Page 4 of Jack Raider

She grinned. “Oh, right. Because you’re still living up on Frasier Mountain, right? You and your buddies all look like lumberjacks up there.”

I chuckled. “Is that a complaint?”

“No, just an observation.” She tilted her head. “I was up there a few months ago.”

I nodded. “Yeah, Nate told me his sister came by. What’d you think?”

Her whole face lit up. “It’s beautiful.Quiet.I ran in the mornings and saw some of the SEALs out. But…” She hesitated. “Nate seemed… quiet. I noticed he wasn’t sleeping well. I asked him about it, but he brushed me off. Do you know why?”

I hesitated, debating whether I should tell her. “Nate went through hell when he was held captive for eight months.” I exhaled. “He’s working through it. He probably just didn’t want you worrying.”

Her expression darkened. “OfcourseI’m worried.”

I didn’t have a good response to that, so I didn’t say anything. Instead, she hit me with another curveball.

“What about Frasier?” she asked, arms crossing. “I tried talking to him about Nate. You know what he said?Don’t worry, I’m taking care of everything.What doesthatmean?”

I let out a slow breath. “Frasier’s been through it, too. When you’ve been in a war—or held hostage—you need someone whogets it. That’s probably all he meant.”

She studied me for a long moment, then nodded, like she’d decided to trust my answer. “I didn’t know Frasier had been held hostage.” Her voice softened. “That makes more sense now.”

Before I could respond, she reached for Rover. “Thanks for driving me home. Come on, buddy.”

I hesitated. “Maybe I’ll see you next time you visit the mountain.”

“Maybe,” she said, flashing me one last small smile before heading for her door. “Goodnight, Jack.”

I watched her disappear inside, my chesttightening.

Damn it.

She was right—Iwasa chicken. I’d spentyearsavoiding her, afraid of what her brother would think if I so much aslookedat her wrong.

But if Nate ever gave me the green light?

That would changeeverything.

And Ellie?

She’d bemine—everychance I could get.

3

Eloise

A month later,Jack was still on my mind.

Damn, that guy is hot.

I knew we’d be together someday. Maybe only for a night or two. Maybe longer. Either way, it was bound to happen.I saw the way he looked at me. I chuckled.

I glanced down at Rover, who was sprawled across the floor like he owned the place. “Looks like you’re officially mine since no one’s claimed you. I put up flyers everywhere.” I scratched his ears. “But that’s okay—I like having you around. Do you know why?”

Rover blinked at me, unimpressed.

“Because you don’t argue with me,” I answered. “And you’re a much better listener than Jenny,” I heard Jenny chuckle.

I was checking out a fifteen-year-old cat named Tinkle, whose owner, Mable, was not handling the situation well. Mable was already upset when she walked in, but after examining Tinkle, I knew the truth—she didn’t have much time left. I just couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud to Mable.

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