Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Sensing my hesitation, Briar tilts her head, eyeing me. “Hey, everything okay?”
I clear my throat, forcing a half-smile. “Just thinking about the conversation I had with Dean. We’re all stumped about Jason’s next move.”
She nods, sighing. “Great. That’s just what I need to hear—nobody knows what he’s up to.” Her voice wavers slightly, but she musters a brave face. “Well, I guess that’s our cue to stay here.”
“Exactly,” I say, stepping forward to rest a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Her body relaxes under my touch, and I note the soft flush creeping across her cheeks. The memory of last night comes flooding back. Just looking at her has my dick growing in my jeans.
Jeb squawks, flapping his wings and turning his back on us, as if annoyed we’re no longer paying attention to him. Briar laughs, stepping back to check on him. “Sorry, bud,” she coos, offering him another treat, “didn’t mean to ignore you.”
I watch them for a moment. Briar’s gentle, nurturing spirit is in full display, and it stirs something deep inside me. Despite everything, she refuses to let Jason’s threats define her life. She finds these pockets of happiness—like training Jeb—to keep herself anchored. I admire that more than I can say.
“Well,” I say, dropping my arms to my sides, “I’m going to step out for a minute, take a look around the property, make sure everything’s secure.”
She gives a quick nod. “Okay. I’ll just finish up with Jeb, then maybe we can figure out dinner.”
I pause at the threshold, glancing over my shoulder. “We can do that. Let’s see… we might have some leftover ingredients for macaroni and cheese,” I tease, recalling her fondness for “kid food.”
She scoffs, a playful glint in her eye. “Listen, mac and cheese is a delicacy. Don’t knock it.”
I grin, stepping into the hallway. “I’d never dare.”
Before I go, I catch one last look at her—face alight with a smile that hasn’t been easy to come by lately. It warms something in my chest, a reminder of why I’m doing all this, why I’m so determined to keep her safe from any threat Jason or the world can throw at us.
I linger long enough to see Jeb wave again, Briar praising him like a proud parent. Then I slip outside to check the perimeter, hoping there’s nothing lurking in the shadows. Because if Jason is planning something, I need to be one step ahead. For Briar’s sake, and maybe for my own.
Chapter 17
Briar
I cradle my phone between my shoulder and my ear, trying to keep my voice low so I don’t disturb Orion, who’s somewhere on the other side of the house. Heidi’s voice crackles a bit on the line, but it’s enough to make me smile. It’s been too long since we’ve had one of our marathon chats, and the familiar warmth of her voice calms the butterflies in my stomach.
“How’s work?” I ask, kicking my feet up on the sofa. Jeb squawks from his perch, and I give him a reassuring pat.
Heidi lets out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, you know, we’ve got new drama every other day. Marcie’s been on a warpath since you’ve been gone. She’s bossy on a normal day, but this past week? Girl, she’s unstoppable.”
“Yikes,” I murmur, imagining Marcie stomping around the aviary in her khaki uniform, giving everyone a piece of her mind. “Guess she’s worried about how everything will run without me,” I joke, though there’s a note of sadness in my voice. I miss being there with the birds.
“I’m sure she is,” Heidi continues. “Between Chester’s rising celebrity, the VIP parties, and the new hire, she’s got a full plate. Speaking of the new guy… how do you feel about Heath taking that bird trainer spot you wanted?”
My stomach sinks at the reminder. “I mean, I’m happy for him, I guess. But it’s irritating, you know? I’ve worked my butt off, and I was so close to finally snagging that position. Then suddenly, here comes Heath, in all his shining Tweed glory, swooping in and impressing Marcie with his fancy degree.” I can’t quite keep the bitterness out of my voice.
Heidi snorts. “Fancy degree my foot. I heard he doesn’t even have one. Jenny says he’s not that bird smart. He’s a decent guy but nowhere near as experienced with birds as you are. Everyone knows that.”
She’s just saying what I’m thinking, but it still gives me a little boost of confidence. “Well, once this whole Jason thing is sorted, I’m heading back and making my case for that position. I don’t care if Heath was hired already. I’m not giving up.”
“Damn straight,” Heidi says, her smile audible even through the phone. “I miss you, you know. We all do. The place isn’t the same without you around cleaning cages and giving unauthorized bird facts to tourists.”