Page 98 of Wrecked on the Mountain

The way she says it so matter-of-factly, so casually accepting of a career that always has you on-call, makes my chest tighten in a way I don't like.

Used to this.Used to her boyfriend dropping everything when work calls. Used to professional responsibilities taking priority over personal time with new friends.

Like this is just another example of a pattern Brooke's been living with for years.

"Right," I say slowly, forcing a smile that feels like plastic. "Dinner at Timber Tavern tonight is on me. You girls are booked for seven o'clock. Tell Charlie you get the best table in the house, or he'll have me to answer to."

"Perfect," Brooke says, but she's studying my face like she can sense something shifting. "Jamie? Everything okay?"

"Fine," I lie, backing toward the door. "Just... wish I didn't have to go."

Brooke skips over, grabs me by the coat, and pulls me down for a kiss that makes my knees weak.

"When duty calls," she murmurs against my lips, her breath warm and sweet.

"Yeah," I echo, forcing a smile. "Duty calls."

It feels like utter shit leaving them here, especially when Brooke's smile is the only thing making it bearable. At least she understands, supports this chaotic life I lead.Welead.

I press a quick kiss to her forehead before moving through the door. "I'll see you tonight."

She nods, that smile still in place. "Be safe."

I turn away, my heart heavy. The drive to the Mountain Rescue station takes eight minutes that feel like eight hours.

Used to this.

Piper's words echo in my head like a fucking accusation. I know she wasn't being mean-spirited or critical, just... observational. Like she's watched Brooke drop everything for work emergencies her entire adult life.

How many times has Brooke said those exact words?"Sorry, I have to go, emergency surgery. Work comes first."How many dinners, dates, family gatherings has she abandoned because someone's life hung in the balance?

By the time I reach the station, my confidence from this morning has completely evaporated, replaced by a gnawing anxiety that feels way too familiar.

What if, even after spoiling her rotten, I'm not offering her freedom from that cycle? What if I'm just asking her to do it in a different location, with different people?

What if Piper sees right through my "perfect life in paradise" pitch and recognizes that I'm asking Brooke to make the same sacrifices she's been making for fifteen years, just with mountain rescues instead of trauma surgery?

I slam the truck door and stalk toward the station entrance, my mind already spiraling toward worst-case scenarios.

"Dude!" Chase's voice cuts through my internal crisis the second I push through the doors. "Knox said there's a new hot city girl visiting! Blonde, right?!"

Chase does this full-body wiggle that makes him look like an overeager golden retriever who just spotted a tennis ball. His eyes light up and he actually rubs his hands together.

Christ.Single guy radar in full effect.

I remember him doing the exact same thing when Brooke first arrived. Practically drooling over the "hot new doctor" until I shut that shit down fast.

Now he's already planning his approach to Piper like she's fresh meat.

"When do I get to meet her?"

That puppydog excitement about meeting someone new grates against my suddenly raw nerves like sandpaper.

"Focus on the job, Morrison," I snap with more venom than the comment deserves. "Not every woman who arrives in this town wants you. And Piper? She's certainly not here foryourentertainment."

Chase's face falls like I've just kicked his favorite dog. The easy smile disappears, replaced by something wounded and confused that makes me immediately regret my tone.

I know his struggles. I know what he's been through. The guy deserves happiness, and I've just gone and shot him down because I'm in a bad fucking mood.