Книга - Keeping Guard

Keeping Guard
Christy Barritt


You can't hide from me. Her anonymous stalker's threats are getting scarier and scarier. Now Kylie Summers fears for her life. She flees her home for the protection of a former military man in a small Virginia town. But her brother's handsome best friend already has a long list of obligations.Kylie knows she's intruding on Nate Richardson's life. Even though he promises to keep her safe, Nate's keeping her at arm's length emotionally. Until her stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Nate to choose between keeping guard over his wary heart - or Kylie.









“I hope Suzy’s okay.”


Nate grabbed Kylie’s hand and squeezed it. “The police are working on it.”

She squeezed his hand in return. “Nate, do you think…”

He knew exactly where her thoughts were going. “Do I think Suzy’s disappearance is linked to your stalker? It’s doubtful, Kylie, but we can’t rule anything out.”

Kylie’s eyes seemed to search his for answers, for comfort. He wanted to tell her that everything would be okay, but that was a promise he couldn’t make yet.

They climbed out of the truck and Nate placed a protective arm around her as they walked toward the back entrance to the Revolutionary Grill.

Just as they reached the door, a crash sounded in the alley.

Kylie clutched at his shirt. Her heart hammered against his arm.

“Get inside. I’ll check out the noise.” He pushed Kylie behind him.

As he stuck his key into the lock, the clatter sounded again. Nate jerked his head to the left as a figure stepped from the shadows. He braced himself, ready to protect Kylie no matter the cost.




CHRISTY BARRITT


loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. She gets her best ideas when she’s supposed to be paying attention to something else—like in a workshop or while driving down the road.

The second book in her Squeaky Clean Mystery series, Suspicious Minds, won the inspiration category of the 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery. She’s also the co-author of Changed: True Stories of Finding God in Christian Music.

When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a weekly feature writer for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper, the worship leader at her church, and a frequent speaker at various writers’ groups, women’s luncheons and church events.

She’s married to Scott, a teacher and funny man extraordinaire. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha.

To learn more about her, visit her website at www.christybarritt.com.




Keeping Guard

Christy Barritt








Guard my life and rescue me;

let me not be put to shame,

for I take refuge in You.

—Psalms 25:20


To my new baby boy, Silas Timothy,

who gave me a good kick in the ribs

whenever I started to slow down

while working on this book.

Thanks for keeping me going…

now and for many, many years to come.

I also want to thank the many people

who gave me insight into the Coast Guard,

being a rescue swimmer, living in Yorktown

and running a restaurant. Pamela Tison,

Lorna Poston, Stephanie Adams, David Dolloff,

Carrie Pagels, Paul and Courtney Schaefer

and Butch Slytce—thank you!!!




CONTENTS


CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

EPILOGUE

LETTER TO READER

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION




ONE


The cold rain felt like daggers penetrating Kylie Summers’s skin. She tried to escape its torrent, but the drops kept chasing her, even as she retreated under the awning of the brick-fronted restaurant.

She pounded on the glass door again, desperate to get out of the storm. “Hello?”

The red neon sign above read The Revolutionary Grill. Yes, this was the place where her brother had instructed her to come to hide out. So where was Nate Richardson, her brother’s best friend and the restaurant’s owner? She shielded her eyes from the overhead streetlight and peered through the door. Inside, the place looked dead. Lights out, chairs on tables, staff gone.

It was almost midnight. She sighed and kicked the door. What now? She knew no one else in the historic town. She’d dropped her cell phone in a puddle of water two rest stops ago and she had exactly twenty-six dollars in her wallet.

A chill that had nothing to do with the weather crawled up her arms, an all too familiar feeling. She swung around, her wet hair slapping her in the face. She backed up against the rough brick wall that flanked the door. Her gaze frantically searched the black nighttime landscape. Lightning streaked across the sky over the river beyond the parking lot. Thunder boomed. A lone pier stretched like a decrepit arm into the night. Lights from houses across the water stared at her.

Kylie pushed herself harder against the wall, wishing she could sink into it. Her gaze continued to dart across the landscape. What if the man who’d given her nightmares for the past six months was out there? The darkness and rain might cloak him, make him disappear. He could have followed her.

He always followed her.

Fear clenched her spine. Her breathing became rapid, un even. She couldn’t have another panic attack. Not now. Not here.

She had to find another entrance to this building. She had to figure out a way to find Nate. That, or she’d spend the night soaking wet in her car.

Nate had been expecting her to arrive three hours ago, a reasonable time for stores and businesses to still be open. But the treacherous weather had put her behind schedule, and he must have closed up shop and headed home for the night. She couldn’t blame him.

March rain pelted her as she darted from the front of the building. Her foot sank into a deep puddle, splashing icy water up her pant leg. Her shivers intensified. An alleyway lurked between the restaurant and gift shop next door. If she could cut through, maybe she’d find a back entrance to the grill.

Her throat went dry at the thought. Still, she had no choice.

Besides, the man couldn’t have followed her here. She would have noticed.

Right?

She stepped onto the cobblestone street, dodging past trash cans, old buckets and a ladder.

She looked behind her. No one. Her heart continued to race.

Maybe all of this had been a bad idea. She should have stayed in Kentucky.

But she’d been hunted there and felt like a deer in the middle of an open field. No, her old life had to be put on hold. She couldn’t continue living as she’d been for the past few months. Yet even here in Virginia she couldn’t shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching her every move.

Pictures of the man flashed through her head in sync with the lightning around her. Pictures of his shadowed face, his hooded profile.

Her heart rate quickened. She tried to push the thoughts aside.

The end of the alleyway neared. She picked up her pace. Sheets of rain plastered her hair to her face.

She rounded the corner and spotted a black door with an alcove. She ducked into the space and pounded her fist against the door. Please be there, Nate! The thought of going through that alley again caused fear to slither up her spine.

She waited. The only sound she heard was that of the rain hitting the ground like bullets. Occasionally, thunder shook the air.

Nothing.

She knocked again. Why wasn’t he answering?

She needed a Plan B. Only she didn’t have one. She barely had a Plan A.

She clenched her eyes closed. How could one person control her life like this? Why did she let him have this power?

She waited in silence, hoping—praying—Nate would hear her.

He didn’t. No one did. Not even God lately, it seemed.

She’d have to run back to her car, her only shelter. She could do that. She had to. Once protected behind locked doors, she’d figure out a plan. She took a tentative step into the rain.

A figure appeared around the corner from the alley. A hood concealed his face. A hood. It couldn’t be…

He had found her.

The man who’d haunted her nightmares for months had finally caught her. Alone.



Nate Richardson spotted the woman at his back door. His relief instantly turned to a mix of worry and irritation. He’d been expecting her three hours ago and she hadn’t bothered to call or answer her cell phone. About thirty minutes ago, he’d called her brother, and now Bruce sounded ready to drive out to Virginia himself.

“Kylie.” Nate stepped forward, keeping his hood over his forehead so his face would at least stay semidry.

The woman’s eyes widened and she shrank back. “Stay away from me.”

The rain poured onto his face, washing into his eyes. Nate stepped forward, trying to get out of the downpour. He needed to get her inside, to call her brother.

“I mean it! Stay back!” Her hands shot out in front of her.

“What are you—”

Before he could finish his sentence, Kylie darted across the parking lot.

Bruce had said his sister needed help. He didn’t tell him that the woman was a mental case. What exactly had he gotten himself into by promising Bruce this woman could stay here and help him at his restaurant?

Nate watched her retreat for a moment while contemplating his next move. Chasing her might further freak her out. But allowing her to run across the pothole-filled parking lot in this weather could cause her to twist an ankle or worse.

What would Bruce want him to do?

He sighed and began a steady jog to catch her. Rain sloshed in his face. He let his sweatshirt hood drop behind him. Rain soaked his clothing now, so the covering did him no good.

Nate saw Kylie glance back at him and then speed up. Her long hair appeared plastered to her blue blouse and her heels looked impossible to run in.

Then what Nate had feared would happen happened. Her body lurched forward and she sprawled on the asphalt.

He was only a few steps away from helping her. He quickened his pace.

Kylie turned toward him, panic clearly written in her wide eyes and oval-shaped mouth. “No! Stay away!” She tried to army-crawl forward, away from him.

The woman was a fighter. He’d give her credit for that. He just didn’t know what she was fighting against.

“Kylie, stop freaking out. I just want to help.”

“Stay away from me.”

