Page 32 of Before and After

“Sounds like you’re having a bad day, my friend.”

Instantly, I recognized the voice. “Gunnar. It’s been too damn long.”

I’d served with Gunnar O’Neill in special forces. He was several years older than me and a hell of a soldier. He’d been a mentor to me when I’d first joined the team. Gunnar was solid as a rock, the man you could always count on.

“Good to hear your voice, Caden. How’s the hotel life treating you?”

“It has its days.”

Gunner laughed. “I bet you have everyone quaking in their boots and following your orders.”

I thought of Allie. “Not everyone.”

“Well, I was calling to tell you that I’m out.”

“Out? You left the Army?” My eyebrows winged up. I thought Gunnar would be a lifer. He had no family and the Army had been his home.

A sigh echoed down the line. “It was time.”

I understood that better than anyone. “What are your plans?”

“Don’t have any. I haven’t got a home base or anyone waiting for me, so I’m a free agent. Thought I might come and visit you.”

“I’d like that.” Then a thought coalesced in my head. “You like Colorado?”

“Love the mountains. That where you are?”

“Yes, for now. Small mountain town called Windward. Just so happens I’m looking for someone to run security for the new mountain resort the company purchased.”

“Really?” Gunnar was quiet. “Never thought of working in a hotel.”

“Come take a look.” Gunnar might just be the answer to my hiring problem. “And I’ll throw in a bottle of that Barrel Craft Spirits bourbon you love so much.”

“The Gray Label.”

I snorted. I knew the Gray Label was way more expensive. “Sure.”

“Right. Well, I’ll see you in a few days.”

Sliding the phone back in my pocket, I stared ahead. If Gunnar liked Windward and was keen to take on the job, I could get out of here sooner rather than later.

It should make me happy, but for some reason, the idea felt like a rock in my gut.

No, dammit.That was my plan. Getting out of Windward was what I needed.

I straightened and headed toward the security room.

I had to find something to do. Something to keep my mind off the fact that Allie was having a drink with another man in the bar. Acid welled in my throat and I viciously ignored it.

Chapter 9

Allie

The Bluff Bar had a classy, Art Deco vibe. The walls were a dark blue-gray, and trendy, gold lighting ran along the ceiling. Elegant leather armchairs and stools dotted the space, and the long, gleaming bar was backlit with shelves of top-shelf liquor.

I hadn’t been here—for anything other than to clean it—for ages.

The only thing on my mind right now was punching Caden Castro in the mouth. I stomped toward the bar. All that intense grumpiness was more than I could handle. He’d been acting like a growly bear?—