"She's a client. A temporary responsibility. When this is over, she goes back to her world, and I stay in mine."
"And that's what you want?"
I look up from the security plans, meeting my brother's knowing gaze. "It doesn't matter what I want. It's reality."
"Reality has a way of changing when you least expect it." He moves to stand beside me, looking at the security plans. "But we'll talk about your love life later. Right now, let's make sure your girl stays alive."
"She's not my girl," I protest.
"Keep telling yourself that." He points to the east ridge. "We should add motion sensors here and here. There’s a blind spot in your current setup."
I'm grateful for the change of subject, focusing on security upgrades and patrol schedules for the next hour while Nova remains upstairs. It's easier to think clearly when she's not in the room, her presence a distraction I can't afford.
By mid-afternoon, we've implemented all the security enhancements Cade suggested and conducted two more perimeter checks that revealed nothing new. The tracks remain aconcern, but without further evidence, there's no way to know if they represent a genuine threat or a coincidental trespasser.
"I'm going to check in with Sawyer," Cade says, referring to our eldest brother, the sheriff of Grizzly Ridge. "See if there have been any reports of strangers in the area. Not going to mention your guest, just ask about unusual activity."
I nod, appreciating his discretion. "Good idea. Use the secure line in my office."
As Cade disappears into my office, I head upstairs to check on Nova. I find her in the guest room, sitting by the window with one of my books open in her lap, though she doesn't appear to be reading it.
"Hey," I say from the doorway, not wanting to intrude on her space.
She looks up, a small smile playing at her lips. "Hey, yourself. Finished with the tactical planning?"
"For now." I lean against the doorframe, keeping a safe distance. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine." She sets the book aside. "Actually, that's a lie. I'm terrified, but I'm managing it."
Her honesty catches me off guard. Most clients in her situation would be falling apart, demanding answers, insisting on more security or different arrangements. Nova just sits there, calm and composed despite the fear she admits to feeling.
"You're handling this well," I say, meaning it.
"I've had practice pretending to be fine when I'm not." She shrugs. "Years of it, actually. The show must go on, and all that."
"You don't have to pretend with me."
The words slip out before I can stop them, more revealing than I intended. Her eyes widen slightly, catching the significance.
"No?" She stands and moves toward me, stopping just out of reach. "What about you, Finn? Do you have to pretend with me?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Yes, you do." She steps closer, close enough now that I can smell the subtle scent of her shampoo. "You pretend you don't feel this... whatever it is between us. You pretend last night was a mistake. You pretend I'm just a client."
"Nova."
"Tell me I'm wrong." She tilts her head back to maintain eye contact, challenge in her gaze. "Tell me you regret kissing me. Tell me you haven't thought about doing it again every moment since."
I should lie. Should reinforce the professional boundaries necessary to keep her safe. Should step back and close the door on whatever this is before it consumes us both.
Instead, I find myself reaching for her, one hand cupping her face with a gentleness that belies the storm raging inside me.
"I can't tell you that," I admit, my voice rough with honesty. "I have thought about it. Every second of every hour since it happened."
Her eyes soften, vulnerability replacing challenge. "Then why fight it?"
"Because I can't afford to make mistakes where your life is concerned."