“Kylie, it’s me—”

As soon as the words left his mouth, something hard came down across his head. His world began to spin and then went black.




TWO


Kylie glanced at the white-haired woman who glared down at her while slapping a rolling pin in her hand. Kylie closed her eyes as tension drained away. Maybe God was watching out for her after all.

“Thank you,” Kylie whispered, before realizing she couldn’t be heard over the rainfall. She wiped some moisture from her face and said, a little louder, “Thank you!”

The woman continued to stare down at the man, knocked out flat on the ground, and shook her head. “I looked out my window and saw you being chased. I had to help.”

Kylie gawked at the man, seeing his face for the first time since this whole ordeal began. She’d never imagined the man who’d given her so many nightmares would be handsome. In her mind, he’d had a long, crooked nose, tangled teeth, hollow eyes. This man had square, even features, sandy-colored hair. Kylie couldn’t be sure in the darkness, but he might even be tanned.

She pulled her eyes away—at least she tried to. She needed to call the police. Let them know that this man should be arrested. Maybe she could finally live again. Go back to Kentucky. Focus on her business. Rebuild her life.

Kylie’s attention turned to the woman with the rolling pin. She continued to stand over the man, shaking her head as if she pitied the poor soul who tried to mess with her. The woman might have white hair but obviously she had an iron will.

If only Kylie could be that strong.

The woman glanced at her with a perceptive gaze that made Kylie instantly trust her. “I never thought Nate Richardson would be the type to do this,” the woman said. “He always seemed like such a nice young man. Of course, I guess that’s what everyone says about criminals.”

Kylie sprang from the ground, adrenaline—and panic—rushing through each limb. “Nate Richardson? Did you say Nate Richardson?”

“Why, yes, I did. Nate Richardson.” The woman nodded down to the man. “He owns the Revolutionary Grill. I was making pies for tomorrow’s dessert menu when I saw him chasing you. That’s why I had my rolling pin handy. A good thing, huh?”

Kylie squeezed her eyes shut. What was wrong with her? Was she so paranoid that she’d just allowed her brother’s best friend to be assaulted? She might as well just leave her bags in the car and find somewhere else to hide. This man wouldn’t want her to be around anymore after this.

“Are you okay, dear?” The kindly, grandmother-like figure peered at her.

Kylie shook her head. “I’m afraid there’s been a terrible misunderstanding. This man was trying to help me. I just didn’t realize it.”

“That sounds more like the Nate I know.” The woman nodded, not appearing the least bit ruffled. “He seems tough on the outside but inside, he’s sweeter than my shoofly pie.”

Kylie’s hand clamped over her mouth, muffling the urge to cry in horror or let her mouth drop open in shock. She had no idea what to do next. Or where to go. Or how to break the news to her brother, Bruce.

“Let’s get him out of the rain until he regains consciousness.” The woman tucked her rolling pin under her arm and bent down as if she were going to haul him away herself.

Yes, they did need to get him out of the rain, but just how they’d do that perplexed Kylie. The man probably weighed two hundred pounds. The rolling pin mercenary couldn’t weigh half that, even out in this storm soaking wet, and Kylie’s own one hundred pounds wouldn’t offer much help.

“I’m Darlene, by the way.” The woman seemed to think better of pulling the man by herself and extended her hand toward Kylie.

Kylie shook it briefly. “My brother is a friend of Nate’s. I’m Kylie.”

“I just live right there.” Darlene pointed to a white clapboard home only a few feet away. “So let’s take him inside. I’ll get my husband, Harvey, to help. It may take a moment. He’ll have to put his dentures in first.”

As the woman retreated inside, the rain began to taper.

Kylie knelt down beside Nate and flinched at the nasty bruise on his forehead. She should have known the man was Nate. But his hood had brought back so many bad memories. Fear had conquered her thoughts, as it often did lately.

Kylie closed her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Nate.”

“You should be.”

Her eyes snapped open in time to see Nate’s eyelids flicker. He rubbed his forehead and attempted to sit up, the sudden lines around his eyes revealing his discomfort. Once he propped himself up on one elbow, his eyes narrowed at her.

“What’s wrong with you? Kylie, I presume?”

Kylie opened her mouth, tried to form words. But how did one explain to a stranger the events of the last six months? How could she summarize the terror she’d felt without looking crazy?

“I know it will sound insane, but—”

“Wait till I tell the guys at Bible study about this.” A man interrupted as he approached them, lumbering along beside Darlene, a huge grin stretched across his face. “Nate Richardson getting conked in the head by a girl.”

Must be Harvey. Kylie looked closer. The man had teeth—nice, white, straight ones. He must have put his dentures in.

Darlene swatted him on the arm. “Harvey, don’t give the boy a hard time. It’s not his fault that I’m stealth-like.”

“Stealth-like? You couldn’t sneak up on an elephant. Beats me how someone who weighs so little can make so much noise stomping around the house all the time.”

Harvey stuck his hand out to Kylie. “You must be the girl that Nate’s fallen for.”

“Just give me a hand, Harvey, and drop the comedy routine for a few minutes, will you?” Nate reached his hand up, grimacing at the movement.

Harvey still grinned as he pulled the broad ex-Coast Guardsman from the sopping ground. Nate’s free hand still grasped his head and his eyes locked on Darlene and her rolling pin.

Darlene shook her head and raised her hands in the air in innocence. “Don’t give me a dirty look. I was only trying to help the poor girl you were chasing. How was I to know it was a misunderstanding?”

“I just want to get out of this rain and lie down. Do you mind?” The commanding look in his eyes left little room for argument—from any one of the three.

Kylie shrank back and nodded. “Getting out of the rain sounds like a good idea to me, too.”

Nate raised a finger as if he were going to lecture her, but then pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Right this way.”

He took a step and stopped. His hands went to his temple.

“I better walk you back,” Harvey said. “You need to go to the hospital?”

“No, I just need some aspirin and a rewind button.”

“I can help with the aspirin but that’s about it.” Harvey squeezed his shoulder. “You’ll have to get that rewind button from your magic genie.” He paused and pretended to rub an imaginary genie lamp.

Nate put his hand on Harvey’s shoulder. “If only I had one, Harv.”

Kylie wrapped her arms over her chest and tried to will her teeth to stop chattering. They wouldn’t. Nor would her limbs stop shaking. This whole night was just too much. Yes, she’d take one of those rewind buttons also. If only they existed.



Nate knew he shouldn’t snap at the woman. She hadn’t been the one to hit him over the head with a rolling pin. But if she had waited just a moment to have a logical conversation then maybe she would never have run away and caused this whole fiasco. To Nate, logic and reasoning were the solution to…well, just about everything.

Still, he couldn’t deny that Kylie looked just about as skittish as a cornered cat. Maybe he should have just let her run. Maybe he shouldn’t have gone after her.

He sighed. He could do nothing about it now.

And man, his head was killing him. He’d never underestimate Darlene’s brute strength again. Who knew the little woman who worked in the church nursery every Sunday could pack that much punch?

Thunder crashed again in the distance. The storm didn’t want to let up. He had a feeling it was going to be a long, long night. A long week, for that matter, now that he’d have Kylie underfoot. Or was it a week? How long had Bruce said she’d be here? For as long as needed until an investigation he was working on was over. Kylie was supposed to fill him in on the details.

If it had been any other friend, Nate would have said no. But not to Bruce. He could never say no to Bruce, especially not after Bruce had saved his life so many years ago. He was forever indebted to his friend.

He reached the alcove of his back door and stuck his key into the lock. He pushed the door open before turning to Harvey and Darlene. “I don’t know whether to thank you or tell you I never want to see you again.”

“You know you love us, Nate.” Darlene smiled sweetly, her rain bonnet reminding him a bit of a halo.

Yes, he did love them and knew they were only watching out for a woman in distress…distressed for some unknown reason.

He bid them good-night before sweeping his hand inside, motioning for Kylie to go in. Instead, she nodded toward the alley.

“I’ll be going.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Going where?”

“I’m not sure. But I understand that you probably don’t want me here anymore after the headache I’ve caused you.”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

The petite woman stopped and raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t sure if the look in her eyes was relief or fire. Maybe a mix of both. “Excuse me?”

“I told your brother I’d watch after you. I plan on doing just that.”

Her chin rose. “I don’t need a babysitter. I just need a place to lie low for a few days.”

Good, she’d said a few days. He could put up with her for a week, but no longer.

