Page 34 of Protective Cowboy

But her blush betrayed her.

“Uh-huh, sure, it’s all fake,” Winnie said with a skeptical look. “You just keep telling yourself that.”

∞∞∞

Matt’s house was on a tree-lined street in one of the mid-century neighborhoods built on the outskirts of town.

“Home sweet home,” he said as he pulled up and parked in front of his house.

Autumn took in the bungalow with its deep porch and neat lawn. It was painted a light olive with cream trim and a bright red front door. It looked cozy and welcoming, especially with a set of rattan patio furniture and a tile-topped coffee table on the porch.

“I love it!” she exclaimed.

Matt shrugged, but she could tell her reaction pleased him. “It’s nothing fancy,” he said modestly. “But the roof doesn’t leak, and it didn’t need any major work, so I figured it was a good investment.”

Jayden leaned forward from the back seat in the truck’s extended cab and poked at her shoulder. “Deputy Matt, Mom said I could have my own room?” His tone made it a question.

“Yup.” Matt answered. “And I’ve got a bunch of superhero posters in the basement, if you want to pick out a few to put up on the walls.”

“Awesome!” exclaimed Jayden.

“Glad you like it, buddy. Wait until you see the tire swing in the backyard.”

Autumn silently blessed Matt for his kindness to her son.

Inside, Matt’s house was plain but spotlessly clean. The front door opened directly into a medium-sized living room with original hardwood floors. He’d furnished it with a leather sectional sofa, a battered coffee table, and a large-screen TV. A pellet stove sat in the far corner, surrounded by vintage brown tiles.

To Autumn’s right, an arched doorway led into a small kitchen with a breakfast nook next to windows looking out over the street. Another arched opening at the back of the kitchen led to a dining room, which had a sliding-glass door to the backyard.

“Your bedroom is on the right, next to the hall bathroom,” Matt told Jayden, pointing to a hallway leading from the living room to the back of the house. “Your mom will stay in the room next to yours.”

“Yay!” Jayden cheered, grabbing his suitcase handle to wheel it down the hall.

Autumn heaved a sigh of relief as she watched him go.

Just being here, miles away from Phillip, loosened the tight knot of anxiety that had bound her since encountering him at the festival last weekend.

“Thanks again for inviting us, Matt. I really didn’t want to be there when Phillip wakes up with the mother of all hangovers.”

She grimaced as she thought about how angry he was going to be when he sobered up and found her gone.

Matt tucked her hair behind her ear, just like he used to do when they were still dating. Callused fingertips skimmed her cheek and sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. “Don’t have to worry about him. I’m sure your dad and the rest of your family can handle him just fine.”

She bit her lip and nodded.

Sudden concern clouded his warm hazel eyes. “Autumn, did he ever hit you? Or Jayden?”

She shook her head. “No. Phillip’s not violent. Just unpleasant. I think he actually enjoys making people unhappy.”

“Some people are just like that,” Matt said. “I’d feel sorry for him… but he’s an asshole.”

Autumn felt a weak laugh bubble up from her chest. “I can’t argue with you.”

“I wish I wasn’t right about him. You deserve better, Autumn.”

Her cheeks burned as she looked away.

“We should finish unpacking.” Her voice came out husky, and she cleared her throat. “And then we should divvy up the chores. I’m happy to take turns cooking, if my sisters’ stories didn’t terrify you.”

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