“I’ll be your bodyguard,” Mitch said, running his hand along the back of his neck and pacing some more.

Caitlyn stared at him. “No.”

“It’s that or protective custody. Your choice, Caitlyn.”

A world-weary sigh hissed out of her.

Pressure welled up in his chest. Why did she always have to fight him? He didn’t want to scare her any more than he already had. But she left him no choice.

“Don’t argue with me, Caitlyn. This guy could be waiting at your house.”

Her bottomless eyes grew huge. Speechless for four, five, six full seconds. The longest he’d ever known Caitlyn to stay silent.

“Just work with me here.” Mitch sat back down.

Something in her eyes softened.

Had she heard the desperation in his plea?

Seeing her again had stirred up every memory and feeling he thought he’d buried. He might be desperate to keep her safe, but he was just as desperate to win her love again.