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“For the same reason you’ve been moving our shit around then denying it.”

“Hand to god, Kash, I didn’t touch your freaking mug that day.”

“Right. Just like you didn’t rub bacon on my jeans last week so Nyx wouldn’t stop sniffing my ass.”

Foster chuckled, shrugging at her as they fell into a comfortable conversation, recounting a few harrowing tales as they teased each other.

More like a group of brothers than friends.

Foster moved them into the other room, offering her a cozy winged-back chair as the rest of them spread out, nursing their beers as they joked.

Chase was talking about some insane rescue when a hand closed over her arm, jerking her awake.

Mac blinked a few times, groaning when she realized she’d fallen asleep.

Foster removed his hand, looking as if he wasn’t sure if it was him or the fact he’d touched her that had made her jump. “You’re exhausted.”

She shifted forward, bracing her elbows on her knees as she speared her fingers through her hair. “How long was I out?”

“About fifteen minutes. I would have let you sleep but there’s no way you could spend the night in that chair and actually move tomorrow.” He curled his fingers at her. “Come on. You can stay here tonight.”

She could stay there? With him?

Mac stumbled to her feet, emitting an embarrassing high-pitched screech when her foot caught on the area rug and she reeled backwards.

Foster lunged forward, catching her around the waist and drawing her against his chest before she fell on her ass.

Or worse… Cracked her head on the coffee table off to her right.

Mackenzie closed her eyes, willing the floor to open up and swallow her as his buddies darted across the room, their footsteps echoing through the house.

She gathered what was left of her pride then eased back, smiling like a fool as he let his arms fall to his sides.

“And that’s definitely my cue to leave. Before I completely embarrass myself. ”

Kash chuckled. “Trust me. You haven’t seen Zain try to work a nail gun. Talk about embarrassing.”

Zain slapped his buddy on the chest. “That’s it. Keep laughing when you know I can put a bullet in your ass from two miles away.”

Kash batted his eyelashes. “Oh, I love it when you talk dirty to me.”

Mac laughed. She really liked these guys. “Thanks, but…” She yawned, nearly tripping again when the room tilted a bit.

Foster cupped her elbow, waiting until she looked him in the eyes. “Sorry, but you’re in no shape to drive. And yeah, we’ve all been there. So, you can either stay in one of the spare rooms or one of us can take you home. Your choice.”

She bit at her bottom lip, feeling strangely on display as everyone stood there, waiting, when the entire house shook as a boom of thunder crashed overhead. She jumped, cursing again when she ended up leaning against Foster’s chest. Her pulse racing. Every nerve ending on edge.

“Mackenzie…”

Had his voice always sounded that low? That sexy? With a slight rasp that gave it a dark edge. Like aged bourbon. And the way he said her full name…

A sure sign she really wasn’t fit to drive.

Mac sighed. “I’m not going to make any of you drive an extra thirty minutes in this deluge. So, if you’ve got a room to spare…”

“I’ve got a dozen. But the one next to mine is the nicest. And I promise I don’t snore.”

Chase moved in, slapping Foster on the arm before heading for the door. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, big guy.”

Foster rolled his eyes. “He’s an ass.”

“So, you’ve said.” She eased back, hating that she missed his warmth. “And I just need a few hours.”

“You can stay as long as you need.”

Foster headed for the stairs, flipping off his friends when they all yelled for him to behave, before motioning for her to follow him.

He made his way up the stairs, turning right and heading down the hallway until he reached the last door on the right.

“Mine’s on the left. You’ve got your own bathroom.

There’re towels and other toiletries in case you want to take a shower.

Just do me a favor and shoot me a text if you leave before morning.

So, I know it’s you setting off the door alarm and not some random perp trying to get inside. ”

Mac arched a brow. “We’re kinda in the middle of nowhere…”

“You can’t be too careful.”

She nodded. “Will I set off any motion alarms if I wander around?”

He grinned. “If you want to check the place out, be my guest. I only have exterior alarms. Which Zain reminds me, daily, aren’t enough.

But I don’t really want to mess with the charm of this place.

Or feel like my every move is being monitored.

Though, I suppose I’ll have to reevaluate once all the renovations are finished.

And like you said, we’re in the middle of nowhere. ”

“Noted. Now, I just need your number.”

He motioned for her to give him her cell, opening her contacts and adding his name and number. He held onto the edge when she went to take it back. “Guard that number with your life. I rarely give it out.”

“With great power, I suppose…”

“Exactly.” He opened the door and waved her in. “I know you won’t need anything, but if you do…”

“You’re right next door.”

“Goodnight, Mac.”

“Night, Foster.”

He paused for a moment, then continued into his room — left her standing there, wondering, again, if he’d turned up the heat. Or if maybe she was having some kind of stroke.

She shook it off then walked inside, closing the door before bracing her weight against it. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought something had sparked between them.

Which seemed highly unlikely. Especially after what she’d said in the helicopter. While he hadn’t called her on it other than his remark when he’d answered the door, it was obvious she’d struck a nerve earlier. And she had a feeling it wasn’t one that was easily soothed.