Pulling in front of her house—the place she used to feel like was home—Bree’s chest seized with panic.

Kace stopped his truck and turned to her. “You’ll be fine. You know that. Right?”

There was no feeling behind Bree’s nod of agreement. He was trying to offer reassurance and she appreciated him for it. Her heart thundered in her chest and the thought of walking inside there where she’d been attacked…

The air thinned and Bree gasped. It was like she couldn’t breathe. “I can’t do it.”

“You don’t have to.” Kace shifted the gear into reverse and backed out of the driveway. Silence sat between them as he navigated onto the farm road.

“Where are we going?” Bree asked after a long silence.

“Considering I sold all my stuff and have been staying at my sister’s place I thought it might be best if we borrowed my brother-in-law’s fishing cabin instead. It shouldn’t be a problem this time of year. He gave me a key before he shipped out since Kendra was insistent that I stick around. He said it was just in case I changed my mind. Does that sound okay?”

“I don’t care where we go, as long as it’s not my place.” Those words sounded foreign. Her home had been sacred ground to Bree. It was the first place she’d bought on her own with money she made from her shop.

“Deal. We should stop off and buy some necessities on the way out of town. Do you mind grabbing my phone and texting my sister to let her know where we’re headed? No one will suspect anything when I’m suddenly not around. I’m supposed to be on a plane. People will think you went to stay with your folks.”

“My mother.” Bree gasped. In all the exhaustion and with a steady stream of visitors Bree hadn’t thought about calling home. Her mother was dealing with so much already with Bree’s father’s diagnosis. “I should call her.”

“Travis called the other day and my sister has been in contact with her ever since. Your mother wanted to drop everything and come. Kendra reassured her there was nothing else that could be done here except sit and watch you sleep.”

“Did Kendra say how my mother sounded?”

“She was upset but grateful you were found. I’m supposed to pass on the message that she loves you.” Hearing those last two words from Kace stirred a reaction in her chest—a reaction she couldn’t afford under the circumstances. He was the one person who could shatter her heart into a thousand tiny flecks of dust.

“She asked you to call when you’re up to it. She also said not to come home unless you were ready to travel. She volunteered to come here to take care of you but Kendra promised that wasn’t necessary.”

“My mother took your sister at her word?” Surprising.

“Kendra told her that I planned to stick around to make sure nothing else happened until the guy was caught.” He white-knuckled the steering wheel. “Now you see my problem. I already promised your mother and I’m a man of my word.” A cocky grin upturned the corners of his mouth.

The break in tension was a much-needed relief. Bree allowed herself a small smile. “You’re right. You win.” It was probably the stress of recent events that caused her to break out laughing. She sounded a little hysterical, even to herself. But it was like she was sighing relief for the first time in days. “I’ll let your sister know we’re heading that way.”

Bree located his phone and sent the text. A response immediately came back. “She said she’ll drop off the dog she told you about. She just picked him up from the airport and is about to stop by the cabin. Said his name is Kimbro and he has food.”

“She doesn’t fight fair.” He shook his head in mock disgust. “He’s being retired from his military service and Tom rescued him. If you’re thinking about a pet. Maybe he’s the one.”

“Sounds like it would save me the work of training a puppy. I’m willing to give him a try if you think it might be a good fit.”

“All I know is that he’s a seven-year-old German Shepherd. He’s been through a lot. Lost hearing in one ear.” Kace’s deep baritone washed over her, bringing to life places she had no business allowing.

“Sounds like he deserves a good home.” One she could provide. Kace making sure she would be okay brought on a reaction she couldn’t afford…comfort.

Bree settled back in her seat and fixed her gaze on the patch of road in front of her. She needed to remind herself he was only there because she was in trouble, not because he wanted to be with her. After what she considered the best weekend of her life, she’d been devastated when he’d been clear that he had no desire for anything more to develop between them. She’d never been one-night-stand material. It worked for some but not for her. She needed to feel an emotional connection with someone. She’d been embarrassed to realize that had been a one-way street with Kace.

