Page 57 of Hunted Hearts
He flicked his gaze to his brother’s and held his stare for several long beats. He wasn’t about to give that comment any response, not when he didn’t have one.
His brother started to say more, but Theo cut across him. “Gabe’s getting a proper send-off.”
Thankfully, Gray rolled with the change of topic. “He’s worked hard to get to this point.”
“Is he the first veteran the Black Heart Ranch program has ever seen go?”
Gray shook his head. “Some only need a short time to transition to the civilian life. Others have been here since the start.”
Theo focused on Oaks standing across the fire with Gabe and a few other vets. The firelight flickered across their faces, but then their solemn expressions stretched into smiles and the sound of their laughter rippled through the air.
“I want to get more involved in the program,” he said.
Gray contemplated him for only a beat. “Could always use more hands on deck.”
“It will keep me busy…after Juliette’s gone.”
“Theo, it doesn’t have to be that way. Anyone can see how you feel—”
He cut him off. “Gotta go talk to Carson.”
He didn’t. He just needed an escape route from that conversation, a ripcord to pull before he said something he’d regret…or let Gray see just how much this all was getting to him.
His oldest brother sat on a split log with his wife in his lap. Before Theo reached them, a shrill whistle that could have only come from Willow pierced the air.
Everyone silenced, all eyes on her. She waved a hand. “Let’s take this party inside! Food’s on!”
Theo’s stare landed on Juliette. She twisted, scanning the crowd. When her gaze met his, his heart threw itself at his ribs.
Unable to stop himself, he strode to her side. The instant he felt the heat of her body and caught the light notes of her perfume playing in his nose, he let out a sigh. But the sight of her in jeans and a casual sweater—and his thick oilskin coat—had his cock hurling itself at his fly.
The rustle of people moving past them to continue the party in the lodge thankfully rendered his growl inaudible.
She tilted her face up. And her lips wereright there.
Leaning in, he couldn’t stop himself from claiming her mouth in a soft kiss that pulled a shudder from her.
For a moment, he considered carrying her off to bed. But the veteran they were honoring deserved Theo’s support tonight, and duty called.
He pulled away from Juliette far too soon, if her dazed expression said anything.
Grabbing her hand, he led her across the yard to the lodge.
Willow had gone all out with the event—balloon arches, streamers in the Black Heart colors of blue and silver, and a massive poster with “GOOD LUCK, GABE!” scrawled across it in bold lettering. A card table was already stacked with gifts, and the buffet boasted a ridiculous spread of food, complete with a towering cake.
The chef had cooked enough to feed an army—burgers stacked high with every topping imaginable, ribs slick with sauce, wings in three flavors, cornbread, potatoes done three different ways. All of Gabe’s favorites, because if anyone deserved it, it was the quiet Marine-turned-resident who had spent the last year working harder than anyone to get his life back.
The guest of honor stood near the balloons with Navy in his arms and whenever she reached for them, she’d kick her feet as if she could propel herself closer.. Someone had stripped off her snowsuit and she wore footed pajamas now.
“This is amazing,” Juliette said softly beside Theo.
He nodded, chest tight as Gabe dipped his head and kissed Navy’s hair. His voice carried clearly across the room. “Gonna miss you, kiddo. Gonna miss this place a hell of a lot.”
Gabe looked up and met Theo’s gaze. He gave Theo a nod of acknowledgement, and he couldn’t help but feel that even though they didn’t know each other well, he was saying goodbye to a friend.
Clasping Juliette’s hand, he led her over to Gabe.
He held out a palm for a handshake. “Place won’t be the same without you. Next time you’re in the area, swing by and we’ll do some hunting like we talked about.”
