Page 82 of Her Rugged Guardian

“No, of course not,” I managed, but my words came a little too quickly. “Muscles aching from all that he-man exercise?”

“Very funny and yes. It’s been a long time since I’ve used certain tendons.”

“Maybe you need a hot shower.” I squeezed my fingers around his muscles, moving one hand to his neck, sliding the other over his shoulder. The sick feeling remained in my stomach. So did the questions.

He wrapped his hand around mine, pulling it to his lips. There was such a tenderness in the man that his subtle gestures were what took my breath away. The explosion of heat alone was enough to keep me tingling.

“I think a shower is exactly what I need,” he answered, the husky sound entirely too thrilling.

I lifted my head, taking a deep breath as the tingles became more intense. The sight of Malcolm staring at us was enough to rile me, but this time his glare was malevolent.

“Why don’t we just go?” I suggested, trying to keep my tone light. If I didn’t, I had a feeling there’d be an altercation inside the restaurant and that’s the last thing either one of us needed.

“I ordered dessert.”

“We can take it to go. I’d really like to get in that shower.”

He turned his head, his expression questioning. “O-kay. That’s fine with me if you’re certain.”

“Oh, I’m certain.” When I looked again, Malcolm had disappeared, but I knew he remained lurking in the shadows. What was his point? Just to terrify me? It wasn’t going to work, at least not completely. However, maybe I’d need to do a little investigation into the man myself. Why was it that a hint of fear remained?

“Okay. What’s going on?” He pulled me around to face him.

“Why would anything be wrong?”

“Did something happen?” He kept one hand on mine, using the other to try to flag the waiter.

“No, of course not.”

He immediately stood, turning slightly so he could see the main restaurant. “What is it? Do not lie to me, Cass. Did someone bother you?”

I chewed on my lower lip. “I’ll tell you later.”

The waiter suddenly appeared. “What can I get for you, sir?”

“The check.”

“I have it right here.” The young man handed the bill to Jake and within seconds, he’d pulled out several bills.

“Keep the change,” Jake all but snarled.

“Thank you, sir. Have a good evening.”

The dessert was all but forgotten and I couldn’t care less. A lump had formed in my throat. Jake pulled me closer. “You will tell me now.”

“No. Come on. Let’s just go.” I managed to break away from him, moving quickly toward the door leading into the restaurant. Only when I felt Jake’s hand on my back did I feel a little bit at ease. There were so many people inside, the music louder than before, or maybe I was drowning in fear that I’d tried to shove aside. By the time we made it to the door heading to the parking lot, I was close to panicking.

Jake said nothing as he walked us through the several rows of cars to his truck. I continually scanned the parking lot, the same eerie feeling keeping me on edge.

He stopped me only a few feet away from his Ram, pulling me around to face him. “What is going on, Cass? You’re shivering.”

I shook my head. “Malcolm was in the restaurant.”

“What?”

“Yeah, he threatened me. He said crazy things like my mother’s death hadn’t been from cancer. He mentioned Moose. He didthat to my baby. I know it. God.” I hated the terrified sound of my voice.

“What did you say?” He wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, his entire face like stone.

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