Page 42 of Her Rugged Guardian

Ugh. Thoughts of the cupcakes swam into my mind.

There was something so sad about the way she spoke the words, and when she glanced out the window I was able to see a glimpse of her soul. Still, I sensed she wanted me to ask what she was talking about. I just couldn’t do that to either myself or to Jake. He and I weren’t friends. I doubt we’d ever be.

“I get it. We all have demons.”

“I know, dear. There isn’t any of us alive who doesn’t. He likes you. I can tell that. He needs someone decent to care about.”

I wasn’t certain what to say. I liked him too, but I wasn’t going down the road of wrecking anyone’s life.

Including mine.

Again.

There was no way I could deal with that a second time.

“Anyway, your order won’t take very long. I’ll be right back. Don’t forget. It’s on the house.”

“I couldn’t do that.”

“I insist.” Millie winked.

“One more question.”

“Of course, dear.”

“Did my mother ever mention someone watching her house? Maybe following her?”

“No. Never. This isn’t DC. We have very few crimes. Even Mr. Robinson did his ugly deed out of town. All we have are a few scuffles and the occasional drunk driver. You’re safe here.”

Safe.

The word had never seemed foreign to me before, but everything that had occurred over the last two months had taken that away from me. Maybe coming here had been all about finding that center once again, not feeling as if everything I did was under scrutiny.

“Are you okay, dear? You look a little pale,” Millie said, snagging me away from the bad memories.

“Just hungry.”

The older woman laughed. “I might not be able to solve all the problems of this world, but chasing hunger I can do. I’ll be right back.”

“If it doesn’t bother you, I think I want both cheeseburgers to go. I want to enjoy my first real Depoe Bay feast with my pup.”

“You’re a good soul. You know what they say, right? Never trust someone who doesn’t love animals. So you know, Jake adores dogs.” She winked and I shook my head. “And before I forget it. If you have any of your mother’s plum wine I’d like to purchase a couple cases. We’re running low.”

“That I think I can do.”

Millie clapped her hands.

As she walked away, I sensed her happiness. That’s what I wanted for me. Maybe coming to this town was exactly what I’d needed.

Even if there was no way I could be with a man like Jake.

Less than twenty minutes later I arrived home, the scent of the burgers wafting into my nostrils the entire time making me crazy with hunger. I headed to the door, finding it easier to smile more than before. I would turn this beautiful place into my home no matter how much work it took. I grabbed the to-go bags and my purse, leaving the mail for later. There was more spring to my step than usual and I bounded up the porch stairs, sliding the key into the lock. When it turned easily, I was reminded of Jake all over again.

Now I was thankful he’d replaced the lock.

I expected Moose to bound into the entrance foyer as soon as I came home. He was the happiest pup, eager to see his Mommy dog. When I stepped inside, everything seemed way too quiet. It was possible he was sleeping. His entire schedule had been off the last few days. Still, a strange feeling settled over me. “Moose!”

I’d never noticed how much sound echoed in the old place. I also hadn’t paid attention to just how eerie everything was but my skin was crawling.

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