“Your apartment is already ready for you. It’s no problem. If it was, I would have said no.”

He climbed the stairs and listened to the sound of her shoes clicking on the wood, a much more pleasant sound than his heavy stomps.

Yep, just a few days. It was a good thing. The last thing he needed in his kitchen—or in his life—was a woman.




THREE


How could her brother ever have trusted this cranky man?

Their gazes locked, and Kylie knew this would be the longest week of her life. Yet at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel relieved that she had a place to stay, somewhere to lie low until the madman back in Kentucky was arrested.

He would be arrested, right? The police had said they had a good lead and they should have the man behind bars within a matter of days. And with the man’s advances becoming more aggressive, they’d suggested that Kylie get away until everything was cleared up.

She’d overcome obstacles before in her life—huge obstacles, she reminded herself. She could overcome this, also. Though it was the second time in her twenty-nine short years that she’d had to fight for her life, she’d learned a lot during that first battle.

Nate cleared his throat, and Kylie snapped from her thoughts to see him waving her through a doorway. She averted her eyes and stepped over the threshold into a modest apartment located over the restaurant that Nate owned. The small space would be perfect—for a week.

Her gaze swept the place. It appeared to have all that she needed—a great room with a breakfast bar separating the living room and kitchen, one bedroom and one bath. A wall of boxes lined one wall, no doubt storage items for the restaurant in the previously unused space.

“Home sweet home,” Nate muttered, a sour expression still etched on his face.

Kylie swallowed before speaking. “I appreciate you giving me a place to stay. And I’m sorry for the rough start.” She silently begged him not to ask for any more details. Not now.

He seemed to study her face for a moment before nodding. “I’ll need you down in the kitchen by nine for prep. We open at eleven.”

Kylie nodded. “No problem.”

He rubbed his head and turned to leave, but paused to point toward the ceiling. “I’m in the upstairs apartment if you need me.”

He stepped into the hallway, and Kylie had the impression that it was in her best interest that she not need anything in the next eight hours. Regardless, she cleared her throat. “Nate?”

He turned.

“You know you can’t go to sleep after taking a blow like that, right?”

He scowled again. “Yeah, I know.” He stomped toward the steps before yelling, “And call your brother. He’s worried sick.”

Kylie closed the door slowly and clicked each lock into place. She then leaned against the door and looked at her new temporary residence. She’d be safe here. No one knew where she’d gone except for her brother, and he’d never tell. Everyone else thought she was out doing research.

Her brother…she had to call him. She rushed across the room to where an old rotary phone rested on the breakfast bar and dialed the familiar number.

Bruce answered halfway through the first ring. “Where have you been? I keep trying to call your cell phone and it goes straight to voice mail.”

His voice sounded tight and anxious—just what Kylie had expected. “I know. I dropped my phone into a puddle on the way here. The weather put me behind schedule.” She twisted the phone cord around her index finger and shivered. The chill from her wet clothing seemed to seep through all the way to her bones. She’d have to get some dry clothes before going to bed.

“But you’re there now? You found Nate?”

“Yeah, I’m here now.” She glanced around the small apartment. “But I don’t know about Nate. I think I’m just going to be in his way. And you know me, I like to do things my way.”

“Yes, believe me, I know you.” Her brother chuckled. “Listen, I know Nate comes across as tough, but once you get to know him, he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. He’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”

Kylie raised an eyebrow as she remembered their introduction earlier. “I have my doubts.”

“Kylie, believe me. You can trust Nate. I wouldn’t have sent you there if you couldn’t.”

She didn’t know who she could trust. And of all the people who came to mind, Nate Richardson sure wasn’t one of them. Not with the cold reception she’d received from him. Not that she could blame him. He had been rendered unconscious because of her.

“Thanks for your help, big bro. You’ll let me know as soon as he’s arrested, right?”

“You’ll be the first person to know. One of the officers here is a dead ringer for you. She’s going to do the cooking demonstration on Friday and we’ll wait for your ‘friend’ to show up. Then we’ll arrest him. We’ve got him on breaking and entering and harassment. This nightmare will be over soon. I promise.”

Kylie closed her eyes and said a feeble prayer that things would go as planned. “Thanks, Bruce.”

“Tell Nate I said hi. And Kylie? You can trust him.”

She still wasn’t sure about that. “Thanks.”

She hung up and shivered again. She had to get some dry clothes.

She glanced out the window as lightning flashed across the nighttime sky. The last thing she wanted was to go outside again. Was the only way to get to her car through that dark alley again? There had to be another way. She bit her lip, considering her options.

Beneath her, a nice-size puddle had formed on the floor. She opened a door beside the bathroom, hoping to find some towels. Nothing. She frowned. She couldn’t—or shouldn’t, at least—complain. At least the place was furnished. But the furnishings would do nothing right now to keep her from catching cold in her soaked clothing.

That settled it. She had to get to her car. She could ask Nate to go with her.

She shook her head, remembering his rotten mood and realizing she’d only further perturb him by disturbing him now. They’d already gotten off to a rough start.

As quietly as possible, she opened the door and tiptoed into the hallway. A wooden floorboard creaked underneath her and she shushed it. Lightly, she crept down the stairs. She paused at the outside door, trying to gather her courage before plunging into the night.



“Where do you think you’re going?” Nate stood at the top of the steps and watched as Kylie gasped, turned around and pressed herself against the door with wide eyes. A hand went over her heart. The woman looked almost childlike with her big eyes and delicate features.

“You scared me to death.” Kylie’s hand moved from her heart to her forehead and she closed her eyes, looking as if she wanted to melt right then and there.

“Yeah, same here. I thought someone was trying to break in.” He lumbered the rest of the way down the stairs, his head still throbbing. When would that aspirin kick in? “What are you doing? You have no business going out at this hour.”

“I need my bags.” She looked down at her clothes. “I’ve got to change or I’ll end up sick and be no help to you at all.”

It was true. Nate had already changed into some sweats and a T-shirt. He hated to go back out into that rain again. But he would, like it or not. His mother had raised him well.

He nodded the opposite way of the back door. “Come on. We’ll go through the kitchen and avoid some of the storm outside.”

He didn’t check to see if Kylie was following him. He could hear her soft steps behind him, though. He unlocked the door leading to his kitchen and allowed her to go inside first.

She stopped in the doorway and her face lit up as she looked around. “This is fabulous.”

Her compliment gave him a small amount of satisfaction. “Thanks. I like it.”

She stepped forward and gingerly ran her finger across the tile counter. “You’ve kept this as original as possible to a Colonial times restaurant, haven’t you? That’s just brilliant.”

Nate watched her carefully, surprised by her fascination and knowledge. “Yeah, I wanted to give people the experience of what it would be like to eat in Revolutionary War times—with a few modern amenities, of course. That’s why they come to Yorktown, after all. To experience a bit of the past.”

She twirled around, apparently forgetting about her wet clothes and whatever problems had brought her here. Her eyes seemed to absorb each and every appliance—or lack thereof. She looked like a girl who’d woken up on Christmas morning to find she’d gotten everything she’d asked for.

“This is going to be amazing.”

Nate actually felt his lip begin to twitch in the start of a grin. Seeing someone who actually had some passion for the place felt nice. He only wished he had a touch of that same fire. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I more than like it. I’m just…I’m amazed. Maybe being here won’t be so bad after all.”

The beginning of Nate’s smile slipped into a frown. She seemed to catch what she said and she dropped her hand from the countertop to look at him with doelike eyes. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize, Kylie.” He stepped around her, going toward the front door.

If she didn’t need to apologize, then why did he feel so annoyed? He knew the answer. He’d already screwed up one rescue mission and he had no intention of screwing up another. But Kylie—the very person he was trying to save—could very well be his biggest obstacle also.

Just as he reached the front door, lightning brightened the sky to purple. The flash of light illuminated a man at the restaurant’s front window. The man stood with his hands to his eyes, peering through the glass into the darkness.

Before Nate could say a word, a splitting scream cut the air.




FOUR


“Harvey,” Nate mumbled, walking toward the door.

The tall, lanky man grinned and waved from outside, clueless to how shocking it had been to see his face pressed to the glass.

Nate unlocked the door and pushed it open. “All due respect, Harvey, but are you crazy?”

Harvey stepped inside, shaking the rain from his coat. His miniature poodle walked in behind him and followed suit, sending water all over the entryway.

