Page 4 of Her Protector on Route 14 (Love Along Route 14 #6)

As safe as Heartstone is, it’s not safe for a girl like Holly. Plenty of people would want to take advantage of her and I can’t allow that, with or without Peyton’s teasing order. I tell myself that’s the only reason why I show up in the morning to show her around town, but I know it’s not.

There’s something about Holly that keeps me coming back to her. I just can’t seem to resist. I like her smile and being near her ... it’s calming in a way that’s unfamiliar and addictive at the same time.

Holly shows up in another pair of jeans that hug her figure and show off her gorgeous legs with a casual olive green top that makes her eyes brighter and emphasizes her curves naturally. I want to groan just looking at her as her hair waves over her shoulders.

I show her downtown—a short stretch of old brick buildings, quiet and charming—and she lights up, insisting on taking photos. Her expression shifts from bright excitement to focused concentration in a heartbeat, but she never loses that underlying softness.

When I notice her shifting positions, angling her body just slightly, I frown.

“It’s to get the right lighting,” she says, catching my look with a quick smile.

As she moves along the sidewalk, explaining different angles and shadows, I find myself subtly guiding her—correcting where she walks so she’s closer to the buildings while I keep to the edge of the street.

When other people pass by and stare too long, I shoot them a look that makes them think twice. They veer around her, giving her space, making damn sure they don’t bump into her.

She might be focused on the light. But I’m watching everything else.

“Holly,” I say, aware I’m interrupting her, but unable to resist.

“Yes, Tanner?” She asks.

“I think it’s best that I travel with you to the end of the route. I can pick up a ride back with one of my colleagues, but it’s not safe for you to go alone,” I inform.

She blinks at me. “Oh ... um ...”

“As long as you’re comfortable sharing your car with me,” I clarify.

“Yeah!” She says quickly. “I am, I mean ... if it breaks down, you’re good to have around and I like your company.” She blushes and looks away before touching her stomach. “So… what do you recommend for food?”

“Kathy’s Diner,” I say with a nod. “Best pie in town.”

She asks me about my job as we take the fifteen-minute walk to the diner. Her questions are direct and clear, different from how she answers mine. She wants to know how many towns I know this well, my favorite places to travel, and so on. I give her short answers, but she doesn’t press me for more.

That needles me for some reason. I want her to want to know me; right, wrong, or strange, that’s what I want.

I’ve known her less than twenty-four hours but I just insisted on a cross country trip with her because I selfishly want more time with her.

I’m planning to monopolize her time while she’s here. It’s insanity.

Worse, Holly doesn’t expect me to do a thing for her – opening doors, guiding her around puddles, guiding her away from dangerous streets – she nearly ignores it all.

Her independence is almost as charming as her rambling.

She hurries to the door, confusing me, then I realize she’s holding the door open for an elderly couple.

They thank her and she immediately asks them how long they’ve been together and if they’re having a good day.

My lips twitch up as she lingers by the door, still waiting for me. Her eyes meet mine and she waves me in. I grab the next door and she smiles. “You’re such a gentleman.”

I would be if she let me.

When we sit down to eat, Kathy sashes over in her 1950’s inspired pink outfit. Her hair is pulled back and her white apron is starkly clean. “How’s life treating you, sugar?”

“Shockingly well,” Holly answers without missing a beat. “How are you?”

I don’t bother to pick up my menu. I’m going to get the Club Special, but I’m curious to see Holly interact with others. She goes out of her way to be polite and to keep a genuine smile on Kathy’s face while asking about options.

Kathy points at me. “What looks good, hon?”

“The Club Special,” I state.

“Ooh, that sounds great. I’ll have it as well. Thank you,” Holly says before collecting both our menus and offering them to Kathy.

“Are you always so sweet?” I ask.

Holly blinks a few times and shrugs. “I prefer being cheerful and optimistic. I think it makes life better.”

There’s something she’s not saying, but before I can press, our drinks are brought over and Holly’s smile is back in place. She points at me. “You got plenty out of me yesterday. My new mission is to learn all about you.”

“I’m shockingly simple, not very interesting,” I dismiss.

“That’s what the most interesting people always say,” Holly insists. “You travel for work and get to meet new people constantly. I’d rather listen to your stories than eat in silence.”

When she gives me that dimple smile it’s hopeless to refuse. Then she wraps her lips around her straw, hollowing her cheeks while watching me and the move is so innocent and sexy that I’m starting to wonder if I can deny this woman anything at all.