Page 73 of Never Fear (Whiskey Ridge)
“Aside from Austin craving attention, I’m glad you’re both alright,” Booker said, glancing at McKenna, then me.
I glared at him over their heads, and he only offered a blank stare back. I knew he was thankful, though. That fucker who’d been on McKenna when I arrived at the warehouse had been the one to drug Brynne. She’d confirmed he’d come into the diner earlier that day posing as a plumber when Henley sent a photo of the man to our group chat. It wasn’t a smart move, but Booker had wanted proof that it was the man who had drugged his girl. If it hadn’t been, he’d have had a hell of time hunting the man down. But the fact we were wrong about her having food poisoning had me feeling guilty. I should’ve known, and yet, I’d missed all the signs.
When we’d gotten here and I told Booker they were both dead, he’d pulled me in for a rare hug.
McKenna offered a small smile before leaning her head on my shoulder. “Thank you.”
The silent scrape of a key inside a lock pulled our attention to the front door right as Henley walked in, rebolting it behind him.
When he saw all four of us staring, he paused. “What?”
“All good?” I asked, running a hand up and down McKenna’s arm.
He looked at each of us before pocketing his key. “Yep.” He tilted his head in the direction of the stairs. “I’m gonna go shower. You all enjoy your sweet little reunion or whatever.”
I could practically feel the retort about to roll off Booker’s tongue, but Henley was taking the stairs two at a time before he could get a word out.
“What’s up his ass?” Booker grumbled.
“He’s probably tired of you two making him clean up your messes,” Brynne noted.
“Or he’s jealous you both have girlfriends now,” McKenna guessed.
Either of them could be right, but whatever it was, we’d deal with it when he was ready to come around. For now, I wanted to enjoy the night with my girl.
No stalkers, no death, no looking over our shoulders.
Just enjoying time with our loved ones.
How it always should’ve been.
But then again, who could have fun without a little trouble?
Epilogue
McKenna
Six weeks later…
Austin had been out on the ranch for countless hours, helping Booker do some shit I didn’t understand with their cattle. I’d been laying atop the comforter on my bed for what felt like forever, naked and waiting for him to arrive. He told me he’d be home at seven, and it was now seven-thirty. I was about to call it quits on my surprise when the front door opened and shut, and the sound of his familiar boot steps echoed down the hall.
He’d moved into my house the day after the attack, right after he’d dragged me to the doctor to ensure I was fine.
And I was.
Just like I’d told him.
Though, he’d been somewhat right in that I did have a concussion. I simply wouldn’t admit that to his face, though.
As for the diner, we weren’t sure what would happen to it. Dan had mentioned potentially taking it over as he lovedthat place like it was his own, but he was a cook, not a manager. He had a lot to learn if that was the route he wanted to go.
With the chain looped around my hand where it was lying in my lap, I waited for Austin’s form to appear in the doorway. And when it did, he stopped in his tracks.
His ravenous gaze took in every inch of me, and he leaned a shoulder against the doorframe. “Welcome home to you, too.” He grinned.
“Get on your knees.” I was tired of waiting.
Without hesitation, he obeyed, dropping to the floor so hard I’d be surprised if his knees didn’t bruise.
