Blake
“You’re going home today, girl.” I rubbed Snowflake’s muzzle. She huffed and bumped me with her nose. She wasn’t the only one I was losing. Hadley’s two weeks were up and first thing in the morning, she’d be on her way back to California. I didn’t think it’d be so hard to let her go.
Grabbing the brush, I slid it down Snowflake’s body so her coat would shine. It was a special day for Josie and I wanted it all to be perfect for her.
My phone rang and when I set down the brush, Snowflake snorted. She loved it when I brushed her. “Give me one second,” I told her. I looked at the phone and smiled. “Well, I’ll be damned,” I said, answering the phone.
“Have you missed me?” Mason joked. Mason Bradley was the leader of our undercover group and an MMA legend. Not only was he a heavyweight UFC Champion, but he had solved one of the most heinous crimes in the sport.
Chuckling, I leaned against the wall. “You’re damn right, I have. What ya been up to?”
“Nothing much, just taking a break. I heard you were watching the Rivers girl. That must be a pain in the ass. Don’t people know you’re not a bodyguard?”
“I don’t think they got that memo. Besides, it hasn’t been too bad; she leaves tomorrow. What can I do for you?” I asked.
“I have a job for you. Well, for me and you. It looks like I called at the right time.”
“What’s going on?”
“There’s a situation out in Texas, where a couple of girls were found dead in a barn. The owner of the property is an elderly man in his nineties. I think his ranch hand is the one who did it, but no one can find him. I could really use your knowledge on this one.”
I glanced at the house where my bedroom light glowed through the blinds; Hadley was awake. “When do you need me?”
“Tomorrow, if at all possible. I’ll send you the details.”
“Sounds good, brother. I’ll be ready.” Sighing, I hung up the phone and dialed Robert’s number.
“Hello,” he grumbled.
“I’m going to need you to escort Hadley home. Can you fly out here by tomorrow morning?”
He yawned. “Why can’t you do it?”
“Mason just called and asked if I’d help him with a job in Texas. I leave tomorrow.”
“All right, I’ll be there first thing.” We hung up and I got back to brushing Snowflake. I only had one more night with Hadley before we parted ways. Now all I had to do was tell her I wouldn’t be going with her.
Hadley
“Aren’t you ready to come home?” Nick asked.
I wanted to get back to singing, but I didn’t want to leave Blake. “I am,” I lied, hoping he couldn’t hear the trepidation in my voice.
“I’ve been given permission to get back on the ice in limited practice. The wound still hurts, but I should be able to play again soon. Everything will go back to normal.”
No, it wouldn’t, but I couldn’t tell him that yet. I wanted to wait until we were in person. He sounded so happy over the phone. “That’s great, Nick. I know how excited you are about playing again. I think when I get back, I’m going to find somewhere else to live. I just can’t bring myself to stay in that house.”
He sighed. “I understand, baby. I’m sure the team will be happy to help you move.”
I watched Blake through the window, talking to Snowflake’s owners. He was handing her over to them. “Thanks, Nick. I think I need a new start.”
“And I’ll be with you every step of the way. But here’s Felicity. She’s been dying to talk to you. I miss you and I can’t wait to see you again.”
“Same to you.”
“Bye, babe. I’ll see you at the airport.”
“Okay.”
He handed the phone to Felicity. “Can you believe our lives are about to go back to normal? Do you have any idea how many people have missed you?”
“A lot?” I laughed.