13

 

Graham closed the gate to the llamas and headed to the barn. Time to head out for the weekend. Again. How could the week have disappeared so quickly? He sure didn’t like leaving Rori every Thursday, knowing he wouldn’t be able to see her until Tuesday. Four whole days of not seeing her beautiful face, not hearing that soft tinkle of laughter, not stealing a few minutes to share coffee and a chat. And occasionally, a kiss. His sigh came out loud enough that Savvy could probably hear it down the road.

Trotting alongside, Goliath looked up at him with big, mournful eyes.

Graham patted him on the head as they continued their trek. “Sorry, buddy. Didn’t mean to scare ya. It’s getting tougher to leave every week, isn’t it?” He made sure all the tools were picked up and in their place and grabbed the handful of dirty shirts.

Jumbo was a little more sociable these days.

Only three crud-blasted shirts in the stack. He grinned. Crazy, lovable llama.

What if Angela hadn’t asked him to check out this place?

He might never have met Rori or these precious animals, who’d quickly become his friends. That wasn’t true. God had his path mapped out for him. He just had to be obedient. And patient, but that miserable trait wasn’t high on his list of strengths. “Come on, Goliath. Let’s go say goodbye to Rori.”

The dog bounded alongside as they made their way to the renovated stable.

It was growing on him. Rori’s soft touches made it homey and comfortable, giving it a much more lived in feeling than his house, which felt more cold and sterile every time he walked in the door. Maybe he should invite her over to come up with ideas on what he could do to make the castle feel more like a home? Or maybe he just felt more comfortable here because this is where Rori was. He pressed the doorbell three quick times before opening the front door, their code that he was coming in.

She sat at the table, hunched over a laptop, one palm holding her chin, the other hand fluttering over the mouse. More grant research probably. Stubborn little thing kept refusing his check.

“You know I could save you a lot of time,” he growled.

Goliath sauntered over to the area rug in the family room and plunked down.

She tore her gaze away from the monitor, appreciation glowing from her face. “I know, but I can’t let you.”

The same argument every time he brought it up, and he hadn’t won yet. “One of these days you will.”

“You think so?” Her tone and the look on her face dared him.

In two steps, he was at her side. He reached out, tugging her off the chair, and swallowed her in his arms. He kissed her, slow and teasing, loving the way her lips and heart responded to him. “Yeah. I think so.” Confidence oozed from his voice.

A soft gurgle came from her throat, and those gorgeous lashes finally fluttered open. “Is it time to go already?”

He could get lost in those flecks. They changed from brown to amber, depending on the lighting and her mood. Right now, she looked like she was in the middle of a wonderful dream. Dare he push the issue? He nodded and pressed his forehead to hers. “Go with me.”

That woke her up. Her shoulders reared back, and fear flashed across her face. “I—” She turned her back to him.

He waited, not willing to let her off the hook. He wanted her there.

She longed to be there, too. Could she do it? Would she say yes?

He rubbed her shoulders, loosening the panic that tightened her muscles.

After what seemed like an entire thirty seconds, she turned around, forcing his hands to drop to his sides. “OK. I’ll go. But I can’t leave today. Can I come on Saturday?”

Joy exploded in his chest and spilled onto his face. He pumped a fist along his side. “You bet! I’ll send Sam for you. Do you mind riding in a chopper or a small plane?”

She shook her head, and then her chin dipped. “No, I’m not afraid of heights. Only people.”

“Hey.” He hooked her chin with his thumb and nudged it up. “You don’t need to be afraid of Sam. He’s been working for me for going on ten years now. He wouldn’t say or do anything to hurt you. You have my word.” A fierce, protective urged welled up inside. He didn’t think he needed to warn Sam, but he would if it meant shielding Rori from any more pain.

She nibbled her upper lip.

He wished he could stay and ease the worry creasing her forehead, but he was running out of time. Now that she was coming, he’d have to work tonight to clear some time for her this weekend.

“I trust you, Graham.”

“That means a lot coming from you.” He would move heaven and earth not to damage that tiny thread of trust. Which brought up another issue. There was no way she could stay in his RV. He didn’t trust his self-control where she was concerned, and he wouldn’t risk shredding her reputation, giving the media something new to gnaw on.

“Uh, Rori…” He scraped fingers across his whiskered jaw.

“Yeah?”

“As far as sleeping arrangements—” His boot tapped a nervous rhythm on the floor.

“I can’t stay with you.” Was she asking? Or telling?

“I was just getting to that.” He nodded his head in agreement. “You can stay with some of my friends in their RV at the track or I can get you a hotel room nearby.”

Her lips pressed together in a thin line as indecision flitted across her face. Would she change her mind about coming? “I’ll stay with your friends.” She squared her shoulders, determination straightening her spine.

“Thatta girl. You’ll like Michelle and Geoff.” He allowed himself one last lingering kiss, something to hold him until Saturday. Reluctantly, he pulled away, his fingers sliding around the cold door handle. “Goliath, come.” Graham needed to get going. He had a ton of work to do now that she was coming. And it wouldn’t hurt to leave before she changed her mind.

