Page 19 of Pick Yourself Up
Was she afraid of repercussions?
Had she received threats?
Jolie’s voice broke into his thoughts. “Hey, Fox. I’ve got two new people for you to meet. You know Amber from the video chats, but you haven’t met yet.”
When Amber squatted beside Boomer and held out her hand, Fox licked her and moved in closer for some pats.
Boomer watched passively, not expecting trouble. Because he followed commands and trusted Amber.
“And this is Gray. He’s a friend of Knox and Ford. He’s going to be living with us here at the farm and helping with the plants. You’re going to be good friends.”
Gray squatted down and rubbed down the dog, who apparently demanded rubdowns every time he saw his humans.
Not only was he a great dog, but he was another layer of protection that should help Amber feel safe.
It was a little shocking to realize how much he wanted that. Not just her actual safety, but for her to believe it. For this strong woman to find a place where she could relax and be at home.
He was going to work his ass off to help that happen.
Chapter 5
Checkup
Amber was overwhelmed after the tour of the farm. Four hundred acres was so much more than she’d expected.
The orchard was amazing. The scent of ripening apples filled the air, and it was wonderful to wander through the space.
She loved the ducks and Jolie’s pond. Ford had even created a fire pit area where they could sit in the evenings. Amber knew Ford and Jolie had spent the night near the fire more than once.
It sounded wonderful, but she knew she wasn’t brave enough for that. It was challenging enough to get sleep when she was behind locked doors with Boomer at her side.
Sleeping outdoors would be terrifying.
She shook off the shivers and focused on the present. The farm was better than advertised. Not only was it beautiful and diverse, it felt happy. Safe.
She wondered how much of that had been because of the man touring the farm with them.
Dark Eyes.
Gray Santoro. Also known as Santa or Claus.
He was as strong, sexy, and protective as she remembered. Back in Chicago, she’d immediately trusted him to get help and resolve the situation.
In the moment, she hadn’t realized how much he’d done. Later, she’d learned he’d incapacitated both men trying to get through the security and to the elevator.
He’d done it without firing his weapon and alerting the third man.
He’d tied them up, then shouted to the third man to stop him from hurting Amber further. All in moments that had seemed like hours.
Then he sat with her and made her feel safe. Told her she was brave. Made her feel that she wasn’t a complete coward. His calm presence had intrigued her then. And now.
He was a fascinating man.
Not that she knew much yet. Jolie had done most of the talking during the tour, showcasing the farm and the progress they’d made, along with their hopes for the future.
Her sister practically glowed with the joy of the potential surrounding her. And from the love that was obvious between her and Ford.
Amber wanted that. Wanted that soul-deep conviction that she was in the right place with the right people. Doing a job that mattered with a team that believed in the same principles. Doing it all with a man who adored her.
