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Fourteen years ago…

“So that’s it? You’re breaking up with me? Just like that?”

Scottie’s broken heart ached so badly she thought it might literally rip in two. “It’s not just like that, Chase.” She hugged herself and shook her head. “And it’s not like I’m moving to the next town over. It’s Ohio, for crying out loud!”

She was moving to Ohio. With grandparents she loved but only saw once a year…if that. And chances were, she and Chase would never see each other again.

“We can make it work, sugar,” he uttered the adorable nickname he’d given her. “We can still talk on the phone every night after school, and I can fly there like every other month or something. We’ll spend the entire weekend together when I come to see you.”

God, she wanted that. More than anything, she wanted to keep the one good thing still left in her life. But fate was a hurtful, hateful bitch, and as hard as she’d tried to find one, Scottie couldn’t come up with a practical, realistic way to make it work.

So here she was, staring up at the boy she’d so desperately wanted to be with for the rest of her life, doing her damnedest to pretend as if her entire world wasn’t crumbling beneath her feet.

With her grandmother’s advice rolling through her grief-stricken head, Scottie continued her efforts to make a clean break and never look back. This way, Chase could be free to go on with his life.

And maybe…just maybe…she’d figure out a way to survive this new, gut-wrenching reality.

“Even if you weren’t leaving for the Navy in May, which you are, you can’t afford to buy a plane ticket to and from Ohio six times a year. Lord knows I can’t, either. And my grandparents aren’t going to let their sixteen-year-old granddaughter fly halfway across the country to see a boy who’s going to be heading off to boot camp soon, anyway.”

The pain reflected in Chase’s amazing blue eyes cut through her soul like a long, sharp blade.

“Is that what this is really about?” His Adam’s apple slid up and down with a hard swallow. “Me going into the Navy?”

Shock reverberated throughout her entire system. “What? No! I’ve always supported your dream of becoming a SEAL. You know that. I just…”

“What, Scottlynn? You just what?”

“I just don’t see us staying together. Not anymore. Not like this. And I need to…”

She wanted to tell him she needed to be sure he wasn’t tied down by her—or worse, by a misplaced sense of guilt or obligation to make sure she didn’t break under the pressure of having recently lost her mother to cancer.

Instead, Scottie looked deep into those soul-stealing eyes and lied to her boyfriend for the very first time…

“I need to be able to move on with my new life.” Her swallow was audible. “I mean…” She licked her desert-dry lips. “I haven’t even had time to breathe since my mom’s funeral, and now I’m moving in two days, and I just…” Scottie forced herself to say the words. “I can’t start over with the baggage of my life constantly weighing me down.”

There. She’d done it. She’d uttered those awful, hurtful words. And Chase…

He was just standing there, his tortured gaze slicing straight through her. Tears welled in her own eyes, blurring his handsome image. But she refused to let them fall.

Not when she was this close. Not when it seemed she’d finally convinced him she was wiping her hands clean of what they’d shared.

Young love, her mother had called it. She hadn’t been wrong. But while sixteen was technically young, it didn’t negate her from the ability to know and understand what true love felt like. What it looked like.

Chase. It looked like Chase. But now…

“I get it,” he muttered low. “But for the record, I really wish things could have turned out differently.”

He had no idea how many nights she’d lain awake, wishing for a different set of cards than the ones she’d been dealt.

“I’m sorry, Chase. Really, I am.”

So very sorry.

“Me, too.” His smile seemed forced. “You take care of yourself up there in Ohio, you hear? And don’t forget about your dreams. Not ever. You can still make it big as a chef. Promise me you’ll keep working toward that goal, no matter what.”

“No matter what,” she whispered a promise she wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep.

Chase looked down at her a few seconds longer. The love and understanding in his blue eyes was nearly enough to destroy her resolve, and for a moment, she reconsidered her decision to end things between them. But then ? —

“Let yourself be happy, sugar.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to the center of her forehead. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. And if you ever need anything…I’ll be here. Always.”

It wasn’t until he got into his truck and drove away that she gave her tears permission to fall.

A loud honking sound tore through the painful memory, yanking Scottie back into the present. Glancing through her windshield, she realized the once-red light had turned to green.

From the incessant honking still coming from the truck behind her, she assumed it had been that way for at least a few seconds.

