Free Boxed Set: Intercepted by Love (The Complete Collection): Books One - Book Six by Rachelle Ayala

hour from the college.
    “You’re up early,” her mother said, yawning as she switched on the coffee machine.
    “How’s Dad? Do you need help bathing him?” Guilt crept over her as she realized her mother hadn’t had a day off since her father returned from the hospital.
    “Sure, he’s awake and didn’t sleep well.”
    “Should I stay home so you can go to church? I forgot to ask.” Andie had been so caught up with analyzing every word and gesture of Cade, replaying all the events and conversations they had, that she’d plumb forgotten her mother’s single request to have Sunday morning free.
    “It’s okay, you’re going out with Cade?” Her mother poured herself a mug of coffee and filled a cup for Andie. “He seems like a really nice guy. Very concerned about Gollie. Did you ask him over for dinner?”
    “Not yet. Mom, he’s just a friend, okay?” Andie stirred cream and sugar into her coffee. “He’s a traveling dog breeder and he’s wintering here, this year only.”
    “Oh? Wintering in our freezing cold neck of the woods? That’s strange.” Mom sipped her coffee. “Where’s he from?”
    “He didn’t say. He probably goes wherever there are dogs needing stud services. Stays a few days then keeps moving.”
    “You be sure to ask him over. I’ll find out everything there is to know. No one can resist my chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis.” She set the cup on the table and winked. “When you’re ready, come help me turn him.”
    “I should stay. We don’t have to go today.”
    Mom squeezed her shoulder. “You never know if he’s the one or not. Don’t miss out. If I hadn’t skipped school that day to go to the Carnival parade, I wouldn’t have met your father. He’s truly the best thing that ever happened to me, and I’ve enjoyed every moment, all the moving around, the digs, the local children, even the dust and the bugs out in the field.”
    “I know, Mom, but if Cade’s the one, he’d understand why I should care for you and Dad.”
    “I’m sure he will, eventually, but don’t kill the fun right off the bat. Your father and I cut a few more classes that week.”
    “You never told me this.”
    “You never met anyone I thought you should take a chance with. Cade’s the real deal. I’ve got a sixth sense, and I’ve never been wrong.”
    “I wish I knew for sure. He doesn’t want to be anything more than friends.” Andie finished her coffee and followed her mother to the linen closet.
    “Nothing’s ever for sure.” She handed Andie a pile of towels. “That’s what makes it more exciting and fun. Carpe diem . Seize the day. That’s my motto.”
    # # #
    Cade pulled his SUV into the parking circle outside the library. Andie must have insisted he pick her up here to avoid her parents. Of course, her father being an invalid had to be difficult.
    She was already there, wearing dark glasses against the glare of the snow. Her red hair waved like a matador’s cape as she jogged toward his truck.
    Red let out an eager bark from the backseat. Gotta hand it to him. He definitely appreciated female beauty.
    Cade was out of the driver’s side to get the door for Andie, but she surprised him by holding her arms out for a friendly hug.
    Every muscle in his body sprang to attention as he clasped her tightly. She smelled so fresh, and her body was all warmth, softness, and sweet curves.
    He closed his eyes and let out the breath he’d been holding. “You seem happy today.”
    “I am. I feel like I’m cutting school and nothing’s going to make me sad. I know Gollie’s still missing, but I’m praying everything’s going to be okay.”
    “That’s good.” He couldn’t help slanting his head and leaning in to kiss her.
    The moment their lips touched, Cade felt like he was floating. It wasn’t a grabby kiss, or a possessive kiss, but more of a hopeful kiss. Cade took her lips gently, but kept his tongue to himself. She needed to know that he valued her for more