Page 38 of Then Came You

Finally, he replied, “I think we both know there’s more to it than that.”

She had to look away then. “More coffee?” She scraped back her chair and stood up.

“I better not, or I’ll be up all night.”

She nodded and took her mug to the sink. While her back was to him, she heard him moving, and then he was standing right beside her with his empty mug. He stood so close that she could smell him—an enticing combination of cinnamon donuts, coffee, and masculinity.

“Thanks for the coffee,” he said and handed her the mug.

When she took it from him, their fingers brushed, and a shiver went up her spine. The chill she felt this time had nothing to do with the cool temperature. Avoiding his gaze, she rinsed the cup and set it in the sink alongside hers.

“Well, I guess I better go.”

Instead of a statement, it sounded more like a question. She had a choice to make, and she hesitated for a moment. “I’ll walk you out.”

There was no mistaking the look of disappointment on his face, and she felt it too. If only she weren’t so afraid…

She walked him to the door, and he paused again as if giving her another chance to invite him to stay. Instead, she said, “Thanks for suggesting the cider mill. I had fun.”

His brows raised. “Even with the interruption?”

She shrugged. “I could have done without that part and without Stella’s news.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay here tonight?”

“I’m sure.” What was the alternative? She’d learned to be okay on her own, and she wasn’t going to let a trespasser chase her out of her own house.

“Promise me you’ll call if you need anything.”

“I promise.”

He studied her for a few beats, and she thought he might try to kiss her. Unless that was just wishful thinking.

“Lock up after me.”

She nodded because she was afraid that if she opened her mouth, she might ask him to stay. He took one last look at her and then went out the door. She stood there for a moment and watched him go down the porch steps and walk toward his truck, admiring his confident gait.

Then he looked over his shoulder and caught her staring. “Lock up,” he repeated.

Feeling embarrassed that he’d caught her, she quickly shut the door and locked it. However, she peeked through the living room curtain and watched him back out of the driveway. He glanced up at the house once, and she swore he was grinning.

After he’d driven out of sight, she realized she was too.

Chapter 14

As predicted, Sam had trouble sleeping that night. He might have blamed it on the afternoon cup of coffee he’d had with Gillian, but the truth was he was worried about her. Somebody had tried to break into her house, and he wouldn’t be surprised if they tried again.

Glancing at the clock on his bedside table, he saw it was almost two in the morning. At least he didn’t have to work until three in the afternoon, so there was still plenty of time to get some sleep.

He must have dozed off, because suddenly he was jolted awake by the sound of his phone ringing. He snatched it off the table and answered on the second ring.

“Gillian? Are you okay?”

“Not really.”

“What happened? What’s wrong?”

“I thought I heard something, but I might have imagined it. I’m scared, Sam.”