Page 34 of Bridge to Safety

“Promise?”

“Ugh.” She glared up at him. “Fine. I promise.”

His gaze landed on her lips. What would she do if he kissed her?

Her eyes softened, giving him hope that she’d be receptive to the idea.

The whine of the iron gate swinging open halted him. With an inward groan, he stepped back and faced the gate.

Larson, his face dark, marched toward them. “May I ask what the two of you are doing here?” His gaze landed on Shiloh.

She moved closer to Rowan causing Larson’s face to turn the color of eggplant. “I was walking my dog, seeing all the changes in Misty Hollow, and ended up here. Beautiful gate.”

“I saw Shiloh walking and stopped to say hello.” Rowan forced a smile.

Larson glared his way. “By hugging on the sidewalk where anyone can see? What will people think to see my girl getting so close to another man?”

“I’m not your girl.” Shiloh practically growled the words.

“Oh, my dear. You are sorely mistaken. Please take care in the future. I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Not a very good one.”

He spun back to face her. “Watch it, Shiloh.”

“Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home.” Rowan needed to defuse the situation and fast. He opened the car door. “Get in, Shiloh.”

She huffed and climbed in the passenger seat while Rowan put Peanut in back.

“You look like Rachel when she’s in trouble.”

“Am I in trouble?” She cut him a sideways glance.

“Not yet.” He pulled away from the curb and left Larson watching after them.

“He won’t like that you gave me a ride after he warned you to stay away.” She clicked her seatbelt into place.

“Nope, but I wasn’t going to leave you there.”

They drove the rest of the way in silence. Rowan stopped in front of Shiloh’s house, but she stayed in the car. After a few seconds, she turned to him.

“Were you going to kiss me back there?”

“I really, really wanted to. Would you have minded?”

“No, I think I would’ve like it.” Her lips curled up.

He cupped the back of her head and pulled her close. “Let’s make both of us happy then.” Rowan kissed her softly at first, knowing there would be no going back after the kiss. Then, the kiss deepened as she made a soft sound in her throat and leaned closer. This was everything he’d dreamed of and more.

~

On Duke’s quick trip home to retrieve a tool he’d left, the last thing he expected to see on his security camera was Shiloh in the arms of the deputy. Now, they kissed, completely disregarding his order to stay away from each other.

Duke stormed back to where he’d left his van, blood boiling like a volcano, and sped back to the garage. He had work to do, a living to make. The last thing he needed was a strong-headed woman that needed to be put in her place.

He kicked the tire of a car needing repairs and stalked into his office. Slamming the door, he dropped into his desk, cupping his head with his hands. What could he do to make her see reason?

The dog? Not something he wanted to do. He’d never hurt a dog or a small child. But…he straightened…Shiloh didn’t know that. She thought of him as a monster.

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