Page 134 of The Best Thing He Never Wanted

“Everyone up for what you’ve assigned them to? Anyone need more training?”

Blane shook his head. “No. It all went fine. Everyone’s good with where they need to go, and I’m satisfied they’ll be able to do what’s needed when they get there.”

“So, what’s this, then?” Cash asked, perching on the edge of one of the desks.

“What’s what?”

“You sitting here doing nothing.”

Blane lifted a shoulder. “Think you just answered your own question.”

“All right. I almost forgot you don’t do subtle, so I’ll come right out and ask. Have you heard from Bea?”

Blane turned to stare out the window again. He’d loved these mountains his whole life, but right now he wished he was looking at a smaller range, or even a hill. More to the point, a hillside covered in olive groves.

“Not much.”

Cash didn’t say anything. He just kept looking at him.

“I told you. I let her know I made it back safe. She did the same.”

“Jesus, Blane. And you haven’t talked to her since?”

Blane pushed back from the desk and got to his feet. “Sent her a couple of texts.”

“And?”

“And nothing.”

“Why not?”

“Jesus, Cash, leave it, would you?”

“No. I hate seeing you like this.”

“I’m not like anything.” Blane reached for the papers he’d left on the desk. “You want to talk about something useful, or are we done?”

Cash came over and grasped his shoulder. “We are talking about something useful. I don’t like this, bud.”

Blane shrugged him off. “Yeah, well, I don’t either. But what am I supposed to do about it?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

“There’s nothing to figure out. My life’s here, hers is there. End of story.”

Cash chuckled. “The story ain’t over until the big guy smiles.”

Blane tried to force one, but it wouldn’t come.

Cash pointed at him. “I rest my case. But since trying to get a real smile out of you is like trying to get blood from a stone, let’s get out of here.”

“That’s the plan. I’m going home.”

“You don’t have one.”

Blane frowned at him.

“If you mean you’re going back to your room, I’m calling Brooke.”