Page 37 of Rescued Hearts

She turned to Willow, who leaned against the porch railing a few steps away. “I’d like to say goodbye to him.”

“Figured.” Willow offered her a knowing smile.

Honor crossed the short distance to the sprawling ranch home. “Where can I find him?”

“He’s probably in his room writing.”

Honor stopped in her tracks. “Writing?”

“Gray is working on a book.”

She blinked. “That’s amazing. My sister would be excited to hear that.”

Willow waved a hand for her to enter the house. “I just found out a few months ago what keeps him in his room so much. He must have a ton of words in by now. He’s been working on it for months. Not that he’ll ever let me read it.”

Honor entered the Malones’ home, taking in the comfortable, rugged but chic décor.

“You’ll find him at the end of the hall, room on the right.”

She offered her new friend a smile. “Thank you.”

The walk down the corridor was a trip through the family archives. A gallery of family photos mixed with the occasionalpiece of framed art or even a funny picture or two of a beloved pet told the story of the Malone family in ways Honor was grateful to be privy to.

When she reached the door, she hesitated a beat. Deep in the warm brown wood was an awkwardG, as if he carved it there as a boy.

The man she couldn’t get out of her head was behind that door. He probably wouldn’t be happy about the interruption, yet…

She knocked twice. Softly.

There was a long pause. Then the door cracked open, and Gray’s stormy eyes landed on her. Surprise burned in the depths, but not annoyance.

She gave him a small smile. “Hey.”

“Hey there.” He inched back. A silent invitation.

She stepped into the space. It was functional, simple. Masculine. A large, unmade bed was stacked with pillows of several sizes as if he liked variety. Along one wall, a sleek metal and glass desk had an open laptop. Next to that rested a simple duffel bag.

“Is that your go-bag?”

He jerked his head to pierce her in his gaze. “What do you know about that?”

She shrugged. “My sister does own a bookstore. I read.”

He grunted and cut his fingers through his dark hair. He’d removed his cowboy hat and it hung on a wall hook beside the door.

Wordlessly, he watched her soak in his surroundings.

Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at him. “Willow said I should come say goodbye.”

“That’s Willow. Always welcoming.”

She walked around his room, trying to avoid noticing the king-sized bed. After the kisses they shared last night, she wasn’t sure she could trust herself not to throw herself at the man.

“You really think the vets enjoyed the class?”

That question got him talking. “I do,” he said swiftly. “I’ve been to a lot of different classes with them. They aren’t so receptive to all of them.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” She gave him a soft smile. What was it about Gray that drew her in? She wanted to know everything about him, from what side of the bed he slept on to whether or not he ever put those sugar packets she’d thrust at him into his coffee that day.

---