K-9 Defense (HQR Intrigue) by Elizabeth Heiter

Author:Elizabeth Heiter [Heiter, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Violence & Crime Story, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Clean & Wholesome, Suspenseful Fiction, Animal Trainer
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue; Original Edition
Published: 2019-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

She was falling in love with Colter Hayes. A man she barely knew.

It was ridiculous. It shouldn’t even be possible. And yet, her heart thumping madly and her face flushing with the fear he might read her feelings in her eyes told her it was true.

“Kensie.”

The way Colter said her name suggested he’d been repeating it. She jerked her gaze up to his, seeing the mix of confusion and concern.

His hands were braced on the recliner, all the distracting muscles in his arms outlined. “You swayed backward like you lost your balance. I think it might be from hitting your head. Maybe we need to get you to the hospital, get you an MRI.”

How did she explain what had just happened without admitting her newly realized feelings? A burst of nervous laughter escaped.

Colter shoved himself forward, sliding down the recliner. At the motion, his jaw clamped so tightly that his lips turned inward and moisture filled the corners of his eyes. “What’s going on? You need a doctor to check you out.”

Jumping to her feet, Kensie held up a hand. “Stop! Don’t move. I’m fine. I promise. I was just thinking about something and it surprised me. I feel normal, no headache, nothing. I don’t have a concussion.” She stood on one foot and pivoted in a circle. “See? My balance is fine.”

He froze halfway down the recliner, eyes narrowed. “What were you thinking about?”

What could she tell him that was believable but wouldn’t scare him into suggesting she find someone else to help her? Someone she wouldn’t fall for after just a few days?

“Um...”

“Kensie.” This time her name was filled with warning, like he already didn’t believe her.

“I think I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to make up for letting Alanna get kidnapped.” The words that burst from her mouth surprised her. Not the fact that she thought it; she’d realized it while she’d been wandering around town, searching for information on Henry. But it surprised her that she’d shared it.

Colter looked equally surprised. He stayed suspended halfway down the chair, his mouth open in a silent O.

Not wanting him to feel sorry for her—or think she didn’t have a life—she backtracked. “I know it’s not my fault. It’s just survivor’s guilt rearing up.”

Great. Now she sounded like one of the psychiatrists her parents had insisted she see as a teenager.

“Of course it’s not your fault.”

Colter sounded almost offended by the idea, but he must have believed her, because his biceps bulged out again and then he hauled himself back up the chair. Leaning against the headrest, he closed his eyes, exhaustion in the slump of his shoulders and the way his chest heaved from the effort.

She hoped he’d drop the topic, but when his eyes opened again, they were soft, understanding.

“Why isn’t your family here with you, Kensie? Helping you search for Alanna?”

It wasn’t the question she’d expected him to ask and she felt herself flush for a new reason now. She didn’t want him to think her family was mean or uncaring.

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