“Sorry!” She lifted a hand and waved to the annoyed driver as she pressed the gas pedal down with the ball of her foot.

Less than two minutes later, Scottie was pulling into an available parking spot around the corner from where she and Chase were supposed to meet. Her stomach rolled with nerves as she cut the ignition.

Not wanting to talk herself out of it, she checked her reflection in the rearview before exiting her car. Once the doors were locked, she stepped onto the sidewalk and made her way to the restaurant’s gorgeous entrance.

The elaborate wooden door opened before she could reach for the handle. A young woman greeted her with a smile.

“Welcome to Catalina’s.” She held the door steady.

“Thank you.” Scottie stepped inside, and almost instantly, her senses were reawakened by a deep, appreciative inhale.

Savory aromas surrounded her, the mixture of garlic and herbs making her tastebuds stand up and take notice. She did a quick, visual search for Chase while also taking in the restaurant’s beautiful ambiance.

Low lighting, exposed brick, magnificent archways, and several elegant, vintage-style crystal chandeliers gave the establishment a genuine, old-world feel. Blood red linens covered the round tables. The dark wooden chairs spaced around them accentuated the tablecloths’ deep, rich color.

The walls surrounding her were adorned with paintings and sketches of various places and landmarks in Italy. From what she’d read online, those same images had been hanging there since the family-run establishment first opened over three decades ago.

“Can I help you?”

Scottie blinked, realizing a second woman—this one standing patiently behind a stained podium—was speaking to her.

“Oh, hi!” She flashed the young woman a smile as she stepped forward. “I’m supposed to be meeting someone.”

“What’s their name? I’ll see if they’ve checked in.”

“Chase Boyer.”

Recognition shone behind the twenty-something’s eyes. “Mr. Boyer, of course!” She stepped out from behind the podium. “Follow me.”

An unexpected rush of jealousy seeped in, throwing Scottie off to the point she nearly stumbled over her own feet. It was obvious this girl knew Chase by the way she’d instantly perked up from just hearing his name.

Question was, did she know him because he was a frequent patron of the restaurant, or…or was it something more?

No, the question is…why do you even care?

Her inner voice was right. The man was free and clear to date—or do whatever with—whomever he chose. Of course, he was. It was ridiculous to think otherwise.

Regardless, there was still a part of her that hated the idea of some pretty young thing eyeing Chase. And worse, she understood why.

Even now, after all these years, she was still totally and completely hung up on the guy. Always had been.

Always will be.

“Right this way.”

Scottie followed the other woman around an arched wall and into another section of the restaurant. With each step she took, the more convinced she became that this was a bad idea.

A really, really bad idea.

From the moment she’d first read Chase’s texted invitation to dinner, Scottie had told herself a night out with an old friend would be fine. Fun, even.

Old friend. Old flame. Same difference, right?

But now…

The knot of dread growing in her gut said otherwise. But just as Scottie was about to chicken out and make a run for it, she spotted him.

Sitting alone at a table in the back corner of the room, Chase looked straight at her—straight through her—and his lips instantly curved at the corners. Her pulse raced, and just like that, all the second-guessing about coming tonight vanished with one glimpse of the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on.

“Hey!” He stood to greet her.

Still a true gentleman, I see.

A tall, muscular, too-tempting-for-his-own-good gentleman.

Seriously, couldn’t he have lost all his hair and gained eighty pounds of beer gut by now? Sure would make this evening a whole lot easier.

Unfortunately for her, Chase hadn’t lost his thick, luscious hair. And any weight he’d gained since high school was pure muscle. A fact that was obvious despite the man’s dark jeans, cowboy boots, and button-up shirt.

He quickly moved around the table just in time to pull out her chair.

“Thank you.” Scottie rewarded him with a smile.

Did my voice just quiver? I’m pretty sure it quivered.

“You’re welcome.”

The light, woodsy scent of his cologne caught her attention as he returned to his seat. Like the man himself, it was intoxicating. So much so that Scottie didn’t even realize several seconds had passed with her just sitting there, staring back at him like an idiot.

Not until a large, leather-bound menu was placed on the table in front of her, that is.

“Would you like a glass of wine to start?” The woman who’d seated them asked.

