Free Devoted Defender by Rachel Dylan Page A

herself to do. But as he looked up at her with those big, kind brown eyes, how could she not feel a connection with the pup? And she had a strong feeling that, unlike humans, Buddy wouldn’t ever let her down. Caleb and Gabby had just made the security handoff. And she was glad she could relax a little now that Caleb was home.
    Caleb walked into the kitchen carrying grocery bags and smiled when he made eye contact with her.
    “How was your day?” He set the bags down on the counter.
    “Fine,” she responded quickly.
    “That doesn’t sound like everything is fine.”
    “We need to talk about things. I can’t just stay locked up here in your house day in and day out under Gabby’s protective detail. I know she means well, but it only makes me more nervous. And I can’t do anything I would normally do.” She hadn’t intended to unload on him, but once she’d started, it all came pouring out.
    He nodded. “I realize that this isn’t a long term solution to our problems.”
    “Isn’t it really my problem, not yours?” She realized she was pushing him away, but she couldn’t help it.
    He walked over to where she sat and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “No. It’s my problem, too. This is my town. And even if it wasn’t my town, I care about you, Annie.”
    Hearing his words touched her, but it also made her a bit worried. She wanted to believe that all of his intentions were good, but what if she were wrong?
    “You’re thinking something,” he said.
    “It’s nothing.” She couldn’t say that she was confused about how she felt about him.
    “Are you hungry? I bought some steaks. I thought we could grill on the back porch. At least that way you’re getting some time outside.”
    “I have to tell you that grilling is not my area of expertise. I’m much better with a stove or oven.” Yeah, she could throw steaks on a grill, but she held herself to such a high culinary standard.
    “Well, it just so happens that I am a grilling expert. In fact, grilling is about the only thing I can do when it comes to cooking. But I do it very well if I do say so myself.” He laughed. “So just sit back on the porch and relax with the dogs. I’ll do all the work. It’s a marvelous early spring day out there. Not too hot and humid yet.”
    She agreed because she wanted to have the time outside.
    Later, she had cleaned her plate and settled into a chair on the back porch. The dogs had worn themselves out playing with their ball and Frisbee in the yard, and she let them back inside to rest and get some water. Caleb, true to his word, had been right at home in front of the grill.
    He leaned forward in his chair. “So, be honest. I know you’re the professional chef. How did I do on the steaks?”
    She smiled. “It was delicious.”
    “And you’re not just saying that to be polite?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
    She laughed. “No. I can’t hide my feelings about food. I’m known to be a tough critic. And the fact that I ate all of it should tell you something.”
    “It’s nice to hear you laugh.”
    “We haven’t had much of an opportunity for things to laugh at.”
    “I know. But remember you aren’t going through this alone, Annie. I’m right here.”
    “I know.”
    As she looked into his blue eyes, she felt a yearning for a deeper connection with him. But it was foolish to think that she would ever be able to open her heart to a man—especially one in law enforcement. There were just too many reasons why it couldn’t—shouldn’t—happen. The last thing she wanted to do was end up like her mother. It was much easier to just focus on her career and her independence. Her financial security. Knowing that she didn’t have to rely on anyone—including a man—for anything. If she started to go down a different path, she couldn’t guarantee those things. It was a risk she didn’t think she could take.
    “I realize you have every reason in the world not to trust me. But I want to earn