“No, I’m not crazy. Your earlier fiasco, you know, the one where you drug me out of bed? Well, that woke up Tinkerbell and she insisted on coming outside in the rain for a little potty break. As I was walking past, I saw the light on and just wanted to make sure all was okay.”

Nate glanced behind him at Kylie, who still stood with a ghost-white complexion. Her hands gripped the countertop, the skin tight over her knuckles. The woman was a basket case. He knew she needed to hide for a few days, that someone had threatened her. But he would need to find out more. Terrified seemed to be an understatement.

“Harvey, wait here with Kylie for a minute, will you?” He turned to Kylie. “Kylie, let me have your car keys so I can grab your stuff.”

She nodded, fished through her pocket and pulled out a ring of keys. She tossed them to Nate, her hands trembling. She noticed him staring and quickly stuffed her fingers into her jean pockets.

With Kylie under Harvey’s watchful eye, Nate jogged into the rain to her car—the only one in front of his restaurant at this hour. He popped the trunk and heaved out a large—very large—suitcase. This is how the woman packed for a few days?

He slammed the trunk closed and hauled the suitcase inside.

Harvey and Kylie were chatting like old friends when Nate stepped back into the restaurant. Kylie’s face had lost some of its ashen appearance as she squatted, petting Tinkerbell. He noticed her hands still trembled, though.

She stood when Nate approached and leveled her gaze with his, seeming to retrieve some of her confidence. Nate dropped the suitcase in front of her, a little harder than he intended. “Dry clothes.”

He chose not to mention that his were now soaking wet—again. Instead, he looked at Harvey. “Why don’t you go out the back door, Harvey? You won’t get quite as wet.”

“Sounds good.” Harvey winked at Kylie before turning to walk through the kitchen. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning!”

“Tomorrow morning?” Nate questioned.

“I just invited you and Kylie over for breakfast. We’ve got to get to know our new neighbor. It’s the Southern way.”

Nate started to argue but changed his mind. “I’ll see you then, Harvey.” He opened the door for his neighbor, watched as he exited and then turned, expecting to see Kylie behind him. She was gone.

Curiously, he wandered down the hall, through the kitchen and back into the dining area. By the front door, Kylie knelt with a roll of paper towels, wiping up the rain Harvey dripped inside.

“You don’t have to do that, Kylie.”

She glanced up, her face pale again. “It’s okay. I don’t mind. Besides, I need to earn my keep. Call me crazy, but it’s the way I was raised.”

He started to deny what she’d said but changed his mind. Instead, he grabbed some more paper towels and wiped at the wet footprints tracked across the floor.

After they finished cleaning, Nate touched Kylie’s arm. She flinched.

“Listen, I know you’re wet and tired. Will you do me a favor, though?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

“Go upstairs, change and then come back down here, have some coffee and tell me what’s going on. I can’t help you if I’m in the dark.”

She looked numb as she said, “Okay.”

“Let me get your suitcase upstairs for you then.”



Dressed in dry yoga pants, a sweatshirt and slippers, Kylie crept downstairs. Her gaze darted to every dark corner. She flinched at each creak of the old wooden staircase. Her heart sped as she paused by the backdoor.

How had her life become this? Just when she’d been doing so well, truly beginning to stand on her own feet. Then one man had decided to turn her world upside down.

She’d fought coming here, convinced herself that going into hiding made her look weak. She wanted to stay in Kentucky and confront her faceless nightmare head on. Her brother insisted staying in Kentucky wasn’t safe. And after that last encounter with the person she called “the Man in Black,” she’d conceded—but not happily.

She’d come to refer to him as the Man in Black because that was simply all she knew about her stalker. Not knowing what his face looked like only increased her anxiety. His eyes and features were always shadowed by that hood. He could be anyone.

Kylie had seen him only three times. Once he’d been outside the window at her house. Another time he’d been watching in the distance as she went grocery shopping. He hadn’t gotten close to her, but she’d known it was him from the way he’d stood idly by, watching. And at her last cooking demonstration, he’d been there, at the back of the crowd. By the time she’d alerted someone, he’d disappeared, probably abandoning the sweatshirt so police couldn’t identify him.

All she knew was that he was tall, broad-shouldered, relatively thin. On the phone, his voice sounded gravelly and low—probably disguised. In emails, he used proper English, which made Kylie think he had to be educated. On handwritten notes, his writing appeared calm, controlled—like he knew just what he was doing.

Kylie shuddered.

She’d been over a list of suspects with the police, but the list seemed so ambiguous. There was the fan who constantly left aggressive messages on the public online forum to her cooking show. Of course, the police could never trace the address, as the man seemed to use computers at various places around town, all without security cameras. However, the stalker could be someone who’d given no clue to his identity—someone who’d watched her show and developed an obsession, someone who’d seen her shopping and she’d caught his eye. He could be a friend, a neighbor, an ex-boyfriend.

At the thought of an ex-boyfriend, Kylie squeezed her eyes closed. Colin was far too sophisticated and cultured to pull off a stunt like this. Besides, he’d avoided her since they broke up. Why would he avoid her in general and stalk her at every other time? Sure, he’d been controlling, but he would never go this far.

Would he?

They’d dated for a year before Kylie finally had the sense to break up with him. He was the president of a local advertising agency. She’d catered an event at his office and he’d immediately taken an interest in her. She’d been flattered and, initially, swept off her feet. His strength and advice had been comforting in the beginning. But as she got to know him, she realized that the more they were together, the more she was losing herself.

Slowly, he’d begun to isolate her from her friends and family. He’d begun to critique everything she did. He’d begun giving career advice and calling her producer to insist he make it happen. He’d even figured out her email password and begun answering her emails. He’d accepted invitations or declined opportunities without so much as a mention to Kylie. He’d claimed he was only trying to make her into the successful woman she had the potential to be, and in order to do so, she needed to align herself with certain people and write others out of her life completely.

The final straw came when she found out he was cheating on her. She wished she’d seen the signs earlier, that she’d gotten out before discovering his betrayal. The good thing, she comforted herself, was that at least she’d gotten out.

Despite his cheating, Colin hadn’t taken the breakup well. Told her she’d realize her mistake and come running back.

She hadn’t.

Instead, she’d avoided him whenever possible and comforted herself with her friends and family, who’d been terribly neglected. Life had finally started feeling normal and happy again.

Until her stalker showed up.

She braced herself to face Nate. She rounded the corner into the dining room, where Nate sat with two steaming mugs before him. The rain still pounded against the window as the storm raged outside.

Kylie took a minute to observe him as she approached. He really was a good-looking guy in a tough, outdoorsy type of way. As his arms rested on the table, she noticed the fine definition of his muscles peeking out from under his T-shirt. She scolded herself for even noticing.

Nate nodded her way when he spotted her in the doorway, thankfully not seeming to notice that she’d been staring. “Come on over and have a seat, Kylie.”

Her slippers made no sound as she crossed the floor and sat across from Nate. He pushed a ceramic mug toward her.

“It’s decaf.”

She wrapped her fingers around the warmth of the mug. “Thanks.” She normally used cream and sweetener, but tonight she’d drink it black. She sipped the bitter liquid.

“So, Kylie, I need you to tell me what’s going on. I don’t mind you staying here—I’m more than happy to help out you and your brother—but I need to know more about the circumstances bringing you here.”

How did she tell him without causing him to overreact? Of course, with everything that had already happened since she arrived, him overreacting could be a forgone conclusion.

“How much did Bruce tell you?”

“Just that he was fearful for your safety. He told me you would fill in the rest of the blanks.”

She’d have to give her brother credit for that. It must have killed him not to go into detail, but that’s what Kylie had requested. She wanted to handle this mess on her terms, as much as possible, at least.

She sucked in a breath. “The rest of the story would be that a man has been following me—stalking me, I suppose—for the last several months. Recently, he’s become more aggressive. It’s become more and more apparent that this man has no intention of backing off. The police finally collected enough evidence to press charges, but first they have to figure out whom to press charges against. My brother is working with the police to set up a sting and make that happen. I just need to lie low until everything settles.” She looked away and took a sip of coffee.

“Are you sure he didn’t follow you here?”

The thought caused fear to grip her heart as the emotion had done several times already this evening. “I’m not sure of anything, Nate. My brother is the only one who knew I was coming here. I didn’t even tell my best friend or boss. I took back roads on my way here. I didn’t see any signs of anyone following me. But this man always seems to be a step ahead of me.”

“And you have no idea who he is?”

She shook her head. “No idea. I’ve never seen his face.”

