Page 25 of Colorado K-9 Rescue

S hock went through Mckenna with Evan’s offer.

No, he’d made it sound more like a statement.

She wanted to say yes, but there was another side of her that wanted to say no, she could take care of herself.

After her kidnapping she’d hit a point where she realized everyone, mostly her family, was treating her like she was something fragile that was going to break.

She had to constantly check in with her parents.

Cassidy wanted to go with Mckenna everywhere and Mckenna’s friends started acting differently.

It was then that she realized she had to rebuild her life her own way, one step at a time.

Even though the fear haunted her, Mckenna didn’t want it to stop her.

Having a guy, even Evan, protect her seemed like she was giving up that freedom and independence she’d regained. On the other hand, the desire to spend time with him was difficult to ignore and before she could stop herself, she heard herself say, “Okay. I’ll stay with you.”

“Uh, good,” Evan said, running his fingers through his hair. “I have extra bedrooms and a guest bathroom.”

“Good,” Mckenna said, holding up her phone. “Text me your address and I’ll GPS it.”

“Here, give me your phone. I’ll add myself to your contacts. That way you won’t lose it in a text thread.”

Evan held his hand out and Mckenna hesitated before handing it over.

What was she thinking? Why was she staying with him?

She should get a hotel or call Cassidy. Even go stay with her parents at their ranch.

But it was like someone else was controlling her and she had to admit, she wanted to go stay with him. Evan gave Mckenna her phone back.

“There you go,” he said. “Pull it up on your maps and I’ll follow you. That way I don’t lose you and if anyone tries anything, I’ll be in a better position to help you.”

Mckenna took her phone back, her fingertips brushing his. Electricity went through her body from his touch. Like nothing she’d ever felt. “Thanks.”

She pulled up the address and said, “You live near Red Rocks.”

“I do,” Evan said with a smile. “And at some point, when I’m not hunting down a kidnapper, I’ll finally make it to a concert there.”

“I’ve never been either,” said Mckenna. The famous amphitheater and park was often a destination for tourists.

Famous bands from the Rolling Stones to the Grateful Dead and even the Beatles had played there.

Even though Mckenna didn’t love crowds and preferred the mountains, she’d always wanted to see a concert there.

Just for the experience. “We’ll have to check out the concert schedule for the fall.

See who’s coming into town. I mean, you’re the great Agent Evan Knox.

You’ll find this kidnapper in no time and then what will we do? ”

“You’re teasing me again, right?” Evan said.

Mckenna didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but she did love giving him a hard time. “I am. Sorry, can’t help myself.”

“No, it’s okay. I like it. Shall we head out?”

Mckenna nodded. She woke up Mocha and convinced him to give up the driver’s seat and go back to his travel crate. While she’d been in a hurry and let him ride shotgun, it was safer for the Lab to be in a crate. He hesitated, liking his newfound spot in the car, but eventually cooperated.

Starting the car, Mckenna noted that her hands weren’t shaking as much. Being with Evan calmed her down.

I wonder what kind of effect I have on him.

The drive was smooth, and about twenty minutes later, Mckenna pulled up to Evan’s house on the outskirts of Morrison.

The view was spectacular, and she could see the sharp edges of the large boulders that surrounded Red Rocks in the horizon.

She let Mocha out of his crate as Evan pulled in the driveway and parked.

Mckenna waited for him to get out and then said, “You don’t need tickets for a concert, you could sit on your front patio and listen to each one.”

“I’ve done that a couple of nights. I can hear the music pretty well, but I still think it could be a fun experience.”

“I agree,” Mckenna said.

They went inside and she gazed around. The place was neat and clean, but it seemed like no one lived there. It had the basics, but nothing more.

“I love what you’ve done with the place,” she said.

“Sarcasm again, right?” Evan laughed. “Well, when you’re not home much, you don’t do much decorating.”

“I don’t have clothes or Mocha’s food or anything,” Mckenna said, suddenly feeling anxiety. What was she thinking?

“I realized that too. What does Mocha eat? I can run to the store and pick something up. Get dinner too.”

Mckenna told Evan the type of food but left out the part that she was worried about being on her own in someone else’s house.

“As for clothes, I have some things you can wear.”

“I’m going to look like a little kid in your clothes,” Mckenna said.

“You can roll up the sleeves. As soon as the evidence team is done, I’ll go with you to get some clothes.”

“When they’re done, I’d like to go home.”

“When I find Rex and Toby Hanson, you can go home.”

Mckenna grimaced at the thought of the kidnapper waiting for her. “You drive a hard bargain.”

“I do. Let me give you the tour, show you your room and then I’ll go to the store and be back before you know it.”

Mckenna followed Evan around with Mocha stuck to her side. The tour didn’t take long.

“Do you want to let Mocha out before I go?” Evan asked. “If he needs to go, I have a fenced backyard.”

“I can let him out,” Mckenna answered.

“I think it’s better if I’m with you,” Evan said. “Just in case.”

Mckenna hated that she was being treated like someone who was fragile, but on the other hand, the note that was left in her journal was disturbing.

She’d taken self-defense classes and done things to take care of herself, but the fact was, she wasn’t a big person.

She could easily be overpowered. She gave in to the fact part of her reasoning. “Okay. That’s probably a good idea.”

Mckenna thought Evan seemed relieved. He’d probably figured she was going to argue with him.

They went to the back sliding door and the yard surprised her.

A deck with two Adirondack chairs, grill and pergola spread out to a perfectly mowed and manicured yard.

There were flower beds and xeriscaping around the edges.

“It’s beautiful out here,” Mckenna said. “I’m a little worried about what Mocha might do to ruin your landscaping.”

“I don’t care,” Evan said. “I’m more worried about him stealing a sandwich or other food.”

Mckenna giggled. That moment seemed like a million years ago now. “That’s a legitimate concern. I’ll keep a close eye on him.”

They opened the door and Mocha bounded out happily in front of them. He ran around the yard sniffing and taking care of business when he suddenly stopped. His front leg was raised to a ninety-degree angle and he posed in a perfect point.

“What the heck?” Mckenna said. Then she heard the culprit at the same time she saw it—a squirrel was up in a tree and began chattering at Mocha. “Uh-oh… Mocha, come!”

While Mckenna prided herself on how well her dog listened, she knew the desire to chase the squirrel would override any obedience.

Launching off the deck, Mckenna lunged to catch her dog, but missed.

Evan cut him off before he could run through the flower beds and managed to grab Mocha’s collar.

Mckenna came over and snapped on the leash.

“Thank you,” she said, a little out of breath.

“Remember what I said when he ate my sandwich?” Evan asked.

Great, here comes the lecture. “That I need to work on training my dog.”

“That’s it,” Evan said, face serious.

Mckenna was getting ready to stand her ground and defend Mocha, even though she knew Evan was right. She did need to work on training Mocha more.

Suddenly Evan laughed. “I can tease you too. Don’t break him of the squirrel habit. I might need to hire him because they keep trying to get into my garage and nest.”

Surprised, Mckenna didn’t know what to say. Evan did have a sense of humor and she liked it.

“I’ll be back from the store soon. Keep the doors locked and make yourself at home,” Evan said as they all went back inside. Mocha grunted and lay down on a blanket Evan had provided for him in the living room area. “I’m glad to see Mocha is settling in. Be back soon.”

As the door closed behind him, Mckenna was suddenly overwhelmed. What was she doing here? She should have stayed on her own. He didn’t even try to kiss her when he left.

Then a horrid thought crossed her mind. I hope he didn’t read my journal. I hope he didn’t see what I wrote about falling in love with him.