Page 14 of Colton On Guard

Reluctantly, she let go of him and began to inspect the place.

He followed her from the living room to the kitchen, then down the hallway to check on each of the three bedrooms. Everything appeared undisturbed, including the guest bedroom. “This is mine,” Genna told him. “Notice the splashes of color?”

“I do.”

“As far as I can tell, nothing was stolen.” Perplexed and worried, Genna shook her head. “This is making me question why someone would go through all the trouble of breaking in.”

“Since the policeman already asked you if you’re sure you locked the door, I’m not going to repeat the question.”

“I appreciate that,” she said, meaning it. Despite feeling traumatized, when she looked at him, she still found herself battling an aching sort of longing.

If he realized this, he didn’t show it.

“Well…” he said, swallowing hard and turning to go. “I’ll see you in the morning,” he finished. “Make sure and lock up after me.”

“Wait.” Not wanting him to leave, she hurried over and touched his arm again. Still in her yellow rain slicker, she looked up at him, hoping he could somehow sense her fear. “I can’t lock up. The door won’t even close properly. Look.” She showed him.

“Judging by the way the wood had splintered around where the lock had been, it does look like someone busted in the door,” he said. “Wind wouldn’t do that.”

“I know.” Exhaling, she fought to keep her voice steady. “There’s not a chance I’m staying here alone with no way to keep an intruder out. What if they were to come back?”

His gaze found hers. “You have a point.”

“I feel…violated,” she said, breathing hard.

As if unable to help himself, he pulled her close and held her.

Offering comfort, nothing more, she told herself.

“I’m not going to let you be alone,” he said, smoothing her hair away from her face. “Would you be willing to go back to my place with me? You can stay there tonight. We can work on getting your door repaired in the morning.”

“Separate rooms?” she asked, her face still pressed against his chest.

“Of course,” he promised. “I’d never try to take advantage of you, especially when you’re down. If we ever get together again, you’ll be the one to initiate it. Sound good?”

“Well, that will never happen,” she said, her tone dry.

That made him chuckle.

Again that wild rush of attraction. Even now. Grappling with her mixed emotions, she attempted to summon up a smile, and thanked him. “I appreciate you offering to help me, more than you could ever know.”

His glance met and held hers. “Does that mean you’re coming with me?”

“Yes,” she replied. “I just need to pack a few things. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Parker replied. She could feel his gaze on her as she turned to go.

In her room, she tossed a change of clothes and some toiletries into a backpack. Despite everything, she found she actually liked the idea of spending nonworking time with him. On a friendly basis, of course. Maybe this would help her get over her constant awareness of him. She certainly hoped so.

When she returned to the living room with her backpack in hand, he turned and eyed her. “Listen, I should probably ask if you’d rather have me stay here with you rather than go to my place.”

Her gut clenched. “That’s even more kind of you, but no. It wouldn’t be safe,” she said, hoping he couldn’t see her terror. The howl of the wind and the rain made it even worse.

“It sounds pretty nasty out there,” he pointed out. “But if you’re sure, let’s go.”

CHAPTER 4

Outside, the wind had picked up again, rattling the partly closed front door. Rain drummed in a steady fury. Just to make sure, Parker crossed to the window. The storm had definitely intensified once more. Rain came down in sheets. He couldn’t even see his truck parked in the driveway.