“Which is why you freaked out when you saw me approaching you with my sweatshirt hood up…”

She nodded and glanced at the knot already forming at his temple. “I’m sorry about that. Is your head okay?”

His eyes darkened. “I’ll be fine.” He leaned back in his chair and took a breath. “You know anything about working in a restaurant, Kylie?”

“A restaurant? No, not terribly much. But I have experience as a cook.”

He cocked an eyebrow and waited for her to explain.

Was this the time to tell Nate about her cooking show back in Kentucky? Or about the successful catering business that she and her friend had started? No, she decided. She’d have time to share that later. Right now, her head pounded and she needed some time alone.

She stood. “I’ll explain tomorrow. I promise you have nothing to worry about. I may not have restaurant expertise, but I’ve got plenty of experience. But before I get into that, I could really use some sleep.”



In her room, Kylie pulled the covers up tight around her neck. Despite adding another layer of clothing, shivers still racked her body. Was the weather causing her chills? Or could it be everything that had happened?

She pushed her face into her pillow, remembering what a fiasco tonight had been. The fact that someone had intimidated her enough for her to go running sent a flare of anger up her spine—at herself and her stalker. She fought against anyone dictating what would happen with her, preferring to make her own decisions. But now she found herself in this situation.

Thunder rolled outside. She pulled the covers up to her eyes.

Soon enough, all this would be over. Her brother had promised her. She expected a call sometime this week saying that her stalker had been arrested and she could go back home and resume her normal life.

She sighed and turned over in bed. Would her life ever be normal again? Or would she always jump at every shadow, tense at every unknown sound? She bit her bottom lip, hoping that wouldn’t be the case. She’d overcome other obstacles in her life—big obstacles. She could overcome this also.

As thunder grumbled again outside, Kylie realized she shouldn’t have drunk that coffee, even if the brew was decaf. Despite how tired she’d felt downstairs, her mind felt fully alert right now. She glanced at the clock beside her bed. 3:23 a.m.

She pressed her head back into the pillow, wishing sleep would find her. Instead, her thoughts raced, replaying her drive here.

Could she really be certain that no one had followed her? She’d continuously checked her rearview mirror for headlights. At times on the road, no one was behind her. That meant no one could be trailing her, right? She had no reason not to feel safe here.

Her heart slowed some.

She sat up and flicked the light on. She had to distract her self from these thoughts before she went crazy. From the floor, she grabbed her oversized purse, reached into it and pulled out a paperback novel.

Reading always relaxed her. This particular book was a romance novel. Just the thing to distract her from her troubles.

She leaned back into her pillows and opened the first page.

She gasped.

Written across the inside cover, in fat red marker, were the words “Kylie, I’ll always be watching you.”




FIVE


Nate’s eyes drooped with sleepiness as he rapped on Kylie’s door at seven the next morning. He’d downed two cups of decaf and three cups of full-strength coffee last night to make himself stay awake. Good for his possible concussion but bad for his mental health.

He hadn’t been able to get Kylie Summers’s porcelain face and delicate figure out of his mind throughout his sleepless hours. He didn’t know what he’d expected of his best friend’s sister, but not the beautiful woman who’d shown up three hours late with rain plastering her chestnut hair to her face and wide, imploring eyes.

He rapped at her door again, harder this time.

“Coming.” The word couldn’t have been said with much less enthusiasm.

Nate shifted his weight until Kylie finally pulled open the door. The circles under her eyes showed him that she clearly hadn’t gotten much more sleep than he had. But she still looked beautiful, even in khaki pants and a long-sleeved red T-shirt.

“Morning.” She barely smiled as she reached over to grab her coat from the couch.

Nate stuffed his hands into his pockets, unsure of exactly what to say to his new boarder. “Morning, Kylie. Rough night?”

“You could say that.”

“Too much on your mind?”

She reached back inside the apartment and fumbled with something before finally revealing a book. She shoved the paperback toward him and frowned. “Open it.”

He did as she said. His eyes widened at the roughly written words on the inside cover. “You just found this?”

“No, I found the message last night as I tried to relax before going to bed.”

“Hence your sleepless night.” He stared at the words, personalized to Kylie so she could make no mistake they were written for her. “When did you get this book?”

She answered immediately, probably because she’d been replaying all those events during her sleepless night. “Right before I left for this trip. I bought it at the grocery store and stuck it in my purse.”

“Did you go anywhere after that?”

She shrugged. “I stopped by work for a few minutes to pick up some papers and then I had dinner with my brother.”

“Any opportunities for someone to access your purse?”

“Apparently.” She shrugged, sounding defeated. “It makes no sense.”

“I’m sorry, Kylie. I know this guy has got you shaken up.”

“He’s right, you know. He is always watching me. He must have been waiting until just the right moment when he could grab the book from my purse and send me that message.” She tossed the book back onto the dinette and raised her eyebrows in conjunction with her sigh. Nate couldn’t help but think she looked like she bore the weight of the world. “It doesn’t matter now, I guess. What matters now is that we go eat breakfast.”

“I know Harvey and Darlene will be a nice distraction from everything. They always are. Full of surprises.”

“I would have guessed that.” Her face registered a slight but genuine smile.

The two walked silently down the steps and out the back door. A brisk wind greeted them, matching the gray day. Kylie’s gaze roamed the parking lot behind his restaurant.

“So, this is Yorktown?”

Nate shrugged. “Well, this is a public parking lot for Yorktown. The rest of the town is there on the waterfront or on the bluff to the south.” He pointed to the blocks of historic houses. “There’s some great stuff to see around here if you like history.”

“It was always one of my best subjects in school.” She stuffed her hands into her coat pockets as they journeyed across the parking lot toward Harvey’s house. “I’ll have to take some time to explore, if I have the chance. Of course, I may not be here long enough.”

It sounded like they were both praying for the same thing.

They reached the house, which also served as a bed-and-breakfast, and Nate rang the doorbell. He knew the couple didn’t have any guests at the time. Immediately, Tinkerbell began barking inside. Sometimes Nate was convinced that the couple would never know anyone was at their door if it weren’t for that dog. Neither of their hearing was great.

Harvey opened the door and the scent of bacon drifted out. As if on cue, Nate’s stomach grumbled. He’d always been a sucker for Darlene’s cooking. Her food reminded him of his mother’s—only better, which he never admitted out loud.

“Come in, come in,” Harvey extended his arm behind him, welcoming them inside. “You got here just in time. The pancakes are just coming off the griddle.”

“Smells wonderful.” Kylie reached for Harvey’s hand. He grabbed it and, instead of shaking it, placed a kiss there. Nate carefully watched Kylie’s reaction. She didn’t seem taken aback by the action, thankfully. In fact, she smiled. Harvey had always been a charmer.

Darlene appeared from around the corner wearing a checked blue-and-white apron, holding her now famous rolling pin in one hand. Nate’s head throbbed just looking at it. “Welcome! I’m so glad you’re both joining us. Kylie, I look forward to finding out all about you.”

They were ushered into the dining room and promptly seated. If only the waitresses at Nate’s restaurant would be this prompt and welcoming, then maybe he’d get some more business. Of course, some people might say the same thing about his food. If it tasted like Darlene’s, people would be standing in line to eat at his place.

“Everyone recovering okay from last night?” Darlene stared at them with sweet, blinking eyes. Her hands were clasped in front of her, as if at any time she might clap joyfully.

Kylie nodded. “I’m hanging in. My arrival didn’t exactly go the way I’d planned. I do apologize again for the way everything played out yesterday.”

“I’m sure your actual arrival was much more exciting than you could have planned. It’s good to add some excitement to your life sometimes.” Darlene grinned and giggled. Finally, she used those posed hands to actually clap. “Well, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

Harvey offered up a prayer and then Darlene brought out banana pancakes with cream-laced syrup, maple bacon and a festive fruit salad.

Kylie’s eyes lit up on the first bite of pancake. “This is fabulous, Darlene. Truly amazing.”

Harvey winked. “She’s one great cook, isn’t she?”

“Darlene makes all the desserts for the restaurant,” Nate informed her.

“Well, you need to keep her around. That’s for sure.” Kylie nodded and took another bite of pancake, her eyes closing in what looked like pure delight.

Harvey and Darlene began to talk about an upcoming church social, a visit from their grandkids in the summer and changes in the Fife and Drum of Yorktown. Nate listened, relieved to not have to talk. He preferred listening, most of the time.

