Free Explosive Alliance by Susan Sleeman

stood his ground until the vehicle was out of sight, then pulled out his phone to request backup.
    Maybe he was overreacting, but if this was their bomber and he was brave enough to show up in broad daylight mere hours after he’d assaulted Krista, the creep was willing to go to extreme measures to achieve his goal. And what could that goal be other than eliminating the only witness who could identify him for his crime?
    * * *
    In the family room, Cash gave Krista a vague description of the car that had just raced off. Krista suspected he’d chosen not to share many details of the incident to keep her from panicking. It didn’t work.
    This guy, the bomber, was persistent. Breaking into their house. Attacking her. Perhaps killing or abducting her if Cash hadn’t arrived on time. And now, he’d come back. Could come back again. Maybe succeed in his mission.
    Fear sent her pulse racing. She shot a look around the room, searching for comfort. Her gaze settled on Cash. Cash was here. Standing tall and strong. The man she’d been fighting every step of the way, yet he made sure she and Opa weren’t harmed. Even when she’d been so unfriendly to him. She didn’t deserve his care.
    She gave him a genuine smile. “Thank you for being here with us. Especially after I’ve been less than cooperative.”
    â€œNo problem.” His tone remained level, but a hint of a smile followed. “It’s what I do.”
    â€œYou can’t possibly do this for everyone who needs help.”
    â€œNo.” He met her gaze levelly.
    â€œSo why me? Us?”
    He shrugged but held her gaze, and she felt a change in him. Not the spark of physical attraction that clearly existed between them. Something softer. Different. Special.
    â€œI can’t put my finger on it, but I know you need me, and I’d be a real jerk to leave.” His voice was low and husky, his warm accent soothing her unease.
    The word
trustworthy
came to mind. He genuinely appeared to be a man of honor. Could she really believe he was everything he seemed to be? Everything Opa believed he was?
    What would happen if he discovered Toby’s murder and the accusations? Would Cash stay by her side then? She didn’t really know enough about him to have a clue how he would react, and she needed to remember that.
    She broke the magnetic pull and took a step back. “Well, thank you again for your help.”
    â€œI second that.” Opa joined them and fired a pointed look at Krista. “I’m glad my Liebchen has finally realized we can use your assistance.”
    She didn’t want to go there again. She stepped toward the front door and dug her keys from her purse. A gum wrapper fell to the floor, giving her an idea.
    â€œI forgot to do something,” she said to Cash. “Would you get Opa settled in the car while I take care of it and lock up?”
    â€œI do not need settling,” Opa grumbled.
    â€œBut you could use a few extra minutes to get down the stairs,” Cash commented, surprising Krista that he was on her side.
    â€œThat I could.” Opa frowned as he started down the stairs. “Getting old is a bear.”
    Cash grinned at Opa. “But think how wise you are now. Or maybe I’m wrong and you’re just a wise guy.”
    Opa laughed joyfully. Krista was thankful for the care and consideration Cash was showing to her grandfather. She was tempted to think he was doing it to get on her good side, but he genuinely seemed to like Opa. And Opa had made it clear he liked and respected Cash.
    At the bottom of the steps, Cash turned and looked up at her. “You’d best get moving, or you’ll be late for work.”
    She went inside for a small piece of paper, then waited until Cash was distracted with Opa before inserting the paper into the doorjamb and closing the door. If anyone entered the house while they were gone, the paper would fall out, alerting her