Page 17 of Her Protective Lumberjack

“You were amazing,” Trace says as Rocky pads toward us. “Should have seen what he did, Chloe. He got right up on his back paws and jumped on the guy. Knocked him straight down to the ground.”

“Wow! You’re kidding?”

“Nope.” Trace smiles affectionately down at his dog. “He saved the day.”

“Aw, Rocky! My hero.” I kneel on the floor and throw my arms around the dog, showering him with affection until his tail wags wildly. As Trace reaches out a hand to stroke him, I notice his knuckles are still red and swollen from punching the intruder. I grab an ice pack from the kitchen, and when I sit back on the couch, Trace is watching me, his brow furrowed like he’s deep in thought.

“What is it?” I ask, taking his hand in mine and holding the ice pack against it.

“Your dad’s coming.”

“I know.” My heart flutters nervously. I have a feeling I know where this conversation is going.

“We’ll have to tell him the truth,” Trace says. “I can’t hide my feelings for you, Chloe, especially not after tonight.” He shakes his head, looking pained. “Anything could have happened. I could have lost you.”

“But you didn’t,” I tell him. “I’m safe, thanks to you and Rocky.”

The thought of telling my dad the truth makes my tummy twist with nerves. I don’t know how he’ll react, and I’m scared he’ll feel like I’ve betrayed him. It sure feels like I have. But I know Trace is right: it’s time to come clean and tell the truth. I was almost kidnapped tonight, and somehow, that helps put everything into perspective. No matter how mad my dad is about Trace and me, I know his relief that I’m safe will overshadow his anger toward us. Sure, he can be grumpy, overprotective, alittle secretive maybe, but he’s an amazing dad, and I’ve never doubted his love for me.

“You’re right,” I say with a deep exhale. “We have to tell the truth.”

Trace leans over to kiss my forehead, then my nose, finally settling on my lips. The familiar scratch of his beard makes me smile against his mouth, but when I pull back, I can’t help noticing how bloodshot Trace’s eyes look, red and glazed with exhaustion.

“When was the last time you slept?” I ask him.

“Good question. I can’t remember.” He rubs his eyes. “I’ve been keeping watch at night, just in case. Turns out it was the right thing to do.”

“Oh, Trace.” My heart swells with affection for him. “I appreciate it. Thank you. But my dad won’t be here for another ten hours at least. Why don’t you get some sleep?”

He’s obviously worn out, but his expression remains stubborn. “I’m not going to risk it. How do we know Mercer didn’t send another guy when the first one didn’t report back to him?” He shakes his head. “It’s not worth it, princess. I’ll sleep when you’re safe and not a second before.”

I snuggle up to him, wondering what I did to deserve the sexiest, most protective man in the world. “Well, if we’re not going to sleep, how about I get us both a slice of cherry pie?”

Trace smiles. “Sounds perfect.”

It’slate afternoon by the time my dad arrives. I hear his truck and immediately barrel out of the cabin. When he gets out, I throw my arms around him, and he hugs me back tight. It’s only been a few days, but it feels like longer. So much has happened.So much has changed since he dropped me off at Trace’s cabin that night.

“Are you okay?” Dad asks, checking me over with concern in his eyes. “Did that bastard hurt you?”

“I’m fine, Dad. Trace got to him first.”

He nods, then his face crumples. “I’m so sorry, Coco. When I called Trace, I never imagined they would manage to trace his phone.”

“It’s not your fault, Dad. There’s nobody to blame except Will Mercer and his friends.” I smile at him. “You did the right thing by sending me here. You were right to trust Trace.”

He nods, patting my shoulder. “I need to go and thank him. I owe him big time.” He looks at me for a moment longer, scrutinizing me as if expecting to find hidden wounds or injuries, before finally heading into the cabin where Trace and Rocky are waiting. He makes a beeline for Trace and pulls him into a hug, slapping him hard on the back.

“Thank you for protecting my daughter.” He pulls back to look at his old friend. “I owe you more than I can say.”

Trace nods, his eyes flickering to me. “Anytime, Roman. She’s worth it.”

My dad nods, reaching down to pet Rocky, who is begging for his attention. While he’s distracted, Trace joins me, murmuring in my ear, “Ready, beautiful?”

My throat constricts, anxiety squeezing me tight, but I force myself to whisper back, “As I’ll ever be. But let me tell him. He should hear it from me.”

Trace frowns, silently asking if I’m sure. I nod.

“I can’t stay long,” Dad says, straightening up. “Need to head over to the Crave County Sheriff’s Office and see how we can work together on this. But I had to see you first, Coco.”

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