Kylie had warmed up to the couple quickly. She asked lots of questions, nodded, laughed. She actually seemed halfway normal. Maybe her stay here wouldn’t be a total headache.

At nine o’clock, Nate stood and announced they needed to go and begin prepping the kitchen for the lunch crowd.

Kylie nodded and rose. “Thank you so much for having us. I really enjoyed your food and would love the recipes.”

“I’d love to pass them on to you.” Darlene hugged Kylie. “Now, you come back and see us again before you leave, you hear? And don’t let Nate work you too hard.”

Kylie glanced at him. “I won’t.”

Nate wasn’t sure about that. He knew one thing: the busier he kept her, the less she’d think about her stalker or have the chance to get in trouble.



By the time the lunch crowd began to wander in, Kylie had chopped every vegetable imaginable, sorted through various lunch meats and prepared two different kinds of soup. She’d also reviewed the menu multiple times with Nate, not overly impressed by his selections, which were vast. Too vast, truly, for a restaurant like this. She kept quiet, though. She wasn’t here as a consultant, nor had he asked her opinion.

“You never did tell me if you had experience working in a restaurant,” Nate said in between explaining how to make maple-glazed chicken. “You seem to know what you’re doing.”

“I have my own cooking show back at home. It’s nothing huge, and I’m by no means famous, but I do cook in front of a camera for viewers every week. It’s a great job. I also have my own catering business.”

“You’ll have to tell me more about it sometime. It sounds interesting.” Nate walked to the freezer and pulled out a container of something. “Right now, I need to explain these crab cakes.”

Kylie blinked. “They’re frozen?”

“I make them ahead and freeze them. Saves a lot of time.”

Kylie nodded, deciding not to interject her opinion as Nate showed her how the cakes were prepared. When he finished, Kylie glanced at her watch and saw they were close to opening. “So, when do the cooks get here?”

Nate scowled and wiped the cast-iron stove top one more time. The appliance was spotless. “I am the cook.”

Kylie nodded, choosing her words carefully. “I thought you managed the restaurant?”

“I manage the restaurant and cook. Just like the hostesses are always the waitresses also. We’re not a big place, so we all have to wear multiple hats.”

Kylie bit her lip. No, she’d never run a restaurant, but Kylie knew enough to know Nate needed more help. She did have experience running a successful catering business, so she knew how to manage people, how to develop recipes that would satisfy crowds, how to make her staff feel appreciated.

Still, Kylie couldn’t waltz in, criticize Nate’s work and then be on her merry way. So she’d stay quiet, no matter how miserable it made her. She didn’t like to be told what to do, so she certainly didn’t want to offer unsolicited advice to others.

Their first order came in, and both Nate and Kylie got busy. And quiet. Neither of them said anything, except for Kylie to occasionally ask questions about an order, or for Nate to state how to prepare a dish properly.

Kylie felt at home in the kitchen. She always had. She loved coming up with new recipes or new takes on old recipes. But the food she prepared today was mindless. Sandwiches, soups, salads. Nothing exciting. Nothing revolutionary.

It didn’t matter. This wasn’t her restaurant, she reminded herself again.

After the lunch crowd left, Nate moseyed out front to talk with someone who appeared to be a regular customer. One of the waitresses came back to introduce herself to Kylie.

“I’m Suzy.” The woman was probably in her mid-twenties with a sharp wedge hairdo that was black on the bottom and bright red on top. She had multiple earrings in both her ears and tattoos instead of jewelry around her fingers and wrists. “Good to have you here.”

Kylie wiped her hands on a white dish towel and reached for Suzy’s hand. “I’m Kylie. I’m just filling in here for a few days, trying to get some restaurant experience.” Her words weren’t a lie. She did want experience. She didn’t want anyone else to know the real life-or-death reasons behind her being here. Only Nate. Her brother had said she could trust Nate, and she was going to have to take him at his word.

Suzy set her tray on the counter, as if prepared to stay awhile and talk. “Well, I know Nate could use the help.”

Kylie prepared a glass of water for herself and decided to take a break. She took a sip and stood across from Suzy. “You guys have a small staff.”

“Things have been tight, so Nate tries to watch every dime. I tried to tell him there are some things you just shouldn’t cut back on. He doesn’t listen.”

Kylie nodded. “He seems pretty…”

“Gruff?” Suzy laughed, obviously not shy about sharing her opinion. “You don’t have to beat around the bush with me. Yeah, he comes across as a little grumpy sometimes. Deep inside, he’s not. I think the stress of owning this restaurant has just taken its toll on him.”

Kylie leaned against the counter, intrigued to find out more about her temporary boss. “You make it sound like he doesn’t want to own this place.”

“The restaurant was handed down to him from his father. Nate never wanted to own it, but I’ll give him credit, he’s tried to make the best of it. There’s rumor that the place might go up for sale soon, though. If Nate has his way, he won’t own this place very much longer.”

Kylie pulled her chin back in surprise. “Up for sale? I had no idea.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t tell many people about it. I think he’s afraid of disappointing some of his father’s old friends.”

“Darlene and Harvey, by chance?”

“Yes. You’ve met them?”

Kylie nodded. “A couple of times already.”

“Yeah, so all of that combined with the bad relationship he just got out of a few months ago—”

“Kylie.” Both women snapped their heads toward Nate, who’d appeared in the doorway dangling a telephone. How much of the conversation had he heard? “You have a phone call. Your brother.”

Suzy scurried away, no doubt before she heard an earful from her boss. Kylie had no choice but to approach Nate, though. She couldn’t read his expression as she took the phone and placed it at her ear. His gaze remained on her another moment before he turned and stomped back into the dining room.

Once he was out of earshot, she finally spoke into the receiver. “I thought I already called you and told you I was here and doing okay. Are you doing the overprotective thing on me again?” She tried to sound lighthearted and erase all the worry that always seemed to be present in her brother’s voice.

“Kylie.” His voice sounded serious, much more serious than she’d expected. “Your house was ransacked last night.”

“Ransacked? What do you mean? I thought the police were watching it.” That ice-cold feeling chilled her spine again. She backed away from the dining area, out of earshot.

“A cruiser was going past every ten minutes. We have no idea how the break-in happened. It almost seems like someone was watching, like they knew we were monitoring the house and waited until just the right moment to strike.”

“Was anything taken?”

“It’s hard to say. Nothing valuable. Your TV, computer, jewelry, all of those things are still there.”

“So…” Kylie couldn’t finish her thought. Her mind raced with possibilities.

Her brother’s voice softened. “No, this doesn’t appear to be a random break-in. This was mostly likely your stalker, and he’s most likely trying to figure out where you went.” Her brother paused. “Did you leave anything in your house that might give away your location, Kylie?”

Had she? Her mind replayed the events of the past few days. The only place she’d written down her destination was in her notebook. She’d jotted Nate’s address and phone number, plus some quick directions her brother had given her. But then she’d torn that page out and had brought it with her. That paper had sat in the car seat beside her on the drive here. She was sure of it.

“No, I didn’t leave anything there.”

“Good. You should still be safe there in Yorktown. Did you let Nate know what’s going on?”

“We talked last night.”

“If anything at all suspicious happens, let him know. Promise me?”

“I promise.” Before they hung up, Kylie told him about the note she’d found scribbled in her book.

Her brother’s voice sounded stern. “Kylie, be careful. I don’t like this.”

She nodded. “Neither do I.”




SIX


Nate looked away from a conversation with one of his regulars and glanced at Kylie, whose face looked whiter than flour. She slowly placed the phone on the hook, and from the way her body sagged, it looked like she hung on to the wall mount to keep from sinking to the floor. He had the urge to go and help steady her, but he didn’t. She seemed to like her privacy, and Nate wanted to respect that, even if he had to grip the chair to keep himself from rising.

But when Kylie looked over at Nate with strained eyes, he decided she was inviting him to help. He apologized to his customer as he hastily rose and walked into the kitchen. Kylie appeared dazed as he approached.

“Everything okay?” He slapped the dish towel over his shoulder, trying not to appear too concerned. Still, he reached out and gripped her elbow so she wouldn’t stumble.

Her eyes flickered around as if her brain was processing a large amount of information. “Someone broke into my apartment back in Kentucky last night.”

He bristled at the news. “The same man?”

“Most likely. Nothing was stolen.”

“Your brother is a good police officer, Kylie. I know he’s making sure that the people assigned to your case are doing their job. They’ll figure out whoever is doing this to you. And when they do, that person will pay.”

