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“How have you been? Any pain? Or… anything?” he asks, concern flashing in his eyes.

“I’m fine.”

Leaving the military after I was shot overseas was not what I wanted. I was pissed off at the world when I first got to town and struggled to reintegrate into civilian life. To be honest, I didn’t even want to be a civilian. I wanted to stay in the Rangers.

I liked my life in the military. It was ordered. I knew what was expected of me, what I needed to do, and the chain of command. Then I got shot, and it all got messed up. I was discharged and had to figure out what I was going to do. I had no idea where to go and no home to return to, so I chose the town where my brother lived—the only family I had left.

Now, here I am, and I still have no idea what to do. Do I want to stay in Wolf Valley? What will I do for a job? What do I want out of life?

“Are you sure?” Milo asks, sensing my troubled thoughts.

“I’m fine, Milo. I promise. My injuries are all healed. No pain. Well, not much. I’m good.”

He nods and changes the subject. “When will your place be ready?”

“I close on the place tomorrow.”

“Want me to come with you?”

“I’ll be okay. I know you’ll be dying to see Lilou after your shift.”

“Let me know if you change your mind.”

“I will,” I promise.

“See you later,” he says as he leaves.

I wave at him and head back to my room. I’ve been staying with Milo and Lilou since I got to town. I know I must be cramping their style. I’m excited to move out and give them their space back.

My eyes flick to the clock, and I groan when I see that it’s only noon. Three more hours before Blake gets off, and we can hang out.

I know I have it bad, but I can’t help it. From the moment Blake sat across from me with that mischievous grin, I was hooked. Every bet, every challenge has been an excuse to stay close to her, even though she only sees me as her best friend.

My phone rings, and I hope it’s Blake calling to tell me she got off work early. But when I pick it up, I see Camden’s name on the screen instead.

When I first arrived at Wolf Valley, I was surprised by how many former military personnel I knew from my time in the service. Camden, Ansel, Huxley, Meyer, and Kip were Marines I deployed with during my time in the military. Xavier and Townes were in the Army, and we went through boot camp and Ranger School together. Even Nolan, an Air Force buddy, wound up here in town.

Being around so many former military personnel has helped me adjust, and it’s been good catching up with everyone.

“Hey, what are you up to?” Camden asks.

“Right now? Nothing.”

“Want to go for a hike with me?”

“Sure. Where?”

“I’ll pick you up. Can you be ready in ten?”

“Yeah. I just need to be back by two thirty.”

“Got a hot date?”

“Yep.”

“Good. We’ll talk about it on the hike.”

“Can’t wait,” I deadpan.