To be fair, Kace hadn’t made any promises. She knew what she was getting into. Sort of. He’d been crystal clear. No commitments. No strings. Just mutually-agreed upon great sex. Why did she think it would be different with her? She’d been naïve to think there could be more between them than smokin’ hot sex. And, damn…it had been the best sex of her life. Which would’ve been fine if her heart hadn’t gotten in the way, sending her confusing desires.

Her feelings for Kace dated back to high school when they’d started spending time together with the group. She thought maybe things were going down a path where the next logical step would be for him to ask her out. He didn’t. Instead, graduation came and he signed up for the military. She figured that was that. Life moved on. She’d seen him a few times when he’d come home on leave to visit his sister. He’d rented a small apartment—big enough for one—over the Huckabee’s garage. Even in high school there’d always been something unreachable, something distant about him. That was most likely the attraction.

And then he’d come home a few months ago. He’d stopped by the popcorn shop just as she was closing. The two got talking and next thing she knew it was one o’clock in the morning. She’d invited him over for coffee, which turned into three days and nights of the best conversation and food, and the most incredible sex. He disappeared just as quickly.

One of her closest high school friends, Zeke, had been there to pick up the pieces when she’d realized she was pregnant. She loved Zeke. He loved her but in a different way. She quickly realized his was the kind that led to a proposal—the words she’d wanted to hear from Kace. Tears swelled thinking about Zeke being gone.

Granted, what they had was totally different than what she felt for Kace. But then, she’d never felt that for anyone but him. She’d dated around. Almost got engaged once. But then Kace had come home to visit his sister and she’d bumped into him at the park. Kendra had just had her second child and he was holding her first in his arms. The sight of that man with a baby in his arms released a thousand butterflies in her stomach. He’d always been a flirt with her and this time had been no different. He had—still had—one of those devastating smiles that proved lethal when it came to seducing her. One look from Kace sent her pulse racing. Not feeling anything close to that with the man whose proposal she’d been considering made her realize she had to give the ring back.

Glancing at Kace now, her heart stuttered. She needed to let him in on the secret she’d shared with Zeke. She only prayed she could find the right words because this news would shatter his world.

Bree had been quiet most of the way to the fishing cabin. Kace couldn’t tell whether she was too tired for conversation or at a loss for words. There was so much he needed to know about her, her and Zeke’s relationship, about the child she was carrying. He wasn’t usually much for words when spending time with the opposite sex but it had always been different with Bree.

He pulled into the convenience store parking lot and parked. “I’d rather you stay in the truck. I’ll lock up. It’s best if no one sees you.”

“Okay.” She leaned the chair back and pulled the blanket up to her neck.

He hesitated.

“I’ll be okay.” Even with her chin up her voice said the opposite was true. He admired her courage and his heart took another hit at her bravery.

“This won’t take long.” Kace hopped out of the truck and hit the key fob to lock the doors. He gathered a few necessities, coffee, milk, that blueberry parfait yogurt she liked. He picked out something to make for dinner before checking out in record time and returning to his vehicle.

For those few minutes Bree was out of sight, his heart thundered in his chest and he could hardly breathe. Getting on a plane in a couple of days to Alaska didn’t seem like the best idea anymore. Maybe he could stay through the holidays, until Bree got settled again and he had enough time to spend with Kendra before moving on.

“That was quick.” Bree sat up and glanced around at the parking lot, which was thankfully empty.

“Got enough to get us through the night.” The thought they’d be spending the night under the same roof hit him. It should seem odd, especially under the circumstances, but felt like the most natural thing. Seeing the vulnerability in those beautiful eyes of her and how much his heart ached being with her again reminded him just how much of a jerk he’d been when he’d had the chance with her a few months ago. He’d blown that all to hell, which wasn’t a shock. Kace handled relationships about as well as a hot stove. He didn’t touch either one. The feeling of regret was new for him. Kace had always stayed in the now. He didn’t look back, didn’t regret. Not until her.

