Page 19 of His True North (Shattered Cove 5)

Link just shook his head and looked at Charli, a silent message seemingly passing between them. Charli gave him a wink. A shot of jealousy lanced through Finn, burning his stomach with bile. Just how close was she to his friend?

“I need to steal this guy away for a few minutes. You two stay out of trouble until we get back.” She winked at Link.

Finn clenched his fists as she reached for his arm and then hesitated as if thinking better of it, dropping her hand.

The smile faded from her lips as she turned away. “I need your help with a delivery. I’m not supposed to lift anything heavy,” Charli explained as she led him out the back.

A tall man stood in the loading dock at the back of his truck holding a piece of paper and a clipboard.

“Hey, Roman.” Charli walked over to the man and opened her arms for a hug.

Roman looked up from his paperwork and smiled before wrapping Charli into his arms. Finn grit his teeth together until pain radiated in his jaw. Was she doing this on purpose?

Roman released her. “Hey, Charli, long time no see.” He glanced over to Finn. “Hey, buddy. I’m sorry about the accident. Glad you’re home safe.”

Finn nodded, unsure of how to proceed.

Charli motioned to the boxes in his truck. “Your delivery is right on time. We were almost out.”

“Can’t have that.” Roman shook his head smiling.

“How’s Ariel?” Charli asked.

Roman’s eyes lit up. “She’s getting so big. Wants to go out and work in the fields like her daddy.”

“That girl is fearless. I wouldn’t want to be surrounded by bees. No, thank you. I’ll leave the dangerous work to you.” She laughed.

“It’s not dangerous unless you’re allergic to them,” Roman added.

Finn’s body was on fire. Forget bees. He felt like a million fire ants were crawling all over his skin. Was Roman flirting with Charli? What kind of asshole did that to a pregnant woman in front of her husband? It sure fucking seemed as if she was flirting back.

“Let’s get you some of my raw honey. Promised Ariel I’d be back in time to tuck her into bed.” Roman handed Charli the clipboard.

“I’ll get you a check, and Finn will help you unload. Just put the honey in the usual spot.” Charli walked away, disappearing inside.

“Can you get the other two boxes?” Roman nodded in the truck, his arms already full.

“Sure.” Finn grabbed the remaining goods and followed Roman inside, stacking his on top of the boxes Roman had left on a pallet in the corner of the back room.

“Thanks again.” Charli handed Roman a check with the clipboard, keeping a copy of the invoice for herself.

“No problem. Let me know when you need more.” Roman waved to both of them before he shut the back of his truck and climbed into the driver’s side.

Charli closed the loading dock door and turned to him and opened her mouth and then closed it. She hesitated one more moment. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

“There’s a bachelorette group at the bar. I’ll help you get caught up.” Charli walked past him.

He turned and followed her, his stomach twisting into knots. Jealousy twisted with his anger. His shoulders tensed, drawing up to his ears, the music growing louder the closer they got to the bar. His fists clenched at his sides as his head spun. What the hell was going on with him? Why was he so angry? Was this all because of Charli? Damn it. If he could remember, everything would make sense again and he wouldn’t feel so lost and out of control.

Charli grabbed a glass bottle from the fridge. The bar had become even more packed since he’d left. People pushed towards the front, waving, trying to get his attention. His sight to the exit blocked, his chest tightened, squeezing his lungs.

Pop!

Finn dove to the ground. The rubber slip guard mats pressed into his face as he covered his head. Blasts and the sound of an explosion ripped through his eardrums. He sucked in a panicked breath and prepared for the strike. Bullets rang out. The sound of metal bending and screeching assaulted the air. The acrid smell of smoke made his lungs burn. His mouth filled with the tang of blood as screams erupted. Charli. I have to get Charli out of here!

8

---