Page 36 of Clumsy in Love

His apology inexplicably caused a lump in her throat. She was in trouble. She knew that. But crying wouldn’t do any good and was probably the last thing Cole was equipped to deal with.

To buy some time, she walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, giving herself a chance to swallow the emotion. “It’s not your fault. You want one?” She held up a can of flavored seltzer water.

“Sure.”

In silence, they popped the tops and drank. She took a final look around and sighed. “Let’s get out of here.”

Cole tried to lock the door, but it was broken beyond repair.

“At least it stays shut,” Holly said. “It’ll keep critters from moving in.”

Not in the mood to drive, Holly offered Cole the keys. “Kennel’s only a mile up the road. You mind?”

He shook his head and started the truck. She could only guess what he was thinking. Did he regret coming? Could just one man protect her? What if Cruz had other guys with him?

That line of thought was useless. There was no reason to stress over something she had no control over.

“Barkingham Palace?” Cole chuckled as they drove through the gates. “That’s clever.”

The truck was barely in park before Lady came barreling out from the barn. Holly’s mood lightened instantly at the sight of her joyful dog.

“How’s my baby girl?” Holly cooed as Lady galloped to greet her. Tail wagging furiously, she barked happily as Holly rubbed her head.

“You didn’t mention Lady was a badass German shepherd,” Cole said as Lady gave him a thorough sniffing. “Would she attack to protect you?”

“I’ve never been in a situation to find out.” Holly scratched Lady between the ears. “Honestly, she’s probably more barkthan bite. But if you don’t know her, that bark could be pretty scary.”

Lady barked once and jogged to the pickup.

“Guess she’s excited to go home,” Holly said to Juliet, who’d followed Lady from the barn. “Nothing against your hospitality. I’m sure she means no offense.”

Juliet laughed. “None taken. She does well with the other dogs but is probably ready for some peace and quiet. I heard someone trashed your house. You okay?”

“Seriously?” Cole said under his breath, making Holly laugh.

“I’m fine,” Holly said. “My place, not so much. It’s one reason I wanted to get Lady. She’ll tell me if anyone’s around that’s not supposed to be.”

“This is so scary, Holly. What are you going to do?”

Holly shrugged. “What can I do?”

“Be careful,” Juliet said, wrapping her in a tight hug.

Cole handed Juliet his card. “You should be careful too. Call if you need anything.”

Holly opened the tailgate, and Lady leaped gracefully into the back of the pickup.

After popping into Mariani’s to pick up a large pepperoni, they returned to Farmer Jen’s.

“I heard what happened out at your place,” Jen greeted. “You okay?”

“Man, word travels fast around here,” Cole mumbled.

“We’re fine. Thanks,” Holly said. “Just hungry.”

“Survived your first day of work?” Jen asked Cole, who was digging heartily into the pizza.

“Barely,” Cole said. “Almost got eaten by a bear.”

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