Page 17 of Colorado K-9 Rescue

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Mckenna tilted her head up. “Thank you for not only believing me, thank you for not making me feel like I’m some broken toy that needs to be glued back together.”

Evan hesitated and then said what had been on his mind for the past couple of days. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. Look what you’re doing to help others. Not many people could do your job after what you’ve been through. I would never think you were weak or broken. I think you’re amazing.”

Mckenna came closer, her hands now resting on his chest. His heart pounded and he stopped thinking and trying to talk himself out of being with her. Taking her face in his hands, he leaned over and kissed her, starting out slow and tentatively, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she lifted one hand, placing it behind his head, bringing him closer, her soft lips crushing hard against his. The world stopped for a moment and a shock went through Evan as he explored the kiss deeper and deeper until they parted.

What the hell are you doing? But how amazing was that?

Evan searched Mckenna’s eyes, wondering if he’d gone too far, but instead, she pulled him in again, this time with no hesitation.

CHAPTER 12

Mckenna lost track of time. For a brief second, she forgot about the moment in life that had defined the last nine years. Instead, she was lost in the kiss with Evan. Everything about him was perfect. He was sensitive yet, at the same time, strong. Not only was she able to forget the trauma, but she’d also felt safe with him in that moment. Like he would protect her no matter what.

And he believed her.

That meant more to her than anything. She’d been dreading talking with Evan about her kidnapping. Part of her emotion and tears were due to how, over the years, she’d feel something and friends and even her family would dismiss her because of her anxiety. It seemed like once Toby was behind bars, her family was able to continue with their lives, but she was secretly struggling to move forward.

She’d learned to put on a brave face, but inwardly, Mckenna still had a storm brewing—one that wasn’t going away easily. It had been unleashed listening to Lily. What if Toby was the one who took her? What if he came after Mckenna? What ifhewas the one driving that Jeep this morning? What if no one believed her? What if she was crazy and making things up? Maybe it was just one big coincidence that Lily had a similar experience.

When Evan said he believed her, though, relief coursed through Mckenna. She forgave him for the things he had said earlier. For a short time, the storm subsided. Then they had kissed. She had never kissed anyone like him before. She found herself not wanting to leave, instead wishing to just stay in this moment forever.

There was another side to Agent Evan Knox, and she liked it. A lot.

They sat together for a while, Mckenna letting her head rest against his chest, Mocha down by her feet. She didn’t want to leave, but she knew they both had to get back to work. Back to reality. Evan had a kidnapper to catch.

Mckenna sat back, her lips still tingling. Evan stood, giving her his hand, and helping her to her feet.

“I’ll figure this out, Mckenna.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“Do you want me to walk you to your car?” Evan asked.

Mckenna thought about the blue Jeep following her that morning. Was that her imagination running wild? Or could Toby somehow have a vehicle and be following her? Or could it be someone else?

Stop it. Jeeps are one of the most popular vehicles in Colorado. When it comes to that, you’re paranoid.

Despite her thoughts, Mckenna heard herself answer, “Yes.”

She picked up Mocha’s leash, giving him love and thanks for his help. His tail wagged happily as they walked out of the chapel and toward the parking garage. The heat of the August day hit her. Mckenna would be happy when fall rolled around and the days cooled off. It was the best time in Colorado with warm days and cool nights—her favorite time of year.

Opening the back hatch, Mckenna pulled out portable stairs for Mocha and set them up. He expertly navigated them and went into his crate, turning a circle and then curling up and tucking his head so that he formed a ball. She knew he must be tired too. Even though being a therapy dog wasn’t like a police K-9 tracking and expending lots of energy, Mocha would need time to recover. It was a different type of job, but it still took atoll on the dogs. She would fill the kiddie pool in the backyard and let him lounge in the cool water tonight.

Mckenna started the car and turned up the air-conditioning. She turned around wondering if Evan would give her another kiss, but instead he stood back, running his fingers through his dirty blond hair that had enough curl to make it wavy. He appeared distressed.

Was he regretting the kiss? Maybe it hadn’t been as good for him as it had been for her. Mckenna’s heart sank, and she stared down at the ground.

“I’m sorry,” Evan said. “I uh…”

“For what?”

“What I did. Kissing you. It was unprofessional. I crossed the line. I shouldn’t have.”

“I wasn’t complaining,” Mckenna said, feeling her cheeks go warm. So, it wasn’t as good for him. He looked like he was getting ready to say something else, but Mckenna beat him to the punch. If he was regretting the kiss, then she didn’t want to repeat her mistake. Climbing in the front seat, Mckenna said, “I’m sorry too then. I also crossed a line and it’ll never happen again. Thank you, though, for listening and thank you for investigating Toby Hanson.”

She closed the door and backed out before any tears could start falling again. What a mess. Why had she kissed him? And why did she have to enjoy it so much?

Evan stood watching Mckenna drive out until she turned onto the street and her car disappeared down the road.