Page 1 of Guardian

Chapter One

Daphne

A cool breeze carries the scent of pine through the forest as I sit on a nearby rock to contemplate the entirety of my existence. It sounds dramatic, but lately, the turquoise river and the towering trees are where I feel safest. I suppose it’s the natural hug the forest offers, or maybe there’s something in the song of the birds that relaxes me. Either way, this is where I’ve sat every Saturday morning for six months. For the most part, this section of the woods is quiet. I think it’s due to the river crossing halfway up the trail. Most folks like the worn path that carries them up to the falls. The old me preferred that track as well. There’s a gorgeous waterfall with a forty-foot drop that spills into the rocky, blue river. It’s one of the best views in Rugged Mountain, and people come from all over the place to get pictures. That said, it’s crowded, and the new me likes life a little more isolated lately, which is why the sound of crunching leaves tightens my chest. I like solitude, and I don’t want to deal with the small talk that comes with running into someone on a trail.

I turn back quickly, ready to awkwardly stare down whoever’s decided to disturb my quiet little perch of perfection, but instead, I’m enamored, which is something that doesn’t usually happen.

“Morning.” A giant man crunches through the woods toward me. He wears red flannel, a baseball cap, and his beard is nearly gray. I’d guess he’s in his early fifties, but the bulging biceps confuse me. I’m not sure I’ve seen a man his age look… so jacked.

“Morning,” I say with a sigh as the newest member of my family begins barking uncontrollably. “Sorry. I just adopted him this weekend. We’re still working on our manners.”

The man smiles and bends down to pet the German Shepherd I thought I could handle. “What’s his name?”

“Rocky.” I don’t add much because I’m not looking for conversation. But if I were talking, I’d tell him I didn’t choose his name. It was the name the shelter found on his tag.

“Rocky.” The man bends forward and scratches the dog between the ears. “He’s sweet.”

“No, he’s not sweet. I’ve only had him for three days and he’s already torn up my garden, dug a hole under the fence, and scratched up the front door.”

The goliath straightens and crosses his arms, further showing off his bulging biceps. “A dog like this needs loads of exercise. You letting him off leash every day?”

I roll my eyes to the side and back again. I want to beveryobvious about how displeasing I’m finding this conversation. “I exercise him plenty. Thanks.”

“Doesn’t sound like you do if he’s digging up your yard and destroyin’ property. Maybe you needed something smaller, like a lapdog.”

I laugh. “You’ve known me for thirty seconds and you’re telling me what I need?”

He cocks a half smile and brushes his square hand down over his face. “I trained dogs for the police. I retired from the force a year ago. It’s how I stay involved. This dog isn’t a house dog. He’s never going to sit on the couch and listen to you cry about your feelings.”

What the hell is up with this dude?“Well,” I grin and roll my eyes, ignoring the way his broad shoulders widen when he talks, “I’ve never been good at choosing.”

He glances down at my hand. “Recent divorce?”

“That obvious?”

“You’ve got that white circle of wisdom still shinin’ on your hand. Mine faded years ago.”

“White circle of wisdom?”I glance down at my hand and notice the pale white skin where my wedding ring once sat. It’s been six months. How is that still there, and why is this man still talking to me? I hop down off the rock and clutch Rocky’s leash tight against my leg. He hates walking on the leash, and I’m sure I’m going to get a lecture about how I’m walking him all wrong, but the sooner I get out of here, the better off my mental health will be.

“You know you should hold the leash closer to yo—”

“Look,” I glance toward the man, ready to spew every frustration I’ve had with the last six months in his direction, “it’s my day to relax. It’s my day to come out into the woods and forget every trouble I have. I didn’t ask your opinion, and I don’t need your help.”

He holds up his hands as though I’m robbing him of his right to speak. “Okay… sorry. Just thought I’d help. Can I ask where he was living before you adopted him?”

Yes, because my previous statement definitely alluded to me being interested in more questions. “Why?”

“Just curious.” The man brushes his big hand down over his beard and shrugs.

Why is he so attractive, why is he still talking to me, and why am I about to answer?

I let out a heavy breath and roll my eyes as though I’m annoyed by the conversation I’m willingly about to continue. Apparently, I’m more desperate for connection than I thought. “The shelter lady told me they found him wandering the highway outside the range. He was near starvation, covered in fleas, and severely dehydrated. They nursed him back to health, and clearly, he has a new lease on life now.”

Rocky tugs on the leash, trying to get closer to the man who smells like some kind of musk I can’t describe. Whatever it is, it’s rugged, masculine, and a little intoxicating.

“Anyway, we should go. I’ve got a—”

“Let me help you. Most of the dogs I train are German Shepherds. I can have this guy sittin’ on the couch next to you if that’s what you want, though he’s going to need a lot of exercise first.”

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