Page 11 of Sworn to Protect

“Finally, getting those tires, are you?”

Mackenzie whips around, her eyes widening in surprise appreciation before narrowing.

“Nate, what are you doing here?” Suspicion laces her voice.

Great. Add stalker tendencies to my growing list of attributes regarding this woman.

I point to my truck out in the parking lot. “They fixed my air conditioner.”Finally.

“Oh. That’s right.” Her eyes trace along my body before she blinks as if she realizes what she’s doing. I can’t stop the smirk playing across my lips. I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ve smiled more around her this past week than in the past decade.

“So, your car’s all set?”

“Yes, they’re pulling it out now.” She tilts her head, eyebrows furrowing as if she’s contemplating something. Or she’s too reluctant to ask. After a beat, she finds her courage. “Is the offer to fix my faucet still open?”

“Of course, but you never texted the address.” The harshness in my statement surprises me. I need to tone down my irritation.

She bites her lips and averts her gaze. “Yeah, it’s been a busy afternoon.”

“I get it. You don’t know me.”

“It’s not that. It’s just . . .” Mackenzie’s voice trailsoff.

“It’s fine. I understand.” I dip my head to meet her gaze. “I’m here to help, though.”

Her brows pull together. “Why?”

Because your husband, that I got killed, asked me to.I have to bite back the truth. She won’t have anything to do with me if I speak those words. So, I justify the lie of omission by telling myself I won’t be in town long. I’m gone once I carry out Ethan’s wishes, and she’s settled. But to where is still in question. “That’s just how I’m wired.”

Her skepticism softens as appreciation coats those green eyes. Our bodies gravitate toward each other a fraction as the air shifts between us. Her hand lands on my forearm, and a million thoughts float through my mind. All of them wrong. “Thanks.”

“Ms. Gillman, you’re all set.” The owner’s voice snaps the spell between us as he returns and dangles her keys in his hand. I shift to her left as the door chimes, signaling another customer.

“Thanks, Hank. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. I am sorry to hear about Ethan. You and the kids going to be okay?”

I watch as her back stiffens. She immediately starts spinning her ring as guilt slams into me. What am I doing? I cannot be having those nefarious thoughts about my best friend’s widow.

“Thanks. It’s hard, but we’re doing the best we can.” She grabs her keys and turns back to me, her expression unreadable. “Is tomorrow too soon?”

“I’ll be there.”

An awkward beat passes before Mackenzie nods and turns to leave. It isn’t until Hank calls my name that I realize how hard I’m staring after her.

“Ah, yes.” I whip out my credit card to pay. “I appreciate you fixing it.”

“If you have any more problems, let me know.” He hands over my keys and yells to a guy who follows in behind Mackenzie. I’d place him in his upper twenties. “Let me go check on your Volvo.”

“I’m in no hurry.” The guy steps toward me with an outstretched hand. “You must be Nate, the new guy in town.”

I narrow my eyes and wonder how this guy knows my name. His genuine smile and relaxed demeanor make it seem like we’re old pals, but I’ve never met this guy. I know the town is small, but damn. I feel as if I’ve stepped onto theHart of Dixieset. Except, vineyards paint the landscape instead of Bluebell’s southern flowers. Realizing I’m being rude, I find my manners and shake his hand.

“Nate Dixon.” My voice comes across more stilted than anticipated, but considering I’ve been in town for less than a week, I don’t like being addressed by name. “I’m Mark Morgan. I’ve heard through the grapevine you’re staying at The Cabins. How long are you in town?”

“Not for long.”

“Just passing through?”

---