Page 79 of Tough Nut to Crack

"We might need the day off then. Is that a job that Ethan and the other guys can handle wrapping up?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose in annoyance. "If need be."

"Then I think that might be best."

"Fine," I grumble.

It wouldn't be the first time the twins' antics kept them from being welcome at certain places in town, and as easily as I could get mad at them both about their downtime interfering with their ability to work, that's the last damn thing on my mind right now.

"I need something from you."

"Anything, boss."

"I need you to get me Sage Douglas's number."

"No," he says, his response quick and easy.

"What do you mean no?" I hiss, annoyance lacing my voice.

"I think you have a great thing going with Riley, and I just might kick your ass if you even think about hurting her. Better yet. Let me call Adalynn to get that number. If you're not going to pursue anything with Riley, then I think Donnie and I—"

"Finish that sentence, and you'll need to find a new job."

Silence fills the line.

"Her number," I say after a long beat.

"Give me a few minutes," he says, and the line goes dead.

If waking up in her bed without her coming home is creepy, then I've crossed over into something even worse, sitting in my truck down the block from Sage's house and staring at her car.

It takes ten minutes before my phone chimes with a text, but to Ronnie's credit, he managed to get Sage's number.

Without hesitation, I type it in and save it to my contacts before calling.

"Hello," she says, picking up after the fourth ring.

I can tell by the scratch in her voice that I woke her up. Any other day, I'd feel bad about it, but today, I just need confirmation that Riley is okay.

"Just tell me she's safe," I say rather than explaining who I am like a normal person might do.

"Mac?"

"Who else would it be, Sage?" I ask, instantly regretting the tone of my voice.

She's silent, and I use the opportunity to apologize.

"Sorry," I mutter, fully meaning it. "I'm worried about her."

"She's safe. Well, as safe as she can be on my awful couch. She may need traction when she wakes up."

"What did I do wrong?" I ask, knowing that she's not going to betray her friend's trust, but I can't hang up, not having made an effort.

Another wave of silence proves my mental point.

"Just give her some time," Sage whispers. "Riley isn't accustomed to people... finding her attractive. It's hard for her to wrap her head around."

My brows dig in closer together. "Are you serious? That woman is the sexiest person I’ve ever laid eyes on."

---