Page 46 of The Hero She Needs

“Vander has sung the man’s praises. We can’t thank him enough. Look, I’ve sent a full security team and a jet. They’ll be waiting for you when you reach Denver.”

Gemma’s hand tightened on the phone. “Oh?” In just a few hours, she’d be whisked away. Away from danger.

Away from Boone.

The emotions that hit her were stronger than she expected. She hadn’t known Boone long.

This was safest for everyone. For her, and for Boone. There would be no one shooting at his truck or attacking him if she were back in California.

God, she hadn’t expected this to hurt so much.

“Stick with Hendrix, Gemma. He’ll get you to the jet. This will all be over soon.”

“Okay, Dad.” Her voice was thick.

“Gemma…I know I don’t tell you enough, but I love you. You’ll always be my baby girl.”

Now her eyes filled with tears. “I love you too, Dad. And tell Mom as well.”

“We’ll see you soon.”

She hung up the phone, then turned to face Boone. He had his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

“So, my father’s sent a jet.”

Boone gave a quick nod. “Vander briefed me. We need to get to Denver as fast as we can, but stay off any major highways.”

He sounded like one of her father’s security team. Cool, detached, professional.

Pain wound around her chest. “Okay.”

“It’ll take us a little longer, but it’ll be safer. We’ll be there this evening, and I’ll take you straight to the airport.”

His voice was devoid of any emotion. Did he care? Kisses and hot moments aside, maybe he was glad to get rid of her. “Right. Did Vander say anything else?”

“Just that he and his team are still tracking who hired the mercenaries. Nothing more, yet.”

They headed back toward the truck.

“Gemma?”

She jerked her head up.

Something moved across his face, like he wanted to say something. Then he shook his head and opened the door for her.

Gemma tried to put on a brave face as Atlas jumped inside. “So, who’s in charge of picking the tunes next?” She climbed in.

Boone slid behind the wheel. “Me.” He reached over and changed it to a country station.

“Nooo.” She slapped a hand to her forehead. “These songs are always about the heartbroken man and his truck.”

He started the engine. “I know. Real music.”

She smiled, even though she felt a strange emptiness growing inside her.

Soon, this would be over.

Atlas dropped his head in her lap, and she rubbed between his ears. Both the dog and the man were going to make it very hard to say goodbye.

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