Page 16 of Montana Manhunt

Grant smiled. “Good point. I’ll make the coffee. If the kitchen’s open all night, we can order food, too.”

She rolled her eyes. “You just ate a sixteen-ounce steak, Grant. How can you possibly think of food now?”

“I’m a growing boy.”

“If I ate like that all the time, I’d be growing too, but in a bad way.”

“No chance of that. You’re perfect.” He winked, walked to the second bedroom, and closed the door.

Rayne stared after him for a beat, then blew out a breath. “Did Grant just flirt with me?”

Violet grinned. “He certainly did. The question is, what are you going to do about it?”

Her friend flicked a glance her way. “What do you think? Grant Bowen is amazing. Any woman would be lucky to have him in her life.”

“He’s a good man,” Noah said. “And a good friend.”

“Is that a warning, Detective Mann?”

“Former detective, and no. It’s a statement of fact. Echo unit was in the trenches in the Sand Box together. We got to know each other well as we protected each other’s backs.”

Rayne sobered. “I don’t play dating games, Noah. I hate them.”

“Good to know.”

She turned to Violet. “I’m heading to bed. Come when you’re ready.” Rayne closed the door to the first bedroom.

Violet went into the kitchen. “I’ll make coffee.” She should go to bed herself. The guys had deliberately left her out of the watch rotation so she could sleep. The next few days would be grueling physically and emotionally. Yet she couldn’t make herself go to bed. Nightmares and sadness awaited in her dreams.

When she had prepped the coffeemaker and turned it on, she was left with no excuse.

“Violet.” Noah wrapped his arms around her and settled her against his body. “It’s okay to let go,” he murmured.

She stiffened. “I’m fine.”

“You’re doing everything in your power to avoid accepting the truth.”

“I can’t,” she whispered. Didn’t he understand? If she broke down now, she’d never be able to hold her composure.

“Are you tired?”

Violet shook her head.

“Come watch a movie with me. I think we’re safe enough for the night and so far, no one knows where we’re staying.”

Her tight muscles loosened. “You don’t mind?”

“Getting to hold my girl, steal a kiss or two, and watch a good movie? I’ll consider this our first date.”

Violet brushed his mouth with hers. “I like it.”

“Want me to see if the kitchen’s open?”

“Can’t eat anything right now.”

“What about hot chocolate?”

Her eyes widened. “I’d love a cup.”

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