Page 16 of Timber's Line

And then he’s all business. “Welcome back. This is date number three, the last date of the day. Tomorrow, Timber will have four dates. Timber, are you ready?”

“I am.” I wait for date number three.

I see Dayton watching me as Carlton signals for the guy to step out to join me. I meet his gaze for a minute, wondering what lurks under his amber eyes.

CHAPTERTEN

DAYTON

I see her and Easton pull back up, but I don’t want to run into him, so I wait near the tree until he heads into his cabin.

“Cabin three.” I nod at Sal.

I know this is a test, and I’m going to be tested. Memphis said most of the guys, if not all, will be from the circuit, and some will try to get under my skin.

I knock and wait. Diego Martinez opens the door.

“Holy shit.” He pulls me in for a bro hug.

“I didn’t think I’d see you here.” I grin.

“It’s been a long time. How are you doing?”

“I’ve been better.”

“It will get easier,” he says, “and maybe it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Have you been talking to Memphis?”

He snorts but nods. “He’s just worried about you.”

Diego and I had been good friends, inseparable for a while. Still, after the accident and Snow, I stopped talking to almost everyone. To be honest, Diego kept me out of trouble.

He stops short and faces me. “I’m serious, man, how are you really doing?”

“It’s been rough,” I answer honestly.

“And as I said before, it will get easier. I know it’s hard to move on from her and everything else, but sometimes it’s for the best.”

I nod because he’s right, like everyone else is.

“So, who’s the girl?” He grins.

“Be careful with her,” I tell him, and that gets me a look.

“Do you . . .” Do I what? I don’t even know how to answer that.

“She’s part of Ever’s extended family, so be gentle, or Memphis probably will hurt you.”

“Good to know,” he snorts out. He and Memphis have fought before, and Memphis won, but Diego holds no grudges. He and Memphis are good friends.

“It’s time,” I tell him and watch as he ups his charm for Timber and the cameras. And for some reason, that pulls at my chest.

I slump into the swing on the porch.

“Rough day?” Ever sits next to me, handing me a beer.

“I don’t even know,” I tell her.