Page 10 of Nicole's Shelter

She swallowed and gave him a jerky nod. If he didn’t know better he’d think the intense attraction he was fighting went both ways.

* * *

Nicole wasn’t sure how she managed to stand up and dress on her shaking knees. She hadn’t had an excessive amount of medical care in her life, but she’d never had a reaction like that, no matter how cute the doctor or nurse. Rick’s touch, simply administering first aid, created a sensual fire she wanted to explore.

Good grief, she couldn’t remember feeling like this with any of her boyfriends. Of course, she didn’t let men too close anymore.

Bewildered by such a strong attraction to a stranger, she felt guilt creeping into the mix. He was here because Allie was in trouble and yet her own problems might put all of that in jeopardy.

She couldn’t bear it if her past sent more lives spiraling into chaos.

Hearing the shower come on, she realized now was her chance to leave. Better for everyone if she did. A quick walk back to the store—

The bathroom door opened and Rick’s head appeared. “Stay.”

She bristled. “I’m not a dog.” Her skin heated as his eyes raked her head to toe.

“Nope. Not even close.”

“Then—”

“A dog would listen,” he said with a wink. “And not even your sexy boots can make that look work.”

He shut the door before she could protest or defend herself.

Irritation burned off the sensual haze, but still she couldn’t just let him get sucked into the vortex that was her life. Witness Protection might sound like a good plan when nasty people wanted you dead, but the reality wasn’t as charming. Especially with no end in sight. As capable as Rick had proven himself, what man could defend himself indefinitely from a determined gang with outlandish resources?

Despite what he said, despite the fashion tragedy that was her current outfit, she had to leave. It was the kindest thing she could do.

Determined, she picked up her scuffed boots and went out to the front room to find her purse.

It wasn’t where she thought she’d left it on the table. She glanced around, not seeing it anywhere. She looked at the door, but knew it was absurd to think anyone who might have found them only wanted her purse.

Battling panic, she pulled on her boots before starting to search. Rick must have stashed it to keep her here. No problem. She opened cabinets, looked behind and under things. In the bedroom she checked the drawers and closet, even under the bed.

No purse.

She was calling Rick every ugly name in the book as she felt her hope for escape, her best chance for reclaiming her life, sliding out of her grasp.

His backpack sat there open. Maybe, if there was cash or even a credit card, she could borrow enough to get her to the locker at the train station.

Hating herself—furious with him for pushing her into a corner—she reached for the zipper on the outside pocket. It sounded too loud as she pulled the tab and she immediately glanced toward the bathroom. The door was closed and the water still running. The sight of a granola bar, a fitness watch, and high-end ear buds momentarily deflated her.

Leaving was the best thing for both of them. She didn’t owe him anything, not really. The lie didn’t feel right even in her mind. She shouldn’t be trying to steal from the man who’d saved her from any number of injuries on that ladder and from her fear of blood just minutes ago. Still, she’d have a vital head start on the federal marshals if he hadn’t interfered at the airport. Probably.

Gritting her teeth against the guilt of snooping, she went for the next zipper.

“Find what you’re after?”

She jumped as if she’d been hit with an electric current. With no good way to explain, she went on the offensive. “Where is my purse?”

“Safe.”

“You mean like I’m safe with you?”

“No.”

She turned around to ask him what he meant by that and wished she hadn’t. He leaned against the doorway wearing nothing but a towel slung low on his hips. Her mouth went dry and a ripple of pure feminine lust rushed over her skin.

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