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“I know what you mean. About the photographic memory and school. W-what’s your favorite fruit?”
“Peaches. No idea why. I just happen to love them.”
She’s quiet for the remainder of the short trip, and I don’t try to push her to talk. The silence between us isn’t uncomfortable. And I sense that she needs it. It’s clear that she’s an introvert. An introvert who’s about to be thrown into a house with nine people who aren’t nearly as introverted as she is—except for maybe Kellan.
We arrive at Lucas and Simone’s house. I open the rear passenger door for Butterscotch. He jumps down, bounds over to the front door of the house, and releases a little bark—his version of a doorbell. A moment later, it’s met by Jasper’s answering bark from the other side.
The door opens, and Kellan holds back Lucas and Simone’s energetic eleven-month-old, golden Labradoodle puppy.
Butterscotch rushes in, unable to wait any longer to see his friend. He and Jasper sniff each other in greeting. I enter the house. Jessica follows.
“Jessica, this is my brother Kellan,” I tell her.
A small, hesitant smile arranges itself on her face, but its lifespan is fleeting. She nods, retreating half a step. He replies with a nod of his own, and she ducks her head in that self-conscious way of hers I’ve noticed.
And I silently curse. My brothers and I are over six foot, our bodies shaped by our Marine days and our still regular workouts. It’s probably tough enough to face one of us, but all of us at once?
I lead her into the living room and introduce her to Lucas and Garrett. Zara told me Jessica met Em and Simone this morning, so hopefully she won’t be too overwhelmed. There’s a fragility about her, but I also sense a strength beneath the surface. A stubbornness that prevails.
“And this is Avery and Noah.” I point to them in turn.
Avery grins at Jessica. “It’s nice to meet someone else who isn’t from around here. I’m a Portland transplant.”
Jessica smiles, but even without the scar by her mouth, I suspect the smile would come off equally as unsure. Her gaze flickers briefly to the door leading to the backyard. “What made you move to Maple Ridge?”
Avery’s smile doesn’t falter. “Simone. We were roomies and used to work for the same ad and marketing boutique. She moved back here last spring to focus on her subscription-box business. It took off. Big-time. She needed help to keep up with the orders.” The redhead who wasn’t originally a fan of Lucas spreads her arms wide. “So here I am, doing that while I solidify my career goals.”
And I thank the ever-loving Christ she moved to Maple Ridge. “My brothers and I recently hired Avery. She’s our office manager for the outdoor rec program for military vets we’re in the process of getting up and running. Avery is the one who helped us with the branding and all that crap.”
Avery laughs. “I happen to love that branding crap. That’s my ultimate plan. To help small businesses grow their brand. It’s what I’m helping Simone with and what I’m doing with Wilderness Warriors.” She nods at me. “The Wilderness Warriors job right now is just part time while they construct the cabins and main building,” Avery explains. “But things will get busier once the program starts this summer. And I’m also starting to gain a few other clients.”
Noah slides his arm around Avery’s waist, his large body towering over her. “And then I’ll probably never get to see my girl.” He grins fondly at her.
She fake-glares at him and half-heartedly smacks him in the chest. “Hey, I can’t help you’re often doing the night shift.”
“Oh?” Jessica asks, shifting nervously on her feet. “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a cop,” Noah replies.
Jessica’s face pales, and her body goes rigid. Her breathing is fast and shallow as if she’s a wild rabbit that’s hoping a bobcat doesn’t spot her. The changes aren’t huge, but they’re enough for me to notice.
Shit. What the hell’s going on?
17
TROY
March, Present Day
Maple Ridge
If Noah noticedJessica’s fear toward him, his expression doesn’t give anything away. Maybe her reaction had nothing to do with him. Perhaps something else triggered it.
She turns to Simone. “I brought you wine. I wasn’t sure what I should bring. I’ve never—this is all new to me. Playing games, I mean.” She holds out the bottle to Simone, her hand and voice shaky.
Smiling, Simone takes it from her. “Thank you. The girls and I never turn down a chance to drink wine. Especially during Game Night.”
Jessica’s gaze darts briefly again to the door leading to the backyard before returning to Simone. “Where’s the washroom?” The volume of her voice drops. Her face is still pale, but her cheeks are now pink.
