Page 13 of Gage

“Kash?” I asked, my stomach sinking. “What are you doing with her phone?”

“She’s busy,” he said, clearly amused. “But here she comes. Oh, and she heard you. She knows you’re sorry.”

“Hey, Gage,” Lori said, her tone light as she took the phone. “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t take it the wrong way—I knew what you meant. Call me when you’re back from your job.”

“If you’re sure… that’s great. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay.” She hung up, leaving me staring at my phone again, feeling like the world’s biggest fool.Don’t call her again until you’re back. She probably thinks you’re an idiot.

“Hell, you are an idiot,” River said, startling me out of my thoughts.

I turned, glaring at him. “I forgot you were standing there.”

“Did you forget I was here too?” Raven chimed in, leaning casually against the counter, his smirk infuriating.

“Yes,” I muttered. “My mind went blank when I realized I was talking to Kash Walker.”

They both burst out laughing, the sound echoing in the room.

“Goodbye, guys,” I grumbled, turning to leave—only to remember they were at my place. They sauntered off, still laughing.

I shook my head and picked up the file, determined to focus on the job. But as I read through the pages, one name stuck out like a sore thumb. I grabbed my phone and called River.

“This guy’s name sounds familiar,” I said, frowning.

“I thought the same thing,” River replied. “So I looked him up. Lyon Spencer is a member of the Army Special Forces. He must’ve gone there to help someone. Why else would he be there alone?”

“I’m ready to leave today if Cyclone is. Have you talked to him yet?”

“Yeah, he’s here right now.”

“Great. I’ll grab my bag and meet him at your truck. You’re driving us to the airport, right? I’m dropping Millie off at Raven’s—he’s watching her for me.”

“Yep. See you outside.”

8

Lori

Gage lingeredin my thoughts as I made my way to Montana to interview the Band of Navy SEALs. I knew a few of these men by reputation, though most had been out of the service before I was old enough to enlist. Some of them lived in Temecula, but they were all based in Montana now, and I was eager to learn their stories.

After renting a vehicle, I drove through winding mountain roads until I reached their headquarters. The view took my breath away. The lodge looked like it had been pulled straight from the glossy pages of a hunting magazine, nestled beside a pristine river that glistened in the sunlight. Tall pines framed the scene, their branches swaying gently in the breeze.

As I stepped out of the car, the front door opened, and Luke and Missy emerged, their smiles warm and welcoming.

“You made it! I’m so glad,” Missy said, her excitement contagious. “I told you this would be a great story—interviewing all these teams. How’s it going so far?”

After hugging them both, I followed them inside. “It’s going great so far, and this place is incredible,” I said, glancing around at the rustic wooden beams and massive stone fireplace.“When’s the baby due?” I asked, my gaze drifting to Missy’s belly.

“In a few months,” she replied, rubbing her growing bump with a contented smile.

I’d first met Missy in college in Southern California, along with Maddy, who had married Dustin Barlow—a member of SEAL Security, the team I planned to interview next. Seeing her now, happily settled in Montana, filled me with a quiet sense of nostalgia.

“You can stay here while you do the interviews,” Missy offered, her enthusiasm shining through. “Some of the guys are inside. This is so exciting—I bet this story will be a huge hit when it’s published.”

“This place is amazing,” I said, taking in the soaring ceilings and expansive windows. “How about I start with you, Luke? I know you, so it’ll be easier to get going. You can be my guinea pig.”

Luke grinned. “Sure, ask me anything.”

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