Kace navigated back onto the farm road. Twenty minutes later, he pulled up next to the cabin.

“Are there any other cabins nearby?” Bree asked.

“Not for miles. The lake is a ten-minute walk and my brother-in-law owns three acres. We have no neighbors, which should give you and Kimbro a chance to get to know each other without other distractions.” He hopped out of the cab and scooted around to the passenger side to help her out. Bruised and cut, her face was still as beautiful as ever. Her shiny blond hair cascaded down her back. Her eyes were his favorite color of brown—dark, rich—and they faltered when she took his outstretched hand. She was smart and successful. Funny when times were lighter. And she had this smile that beamed, made him think the world was a better place than it was. Made him think he was a better person than he was when it was aimed at him.

The proof he was losing what was left of his mind came in the form of the fact that he had feelings—real feelings—for his dead best friend’s fiancé. To make matters worse she was pregnant with Zeke’s child. And here Kace believed he didn’t ‘do’ complicated.

After helping her out of the vehicle, he walked her to the door and unlocked it. “I better go in first, just in case Kimbro isn’t happy to see us.”

Bree was practically glued to his back as he linked their fingers together. He flipped on the light and took a couple of steps into the open-concept living, dining and kitchen all the while searching for Kimbro.

A low growl sounded from a dark corner of the living room. Kace led Bree into the kitchen where his sister had left some food and treats.

“He’s in a new environment. His injury most likely makes him feel vulnerable.” Kace noticed his sister had put out a water bowl. The food bowl was on the counter, empty.

He poured the kibble into the bowl. The dry chunks made a thud noise against the metal bowl. He lifted the bowl to his nose and took a sniff. “That’s God-awful. We can do a helluva lot better than this.”

He retrieved the food bags from the truck and cooked up some of the ground beef he’d bought. He sprinkled the beef on top of the dry food as he scanned the room.

The dog had stopped growling but he was in a defensive posture curled up in the corner. He looked tired and a little scared. From what Kace could tell Kimbro was a beautiful animal. He had the markings of a German Shepherd, an all-black snout and serious eyes.

“Easy, boy,” Kace summoned his most calming voice. He glanced toward Bree who was putting away food items. She moved fluidly and easily. Sudden movement might put the dog back on guard.

“He needs a new name.” Bree had stopped and was studying the animal. “For a new life.”

“Good idea.” The animal was alert and had that concerned look on his face that Kace figured came standard with German Shepherds.

Halfway across the room, Kace crouched low on his heels. The dog had started his low growl again and Kace didn’t want the animal to feel cornered. That’s when a frightened dog became a dangerous one. Growing up in Blushing, he’d spent his childhood around animals. He knew when to push and when to back off.

Kace set the food bowl down and slid it toward the seventy-five pound animal. Hungry eyes stared back at him, taking in Kace and Bree with caution. “I know, big guy. You’ve had a long day. But you’re fine now. You’re gonna be okay.”

“He’s beautiful. I can’t help thinking he looks so dignified, so regal. I’ve always thought German Shepherds were the most beautiful dogs. What do you think about calling him Duke?”

“Duke.” Kace let the name sit on his tongue. He rocked his head. “It’s a good name.”

Slowly, purposely, he leaned back on his heels as Duke inched forward toward the bowl. “That’s right, Duke. Come on and eat. No one’s going to hurt you here.”

Duke kept his gaze on Kace, who slowly backed away to give the dog space. Returning to the kitchen, he joined Bree. “I’d planned on making burgers with that meat.”

“I’m not hungry. I saw yogurt in the bag. I’ll probably just grab some of that.”

Kace crossed the kitchen until he was standing in front of Bree. Her hip was leaning against the counter, her hand planted behind her. And when her gaze locked onto his all rational thought flew out the window. He brought the back of his hand up to her cheekbone. “I should’ve told you this before but I couldn’t stand if something worse had happened to you.”

