Page 20 of Tattered and Torn

“He’s working on the generator with Toby, our head maintenance guy. So, how do you like the apartment? If there’s anything you want to change, no problem. If you want to bring in your own furniture, or replace anything, we can put this furniture in storage.”

“No, it’s great. I love everything in here. Do you and Killian live here in the lodge?”

“No. We have a log cabin about half a mile up the road in a small clearing.” Hannah sits in the recliner. “I just wanted to touch base with you, see how everything went today. I know it’s a lot to take in at once. I heard through the grapevine that word got out about the fettuccine Alfredo.”

I laugh. “Apparently. Even the sheriff showed up.”

“You met Chris. Good. He’s a great guy. He and Killian have become good friends. And you met Maggie and Jennie and Ruth?”

“Yes. They seem really nice.”

“They’re awesome. We get together pretty regularly at Maggie’s house for dinner. I hope you’ll join us.”

“I’d love that.”

“And how about Burke? How did that go?”

“Great. John seems like a really nice guy.”

Hannah smiles incredulously. “He lets you call him John?”

“Yes. Is that strange?”

“I should say so. No one calls him John. It’s Burke, or you risk getting your teeth knocked out.”

“Really?”

Hannah nods. “Really.”

“I accidentally walked in on him in the barn as he was changing his shirt after returning from the trail ride. His hat was off, and I saw his face. He uses his hat as a shield. And I noticed he limps.”

Hannah’s smile fades. “Yeah. He never talks about it. He was in the Army, a Ranger, and was deployed in Afghanistan until he got a medical discharge. I don’t know all the details, but there was an explosion, and his face and hand were burned. He also got a lot of shrapnel in his left leg, which is why he limps. That’s all I know.”

“I’m sorry he was hurt.”

“Word of advice—don’t ever tell him that. He hates pity. He’d just as soon everyone ignore his scars.”

“Got it.”

There’s another knock on the door.

“That would be Killian,” Hannah says.

“Come in!” I call.

The door opens and Killian comes in. His gaze goes right to Hannah. “Ready, babe?”

She stands. “Yes.” Then she gives me a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. Have I mentioned that yet?”

I laugh. “A few people have.”

“I heard you’re going to the farmers market tomorrow,” Killian says.

“Yes. I want to check out what I can get locally.”

“And Burke’s driving you?” Killian asks, confirming.

I nod. I’m looking forward to spending more time with John. There’s something about him—whether it’s the wounded warrior thing or the sexy cowboy thing, I don’t know. But it’s something.

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