Page 64 of A Secret Chance

“What?” Lauren raised her eyebrows at him. “Charming?”

“Well, maybe charming isn’t the right word, but it’s clear that everyone in this town respects and likes you.”

“I guess they do,” she said. “But Baxter, don’t you see? It’s because I actually care about them.”

“Why?” he stopped and held her arm. It was the first time they had touched on the entire walk and he felt her stiffen in his grip.

“Why do I care?” She seemed confused. Over her shoulder, Baxter saw a man running towards them waving his arms wildly, trying to get their attention. He caught a flash of grey out of the corner of his eye and pulled Lauren in tightly to his body. He spun her away as a creature launched itself at them. Baxter heard the panting behind him and felt the claws as they landed on his back. Lauren’s breath was hot on his neck, but she was protected from the attacker. “Baxter,” she said. “What are you doing?”

“Timber, down!” he heard a deep voice from behind them.

Lauren looked around Baxter and proceeded to burst into laughter. “Were you...” Tears were starting to fall from her eyes, “were you protecting me from Timber?”

Baxter turned and saw that the man had a leash in his hand and that the attacking creature was actually a husky with two different colored eyes.

“Sorry about that.” The man clipped the husky onto the leash. “He needs to learn some manners.”

“Hi, Josh,” Lauren said.

“Oh, hi, Lauren.” The man’s eyes registered surprise. “I didn’t see you there.” Baxter realized that Lauren was still trapped in his arms. He cleared his throat and released her from his bear hug.

“Hi, Timber.” Lauren scratched the husky behind his ears. “Where are you two going?”

“We’re going to The Last Chance to help Charlie pick out his next small batch.” Lauren nodded at the man. “How’s Meg and the baby?”

“They’re good. Napping mostly.” As the two friends caught up, Baxter realized just how badly he’d overreacted. It wasn’t a wolf or a coyote, just a friendly pet dog.

As Josh and Timber walked away Lauren turned to him. “What was that all about?”

He laughed and took off his hat, running his hands through his hair. “You’re not going to believe it, but I thought that was a wolf or a coyote or something, and that man, Josh, was trying to get our attention.”

“You’re crazy,” Lauren laughed.

She was right. Something happened to him, he knew that he would throw himself in danger’s way to protect Lauren. He couldn’t just walk away from a woman as special as her. He knew at that moment that he would do anything he could to be with her.

Chapter 23