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but for some reason, I thought that if anything happened to him since he was a shifter, he’d just be able to shift and be fine. Too many movies, I guess. But he’s hurt bad. Steve is staying with him at the hospital. I feel so helpless.”
    Her brother had such a kind heart. He was a strong man and his job was hard, but Garrett was one of the firemen who truly believed in what he did. It would be hard for him to deal with a friend being so hurt. “I could come back for a few days,” she offered. “Tom was very nice to me and I consider him a friend.”
    “No,” Garrett said. “I want you to stay and talk to Cooper. Tom isn’t even awake and he wouldn’t want you to stop what you’re trying to do.”
    “If you’re sure,” she stated with concern.
    “I am,” Garrett assured her. “I just left the hospital and needed to hear your voice. I was outside when the roof collapsed and I’ll admit that I have never been so damn terrified in my life.”
    “Oh, Garrett.” Her heart broke for him. “Maybe you could come here? Get away for a few days?”
    She held her breath at the silence on the other side of the phone.
    “I think I’d like that,” Garrett finally said.
    “Good,” Julie told him. “You can come whenever you get a chance. I’ll be able to show you around. I really love it here. I think you will too.”
    “Maybe I’ll even get to meet Cooper,” he said.
    “I get it,” she replied. “I’m hanging up.”
    “I love you,” Garrett said.
    “Me too, big brother. Me too.” She ended the call, hoping that he really would visit. She missed him already and it had only been a week. While she’d always respected and loved Garrett, she now considered him one of her best friends. The only downside of moving back to Clear Creek was being away from her brother.
    She knew she’d put off going to Cooper’s door long enough. It had taken her a lot of courage to make it this far and if she had to come back, she knew her nerves would be worse. Okay, it was time to take the first step of trying to win him back.
    She exited her Jeep and started forward. Not only were there no lights in the front but she couldn’t see any farther in the house. His truck could be in the garage, so that didn’t tell her anything. She passed the beautiful flowers she’d thought about earlier. Three steps up and she was on the porch. She could do this.
    Cooper had the same white wicker furniture off to the side of the deck. Many nights they’d sat nursing a beer and just holding hands. Tears built in her eyes as she wondered if they’d ever have the opportunity to do it again. With determination coursing through her, she stomped up to the front door and knocked.
    After a few minutes she pounded harder. “Come on,” she mumbled under her breath.
    Just as she fisted her hand for the third time she heard the sound of a vehicle approaching. Headlights washed over her as a Mercedes pulled up behind her. Whose car is that? Cooper’s new girlfriend’s?
    Julie narrowed her eyes as she leaned forward to try to make out the occupants in the car.
     
    “Looks like you have company,” Mike said beside Cooper.
    Looking at Julie standing on his front porch, Cooper wasn’t sure he could get out of the car. He’d expected he’d have to track her down before they saw each other again. He was shocked to see her waiting for him.
    “Go!” Mike pushed his shoulder.
    Cooper glanced over at his buddy.
    “You can’t tell me you weren’t going to track her down,” Mike said.
    “I was,” he admitted. “I just…”
    “If you don’t go to her, you might lose your chance,” Mike pointed out. “Again.”
    Cooper growled. “I’m going.” His heart was pounding and his hands were damp with sweat. He jerked the handle of the car and pushed it open. Julie had started down the steps but paused when he stepped out of the car.
    “Good to see you again, Julie,” Mike called out.
    Cooper peered over his shoulder into the car. Mike