Kylie nodded. “You’re right. It’s just so hard being here when all of that is happening back home. I feel like I need to be there, to go through my things, help pick up the pieces.”

He squeezed her elbow, trying to reassure her. “You’ll have plenty of time for that later, Kylie. Right now you just have to focus on your safety. That’s the most important thing.”

She let out a little laugh, the action ruffling her bangs. “You sound like my brother, you know.”

Nate smiled and released his grip on her some. “Your brother is a good man.”

She sighed and leaned against the counter, some of the lines disappearing from her face. “He said you served together in the Coast Guard.”

“That’s right. Bruce helped keep me sane.” He did more than that. Bruce had saved Nate’s life. After a devastating rescue gone wrong, Nate had picked up some bad habits to ease his pain. Bruce had been the only one brave enough to gently, yet firmly, correct Nate. He couldn’t imagine what life might be like today if Bruce hadn’t intervened.

“When did you guys work together?”

“When we were stationed at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. We were both rescue swimmers. The first day we met we discovered we both rooted for the same pro football team. We were inseparable after that.”

Kylie pulled her arms across her chest. “I used to pray for Bruce every day when he did that job.” She closed her eyes. “Jumping out of helicopters, battling the seas, the temperatures and storms and all those other elements that came with being out in the middle of the ocean…I don’t know how you guys did it.”

Those were the moments that Nate missed. Those rushes of adrenaline. Knowing he could save someone’s life. Using every ounce of strength to do his job.

But there had been tough moments also, moments when he hadn’t been able to save everyone. Moments where he had to tell one family member that another hadn’t made it. He pushed the memories away.

Saving people—whether it had been at sea or just in life itself—had been his passion. He’d failed. And as further proof and a daily reminder of that failure, he now ran this restaurant.

“Nate?”

Kylie’s voice pulled him out of the memory. He decided to put the focus on Bruce and hoped Kylie wouldn’t ask too many questions of him. He wasn’t ready to go there. The emotions of leaving the Coast Guard two years ago still felt raw at times. The last thing he needed was for Kylie to feel sorry for him. “Your brother was a great rescue swimmer. I was surprised when he decided to get out of the Coast Guard.”

Kylie nodded. “I guess he decided he’d had enough excitement in his life. So he came back to Kentucky and became a police officer instead.”

Nate thought of what his second career choice had been, before the restaurant had been given to him. He’d been offered a position as instructor at the Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown. Every day, he questioned whether or not he should have taken that position there. But his father’s wishes had been for him to take over this place after he died. How could he say no to the man who’d sacrificed so much for him? Besides, that last mission always seemed to haunt him.

His gaze focused on Kylie for a moment, and he could see her studying him, probably trying to figure him out. Few people had ever accomplished that task. She shifted her weight, and Nate waited to hear what she’d say next.

“I think Bruce misses the Coast Guard. I know he really loved it.”

“We had some good times. That’s for sure.”

When he saw Kylie’s earnest expression, Nate thought about telling her that he missed it also. But then he might have to tell her about that last rescue he’d attempted. About the failure that still haunted him and drove him to be the person he was today.



When Kylie got back to her room, her back ached, her feet hurt and her head pounded. She wasn’t used to being on her feet all day, bending over a chopping board for hours at a time, or trying to remember a list of new recipes. She worked hard on her local cooking show and for her catering business, but it was nothing like this.

She lay back in bed and kicked her feet up. What she wouldn’t do for a TV to distract her thoughts right now. Or a good book. Well, she had a good book, but she wouldn’t be reading it. Not with that reminder written in the front of it.

Instead, her mind wandered to her conversation with Bruce today. The Man in Black was getting brave, breaking into her apartment like that. He’d broken in once before to leave her a note. That hand-jotted letter had been one of the first clues that whoever followed her wasn’t merely a harmless fan. After that, the pictures began coming. The photos proved that wherever she went, this man followed her.

She pulled her arms around her chest. The man had never touched her but still she’d felt so violated. She prayed he would be caught soon. Then she could get out of this tiny apartment and away from Nate Richardson.

His image—as handsome as it might be—flashed in her head and she frowned.

It wasn’t that she didn’t like Nate. She couldn’t help but feel she was in his way, that he didn’t really want her here.

She sighed. She’d done enough thinking. Thinking always got her in trouble.

She reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her cell phone. She’d laid out the pieces this morning, hoping the electronics would dry out. She snapped the battery back in and pressed the “on” button. A moment later, her screen lit up.

“Yes, it works.” She didn’t plan on leaving the phone on during her stay here, but it was nice to have, just in case she needed to get in touch with someone in an emergency.

The phone buzzed and a message popped up on the screen informing her that she had four new voice mail messages. Probably all from Nate or Bruce last night. She anticipated hearing their anxious voices, asking her where she was and why she wasn’t answering.

The first two messages, as she expected, were from Bruce and the third from Nate. She anticipated the fourth being from Bruce as well. Instead, a gravelly voice filled her ears.

“Where are you, Kylie? You think you can run from me, but you can’t. I’ll find you, wherever you go. Remember that. I’m always watching.”



Kylie scavenged the cupboards the next morning only to discover she had no food in her little kitchenette. Her stomach rumbling with hunger, she got dressed and headed downstairs. Certainly Nate wouldn’t mind if she hunted around the restaurant for something to eat.

When she found some free time, she’d buy some groceries. But if Nate worked her as hard today as he’d done yesterday, she’d never have the chance to go shopping. If what Suzy had told her was true, it was no wonder the man couldn’t keep any employees around.

As she padded downstairs, she shivered, remembering the voice mail she’d listened to last night. How far away would she have to be from her life in Kentucky before she felt safe? Would she ever feel safe?

She pushed through the doors into the kitchen, and the scent of bacon and eggs drifted out. Nate stood at the griddle wearing a white apron and what was perhaps a warm smile. Could it be?

“Morning.” He turned over an omelet and turned toward her.

Yep, that was the start of a small smile. It looked nice on him.

Kylie had to turn her approving gaze away from her temporary boss. She always found something very attractive about a man in the kitchen. Instead of dwelling on the image, she leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. “Smells good.”

Using tongs, he picked up a piece of bacon from the griddle and placed it on a plate with an omelet. He handed the dish to her. “I thought you might be hungry and I realized I didn’t leave you any food.”

“This more than makes up for it.” She placed the food on the counter while going to grab two ceramic mugs. “Want me to grab you a cup of coffee? You will be joining me for breakfast, won’t you?”

“I usually just share the breakfast nook with a newspaper. I suppose a change in company could be good.” A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

She poured the hot liquid into the cups and carried them to a table at the front. As she waited for Nate, she took the opportunity to soak in the dining area. Nate had created a nice atmosphere—one that fit in with his Revolutionary theme by keeping a post-and-beam design, low ceilings, chandeliers with electric candles and simple, mission-style tables and chairs. The floors were wooden and rustic-looking, and a few antiques were scattered along the walls. Now all he needed were waitresses dressed in period attire.

A moment later, Nate joined her with two steaming plates of food. A moment of awkward silence followed as they both began eating. What exactly did they have to talk about? It seemed all they had in common were her brother and cooking, the latter of which Nate apparently couldn’t stand.

“Good omelet,” she finally said. She told the truth. The eggs were delicious and cooked perfectly.

“Thanks. Breakfast is my meal of choice any day of the week.” He took another bite and eyed her a moment. After swallowing he said, “So tell me more about your show and your catering business. You seem to enjoy cooking.”

She wiped her mouth and nodded. “I do enjoy cooking. Always have. I like taking everyday, ordinary foods and making them…extraordinary. All it usually takes is some fresh herbs or an unexpected ingredient and—voilà!—the whole dish can come alive.”

“Maybe you’ll show me one of those dishes sometime.”

She nodded again, contemplating whether or not she should offer her ideas about his restaurant. No, she decided, she wouldn’t overstep her boundaries. “I’ve always loved food, ever since I was little. I always wanted to help my mom in the kitchen or make meals for my friends. I did go to culinary school, but only for a year. At that point, my friend and I began getting offered catering jobs—first for our friends’ weddings or church functions. But business really began picking up, and we started doing a lot for some high-end clients and companies.”

“How did you get your own cooking show?”

