Free Protective Instincts by Mary Marvella

Saving her life didn't make him her keeper. He had no authority.
    "Mr. Samuels," she said when she was patched through to him. "What the Hell did you think you were doing? There have been strangers with work orders building fences, and putting in wiring, and making changes I didn't order. They're making my house feel like a high security prison."
    Sam sounded weary. "Protecting you, maybe?"
    "Did I ask you to?" There was a pause. "Security locks, an electric fence? What other decisions have you made for me?"
    "I discussed my plans with your father this morning and when he stopped by my office on the way back home."
    The man was too logical. Not fair, though he'd have needed time to ask questions and get people out here to put in a system, once she'd researched her needs.
    "Still want to shoot me?"
    She remembered his cocky smile. "Mr. Samuels, you should have discussed your plans with me. I'm an adult; it's my house, and I --"
    "Ms. Roberts, someone made threatening calls to you and I found him attacking you last night. I failed to catch him."
    "But, Sam, that wasn't your fault."
    "I will protect you 'til the bastard's in custody for good! If you have no more questions, I have work to do. I have to replace a security system in my son's school."
    "You win." She hung up.
    "Brit." Her mom's voice was gentle but scolding. "You didn't even thank the man."
    "I will, maybe."
    * * * *
    Wearing a sweat suit, Brit answered her door. She couldn't stall seeing people forever. Through the peep window, she saw Sam holding his hands behind his back.
    Her mom rushed from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "Look through the new peep hole first."
    "I know, Mama. It's just Sam."
    "Well, then, why don't you let him in?"
    "I forgot the code." Brit punched the code keys.
    "Honey, you didn't set the alarm."
    "Oh, yeah. I forgot."
    "Come on, Teach. I've got a surprise for you." Sam's voice would have melted a polar icecap.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Against her better judgment, Brit opened her door to Sam. Even through her screen door, she had to fight the urge to touch his still damp hair. He looked pleased with himself. From behind his back, he produced a bouquet of daisies.
    "Hi, Teach." Sam cleared his throat. "For you."
    Brit opened the door. "Thanks," she smiled and turned to take them inside. "But I'm not happy about the high-handed way you took over my life."
    Mrs. Simpson took the bouquet from Brit and motioned Sam inside. "I raised her better," she shook her head, "but she's stubborn."
    "Thanks, ma'am. But there is something else." From out of Brit's view, Sam retrieved a bag and handed it to her.
    Brit opened it with caution. "A dog bowl and cans of dog food? Sam-m-m, I don't have a dog."
    "I found Monster here …. " A Doberman materialized by his side. "He needed a home. He's a trained guard dog and he needs a new job."
    "Sam, that animal looks more like a horse than a dog." She stared at the Doberman now standing at Sam's side. What would she do with such an animal? He looked at her like she was supper. With a sigh, Brit turned and went inside. She didn't need the responsibility of a pet, even one trained to earn his keep.
    Once inside, Sam began to explain the proper care and feeding of a guard dog. Monster followed his new owner, who reluctantly put her hand on his head.
    "Teach, I don't think you should --"
    Sam's warning came too late. A sloppy tongue wet Brit's hand as Monster rubbed against her, nearly pushing her over. "Don't give me that look. I don't need a dog."
    Monster's big eyes watered as he sat on his haunches, begging.
    "Don't start with me."
    Monster whined and licked her hand again.
    "Sam, I appreciate the thought but --" Brit backed against the wall when large paws bracketed her shoulders and a lick wet her face.
    "Teach, sorry about that. Monster was supposed to be trained to protect you, not love you to death. I'll take him back."
    Monster whined and put his big head on her shoulder.
    "I'd say Monster has found a