Page 35 of Colorado K-9 Rescue
“Really. He’s not so bad. There’s a nice side to him, but then there’s the side everyone here knows. I don’t know who he really is.”
“Be careful with him,” Cassidy warned.
“I know what you said, but I can figure this out for myself.” Now Mckenna was back to being annoyed with her overprotective older sister. “I’ll be careful, but maybe everyone should get to know him better and give him a chance. Or maybe I should give him another chance. I mean he has apologized when I’ve been upset.”
Cassidy stopped petting Mocha for a moment. “I know his type, that’s all.”
“What’s his type?”
“He’ll pretend to care, get you into bed because he’s a guy with needs, but when the time comes and he’s offered a promotion, he’ll be out of here. I don’t want to see your heart broken.”
Mckenna stared down at her desk as if it would give her answers. “That’s my chance to take.”
“Then what are you going to do? Go with him? You that serious about this guy?”
“I don’t know. We kissed. That’s it for now, so it’s not like I’m going to worry about moving in with him, getting married or even relocating. It was a kiss. Nothing more. It’ll be okay. It wouldn’t be the first time a guy broke my heart.”
“I know,” Cassidy said. “It’s just hard to watch.”
Mckenna thought about the couple of guys she’d been with over the years. She had been upset to realize that they weren’t into her—they were just attracted by the limelight that came with dating her. At least the media had left her alone. She’d half expected to find them camped out at her house again when this case started, but for now, they were hounding Lily and Autumn’s families. At some point, though, there would be a knock on the door and a reporter standing there. Mckenna wouldn’t mind Evan answering the door and telling them to go away. That would be just fine with her.
“I’ll be okay,” Mckenna finally said. “Life is not easy, but to be honest, Cass, I really like him. You’re right, though. He’s only going to break my heart.”
“Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m here for you, okay?”
“I know. I’m lucky to have such a great sister. I think I’m going to get home. It’s been a long day and I’m ready to crash.”
“All right.” Cassidy stood, came around the desk and pulled Mckenna up into a big hug. “Take care of yourself, sis. Call me if you need anything, okay?”
CHAPTER 22
Parking in her driveway, Mckenna leaned back against her seat and took another deep breath. Maybe Cassidy was right about Evan. Maybe he was out for himself and was only hoping to get her into bed to fulfill his needs, as her sister had so eloquently put it.
But there was something about him that seemed so right.
She sighed. She needed dinner, a glass of wine and snuggle time with her dog. Mckenna helped Mocha out of the vehicle, and they entered her house through the side door. She left the front door for formal occasions or things like Halloween. She loved her little home that had been built in 1885 by the early settlers and miners. There was a rich history in this area and when she’d decided to buy the charming house, she’d found everything about it perfect.
Although sometimes she wouldn’t mind not having the repairs that went with an old house. Last winter, the cold temperatures had made the plumbing succumb to its age. That had been a mess and cost a small fortune. What would this winter bring?
As soon as they stepped into the kitchen, Mocha sprang ahead of her and raised his hackles. He air-scented a little bit, nose up and twitching, and then let out a low growl. Mckenna’s heart pounded. She’d never seen her dog act like this.
Ever.
In fact, she’d always joked that Mocha didn’t have a protective bone in his body and if someone broke in, all they’d have to do was give him a treat and a ball and he’d let them do anythingthey wanted. Cassidy had disagreed with Mckenna, saying that Mocha would bond with her and protect her. He might not be like a German shepherd, but he would do his best. Goose bumps lined Mckenna’s arms, and her heart pounded as her chest tightened.
Who was here? Could it be the person driving the Jeep? But she hadn’t seen anyone behind her. She’d been careful. Of course, whoever it was could have switched cars. She was about ready to bolt out the door when Mocha calmed down. His hackles dropped and he quit growling. If she didn’t know better, he had a sheepish look on his face.
“Are you trying to scare me?” Mckenna asked. “You’re doing a great job of it.”
Mocha wagged his tail and headed over to his favorite spot—the couch. He climbed up and flopped down, peering at her with his brown eyes and a little wag of his tail as if asking for forgiveness.
“Okay, I guess there’s nothing wrong. The stress of this case is getting to you too. I’ll get changed and get us dinner.”
Mckenna took off her work clothes and put on shorts and a T-shirt, but she still felt on edge. She decided to walk through the house and see if there was anything out of place or signs that someone had been there. She was probably overreacting, but she’d feel better knowing that her house was secure.
Mocha jumped off the couch and joined Mckenna on her tour of the house. Everything was in place—including the pile of laundry.
“I wish someone would break in here and fold my laundry. Maybe vacuum too,” Mckenna said to Mocha. He stuck by her side, which was also unusual for him. He was always there to comfort her, but once they were home, Mocha usually liked to hang out on the couch until dinnertime.
