12

Skylar stood in her living room, restless. In familiar surroundings, she could imagine the entire night’s events surreal. But with Slade Marshal checking each room for trespassers she couldn’t deny this was really happening; the man filled her space with an enigmatic presence like none she’d experienced. With wide shoulders and thick biceps designed to protect, his raw masculinity comforted rather than intimidated. He’d come prepared, too. Before entering he’d withdrawn a gun from an ankle holster. She shouldn’t have been surprised considering his profession and his past as a police detective. But still, seeing the glint of steel in his hands had her heart hammering with both anticipation and relief. If someone was inside, Slade would handle them.

As he continued his search, which shouldn’t take long in the one-thousand square foot condo, she allowed herself to appreciate being home. Her modest surroundings may not be impressive by the world’s standards, but they were hers. Raspberry air fresheners scented the space, along with hints of the cinnamon bread she’d toasted for breakfast. She’d left the morning paper on the small coffee table, and her favorite afghan was strewn across the periwinkle couch. How long before she could cuddle on the soft cushions and read a romance novel? Would she ever again feel completely at ease?

Slade exited the spare bedroom and checked out the bathroom. He yanked open the shower curtain. The man was thorough, she’d give him that.

He stepped into the living room and stashed his weapon. “It’s clear. But I still don’t like leaving you here alone.”

Her semblance of calm shattered. She couldn’t allow him to stay. She wouldn’t have a chance to slip out undetected. “I’d invite you to crash on the couch.” She glanced at the sectional. “But I don’t let men stay at my place overnight.”

The corners of his lips lifted. “I don’t invite women to stay over at my place either.”

The man surprised her at every turn. “That’s good to know.”

“Is it?” Amusement sounded in his voice, and he stepped closer. “Why’s that?”

Heat radiated across her cheeks. “I’ve met Christian men that act as if God’s commandments are more like optional suggestions.”

He moved in so close his spicy aftershave mingled with her raspberry fresheners, making for an interesting, if not enticing mixture. “I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. I learned the hard way that God’s boundaries are meant to protect us, not keep us on a leash.” The flashlight’s beam illuminated his face enough to outline his sincere expression.

Wow. The man had some life experiences to work with. Either that, or God had given him divine wisdom. “You don’t feel confined by His commandments?”

“In contrast, I’ve found following God’s guidance is more freeing than anything I’ve ever known.” Slade’s earnest tone as well as his words grabbed her attention.

“I’m still learning. I’ve only been a Christian a few years. You’ve probably always been one.” Yeah, she was prodding for info. Why not? If she had to trust the man, she needed justification.

“I was eight years old when I sat on my living room couch alongside my mother and gave my life to Christ. But I’m still learning, too. ”

“So you were raised with Christian parents?”

“I was. And you?”

Oh, why had she brought this up? Her heart thudded a little harder. “I don’t remember my parents. My grandmother raised me. She took me to church, but I got into my fair share of trouble as a teenager. I had a difficult time believing that Jesus would love me enough to die for me.”

“What happened to make you believe?”

“A few years ago, I was in a situation where I had no one else but Him to turn to. I hit the lowest point in my life before I could see the light.” She cleared her throat. “I guess that sounds bad to someone who’s believed for so long?”

“No. It sounds like God was determined to reach you.” Slade’s voice held no condemnation, only compassion. He took her hand in his and squeezed.

Skylar’s palm warmed at his touch, and her defenses slipped. She could get used to spending time with a man like this—empathetic, strong, and most importantly, faithful. Had God meant for them to cross paths? If Slade hadn’t been in the van, she didn’t even know if she’d still be alive. “I want you to know I am glad we met tonight,” she said.

“Me, too.” His gaze lingered on hers a moment, and then he cleared his throat, released her hand and took a step back. “I’d better go.” He gave her the flashlight. “I’ll exit through the back. Lock up. If anything happens, turn on a light. It won’t take me more than a minute to get here from across the street.” With a quick nod, he turned and exited.

What had just happened? Had she imagined the not-so-subtle connection forming between them? Had he felt it, too? Is that why he’d left so abruptly?

Thoughts tumbling, Skylar followed his path to the backdoor and slipped the deadbolt into place.

“Sleep tight.”

Skylar jumped at Slade’s voice. He’d been listening for the lock to engage. He was looking out for her, and she was about to sneak away. Guilt nudged her, but she tamped down the gut reaction. She had a plan, and she couldn’t let contradictory emotions get in the way.

She needed to clear her muddled thoughts. A couple hours sleep and a hot shower would help with that. Then she’d be ready to head out. It would only take about ten minutes at a clipped pace to get to Uncle Winston’s two story on Kingsland Drive—she hoped. The neighbor’s dog posed a risk. The pit bull slept outside, and although she wouldn’t trespass onto their property she had to use the sidewalk next to their chain-link fence. The dog could bark and draw the attention of not only Slade, but anyone else who might be watching.

Lord, please help me not to become a real missing person’s case.