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“I can’t have Maya running out there, and I can’t have you walking outside early in the morning when I know there are coyotes getting that close to the house.”

Liv tilted her head. “I’ve lived in the country all my life, and that’s the first time something like that has ever happened.”

I shook my head, closing my eyes at the memory. “I did a pediatric plastic surgery rotation in med school. A child got attacked by a coyote on the outskirts of Dallas.” Images of that poor child flashed through my mind like it was yesterday. “Like hell I’m letting that happen to Maya or you.”

“Fletcher—”

“I have to keep you safe,” I snapped. “And this is the only way I know how.”

Her expression softened as she nodded. “I’ll move my stuff over when it’s daylight.” She glanced over my chest, and I became very aware that I wasn’t wearing a shirt. That my chest was heaving with adrenaline. When her eyes stayed on my bare body a second longer, heat spread through my veins.

I took the back of her neck in my hand, twining my fingers through her hair. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Her breath hitched as she looked up at me, her full lips parting. “Fletcher, I...”

“I know,” I breathed, leaning closer.

“Dad!” Maya yelled.

I cringed, but Liv took a pronounced step backward. She wasn’t disappointed by the interruption. Not like me.

“I’ll make breakfast,” she said.

I nodded roughly. “Thank you.”

* * *

I drove into the office,and when I arrived, I had a text on my phone from my brother Ford.

Ford: Coming home this weekend. Dad said we could have a barbecue.

Fletcher: What time?

Ford: Six on Saturday.

Fletcher: I’ll be there.

Ford: You should bring the nanny. Heard you have the hots for Liv still.

I rolled my eyes toward the ceiling of my truck.

Fletcher: Like you said, she’s my nanny.

Ford: Hottt

Fletcher: I see Hayes is rubbing off on you. Catch you Saturday. Which is Liv’s day off.

I put my phone in my pocket and walked into the clinic, seeing Brenda had already opened it up.

“Morning,” she chirped. “Coffee is in the pot, I have your schedule for the day here”—she handed me a sheet of paper with all my appointments—“and your insurance coverage for Liv went through. Her first bill will come through at the end of the month.”

“Perfect,” I said. “Can you submit a referral for her to Dr. Shelly Robinson in Dallas?”

“What office?”

“Gynecology, at the Memorial hospital.”

“Will do,” Brenda said.