“Yes, please!” Scottie’s answer was a tad too energetic. Okay, seriously…you need to chill the heck out. Drawing in what she hoped was an indiscernible deep breath, Scottie mentally gathered herself and tried again. “I mean, I’ll take a glass of Moscato. If you have it.”

“Excellent choice. And for you?” The young woman turned her smile toward Chase.

“I’ll pass on the wine, but a nice, cold beer sounds good.” He grinned. “Whatever’s on tap is fine.”

“One wine, and one beer. I’ll get those for you right away.” She nodded. “And just so you’re aware, tonight’s Chef’s Special is Cacio e pepe with a slice of freshly made garlic bread, Ceasar salad, and a side of seasonal fruit. I’ll give you both a moment to review the menu while I get your drinks.”

“Thank you,” Chase offered kindly.

A moment later, they were semi-hidden away in the shadows of their little corner…alone.

Scottie picked up the menu, if for no other reason than to give her hands something to do. “Sorry I was late.” She forced herself to act as normal as possible. “There was a problem with one of the ovens at the shelter, and Sloane had already left for the day, so I had to wait for the repair guy to come take a look.”

“It’s okay. I haven’t been waiting long.”

She had. The truth was, she’d been waiting for the chance to talk to him like this again—to really talk—for what felt like forever. Waiting. Dreading. Hoping. Praying.

It was like a never-ending rollercoaster of conflicting thoughts and emotions. And despite the years between them, the tormenting ride was still refusing to let her go.

“What’s going on with the oven?” Chase’s masculine rumble effectively ended her near-fall down Painful Memory Lane.

“Oh, um…nothing major, thank goodness.” Scottie cleared the nerves from her throat. “The broiler element went out, is all. Luckily, the appliance place we use promised to have a new one delivered and installed by tomorrow afternoon.”

“That’s good news.”

“It is,” she agreed. “I use the broiler a lot, so it’s a huge relief knowing we won’t have to wait weeks or months before it’s fixed.”

Almost immediately, the conversation fell into an uncomfortable lull. Both she and Chase filled the few seconds’ worth of time by silently sipping on their ice-cold waters.

Desperate to say something—anything—to avoid sitting in the deafening silence, she heard herself asking him?—

“So, why did you leave the Navy?”

Scottie’s lips clamped shut, and she rolled them in to keep from outwardly cursing. She had no intention of asking him something so personal right out of the gate. And if the heaviness filling her gut wasn’t enough, the look that had just flashed across Chase’s gorgeous grown face certainly did the trick.

“It, uh…” He sat back in his chair, giving his head the slightest of shakes. “It wasn’t exactly my choice.”

The brief conversation they’d previously shared at the shelter came rushing back. Though she couldn’t remember every word the man had spoken—she’d been too busy soaking in the sight of him after all this time—Scottie did recall him mentioning something about the Navy leaving him…not the other way around.

And here she’d gone and asked the man to share why he was presumably forced out of the only career she’d ever known him to desire.

Smooth, Scottie. Really freaking smooth.

“I-I’m sorry,” she hurriedly apologized. “I should never have?—”

“Nah, it’s okay.” He blew it off. “The way it happened wasn’t, that’s for damn sure. But I’m good talking about it. With you.”

That last part was added almost as a condition. As if she’d just been invited into a very select group.

“What…happened?” Scottie hesitated only slightly in her speech.

“My team got sent to Afghanistan. A quick in and out. At least, that’s what it was supposed to be. Long story short, we got ambushed, lost one of our teammates in the process, and the rest of us were forced out to appease the powers that be. But hey, at least they were nice enough to give us honorable discharges. So there’s that.”

She sucked in a breath, her lips parting with a fallen jaw. “Oh my gosh, Chase. That’s…that’s awful!”

Being a Navy SEAL was all he’d ever wanted. Knowing that dream had been stolen from him…at the same time that he and his teammates lost one of their own…

Here, I thought I’d been through a lot.

“Losing our Tridents was one thing, but losing Hunt…” His tortured gaze slid her way. “Hunter Garrison. That was his name, and…damn, he was one helluva guy.” A sad smile lifted his lips at the corners. “Believe it or not, Hunt and Natalie were married when he was killed.”

Natalie?

“Wait…are you talking about the Natalie I know? The one from your security firm that helped out with the benefit?”

