Page 35 of Stalked at Rescue Ridge

What she’d had with Zeke was totally different from what she felt for Kade. But then, she’d never feltthatfor anyone but him. She’d dated around and had almost gotten engaged once. But then Kade had come home to visit his sister, and she’d bumped into him at the park. Chloe had just had her child, and he was holding her son in his arms. The sight of that man with a baby in his arms had released a thousand butterflies in her stomach. He had—still had—one of those devastating smiles that proved lethal when it came to seducing her. One look from Kade sent her pulse racing. Not feeling anything close to that with the man whose proposal she’d been considering had made her realize she would never be able to take his ring.

Glancing at Kade now, her heart stuttered. She needed to let him in on the secret Zeke convinced her to keep from his best friend. She only prayed she could find the right words and not shatter his world a second time. Finding out his best friend had lied would add insult to injury.

She had to find a way to tell him.

When the time was right.

Bree had beenquiet most of the way to the fishing cabin. Kade couldn’t tell whether she was too tired for conversation or at a loss for words. There was so much he needed to know about her, her and Zeke’s relationship, and about the child she was carrying. He wasn’t usually much for words when spending time with the opposite sex, but it had always been different with Bree.

He pulled into the convenience store parking lot and parked. “I’d rather you stay in the truck. I’ll lock up. It’s best if no one sees you.”

“Okay.” She leaned the seat back.

He hesitated.

“I’ll be okay.” Even with her chin up, her voice said the opposite was true. He admired her courage, and his heart took another hit at her bravery.

“This won’t take long.” Kade hopped out of the truck and hit the key fob to lock the doors. He gathered a few necessities: coffee, milk, that blueberry parfait yogurt she liked. He picked out something to make for dinner before checking out in record time and returning to his vehicle.

For those few minutes Bree was out of sight, his heart thundered in his chest, and he could hardly breathe. Leaving town at any point in the future didn’t seem like the best idea anymore. Maybe he could stay through the holidays until Bree got settled again, and he had enough time to spend with Chloe before moving on. It would give him a chance to figure out this co-parenting arrangement that needed to happen.

“That was quick.” Bree sat up and glanced around at the parking lot, which was thankfully empty.

“Got enough to get us through the night.” The thought they’d be spending the night under the same roof hit him. It should seem odd, especially under the circumstances, but it felt like the most natural thing. Seeing the vulnerability in those beautiful eyes of hers and how much his heart ached being with her again reminded him just how much of a jerk he’d been when he’d had the chance with her months ago. He’d blown that all to hell, which wasn’t a shock. Kade handled serious relationships about as often as a hot stove. He didn’t touch either one. However, this feeling of regret was new to him. Kade had always stayed in thenow.He didn’t look back, didn’t regret—not until her.

Kade navigated back onto the farm road. Twenty minutes later, he pulled up next to the cabin.

“Are there any other cabins nearby?” Bree asked.

“Not for miles. The lake is a ten-minute walk, and my buddy owns three acres. We have no neighbors, which should give you and Kimbro a chance to get to know each other without other distractions.” He hopped out of the cab and hurried around to the passenger side to help her out. Bruised and cut, her face was still as beautiful as ever. Her shiny blond hair cascaded down her back. Her eyes were his favorite color of brown—dark, rich—and they faltered when she took his outstretched hand. She was smart and successful. Funny when times were lighter. And she had this smile that beamed and made him think the world was a better place than it was. Made him think he was a better person than he was when it was aimed at him.

The proof he was losing what was left of his mind came in the form of the fact that he had feelings—real feelings—for his dead best friend’s fiancée. To make matters worse, she was pregnant with Kade’s baby even though her heart belonged to Zeke. And here, Kade believed he didn’t “do” complicated.

After helping her out of the vehicle, he walked her to the door and punched in the code to unlock it. “I better go in first, just in case Kimbro isn’t happy to see us.”

Bree was practically glued to his back as he linked their fingers together. He flipped on the light and took a couple of steps into the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen, all the while searching for Kimbro.

A low growl sounded from a dark corner of the living room. Kade led Bree into the kitchen where his sister had left some dog food and treats.

“He’s in a new environment. His injury most likely makes him feel vulnerable.” Kade noticed his sister had put out a water bowl. The food bowl was on the counter, empty.

He poured the kibble into the bowl. The dry chunks made achink, chinknoise against the metal bowl. He lifted the bowl to his nose and took a sniff. “That’s God-awful. We can do a helluva lot better than this.”

He retrieved the food bags from the truck and cooked up some of the ground beef he’d bought. He sprinkled the beef on top of the dry food as he scanned the room.

The dog had stopped growling but was in a defensive posture curled up in the corner. He looked tired and a little scared. From what Kade could tell, Kimbro was a beautiful animal. He had the markings of a German Shepherd, an all-black snout, and serious eyes.

“Easy, boy,” Kade summoned his most calming voice. Any sudden movement might put the dog back on guard. He glanced toward Bree, who was putting away food items. She moved fluidly and easily despite the basketball-sized belly she carried around.

“He needs a new name.” Bree had stopped and was studying the animal. “For a new life.”

“Good idea.” The animal was alert and had that concerned look on his face that Kade figured came standard with German Shepherds.

Halfway across the room, Kade crouched low on his heels. The dog had started his low growl again, and Kade didn’t want the animal to feel cornered. That’s when a frightened dog became a dangerous one. Growing up in Saddle Junction, he’d spent his childhood around animals. He knew when to push and when to back off.

Kade set the food bowl down and slid it toward the seventy-five-pound animal. Hungry eyes stared back at him, taking in Kade and Bree with caution. “I know, big guy. You’ve had a long day. But you’re fine now. You’re gonna be okay.”

“He’s beautiful. I can’t help but think he looks so dignified and regal. I’ve always thought German Shepherds were the most beautiful dogs. What do you think about calling him Rinty after Rin Tin Tin?”

---