Page 16 of Sworn to Protect

He glances at the pile of books and shifts his weight. “I need to go.”

“Thanks again for helping.”

“I’m glad I could help.” With those words, he gathers his tools and leaves abruptly.

What on earth happened?

We went from casual talking to me standing in his wake. Confusion and wariness flood my mind as I process how to feel. The broody, mysterious man is back. Trust me, Nate Dixon, by the time we’re through, I will figure you out.

CHAPTER SEVEN

NATE

It’s an easy choice,Nate. Just do it.

The road leading out of Naperville is simply a matter of turning left. One left crank, and I can be far away from this town. But here I am, sitting at the stop sign, contemplating my choices. When I returned from my morning jog, I had been dead set on leaving. Once showered and packed, I made the decision. Being in her house yesterday, being that close to her, was a mistake. No, not a mistake—her issues needed fixing—but I can’t risk getting closer to her. I liked helping her out a little too much. I’m a man. Satisfying a woman is built into me. It’s that simple. Nothing more.

But it was so much more.

I could relax and be myself for the first time in a long time. It was . . . freeing. And Mackenzie’s oldest son? God, Liam was so curious, firing question after question at me. Ethan constantly complained about how home life drove him crazy and hated the downtime between tours. I don’t see how he could’ve had those thoughts. The small slice I tasted seemed like pure nirvana. I couldn’t ever see wanting to leave that life. Wanting to leave her.

Which is why I need to get the hell out of here.

I can’t risk getting more deeply involved.

Besides, Mackenzie is taking care of herself justfine. She has a solid plan. That’s all the evidence I need to leave town with a clear conscience. My debt is paid in full.

Unease crawls up my spine and chokes my throat. My sudden need to escape has nothing to do with Mackenzie’s ability to care for herself and everything to do with me. The moment her son shot me that expression—the same cocky expression I’ve grown to know quite well these last few years. The same face I saw take its very last breath—I knew I had to squash any feelings for her. And fast. My friend is dead because of me. I can’t form an attraction to his widow.

That isn’t allowed.

A beeping horn sounds behind me and jars me to the present. I glance to the left and curse as I turn the steering wheel to the right. One cup of coffee to go won’t hurt. Neither will one last check to make sure Mackenzie is okay.

I park the truck outside the café and stare at the large glass panes that line the front of Brewed Awakening.Why the hell can’t I seem to leave this town?If I was waiting for an answer to that question, I wouldn’t have waited long. It presents itself the moment I step inside, and her warm smile greets me, knocking me back down a few steps. I’m totally screwed when it comes to this woman.

“Black coffee?”

“To go.”

She eyes me as she takes my money. “I washed dishes without getting soaked for the first time since moving into the house. Thanks again for fixing the faucet and toilet.”

I grunt. Why did I think coming here was a good idea? I need to cut ties and ride on out of here. I watch her backside as she pours my cup in a to-go container. Her slim figure. Hair pulled up, exposing the creamy skin. I stand straighter and try not to think about brushing my lips against all that creaminess as I sidle up against her backside. The soft curves of her hips grinding against my groin. Shit.

“Have you figured out your sitter situation yet?” Jill asks as she comes from thebackroom.

My ears perk up at the exasperated sigh Mackenzie lets out. A warning that screams for me to ignore whatever comes from her mouth. She’s in a good place. She can handle whatever is tossed her way.

“Sort of. I asked Sandy but haven’t gotten a definite answer yet.”

“I’m sorry I can’t help, but your class lands on the only night I’m not free.”

“I know. And I appreciate you wanting to help. Mom volunteered to cancel their trip, but they sacrificed enough for me. I want them to go and enjoy themselves.”

The need to escape wars with doing the right thing. Those vibrant green eyes flash toward me as she hands me my cup of coffee. All my resolve fades. Any restraint on my part dissolves the moment I open my mouth. “You need help with the kids?”

“Sort of. Most of my classes are online, but I have to drive to the city for my clinical one night a week.” She shakes her head. “I’m sure Sandy will come through for me.”

“I can do it.” The words fly from my mouth before I can think. But honestly, who am I kidding? Of course, I’m going to help her out. I can lie to myself all I want, but protecting her is what I’ve sworn to do. If that protection comes in the form of babysitting, then so be it. I’ll help in any way.

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