Page 2 of Jack Raider

I huffed. “Then you shouldget backto work.”

“I will. After I take you home.” He crouched, lifting Rover effortlessly. “You’re lucky I happened to be passing by. That guy could’ve killed you.”

“I wouldn’t have let him,” I shot back. “I would’ve shot him first.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Are youtellingme you’re carrying a gun?”

“I have a license,” I said defensively.

“Does your family know?”

I scowled. “I’mnota child.”

That was when I made a tactical error. I stomped my foot.

Instant regret.

His smirk was immediate, his amusement barely concealed.Fantastic.I’d just reduced myself to an overgrown toddler throwing a tantrum.

“I’m twenty-eight,” I added, desperate to reclaim some dignity. “I’m agrown woman.”

His gaze swept over me, lingering just a second too long. My heart did something stupid and fluttery.No, I am not still crushing on this hot SEAL.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “I guess you are.”

Oh.Oh.

Heat rushed up my neck. I was suddenlypainfullyaware of my old leggings, the faded college sweatshirt, and the fact that I’d probably sweated through half my deodorant running for my life. Meanwhile, he was effortlessly carrying Rover toward amassivetruck.

“Where are you going?” I called, jogging after him.

“To my truck.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why doallof you drive these action-movie-sized trucks?”

He chuckled. “So we can see over the tops of cars when chasing someone.”

“Or,” I countered, “so you can look hot driving yourmuscle truckthrough town.”

His lips twitched. “You think I look hot?”

Abort.Abort.

My face practically burst into flames. “I’m sure you’vebeen toldthat before.”

His grin widened. “Too bad you’re Nate’s little sister.”

I stopped in my tracks.

“I’mtwenty-eight,” I said slowly, deliberately. “And being Nate’s sister hasnothingto do with who I am or what I do.”

He watched me for a moment, something unreadable in his expression. Then, without a word, he opened the truck door and placed Rover inside.

With a resigned sigh, I climbed into the passenger seat.

One thing was clear—this night was far from over. And neither was my ridiculous, completely inconvenient crush.

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