Page 116 of Timber's Line

“Are you okay?”

She nods and kisses my neck.

“That was . . .” She can’t finish her statement.

“I know.” I kiss her temple and carry her to the shower. We wash quickly and dress. I know by now everyone has changed, and the grill and smoker are going because we can smell it.

“They’re going to know,” she whispers.

“They will, but they won’t care.”

She’s embarrassed, but if I know everyone like I know I do, they won’t even mention it.

“I’m glad I waited for you.” She kisses my hand. Her words make my heart swell in my chest.

The party is in full swing, as I suspected, and everyone cheers when we walk out the door. Timber blushes, and it’s cute.

“They’re cheering because we’re together,” I tell her.

“Okay.”

She can be sassy when she wants, but she is still timid.

“I’m glad you worked it out.” Silas kisses her temple and hands me a beer.

I want to slap him, but I get it. They are all protective of her. She doesn’t see it. She has a way with people, and they love to be around her. Screw those who ever called her names, they haven’t ever taken the time to get to know her.

She’s staring at something, no, someone. Oscar is here. He’s kind of grown on me, even though there was a time I wanted to knock his teeth out.

“Dayton.”

“Oscar.” I tighten my hold on Timber’s hand.

“Timber, I’m sorry for everything. I truly am. I didn’t want it to go that far. I didn’t think he would take it as far as he did, either.”

“I was scared that day in the bathroom,” she says timidly.

“I know. I was a dick.”

“You already apologized, though.”

“I know. But I think I will need to do it every day to atone for my actions.”

“I’m okay. You don’t have to do that.”

He looks at her for a minute and then hugs her. She hugs him back.

“I get a freebie,” I tell him.

He laughs, but he knows I’m serious. “I agree to that.”

“Are you training?” Timber asks, and Oscar nods.

“Dayton will be my first fight,” he says, and she looks at me.

“I hope he doesn’t kill you,” she snorts, and we all relax.

“He probably will,” he says, and I laugh.