“One of my clients opened a kitchen shop—you know, one of those stores that sell every imaginable tool for the kitchen? She started asking me to come in and do demonstrations. I did, and I discovered I loved it. While I was doing a demonstration, a producer from a local network saw me. He asked me to come in and do a screen test. I really fumbled the first few times in front of the camera, but for some reason, the producer saw potential in me.”

Kylie paused to take a sip of coffee.

“I tried to do both the catering business and the show for a while, but it finally got to be too much. I’m still a partner in the catering business, but I ended up going full-time with the show, which is now syndicated on a few different stations in Kentucky. I’m by no means famous, but it does feel good to have your hard work recognized.” She put down her coffee, relishing the feeling of accomplishment, followed by the disappointment caused by this derailment in her plans. “And now, here I am. What more is there to say?”

Nate nodded and wiped his mouth. “I’m sure this guy will be caught soon and you’ll be able to resume your life.”

If only Kylie could be that certain. She licked her lips and leaned back in her chair. “So, you’ve heard all about me. Tell me about this place. Your father opened it, correct?”

“Twenty years ago. This was his big dream that he saved his entire life for. Finally, he quit his job at the motor plant where he worked on the assembly line and opened this place. Spent every cent of his savings and retirement here.”

“Wow. That’s a great story. I always like hearing about people pursuing their dreams. Was the restaurant everything he’d hoped it would be?”

“My dad loved it. It was more than a restaurant for him. This place was like a big old kitchen table where people would come and gather around. It didn’t matter if he knew you or not. As soon as you walked through the doors, you were his guest.”

“That sounds wonderful.” She shifted in her seat. “Do you mind if I ask what happened to your father?”

The smile disappeared from Nate’s face, a grim expression replacing it. “Three years ago, he had a heart attack. The doctor diagnosed him with coronary heart disease. In five months, he deteriorated quickly. Then the second heart attack hit a year after the first one. That one killed him on the spot.”

“That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”

“At least I still have this place. It makes me feel close to Dad, like his spirit is still here overseeing everything.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“She died when I was a kid. Cancer.”

Cancer. Every time Kylie heard the word, she felt a pang of sadness and grief and understanding. “You must have been an only child.”

“The doctors told my parents they’d never have kids. But to their surprise, when my mom turned thirty-nine, she found out she was pregnant.”

Kylie took the last bite of her omelet. “I’m sure it was the best surprise she could have ever gotten.”

Nate smiled. “That’s what she always said.”

Silence fell again and Kylie wiped her mouth. She stood, her chair shrieking against the floor. “That was delicious, but I guess I should get busy in the kitchen.”

Nate grabbed her hand. “Wait.”

Kylie ignored the jolt of electricity that rushed through her and paused, her heart racing for no good reason. “Yes?”

“Could you sit back down for a minute?

Kylie nodded and obeyed, a sick feeling forming in her gut. Conversations like this always put her on edge, and Nate’s eyes look far too worried for her comfort. “Yes?”

“I’ve been thinking about you…about your situation, I mean.” His fingers locked together on the table, like a father’s might before a stern talk. “I really think it’s best that, while you’re here, you don’t go anywhere alone. This man who’s been after you is obviously unstable. I want you to feel safe here, but the reality is that until this man is behind bars, you’re better to be cautious.”

Indignation rushed through her. She’d fought for her entire life to get to the place she was today. She’d overcome the stereotypes that came with being petite, soft-spoken and kind. She’d risen up from the hardships she’d endured and shown she was capable and confident and savvy. The last thing she needed was someone trying to take that from her.

Kylie swallowed, choosing her words carefully. “Thank you for your concern. I realize that I need to take every precaution possible. I do. But the last thing I need is someone dictating where I go and when and with whom.”

Nate’s eyes flickered, though Kylie wasn’t sure what the emotion was behind them. Anger? Curiosity? Admiration? “Kylie, I really think it would be in your best interest to listen to me on this one.”

She bristled. She was wise enough to know she didn’t need to wear a bull’s-eye on her back or act like a sitting duck, so to speak. “I’ve been living on my own for seven years now. I think I can trust my own instincts and make my own decisions.”

Nate cleared his throat and when he spoke again, his voice sounded lower. “This isn’t about making your own decisions. It’s about being smart and staying safe.”

“I assure you that I’ll use the utmost wisdom.” Kylie tried to suppress her frustration. Her efforts didn’t work. Her hands clenched into fists.

Nate closed his eyes, as if frustrated himself. “Kylie, I’m not trying to tell you what to do.”

“It sounds like that’s exactly what you’re trying to do.” She took a deep breath and softened her voice. “I appreciate you letting me stay here, Nate, and I’m more than happy to help out at the restaurant to pay for room and board. But I don’t need a guardian or someone telling me what to do.”

“I think you’re misunderstanding me—”

“Maybe this isn’t the best time to talk about this.” She stood and hurried into the kitchen before she said something she’d regret and began prepping for the day.



Nate watched Kylie walk away and shook his head.

The Coast Guard had taught him a lot about rescuing people. Some people were anxious for your help, and even after the mission was over they’d make it their mission to publicly thank you and tell others about what you’d done. Others were more difficult. Some people tried to pull you underwater in their panic to be saved. Still other people wanted to be rescued but were too afraid to take the necessary steps, too afraid to trust you. Sometimes you had to literally knock them out in order to save their lives.

Kylie was obviously going to fall into the “difficult to rescue” category. She wanted help, but she wanted to save herself at the same time. She’d been forced to trust him but wasn’t sure how far to take that trust. Nate could understand that. But he also knew that the most important thing was keeping her safe, whether she wanted his help or not.

He sighed, ready for the challenge but not the drama that might come with it.

He gathered the plates on the table and bused them into the kitchen. Kylie stood with her back toward him, chopping carrots and onions. By the force of her chopping, she made a clear statement that she did not want to be bothered. Nate was fine with that. If he spoke to Kylie now, the words that left his mouth might not be kind.

He went about his tasks to prepare for opening. The crowds were always bigger on Saturdays than weekdays, so they prepared for more. By ten o’clock, the rest of the staff wandered in, looking less than thrilled to be working today. The sun did shine bright outside this morning and the weatherman had promised some of the nicest weather they’d had since last fall. Most people didn’t want to spend days like today inside.

At noon, customers began coming in, most of them tourists visiting for the day. Being busy probably benefited both Nate and Kylie because, in the rush of things, chances for more unpleasant exchanges were limited.

He noticed Kylie seemed to warm up toward the rest of the staff while completely avoiding him. She was efficient in the kitchen though, so he couldn’t complain. He wished he could hire someone with her work ethic permanently. When would Kylie be leaving? Possibly in just a couple of days.

When they finally had a lull in customers, Nate excused himself and went upstairs to his apartment. He picked up his cell phone and dialed Bruce’s number. He’d been thinking about everything that Kylie had told him and now he wanted the inside scoop from his friend.

Bruce answered on the first ring, his voice tight, worried.

Nate assured him everything was okay. “I want to ask you about this man who’s been following Kylie. She told me he broke into her house yesterday.”

“We searched for clues as to this guy’s identity, but we haven’t found anything yet. Whoever he is, he’s good. Leaves no detail unnoticed. He’s been like that since the be ginning.”

Nate narrowed his eyes. “Everyone screws up sometime. Everyone.”

“That’s what we’re counting on.”

Nate shifted his weight, looking out his window at three cars that pulled in front of the restaurant. They’d need his help downstairs soon, but right now he had to get more information. “Any update on the sting?”

“It’s scheduled for Friday. We want to make sure we do this right, with no mistakes.” Bruce’s voice held no room for question. “I’m afraid that if this guy ever sees Kylie again, her life will be on the line. This isn’t someone who’s just playing a game anymore. This guy is obsessed.”

Nate bristled at his friend’s words, at once glad that Kylie was here. “You think this guy knows where she went?”

“We’re telling people she’s on a road trip, trying to get some more inspiration and do some research for her cooking show. I won’t feel safe until this guy is behind bars. He always seems to be one step ahead of us.”

One step ahead of them. Maybe this guy was someone who knew Kylie personally or who could eavesdrop on her at work. “There was nothing in her apartment that would indicate where she’d gone, right? Do we need to find somewhere else for her to stay?”

“No, we don’t think so. She said the only place she wrote your address down was on her notebook, but she tore that sheet off and brought it with her. We think she’s safe. Believe me, the moment I start thinking she’s in danger again, you’ll be one of the first people who knows.” Bruce paused a moment. “How’s it going so far? Is she holding up okay?”





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