Free Destiny's Last Bachelor? by Christyne Butler Page A

concrete grooves at the top of the stairs. She teetered a moment, grabbing for the nearby handrail, but it was Dean’s hand, warm and solid at the small of her back, that steadied her.
    “Whoa, careful there,” he said. “You okay?”
    “I’m fine.” As fine as she could be with the weight of his hand just inches above her backside creating zingers that careened inside of her body. “What did you just say?”
    “Bobby called. It seems Leeann’s caught some bug. She’s been throwing up since before dawn, so they can’t make it today.”
    “Oh, th-that’s terrible.” Priscilla started down the church steps, conscious of Dean’s touch, which remained in place as his footsteps matched hers. “I hope Leeann is feeling better soon, but you don’t have to show me the camp.”
    “What’s the matter, princess? Tired of my company already?”
    Priscilla opened her mouth to respond, but the few people still standing around turned to look at them with open interest before calling out hellos to Dean. He waved and returned the greetings, but never let go of her even when they reached the sidewalk. In fact, he moved even closer as a group of people headed their way. She should’ve felt crowded, usually preferring to maintain her personal space, but instead his actions came across as protective and gentlemanly.
    In fact, Priscilla wasn’t bothered at all. She liked it.
    “Hey, where’d you go? Falling asleep on me?”
    Priscilla blinked, Dean’s voice cutting off her thoughts. She turned to him. Out here in the bright sun, his exhaustion was ever more pronounced. “You’re the one who needs sleep, remember? We can do the tour another day.”
    He slipped on a pair of dark sunglasses. “I told Bobby I’d do this.”
    “Did you also tell him what time you got to bed this morning?”
    He sighed. “Are you always so argumentative?”
    “Are you always so stubborn?”
    Before he could reply, they were surrounded by a half-dozen people, including the pastor. Dean turned on the charm and introduced her to everyone. Priscilla again read the curiosity in their gazes, especially when he explained that she was here to coordinate a fund-raiser for the summer camp. When pressed for details, Dean would only smile and say that an announcement would be coming soon, probably at Wednesday night bingo.
    “You’re a physical therapist who volunteers at a summer camp and the local fire department, and you host a weekly bingo night?” Priscilla asked once they were alone again and making their way to the parking lot. “Is there anything you don’t do?”
    “I don’t sleep much.” He stopped and looked around. “I don’t see your car. You walked here from the inn?”
    Priscilla nodded.
    “Come on, I’ll give you a ride back so you can change.” Dean pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “We can go to the camp together.”
    It only took one look at his oversize pickup truck for her to realize there was no way she could climb into or out of his vehicle and keep her dignity intact. But before she could point that out to him, he’d opened the passenger door and easily lifted her into the seat.
    Speechless, Priscilla hurried to right her skirt, noticing how his shaded gaze seemed momentarily glued to her bared legs. Then he stepped back, closed the door and got in behind the wheel. Silence stretched between them and Priscilla was once again at a loss for words to fill the void. Minutes later they pulled into the parking lot at the inn. Dean backed into a shady spot and shut off the engine.
    “Hold on.” He slid out from behind the wheel and headed around the front of his truck.
    Priscilla released the seat belt and opened the door, planning to slip out and land on her feet before he got to her. “I think I can manage.”
    “I said hold on.” He reached for her again, but this time her forward motion had her landing against his chest.
    Latching on to his shoulders, she held tight as he eased her down the length of him.