Page 12 of Sworn to Protect

“Helping a friend.”

His eyebrows rise, and I realize my mistake in referencing Mackenzie as a friend.

“Oh. I wasn’t aware you knew people in town.”

“I don’t.” I come across as a prick, but I don’t care right now. This guy knows nothing about me, yet he thinks he does. “Someone needed roadside assistance on my way into town. It seems she needs other things serviced as well.”

Why the fuck am I offering this information to this guy?

“Oh, yes. Mackenzie.” He drags the words out as he studies me, and I realize how suggestive my phrasing sounds.Other things serviced. Christ.

“You sure you don’t know how long you’ll stay in Naperville?”

“Positive.” That’s partially true. I should be gone by tomorrow evening once I fix her plumbing issues.

Mark whips out a business card from his back pocket like a ninja. Kudos to him for being prepared. “I suggest spending a few days here. The town has a way of grabbing hold of you. If you find a place in Naperville to plant roots, call me. I can set you up. Otherwise, I hope to run into you again.”

I take the card and read the label Mark’s Reality. Well, that’s one call I’ll never reference. I suppress the threatening grin. “Thanks, Mark. I’ll keep this in mind.” I tuck the card, which I have no intention of using, inside my wallet to appease the over-friendly stranger.

“Mark, your car’s set to go.”

He nods and turns back to me. “I’ll let you get back to it. But here’s a hint. If you’re replacing the fill valve, pack a hacksaw. Some of these new ones are set lower than the overflow pipe. You may need to shorten the overflow.” Mark winks and saunters toward Hank.

I stand dumbfounded. How the hell did he know I was fixing Mackenzie’s toilet? Exactly how small is this town? A little dazed, I exit and drive to Ace Hardware.

But as I stare at the plumbing parts and contemplate which fill valve to buy, I can’t help but wonder what the hell I’m doing. I’m a surgeon, not a plumber, but I can surely fix a leaky toilet. I grab various toilet guts, including a fill valve, and head to the tool section. The over-friendly guy may be nosey, but the bastard makes a valid point. I’ll need the correct tools. After the way my body reacted to seeing her again, I fear having the right equipment still won’t get me out of that house quickly enough.

CHAPTER SIX

MACKENZIE

“Mom, that guy is here,”Liam’s voice rings through the house.

My body tenses but feels at odds with the adrenaline coursing through my veins.Nate actually showed.

“I’ll be right there,” I holler as my gaze quickly sweeps the bathroom for anything out of place before rushing to the living room. I had half-expected Nate not to show up. Call me cynical, but I’m still gun-shy from all the times Ethan promised to fix something but never did. I understood to a point as to why. With him constantly gone, the household tasks fell on me. But occasionally, it would’ve been nice to receive help. Or at least for him to follow through with his promises.

I’m unsure how to feel about a man showing up to help.

Rubbing my hands along my pants, I take a deep breath and try to compose myself. But my heart pounds in my ears, and my tongue feels like sandpaper as I wet my dry lips. A glass of water would be nice right now. Anything to relieve this sudden anxiety.

Why am I even entertaining the idea of comparing the two? Nate isn’t Ethan. And he’s only here to fix a toilet. That’s all. Nothing else. This isn’t anything other than a stranger who felt the need to help.

But he showed.

When I reach the door and swing it open, all sensibility flies out the window. Because holy hell, the man in front of me is fine-looking. He stands tall with his back turned towards me and hands in the pockets of his worn-out jeans. The afternoon light filters through the trees, outlining every inch of him. And suddenly, I feel foolish for doubting him.

Nate turns around and graces me with a warm smile. “Heard you’re having plumbing issues.”

I can’t help but smile back. “You could say that.”

“I’ve brought the tools to fix that.” He reaches for the bucket by his feet as I quirk an eyebrow.

“You thought of everything, huh?”

He shrugs. “Like to be prepared.”

“Well, come on then, Mr. Fix It.” I turn to have him follow. “Who am I to turn down free help?”

---