She stared up at him with those beautiful dark roast-colored eyes he wanted to get lost in. “I’m here now because you saved me.”

He ran his finger along her jawline, noticing how husky his own voice just became. He’d thought of her too many times since that weekend. He’d wanted to be here, holding her, lying in bed in a tangle of sheets instead of in the dessert. The only thing that had stopped him from contacting her was the fact he knew on a bone deep level he would end up hurting her. She deserved better.

He could feel her rapid pulse as he traced his finger along her jawline and then down the tender skin of her throat. He cupped the nape of her neck and rubbed circles with the pad of his thumb. “I think about you, about us—”

A mix of emotion played out behind those brown eyes. Frustration? Sadness? “You were pretty clear about what you wanted, Kace. Or should I say what you didn’t want. Me.”

“I never said I didn’t want you.” Only that he didn’t ‘do’ more than a weekend here and there. Only that she deserved better.

Bree’s full pink lips parted. Her tongue darted across her bottom lip, her nervous tell. And her eyes blinked up at him. “Kiss me, Kace.”

He shouldn’t. All rational as to why this would be a bad idea went up in smoke the minute his hungry lips touched hers. He pressed his mouth to hers, gently at first, afraid he’d hurt her. But then her hands came up to his chest and she grabbed fistfuls of his shirt, pulling him closer to her soft, curvy body.

His muscles strung so taut he thought they might snap from contact. Breathing in her clean, flowery scent caused his body to ache for her. When she deepened the kiss, teasing his tongue inside her mouth, Kace’s self-control detonated. He pulled her flush with his body, remembering how sweet her creamy skin felt under his rough hands. How much he wanted to drive himself deep inside her and forget the world around him. How much he wanted to go back in time and act differently after the weekend they’d shared. He’d tell her that he could change if it meant hearing her voice next to him when he went to sleep at night.

It might be a lie but it felt so true, so real when he got lost in that sweet kiss, in her flower bouquet scent. He brought his hands up to her face to position her mouth for better access. How many times had he thought about doing this very thing in the past few months? Too many.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders, fueling his need for her as he thought about how they’d felt roaming his bare skin. And then her hands dropped to the hem of his T-shirt. He broke apart long enough to toe off his boots and aid her in removing his shirt. He shrugged out of his and tossed it onto the floor where his jeans piled next followed by his socks and boxers.

Bree’s irises darkened, the brown glittered with hunger he recognized. Missed. Sex was so much more than physical with her. She ran her fingertips along the ridges in his chest like she was memorizing every detail. Her heartbeat pounded at the base of her throat and he drew on all his patience to let this unfold.

As much as he wanted her—and it was unimaginable just how much that was—he didn’t want to rush. Every muscle in his body corded. Tension strung his muscles tighter, with a need for release that only Bree could provide. He needed to slow things down, think about something besides her creamy skin and the soft curve of her hips. Motor fuel. Changing the oil in his truck. He needed to shift gears or this would be over before it got really good.

Locking onto his gaze, Bree withdrew her fingers and started to shrug out of her light purple sweater. She wore a pale pink silk-and-lace bra underneath that barely contained her full breasts.

“Pink is my new favorite color,” he said, his voice a husky growl. He ran his thumb along the lacy curves, stopping at the front snap. That was undone a second later.

He ran his hands along each collarbone and down her arms, taking the straps with him. Her bra fell onto the floor behind her.

He palmed one of her full breasts and her back arched. Her gorgeous body pressed against him. He swallowed her moan when he put his lips on hers. Her mouth tasted like the sweetest honey.

Bree locked gazes before taking a step back. Her boots came off next and she shimmied out of her jeans. Kace hooked a finger around her lacey pink panties and those were on the floor a second later. He looked at her, really looked at her. His heart squeezed. He’d been an idiot before. He never should’ve let her go.

“You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

A lightning bolt of guilt slammed into him for what was happening between them, for what he was helpless to fight. This tide, this current was too damn strong.