Page 24

That was a step.

He put on his blinker, took the corner, and pulled into a no-name brand gas station that was cash only. Not many of those left on the Cape, he would bet.

He pulled the truck in, started the pump, then leaned back against the side of the truck and clasped his hands on his head, watching the cars go by.

Lots of cars filled with families headed to the beach. Pink inflatables crushed up against the rear window. Screaming kids. Laughter.

He’d had dreams of that. Of crafting that life for kids who thought they’d never have it. Of him and Bella finally learning what it would be like to have a family, learning how to be the parents they’d never had.

He still wanted it.

He absolutely wanted it.

With another woman?

No. He couldn’t imagine that.

Without a woman? What if he just fostered some kids and figured it out on his own as a single dad?

Maybe.

Then at least he’d have a purpose. He’d be able to change the trajectory of someone else’s life.

The Stocktons had a bunch of foster and adopted kids. Maybe he’d talk to them. Get some advice. Yeah. He nodded. Yeah, he could do that. He could?—

His phone rang, and he contemplated ignoring it.

But he wasn’t a man on a quest anymore. He was a man trying to figure out how to become a dad, and dads answered the phone.

It was good practice.

His phone rang again, and he pulled it out of his pocket. His gut dropped when he saw Bella’s name on his screen.What the fuck?He answered immediately. “Hi.”

“I want to hire you.”

Hire him? “I’m pretty sure my answer is going to be no.” He kept his voice gentle, but he knew collecting a paycheck from her to cart tables around at events wasn’t the path he needed.

“Brody said my house got broken into last night by professionals. They were clearly looking for me, and when they didn’t find me, they left.”

Falcon swore and stood up straight. “Who was it?”

“They don’t know. He told me I have to go home until they solve it. He’s sending the plane for me. He doesn’t think I’m safe enough with my gun and my attitude.”

Fuck. Had he brought this on her? “I think he’s right.” Hell. He was going to have to find out if this was connected with the man who’d ended his quest for him, wasn’t he? Back on the road again?

The thought was numbing. He didn’t want to go back to that life. He fuckingdidn’t.

“If I go back to the ranch, I’ll never leave,” Bella said. “It’s too safe. It’s too comfortable. And then my soul will die.”

He finished filling his truck, already thinking about what he was going to do first. He’d have to go back to the cabin and look around for?—

“Falcon. I want to hire you to be my bodyguard. Brody will trust your ability to keep me safe, and then I can stay out here.”

He froze, his hand on the door handle. “Bodyguard?”

“Yes. You’re the only one I trust to keep me alive but also not let me betray myself by running home to hide.”

He swore again and got in the truck. “I need to find out who’s after you.”