Page 27 of Bridge to Safety

“I’ll take the special.” Rowan returned the menu to the server. “I’m a sucker for pork chops.”

“That sounds good. I’ll take the same.” Shiloh handed the menu back unread. “Add a burger patty for my dog, please.”

“Can I play with Peanut?” Rachel slid from her seat.

“Of course.” Shiloh smiled her way. “She loves playing with you.”

Once his daughter was out of earshot, Rowan’s grin faded. “What happened today?”

“I’m sure it’s nothing. Really.” She picked at a stain on the wooden table, scraping it with her fingernail.

He put his hand over hers. “You don’t have to tell me, but I’m here if you need someone to talk to. You know that, right?”

She nodded and sighed. “I fell asleep by the lake and woke to Peanut barking. When I went to investigate, I found the path strewn with rose petals that led to the parking lot. I’m sure it was just a marriage proposal.”

He straightened. “You didn’t see any sign of Larson or his van?”

“No. Besides, why would he hide?” The man didn’t have a problem approaching her.

His gaze remained locked on hers for several seconds before answering. “I spoke with June Mayfield regarding Duke and his family.”

“What? Why?” Goosebumps broke out on her arms. “You could ignite a fire, Rowan.”

“So I’ve heard.” He crossed his arms. “Are there other women, Shiloh?”

She hitched her chin, eyes flashing. “I believe so, yes.”

“Would they come forward?”

“I doubt it. They haven’t yet.”

“Will you give me their names?”

She shook her head. “They wish to remain in the background. Why do you care about something that happened so long ago?”

“Because crimes were committed, and no justice was served. As law enforcement, it’s my job—”

“Don’t worry about the past. It’s over and done with. Let’s work on convincing Duke I don’t want to be his girlfriend.” That word sounded so high schoolish coming from her lips.

Rowan didn’t look convinced. “I’m not going to stop trying to find a way to put Larson behind bars for what he did to you.”

Tears stung her eyes. “It was a long time ago. I’ve moved past all that pain.” Liar. The pain and fear burned as raw today as fifteen years ago.

“I care about you, Shiloh. No one should’ve had to go through what you went through.”

“I agree, but I did, and I’m stronger for it.” She sat back to allow room for the server to set her food in front of her. “Peanut.” She tossed the dog a burger as Rachel climbed onto the bench next to her father. Her heart warmed to know Rowan cared for her, but Shiloh couldn’t let digging up a very unpleasant past disrupt the new life she’d made for herself. Best to concentrate on keeping Duke at arm’s length until reality sunk in.

While they ate, she regaled Rowan with tales of her students, taking comfort from the warmth of his laughter at some of the kids’ shenanigans. “Hopefully, they won’t grow up to take rides in your car.”

“I take rides in Daddy’s car.” Rachel frowned. “It’s fun. Sometimes, I turn on the lights.”

“Shh. That’s a secret.” He winked at Shiloh. “I don’t think the sheriff would approve, but it doesn’t make sense to go home and switch vehicles just to pick her up from school, then switch back when I return to work.”

“It probably doesn’t matter in a small town like Misty Hollow.” After all, folks weren’t as uptight as in some places. When she was finished eating, she tossed her napkin on her plate. “I’d best head home. I have papers to grade.”

“Thank you for joining us.”

“It’s better than eating alone.” She smiled and got to her feet. Shiloh slowed as she passed the neighbor’s house at the top of the hill. Something didn’t look right. She stopped and stared at the front door left open a few inches. It didn’t mean anything, right? The couple had most likely stepped out to do some yard work.

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