hour. He couldn’t wait to see Sloane drink it.

When the vibrant blue drink arrived, she tilted her head, eyeing it with amusement. “This is the drink that has caused so many problems?” She studied it curiously. “Well, it certainly lives up to itselectricname.”

He chuckled. “Go on, give it a try.”

She lifted the glass to her lips but then hesitated. “Actually, Dr. Annie suggested I avoid alcohol and, um, spicy foods until I’m…feeling better.”

He had no idea why he was disappointed by her reluctance to try the drink, especially for a completely logical reason. But he was.

“Yeah, another time, maybe.”Stop being a pussy, Webb. She doesn’t want to drink. Nothing wrong with that.

But then she shrugged. “Surely a tiny sip won’t hurt.”

She took a cautious sip, her eyes widening in surprise. “It’s…actually good. I like it.”

“Yep, that’s the biggest part of the problem.” He took the glass from her as she pushed it toward him, glad she at least tried it. “It looks crazy, but good judgment flies out the window with a couple of these in your system.”

“Sounds dangerous.”

“Maybe once Dr. Annie clears you tomorrow at your appointment, we can go out sometime and you can have a full one.”

“I…” She stared down at the drink, not meeting his eyes. “Yeah, maybe.”

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