“The very same.”

“And you and your teammates…you’re all okay with that?”

Chase laughed. “Seems kinda weird, right? But really, it’s not. Probably because, before Hunt was killed, he and Logan were best friends. When he was alive, the guy loved Natalie more than life itself. But if there’s anyone else out there Hunter would’ve wanted to see her settle down with, it’s Logan. Especially after the way Logan helped save Natalie’s life a while back.”

Scottie frowned. “What do you mean he saved her life?”

“That’s another long story. But the short of it is, Nat’s boss was a crooked bastard who was in bed with two bigger, richer, and more powerful crooked bastards. Nat figured out what they were up to, and they tried to kill her for it.”

“Oh my god!” Scottie felt her eyes grow wide from the man’s unexpected revelation. “That poor woman.”

She couldn’t imagine someone wanting to harm the sweet mother-to-be, let alone kill her. And after losing her husband in battle, no less.

“It was definitely a scary time, that’s for sure. Natalie’s like the team’s honorary little sister and one of the sweetest women I’ve ever known. She definitely didn’t deserve all the shit life rained down on her.”

No, Scottie couldn’t imagine she did.

“She seems to be in a good place now, though,” Scottie commented softly.

“Oh yeah. She and Logan are deliriously happy, especially since they found out Nat’s pregnant. And I don’t know if you know this, but Logan and Natalie are the ones who originally came up with the idea to start up Eagle’s Nest Securities.”

“Really?”

“Yep. The whole thing came about when the team reunited to help protect Natalie from those scumbags. Once that was cleared up, they recruited Lucky and me, as well as Archer and Van—our other two teammates.” His brown brows dipped inward. “I don’t think you’ve met them yet, have you?”

“No. Not yet.”

“You will.”

The grin Chase flashed her was filled with the same cocky confidence she remembered. But his words brought with them a promise that she’d be spending more time with him and his team.

Scottie’s pulse raced at the thought of seeing Chase again after tonight. She both loved and hated the idea.

Mostly, she loved it.

“It’s incredible, what you do,” she stated as matter of fact. “I mean…” She gave her lips a quick swipe of her tongue. “You may not be taking orders from Uncle Sam anymore, but it seems to me, you’re honoring Hunter’s memory by using the training and skills you learned in the Navy to continue protecting the innocent. Like the women at the shelter,” she mused. “Some of them have shared the horrific stories of how they came to be there, and I…” Her shoulders fell with a sigh. “Trust me. Having someone like you in your corner when it seems like there’s no way out…that means everything.”

An odd expression etched a few lines in Chase’s furrowed brow, but if he picked up on the personal sentiment behind her statement, he never let on.

“That’s why we do it.” Chase took a sip of his water and swallowed. “Oh, and I’m sure you’d eventually hear their stories at some point, too, so I’ll go ahead and tell you now that we also saved Archer’s and Lucky’s wives from a couple of maniacs a while back.”

Surprise rippled through her. “Seriously?”

“Separate incidents and two completely different assholes, but yeah. I think it’s safe to say me and the guys have kept ourselves busy since relocating to Seattle.”

That’s one way to put it.

A natural pause in conversation ensued, and Scottie used the moment to process all she’d learned. Over the course of the past several years, Chase had reached his life’s goal of becoming a Navy SEAL, only to tragically—and unfairly—be forced out of the military.

After, the surviving members of their team got back together and formed what was now a highly successful private security firm.

Don’t forget the part where three of his teammates married the women who’d previously been under their protection.

For real, though. If Scottie didn’t know better, she’d think being in imminent peril was a pre-requisite for dating an Eagle’s Nest operative. Not that she was in the market for one of those.

Are you sure about that?

“You mentioned Logan, Lucky, and Archer are married. What about you? You ever get married?”

Hers was a question that should have been asked long before meeting the man for dinner. But Scottie had been too shocked and—admittedly—excited to see him again after all this time that she couldn’t bring herself to ask before now.

“Nah, not yet. You?”

She shook her head. “Someday, maybe.”

If the right guy were to come along…

The corners of his lips twitched, and there was a glimmer in his eyes she couldn’t quite read. “You ever come close?”

“Honestly, I’ve been too busy the last few years to even attempt to have a social life.”

