Page 73 of Sworn to Protect

My gaze flicks to Mackenzie. If I knew she’d accept me, I wouldn’t hesitate. I can picture it—her and the kids living with me, a life I never imagined wanting but now can’t stop thinking about.

The bartender sets my drinks down, and I hand over the cash. When I turn back, Mark smirks. “Push for the six-month lease, but check out the house. You might change your mind.”

I nod. “Set it up for tomorrow.”

Determined, I thread through the crowd, ready to tell Mackenzie the truth. No more waiting.

But as soon as I set her drink down, another interruption.

“Nate Dixon.”

I turn to find Carson Stubbs, the medevac pilot, extending a hand. We shake. “How’s Liam doing?”

Mackenzie smiles. “He’s better, thanks. Just in a leg cast now, but otherwise good.”

“Glad to hear it.” Carson shifts his gaze to me. “So, how long are you staying in town?”

My chest tightens. Mackenzie’s eyes lock on mine, waiting. She wants to know, too.

I go with my generic answer. “It all depends.”

Carson hums. “If you stick around, you should consider Medix-Lift. We could use a quick-thinking surgeon out in the field. Pay isn’t great, but I get the impression that money isn’t what you’re after.”

He’s too observant. I tip my glass toward him. “You’d be right.”

His next question lands like a blow. “Military?”

Mackenzie’s face blanches, but she forces a tight smile. She already knows, but she doesn’t know everything.

“Yes, I’ve worked as a flight surgeon. I’ve seen my share of traumas.”

Carson nods. “We should talk.” He turns to Mackenzie and adds, “I’m glad Liam’s doing well. I’ll talk to you later.”

As he walks away, guilt tightens around my ribs. No more waiting. I need to tell her. Now.

“Hey, there’s something we need to discuss?—”

“Thanks for taking me out.” She cuts me off, her voice softer. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”

I hesitate, watching her closely. She’s dodging, just like I am.

“If anyone deserves a break, it’s you,” I say with all honesty.

She exhales, a small smile playing on her lips. “That’s why it’s nice to just kick back and not worry. I needed this tonight.”

And just like that, the moment slips away.

But when I get her home and her mom leaves, I square my shoulders. No more distractions.

I meet her gaze and say the words I should’ve said long ago.

“We need to talk.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

MACKENZIE

“We need to talk.”The words tumble out of Nate’s mouth like a death sentence. Blood drains from my face as my heart thuds like a jackhammer.Fuck. This is it. He’s leaving.I’ve been dreading this moment since the first time he laid his hands on me. Since the first time he made me feel something other than numb. I’m not ready to say goodbye to him, to the way he makes my body come alive, to the way he’s burrowed under my skin and into my soul.

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