Page 40

Yes. “No.”

Eden’s eyes widened. “What? Why not?”

“I’ve got a lot to do right now. I’ll see if Macca is free to check on her.”

Only he didn’t want to do that. Not at all. Because the too-charming Aussie already seemed to be taking too much of an interest in Abby. Just yesterday he’d asked Kent if he’d done anything about her car problems or whether he wanted him to install a security system.

He ground his teeth together. He should send Macca to see if she was all right. The other man would be a good fit for her. He was a Daddy Dom like Clint. He was tough, smart, loyal. But he could also be very compassionate.

He’d be a much better fit for Abby than Kent was.

So why didn’t he want the other man near her?

“Kent? What is it? You don’t like Abby?”

“Of course, I like her. She’s an absolute sweetheart. Who wouldn’t like her?” He frowned thinking of what Eden had just told him. “I don’t like that anyone would put her down. She made a few disparaging remarks about herself...”

“Well, I know she didn’t have the easiest upbringing. Her nana was a stern woman. I only saw her a few times, but she wasn’t the cuddly, sweet kind of grandma. And Abby’s brother, well, you know about him, right?”

“No. I don’t.”

“Oh. I figured you would. You usually know everything,” Eden teased.

“What about her brother?”

“He’s bad news. If you wanted something, you’d talk to Max Reynold and he’d get it for you. Didn’t matter how illegal it was.”

Fuck. Shit.

“What? You’re kidding me. How did I not know this?” Eden shrugged, then seemed to think back. “I guess you were in the SEALs at the time. He might have left town before you returned. I can’t quite remember.”

He still didn’t know how he didn’t know that.

Maybe because you’re too involved in your own life to see what’s going on around you?

He’d told himself that he needed to concentrate on business. He’d thrown himself into it. Not just to make it a success. Or to give other ex-military personnel a safe place, somewhere they could work where they were valued. Where they were still part of something. But also, to chase away his demons.

But he knew he hadn’t paid much attention to what went on in Wishingbone. He’d only cared as far as it concerned him or the people on Sanctuary.

“So, he definitely doesn’t live here anymore? She has nothing to do with him?”

“I don’t know Abby that well. But I probably would have heard if he was back.” Eden gave him a curious look. “You seem awfully concerned about Abby’s brother. Especially considering you won’t even go check on her for me.”

“It’s best I stay away from Abby right now,” he said without thinking first.

“Really? Why is that?”

“That is none of your business, boo. Now, did you have breakfast? Because I’m starved. Think Charlie might take pity on me and whip me up some pancakes?”

Eden snorted. “You know she will. But don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing. Something happen with you and Abby?”

“No. Nothing. I’m just too busy to go check on her. I’ll send Macca. She’s met him before.”

Coward.

He ignored the sick feeling that bubbled in his gut at the thought of how the other man might care for her. It would be a good thing if they developed feelings for each other. Macca was just the sort of man she needed. She needed someone to build up her self-esteem. To make her see how beautiful she was. To protect and guide her.

Yep, he was perfect for her.