It was true. First, there was culinary school. In the middle of that, Scottie got the idea for her social media food vlogs, which grew an audience larger than any she’d ever imagined for herself.

Fast-forward a few years—past several kitchen jobs and a couple of sous chef positions—and she was selected to appear on the cooking show. Of course, this was the catalyst that brought a stalker straight to her.

Kind of hard to trust a guy enough to be alone with him after that.

“I hear that.” He chuckled low, responding to navigating life with a jam-packed schedule. “Probably why Logan and the others married women connected to the firm. It seems that the only time we meet new people is through work.”

It made sense, now that she thought about it.

“So there’s no rule about dating clients?”

The same sideways smirk he used to wear back in the day appeared on his handsome face. And, like always, she felt her heart do a little flip.

“Just one of the many great things about working for ourselves is there’s no Big Brother pressing his bureaucratic thumb down on us the whole time. That being said, it’s not like Logan and the others purposely hooked up with the women they were protecting. It just sort of…happened.”

“Here you are.” Their server finally returned with their drinks. “One Moscato for the lady, and for the gentleman…” She sat Chase’s tall glass of beer in front of him.

“Thanks.” Scottie smiled up at the young woman.

Chase drew in a short sip of his amber brew before setting his glass back down with a smile. “That’s really good. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” The other woman held Chase’s gaze. “Have you had enough time to look at the menu, or do you need a few more moments?”

From where he sat across from her, Chase turned his head and glanced Scottie’s way. “Uh…I think we need a few more minutes.” He seemed to read her apologetic expression correctly.

“No worries.” Their server held her smile steady. “I’ll give you more time to choose.”

After perusing the menu to avoid further delaying their orders, she and Chase quickly decided on their meal choices before returning to their previous conversation.

“Okay, so let me see if I have this all straight.” She picked up right where they’d left off. “Aside from you, there’s Lucky and Logan, who I met the other night. And then you also have two other men on your?—”

“Archer Knox and Donovan Braddock,” he finished for her. “But Braddock goes by Van.”

Archer and Van. Got it.

Five former SEALs still putting it all on the line for the greater good. She couldn’t think of a more commendable way to honor their fallen teammate.

“You know, it’s pretty cool that you guys still get to work together, even if it’s not with the Navy.”

Another smile lifted a set of lips that, even after all this time, she’d almost swear she could still taste. “It’s very cool, actually. A definite change from active duty, but it all worked out in the end. So far, anyway.”

Despite not being allowed to continue as a SEAL, Chase seemed pretty content working for Eagle’s Nest. Happy, even.

And that made her happy as well.

“What about you?”

Lost in her thoughts, it took Scottie a few seconds to realize he’d just spoken to her again.

“What about me?” Her brows dipped low.

“Well…” He rested his elbows on the table and sighed. “We’ve been talking about me from the minute you sat down. You know why I left the Navy and what I’ve been doing since. Hell, you’ve even met three of my closest friends. All I know about you is where you work and the fact that you’re single. I mean, for all I know, there could be half-a-dozen little Scotties runnin’ around out there somewhere.”

A shoulder-shaking laugh parted her upturned lips. But the humor in his teasing comment was almost instantly overpowered by the reality of her upcoming response.

“No little Scotties,” she revealed without letting her expression fall.

No husband. No kids. No real life outside of the shelter.

At only thirty, it wasn’t as if her biological clock was approaching its final hours. And Scottie had never held the belief that women needed a man to truly be happy.

Even so, she couldn’t deny the bottomless hole carved deep inside her heart the night she’d walked away. A hollow crevice that, no matter how hard she’d tried, was still very much there.

“See? Now we’re gettin’ somewhere.” Chase’s grin was proof he was unaware of her most recent thoughts. “Okay, so last I knew, you were enrolled in some fancy culinary school in Cincinnati.”

“That was like twelve years ago, Chase.” She chuckled softly. “But yes. I went there right after graduation. I worked a few jobs here and there between classes to save money. Mostly fast-food and local diners. That sort of thing. But then I started vlogging the dishes I’d make for myself at home, and before I knew it, I had a bunch of followers, and…things sort of took off from there.”

“Vlogging?”

