Page 47 of Hearts Storm

“Yeah,” I shrug, trying to play it cool. “She’s more than qualified. She’ll be a great asset to the team.”

Lizzy rolls her eyes so hard I’m surprised they don’t pop out of the back of her head. “Don’t give me that bullshit, brother. I know you’ve been hung up on her since you two hooked up in Vancouver.”

“I’m not⁠—”

“Don’t even,” she huffs, cutting me off with a wave of her hand. “You barely even look at other women anymore.”

“Not true,” I mutter.

“Logan,” Lizzy sighs, her expression softening. “You need to talk to her about what happened. About why she left.”

“Not a good idea , Iz.”

“I know you more than like her.”

I shake my head and stare out at the water. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. She’s my employee now.”

“Since when has that stopped you?” Lizzy laughs, quirking an eyebrow. “You always go after what you want.”

“Not this time.” I take another long draw of my beer. “This is different.”

She studies me for a moment before her expression shifts into something more serious. “Because you actually care about her.”

I don’t respond. Can’t. Because the truth in her words hits me square in the chest.

“Logan,” she says softly, reaching over to squeeze my arm. “Don’t let fear hold you back. Not again.”

“It’s not like I can go sneaking around with her. It’s not a good idea for someone in my position to get involved with someone in hers.”

“Look. I think you should go for it. A blind person could see how you look at her. But let me tell you this… If you try shooting your shot again and you get scared, change your mind and hurt her? You’ll no longer be my brother…” She leans in close, narrowing her eyes in the way she does to get her point across. “…you’ll be my new sister. Capiche?”

I shoot a glare at Rowan, who’s currently doubled over in laughter, flipping burgers on the grill.

Asshole.

“Jesus, Izzy,” I wince. “First of all, it’s ‘visually challenged.’ And second? A little harsh, threatening castration, don’t you think?”

“Not when it comes to my friends.”

“Yeah, well. Don’t worry. Because it’s not going to happen.”

The memory fades when someone knocks on my office door.

“Enter,” I call, straightening in my chair.

Dave pokes his head in. “Sir, just wanted to let you know that Reyna is all settled. We’ve gone over the more extensive protocols, and now she’s getting familiar with our ambulance equipment.”

“Good,” I nod. Keeping my expression neutral, I wave him in as I pull up the schedule on my computer. “How’s she doing?”

“Honestly? A little nervous. But she’s sharp. Picked up on everything I showed her right away.”

“Nerves are to be expected.” I glance up from the screen, pinning him with a stern look. “I expect a full report on her performance at the end of the week. ”

Dave studies me for a moment before nodding. “Of course. I’ll keep an eye on her. Make sure she’s comfortable.”

“Thanks.” I turn back to my computer, hoping he’ll take the hint.

He does, closing the door quietly behind him.