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Violet left the house, and Hannah wandered into the rooms, looking through boxes to find Blake’s sheets. Was it weird that she was here? Even though they’d been friends for at least a year and they were now seeing each other, it felt like an invasion of privacy for her to be unpacking Blake’s things.

Stop analyzing everything. I’m here, and things are great. Don’t wreck it by overthinking.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

ON TUESDAY, BLAKE and Charge jogged along the trail, and Blake had to admit, he kind of liked having a partner. He’d been working hard with Charge since taking him to the vet the week before, and so far, things were great. Dr. Standen had determined that Charge had only about 50 percent hearing left, and by the way his teeth were filed, he thought the cause was most likely because Charge had been used as a hunting dog. Having a gun blast in his ears over and over for several years was bound to have some ill effects.

Dr. Standen assured him he could still work in search and rescue and thought the whistle was a fantastic idea. Once they’d diagnosed Charge’s issue, Blake had been more confident about his ability to train the giant dog.

Even though it was out of the way, Blake had still been coming down to Dale’s for breakfast, if only for those ten minutes he got to snag with Hannah during her break.

Once he’d slipped Charge into the car, he’d headed toward the front steps of Dale’s and heard a horn honk.

“Blake! You got a minute?”

Blake turned and found Bryce in her little car.

“What’s up? Not crashing my jogs anymore?”

“No, you were hostile. But I do need a favor.”

Blake moved closer without saying anything.

“Aren’t you going to ask what it is?”

“Figured you’d just tell me.”

“You are such a pain in the ass.”

Blake shrugged and started to turn away.

“Wait! I’m sorry. Please, just hear me out.”

Blake sighed and leaned into the passenger-side window. “What?”

“I was wondering if you could cover for me on Friday night.”

“I’m busy Friday.”

“So am I, which is why I need you to cover for me!”

Blake took a deep soothing breath. “Fine. Must be nice not to be in the armed forces anymore and actually have a choice on taking a day off.”

She stuck her tongue out at him before calling, “You’re the best!”

Blake shook his head as he went around to the back of Dale’s. He knew exactly when Hannah took her break and didn’t even bother going inside until after he got her kisses.

Blake saw her sitting in one of the plastic chairs, and when she saw him, her face brightened. “Hey.” She stood up and gave him a hug. “I didn’t think you’d be coming by anymore now that you live in Orangevale.”

“I packed my clothes, and I’m going to shower when I get to work. I just wanted to see you.” He tried to kiss her but she pulled back, wrinkling her nose.

“You’re all sweaty.”

“So?” He kissed her hard and fast before she could get away, and he kept kissing her all over her face until she was squealing with laughter.

“You taste all salty.”

“And now so do you.” He kissed her below her ear, his tongue snaking out to lick at her skin, and he felt her relax against him.