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chapterfifty
Duke finally feltthe pain medicine kicking in. He was going to be sore, but the ladies had done a good job bandaging him.
In the past hour, Gibson had arrived and was now outside checking things out. Duke knew the trooper would be back inside soon to question him.
Mariella and Matthew had gone back to sleep.
Simmy had finally managed to wake up Ranger. He’d explained that he had a sleep disorder and that once he fell asleep, it was nearly impossible to wake him up.
Duke stored that fact in the back of his mind.
In the meantime, he and Andi sat beside each other on the couch.
He saw the concern in her gaze as she observed him.
It had been a long time since anyone had acted that worried about him. He hadn’t realized it until now, but he kind of missed it.
He’d isolated himself since Celeste disappeared. He was the only person who worked for his tour company. He used contractors for various things that he needed.
Maybe Duke had set it up that way on purpose. Maybe he didn’t want to get too close to anyone.
But something new was stirring inside him.
Not attraction.
He was still committed to Celeste.
But it was . . . something. Some type of longing. For friendship? For connection?
He’d have to evaluate it later.
“You gave me a good scare out there.” A frown tugged at the corners of Andi’s lips.
“I’m glad you were stubborn and came back outside to check on me,” he admitted, his throat raw from the smoke, the cold, and from shouting over the flames outside.
She tugged her legs beneath her as she settled in for their conversation. “What happened?”
Images of the confrontation flashed back in his mind. “That guy came out of nowhere. I figured he wanted to have a little fun at my expense.”
“It could have been so much worse . . . with him pouring that gasoline on you.” Her frown deepened. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
Their gazes caught a moment. Duke opened his mouth, feeling as if there was something he should say. But he wasn’t sure what. Thank you didn’t seem sufficient.
But Andi had proven herself to be a lifesaver.
And a friend.
Before either of them could say anything, the door opened.
Trooper Gibson rushed toward them.
Maybe the interruption was better.
Duke needed to stay focused, and he couldn’t let anything—or anyone—distract him.
Especially not a spitfire named Andi.
* * *
