My Favorite Hero Read Online Melanie Moreland

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Funny Tags Authors: Melanie Moreland Advertisement
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I glanced over at the boxes containing my computers and screens. I needed to get set up and running. I already had potential clients and meetings planned next week, so I had to be ready.

I sighed, running my hand over Miller’s head. His tail thumped, and I carefully inspected his bandage. He seemed to be healing well, which I was grateful for. I didn’t want anything happening to him while Jesse was working. I had a feeling this dog meant more to him than anything or anyone.

It sort of gave me a warm feeling that he had left him to my care.

Except, I knew he didn’t have many other choices.

Beside Miller, Barney stretched, purring and giving a meow before burrowing back into Miller’s side. The two had become inseparable. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when Jesse came home and Miller went back next door.

Maybe he’d allow sleepovers.

The thought of it made me laugh. I could only imagine the look on his face if I asked him that. He’d scowl even deeper than normal and inform me no. Not offer an explanation or an excuse. Just no.

I sighed as I wondered what or who had hurt him so deeply.

I had a feeling he would never tell me.

Except I wanted to know and, for some reason, wanted to help him get over it.

See that smile more often. Hear his laugh.

And maybe, just maybe, get him to touch me again. The incredible rush I had felt when he tended to my back was insane. The sensation of his fingers on my skin was electric. His unexpected gentleness had made my breath catch in my throat.

I’d had the strangest feeling he’d wanted to kiss me before Mark had interrupted us. Then again before he left for the station. Or I mused, maybe I had wanted to kiss him. See if his mouth was sweeter than the words he used it for.

I suspected I’d be pleasantly surprised.

But realistically, I would probably never know.

But a girl could hope.

A text came in a while later from him. He had checked in every day, his words sparse.

How’s Miller?

I followed his lead and kept my replies short as well.

Fine. No problem.

Today was no different.

Miller okay?

This time, I took a picture of him and Barney asleep together and sent it with a quick response.

I think fine is an understatement. He’s very much at home.

Normally, that was the extent of our conversation. But he surprised me today.

Lucky dog.

He’s great.

I appreciate you doing this.

He was almost chatty.

No problem. That is what friends are for.

Friends is taking it a little far, KC.

I started to laugh. There was the grump. But he was also teasing me by using KC.

Good tenants, then.

Tenants usually pay rent.

I decided he must be in a teasing mood.

I put first and last on your table. My debt is paid.

Thanks.

The texts stopped and I sighed. He was very hot and cold.

Then my phone pinged, and I glanced down.

Are you okay? Your back?

I’m good. That cream helped. Thanks for leaving it.

Finding everything okay?

I blinked. He was very chatty today. Almost friendly.

Yes. The coffeemaker was a godsend.

Good. Home tomorrow. Later, Katharine Casey. Have a good night.

I grinned as I typed.

You too, Thorne.

I was still smiling as I opened my first computer box to start setting up my system.

JESSE

My feet pounded away on the treadmill, trying to burn off the excess tension I was feeling.

Why did I start talking to her via text? I had been so good, only checking on Miller. I half expected her to be the one to start chatting every day, but aside from answering my query, she remained silent.

And she never called. Never asked me for anything. Never told me that she needed something.

Why the hell did that disappoint me so much?

The station had been busy with calls. We had a house fire caused by burning grease that took a while to put out. The owner panicked and threw water on it, which caused it to spread to the cupboards and then go wild as it hit the curtains on the patio doors. We’d spent many hours checking people’s smoke alarms as a community service. Assisted the paramedics with some medical emergencies. Rescued a cat from a tree. A kid from a brook he’d fallen into, grabbing a tree branch and managing to hang on until we got there. We’d washed the fire trucks, we’d cleaned the station, did the grocery shopping. Practiced emergency protocols. I made dinner once. Mark took a turn. So did the captain. No one was willing to let Sanders near the kitchen again.

And yet, the whole time I was busy, I had thought about Casey. Wondered if she was settling in. If she was nervous in the new space. How her back was feeling.

I finally gave in and asked.

And she, of course, was fine.


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