“Yeah, it’s like blogging but with videos instead of just?—”

“No, I know what vlogging is.” Humor shimmered in mesmerizing eyes. “I’m just trying to picture you in front of a lens. You used to be so camera-shy.”

A rush of emotions swept over her. On the one hand, she was secretly thrilled that he even remembered that about her. That he remembered anything about her, really. But on the other, it was just one more reminder of the precious moments that had been casualties of life’s cruel game.

“I never would’ve imagined putting myself out there like that, either. But in this day and age, social media is the fastest way to get noticed. And as much as I disliked the possible perception of being a sell-out, I also knew if I didn’t roll with the ever-changing trends, I’d get left behind.”

“So, how’d you go from being a social media influencer to working for Sloane at the shelter?”

It was the question she’d dreaded answering from the moment he’d unexpectedly reappeared in her life. But she would’ve been a fool to think the subject of what brought her to Seattle wouldn’t come up. And while she’d briefly considered making up a happier story to explain what had led her to move to this part of the country, Scottie ultimately decided to go with the truth.

“About a year and a half ago, I was contacted by an agent with a television production company. Apparently, she’d stumbled across my social media accounts and thought I’d make a good contestant on an up-and-coming reality cooking show.”

“No kidding?” His lips spread into a wide, toothy grin. “Good for you.”

“Yeah, I thought so, too…at the time.”

“Uh, oh.” Chase settled back into his chair, his expression turning a bit more serious. “I take it things didn’t go as planned?”

“Not exactly.” Not even close. “It started out great, but?—”

“Sorry it took me so long to get back to you.” Their server reappeared out of nowhere. “Did you decide what to order?”

Thankful for the temporary respite, Scottie eagerly expressed her desire for the risotto with seared scallops. Chase, on the other hand, went with a sixteen-ounce ribeye, roasted potatoes, and sauteed and stuffed mushrooms. And when the young woman left with their orders in hand, he wasted no time picking up where their conversation had left off.

“So…did you do it?” His gorgeous stare held hers. “Did you do the show?”

“I did.” She reached for her glass of sparkling white wine, tipping its delicate rim to her lips. An onslaught of sweet, tiny bubbles burst against her tongue as she tipped her head back just enough for a modest taste.

Delicious.

“Did you win?”

Scottie shook her head, her smile becoming forced in the process. “Everybody said I was a shoo-in, but I, um…” She paused, pulling her bottom lip nervously between her teeth. “I ended up dropping out before the end of the season.”

Before he could ask why—because the question was already forming in his curious gaze—she quickly shared the bare bones of what happened…

She’d been the victim of a violent stalker. The sick bastard broke into her hotel room and put a gun to her head. He shot her bodyguard, got shot himself, and thankfully ended up getting arrested.

By the time Scottie was finished with the summarized version of the terrifying events, Chase’s expression had turned as hard as stone.

“Here you are…” The young woman approached the table with a steaming plate of delectable-looking food held securely in each hand.

Chase waited patiently, resuming the conversation the minute their server was gone.

“Where is he now?” A muscle in his strong jaw twitched with the grinding of his teeth.

“Locked up in a state-run institution for the criminally insane.” She picked up her fork with the pretense of eating a meal she no longer found appetizing. “The judge gave him two options. Spend the next twenty-five years in a psychiatric hospital…or prison.” Her throat worked to push down the painful memories. “He chose the hospital, and I chose to get as far away from the spotlight as possible.”

And now he knew everything.

Chase sat there, ignoring his food and staring past her with a look so deadly he was almost unrecognizable. The lengthy moment of silence took Scottie’s anxiety level to a near-boiling point.

Just when she thought he’d gone totally catatonic, her dinner date brought a hand to his face, rubbing the dark scruff covering his jaw.

“Jesus, Scottie.” Regret he had no reason feeling warred with the anger in his sapphire stare. “I’m so sorry you went through that. I…I had no idea.”

“Of course, you didn’t.” She rightfully dismissed his remorse. “No one did. That’s how the network wanted it. The network…the guy’s family …” A wealthy family intent on keeping the shame of what he’d done a secret. “And frankly, after that night, that’s exactly how I wanted it, too.”

What she’d really wanted was to disappear. Find a new city. New state. New life.

