Ugh.

“Everything,” I rumble. “Look, I’m in trouble.”

Whatever she was doing in the background stops abruptly, a nervous sound that I recognize well coming from her as she clears her throat. “You didn’t get arrested again?”

“No. But I could be.”

“Oh, Kane!” She goes silent for a beat and I can see her pinching the bridge of her nose. “What’s happened?”

“Nothing yet.”

“Thank God,” she breathes. “Where are you?”

“About to be out of cell service. I’m in the mountains and I probably won’t be able to answer for a couple days if I’m there. Look, I need some advice.”

Bethany makes a choked sound. “Wait. I have to clean out my ears. Did my former SEAL alpha male, hero brother just ask his little sister for advice?”

“All right, smart ass. Yes, I did.” I force my hands to loosen on the wheel before I break it. “What’s that word they use when there are a lot of years between a man and a woman?”

Fuck, I can’t believe I’m asking my younger sister about this.

“Age gap. Technically two words. What about it?”

I gulp as I realize Eagle probably hasn’t even heard the music I listen to when I’m working out.

“What do you think of the idea?” I choke out, my stomach making a weird twisting motion.

“It’s kind of sexy. I mean, not when he’s one foot in the grave, but you know, men just take so much longer to mature.”

“Bethany.”

She laughs lightly, “You’re an exception. And Kane, are you asking because you met a younger woman?”

There’s definitely excitement growing in her tone.

“I’m freaking the fuck out.”

More laughter. “You never freak out, I wish I could see your face right now.”

“No. You don’t. Now, what do you think is too many,” I have to force out the last word, “years?”

Thinking, she starts making some kind of noise in the background again.

“What’s that sound?”

“I’m putting together some new crates that got donated. One day I’ll have mobile rescue trucks, with built-in cages, and an airplane, but for now, these little crates are great for rescuing smaller animals.”

Bethany’s determination and heart never cease to amaze me. “You’re gonna do something amazing, sis.”

“Well, it’s all about getting in front of the right people now. There’s not much more I can do without a serious cash infusion to buy the first truck. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I got another anonymous donation of twenty thousand dollars. It was enough to save some horses from an abuser and pay for their medical care.”

Lead settles in my stomach. Paul McKenna pays big. Enough for me to buy that truck with cash—my plan, but…

I’ve got to get another fucking job. Yesterday.

“So, who is this young mystery woman?”

The tendons in my hands ache and I realize I’ve got the wheel in a death grip again. “She’s too young.”