 

 

****

 

She should change her mind. Could she really do this? Rori glanced at the time on her cellphone. Five thirty on a Friday night. Should she try calling Burk at the office? He definitely wouldn’t be at home yet. With all the city functions he attended, the man never kept normal hours. She touched the screen to connect with his cell. It rang a couple times.

“Hey, Rori. What’s up?” Her brother’s deep voice came on the line. Papers rustled in the background. Still at work apparently.

“I’ve decided to go.”

“Yeah?”

She’d surprised him. His office chair squeaked as she pictured him leaning all the way back, giving her his full attention now. She could even imagine his dark brows lifting and the little creases taking over his forehead. “Go where?”

“To the race this weekend.”

Silence. Then, “Wow! I’m impressed. When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow.” A tiny snake of fear slithered in, casting doubt on her decision. Had she experienced a temporary moment of insanity when she’d said yes to Graham? What had she been thinking? It all came back to her. The loss she felt every weekend at not seeing him. Or the dread that he might be involved in another accident, and how long would she have to wait to find out if he was all right? Or it could have been from that kiss. He’d set her limbs on fire, sparking tingles from her toes to her heart.

“What time?”

“Huh?” Her mind snapped back to now. She rubbed her arms, squelching the shivers that spiked.

“What time are you leaving tomorrow?”

“Oh. About nine. Graham’s sending his pilot to get me.”

“I’ll be there.”

She smiled. She knew he’d say that.

It was just like her brother to make sure she’d be all right. And to celebrate a milestone.

But, did she really have the courage to go through with this?

 

****

 

“You can do it, Rori.” Savvy glanced over at her from atop Lightning’s back, her tone soft and encouraging. They’d ridden Lightning and Pocono hard, and now were taking their time heading back to Rori’s barn.

“I hope so.” Rori sighed, enjoying Pocono’s peaceful, easy gait after their gallop session and the quietness of the countryside as the sun began its ascent, bringing the day to life.

Awakening the panic that she’d pushed back since agreeing to go to the race. She tugged some chocolates from her pocket and held out her palm to Savvy. “Want one?”

“No thanks. Did you say Burk was coming?”

“Yeah.” Rori held up the watch she wore only when riding and squinted to make out the time. “He should be here soon.” She unfolded the wrapper and tossed the chocolate piece in her mouth, stuffing the soiled wrapper in her pocket.

“Between the two of us, we’ll make sure you get on that helicopter.” Savvy gave her head a firm nod.

Fear crashed into her tummy like a boulder avalanche. Could she really do this? Leave the refuge of the sanctuary and surround herself with…people? People she didn’t know? People who might—she took a deep breath, corralling the fear. God, if You’re there, please help me get on that chopper.

They reached the barn and swung down from the horses.

Rori removed the saddle and brushed Pocono’s back. “I’ll be right back.” Rori led Pocono to his stall while Savvy finished grooming Lightning.

Savvy had agreed to stay at the sanctuary and attend to the animals.

Burk would assume animal duty for Savvy’s shift on Sunday.

As she latched the door, hooves clomped through the barn behind her as Savvy escorted Lightning to a stall.

“Be a good boy for Savvy and Burk while I’m gone.” She buried her face in Pocono’s neck, taking small comfort in the horse’s strength.

An arm slung around her neck, and Savvy’s blonde head bobbed beside her.

Rori released her hold on the horse and backed away from the stall.

They laced arms around each other’s waists as they exited the barn.

The tires of her brother’s silver car crunched through the gravel and came to a stop. One long jean-clad leg appeared, and then his entire body popped out of the car.

Rori couldn’t contain the chuckle, a familiar reaction upon seeing her brother get out of his car. He was just too tall a guy to drive such a compact sedan.

“Looks like reinforcements have arrived,” Savvy said.

“Morning, Burk.” Rori planted a kiss on his cheek, inhaling the familiar notes of cedar and basil from Burk’s cologne.

“Morning.” Burk’s early morning voice rumbled close to her ear.

“Work late last night?” With so many evening functions to attend for the job, Burk wasn’t usually an early riser.

“Not too late.”

“I see you didn’t come dressed to work today.” Savvy commented, running her gaze down to Burk’s white tee-shirt, covered by a suit jacket.

Burk frowned, glancing down at his attire. “What do you mean? I’m wearing jeans and boots.”

“This is as close as he comes to casual wear, Savvy. You should know that by now.” Rori giggled.

When the twins were younger and tried to pull their occasional prank, she could always tell them apart by how they dressed. Even casual, Burk pressed his jeans and wore a dressy shirt. Beck, on the other hand, didn’t mind looking scruffy, even down to the shirttail that hung out. When they reached high school, Beck always allowed his facial hair to sprout more before shaving and wore his hair longer.

“Funny.” Burk scowled and linked arms between them. “So how are two of my favorite gals this morning?”

Fear reared its ugly head again. Rori swallowed and licked her dry lips.

“Someone has a bad case of nerves.” Savvy cocked her head at Rori.

“Figured as much.” Burk smiled, sweet and encouraging. “Is your bag packed?”