Her dreams of being rich and famous had been shattered by the reality of how vulnerable she’d been as someone exposed to the public eye. It was a lesson she’d learned hard and fast, but one Scottie knew she’d never ever forget.

No amount of money and fame was worth risking one’s physical safety. Not to her, anyway.

So, she’d picked a new city. She’d chosen a new state. And now, months later, Scottie was finally settling into a life where she could cultivate her passion in a safe and welcoming environment. One where she could give back by helping those far less fortunate than her.

“It’s no wonder you’re hiding out at the shelter.”

Chase’s unexpected comment left Scottie recoiling in surprise. “Who says I’m hiding out?” Her defensive tone was unmistakable.

“It may have been a few years since we’ve seen each other, but I know you, sugar. Becoming a famous chef was always your dream.”

There went that sweet as hell nickname again. She really needed to put a stop to that. But first?—

“Most dreams don’t come true, Chase,” she candidly reminded him. “You should know that as well as anyone. And contrary to what you might think, I’m not hiding out.” She wasn’t . “In the beginning, sure. But not now.”

Not anymore.

“Easy, sweetheart. That wasn’t a dig, and it sure as hell wasn’t meant as an insult. All I meant was that it made sense, you packin’ up and getting away from it all.”

A wave of guilt nearly knocked her out of her seat.

“You’re right,” Scottie offered softly. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m still trying to convince myself that I’m no longer scared of a man who can’t hurt me.”

“You don’t ever have to apologize for defending yourself, Scottie,” he rumbled low. “Not to me. As for the other, you’re right. He can’t hurt you. And now that you’re here, I’ll make damn sure no one else hurts you, either.”

Their eyes locked, and she couldn’t have torn her gaze from his if she’d wanted to. And she really, really didn’t want to.

All too soon, Chase broke the magnetic spell with a blink and quick shake of his head. “So the son of a bitch gets arrested and thrown into the state hospital, and you wind up here. I can’t believe the story hasn’t leaked.”

“The network sprang into action right after the attack. Their attorneys worked their big-money magic, doing everything they could to manage the media fall-out. Including paying the handful of guests and hotel staff who’d witnessed the aftermath for the videos and images they’d taken while waiting for authorities to arrive. The network also paid for those same people’s silence.”

“They had them all sign NDAs,” he surmised correctly.

“They were afraid the negative press would impact the show’s high ratings.”

Chase scoffed. “Of course, they were.”

The roll of his heart-stopping gaze lifted her spirits enough for a genuine smile to form. After giving the food on their plates some attention, Scottie filled him in on more details of her story.

“That same night, I told the network I was done. They tried changing my mind. Attempted to bribe me with money, sponsorships…stuff like that. And they assured me I would be perfectly safe while on set, and that they’d assign two new bodyguards to watch me in my free time. Plus, with the guy in police custody, there was no cause for concern, right? That’s what they kept telling me.”

“But you didn’t believe them.”

Her head slowly slid from side to side. “Logically, I knew they were right. The guy plead out, and was locked up tight with no possibility of being released anytime soon. But still, I just…I couldn’t stand the thought of having all those cameras on me again, you know? The thought of not knowing whether someone else was out there watching me. Waiting in the dark....” She set her fork down, using the black cloth napkin resting in her lap to wipe the corner of her mouth. “That man may not have killed me, but my dream of being in the spotlight died the second I found him standing in my hotel room with that gun.”

“How did you end up working at the shelter?”

“Sloane put out an ad for a head chef on this one employment search app I’d been using. Seattle was far enough from California to give me the space I needed, and I figured a shelter for battered women was as safe a place to work as anywhere else.” She remembered how she’d felt during those first few days at Liberty House. “It’s different for me now, though.”

“Different how?”

“I used to think I had to find fame and fortune to consider myself a success. But the truth is, doing what I do, providing three good, healthy, delicious meals for those staying at the shelter…that’s already been a far greater reward than any of the attention or accolades I received while on the show. Sure, the money I make working for a not-for-profit isn’t nearly as much as if I were the head chef at a fancy restaurant, but it’s enough to cover my bills and keep my cabinets and fridge full.”

“Sounds like you have everything you need.”

It did, didn’t it? Except…

Scottie held his stare, and in a soft almost-whisper, she responded with a quietly spoken, “Almost.”