Page 60 of One Last Shot

“No, actually, you’re becoming a fantastic rescue tech. I have to admit, when Moose suggested this whole gig, I just thought... you know... someone was going to get hurt.”

He made a face.

“No—I wasn’t thinking of me. I mean, maybe a little, but really, I meant... you. I worriedyouwould get hurt.”

“I’m not sure if that’s sweet or incredibly emasculating.”

A beat, and then, “Oh, yeah. I guess... it does sound that way. I just... you’re not what Ithought, is all.”

“I hope that’s a good thing.”

She sighed. “Yeah. I’m sorry about today. It could have really gone south.”

He sat down again. “Agreed. It’s a good thing Riley is cool-headed.” He looked at her. “It wasn’t a bad idea. I think Huxley and Beto really got a lot of great footage.” He held up his fist.

She hesitated a moment, then bumped it. Weird how he made all the knots inside her loosen, helped her breathe.

“You hungry?” He reached for a towel and slung it over his shoulder.

“I could eat,” she said, standing up.

“Moose keeps talking about this place called the Tenderfoot. Good food?”

“I dunno. Never been there.”

He looked at her.

“I told you—I don’t do hanging out.” Except, now the idea didn’t seem so suffocating. Not with Oaken and the stupid handsome way that he smiled at her.

Aw, this could be Blake all over again. “Maybe?—”

“I’m going to take a shower. Then we have a date.” He winked.

Oh. Oh no.

She watched him walk away to the private showers, not sure if she should run. Probably, yes.

Changing into a pair of jeans and a pullover, she refitted the ice pack on her arm, let her hair down and brushed it, and then headed out into the main room.

Moose had come in and was seated at the table, working on his laptop, nursing a cup of coffee.

“What are you doing?”

“Incident report. Just... dotting the i’s for our board.” He looked up at her. “You did a great job staying calm out there. How’s the arm?”

“It’ll mend.” She sighed.

He put down his pen. “What’s going on?”

Oops. “Oh, I...” She shook her head. “Just thinking about how my best intentions go south. I just can’t seem to get it right.”

He stared at her. “Boo. Today’s wind shear wasn’t your fault.”

“I heard the weather forecast?—”

“You can’t predict wind. We can look out for it and take care to stay safe, but... wind happens.”

“Right. I just...” She looked past him toward the closed door to the locker room.