She nodded, still not trusting herself to speak. Would she be able to spit some words out by the time the pilot arrived? Or should she just call this whole thing off right now? Her hand slid into her pocket, cradling her cellphone.

An unusual noise disrupted the normal sanctuary sounds of animals munching and the occasional swishing of horses’ tails.

She tilted her head, listening.

A chopper’s rotors. And judging by the sound of it, almost here.

“It’s time.” Burk said quietly, halting the trio’s walk to the house. He chucked her chin up with his thumb. “You sure you’re OK with this?”

Her lips quivered. Was she? An image of Graham flitted across her vision. The contagiousness of his grin, the confidence in his shoulders, the encouragement in his voice. His promise that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. So far, he’d kept that promise, including taking that pesky reporter off her hands. She sucked in a breath, expanding her lungs and puffing up her chest. Determination lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “Yeah. I’m going to do this.”

“Aww! I’m so proud of you.” Savvy squealed and tugged her into a hug, twirling them around in circles. When she finally let go, Burk deposited her shoulder bag on the ground next to her.

The chopper approached the landing zone, kicking up dust and making it impossible to hear what Burk was saying.

Rori held up her hand, motioning for him to wait, that she couldn’t hear.

The rotors finally stopped spinning, and the engine cut off.

“What did you say?” She turned back to Burk.

“I said, ‘I knew you could do this.’” Burk kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry, Rori. Graham’s a man of faith. He’ll keep his word and take good care of you.”

She nodded, squashing back the fear and swiping at the moisture collecting on her cheek.

“And if he doesn’t, he’ll have me to answer to.” Burk’s lips thinned, brows narrowed.

“And me!” Savvy added.

A loud bark snagged Rori’s attention back to the helicopter.

Goliath hopped out and bounded her way.

A man wearing an olive green jumpsuit followed, but at a much slower pace.

Rori waited until Goliath sat, and then scrubbed the dog’s ears and neck. His big tongue lapped her cheek and she giggled. “Goliath, you crazy dog. What are you doing here?” Rori’s stomach knotted into tight coils as the pilot’s boots crunched through the gravel. She hugged Goliath, and then stood.

The man caught up to them. “Sam Wilson,” he said, holding out a hand.

Rori studied his leathered, worn-looking face, looking for malice and curiosity, but saw only kindness. She shook his hand. “Rori Harmon. And this is my brother, Burk, and my friend, Savvy.”

Sam nodded, shaking hands all around before returning his attention to her. “Graham wanted me to bring the pup here so you’d feel more comfortable.”

Her lips formed a silent “oh.” “That was so sweet. How thoughtful of him.”

Sam scratched the back of his head. “I agree, but you might not want to say that to him in front of the guys, ma’am.”

Burk laughed. “He’s got a point, Rori. You might want to save that just for him.”

She smiled, but nerves made her head wobble and her knees buckle. “Would you excuse me for a minute?”

“Sure. Take all the time you need. We’ll be a few minutes getting back to the airport, and then about another hour in the air.”

“Thanks.”

Rori bolted for the house, her stomach bunched in knots.

Footsteps crunched behind her.

She ignored them. She needed a minute to think. Was she doing the right thing? Could she go through with this? She reached the bathroom and closed the door, her fingers gripping the cool enamel of the tub as she sank onto the edge. Oh, God, sending Goliath along so I wouldn’t be so frightened was such a thoughtful thing for Graham to do. Help me go through with this, to show him that I trust him. I can’t do this on my own. I need Your help. There. She said it. Finally admitted the truth, that she needed God, what she suspected she’d known all along.

A small knock sounded on the bathroom door. “Rori?”

“I’m all right, Savvy. Give me a minute, and I’ll be out.” She could do this. She would do this. Not just for Graham, but for her. She stood and splashed cool water against her hot cheeks. Tucked her hair back in a ponytail. She took in a deep, calming breath. Exhaled. Better. She opened the door and faced Savvy’s concerned look.

“You OK?”

She took another breath. “Yeah. I am.”

 

****

 

Beef scented smoke drifted into Graham’s face as he stabbed the potatoes with a fork, lifting them off the grill and onto a platter, joining the steaks. He lowered the lid to the grill and turned back to the cluster of chairs situated around a small table outside his RV.

Some of his closest friends were here. One of his drivers, Geoff, and his wife, Michelle; his pilot, Sam; and his car hauler, Mike, and his wife, Kristin. And Rori. Someone special he hoped would become more than a good friend.

Goliath panted next to him, probably anticipating scooping up any juicy tidbits that might fall his way.

Graham set the platter on the table.

Goliath plopped down on the ground with a disappointed huff.

“Looks like we’re good to go.” Winking at Rori, he sank into the lawn chair next to her and downed a long swig of water. He set the bottle on the ground and reached for Rori’s hand, twining their fingers. He glanced down at their joined hands, reveling in the silky skin against his calloused fingers. How did she stay so soft and feminine when she worked so hard outside every day? He looked up and caught the knowing smile between his long time friend, Geoff, and his wife, Michelle. They’d been married a good ten years, but with no kids yet, so Michelle travelled with Geoff during racing season.

“Pray with me?” Graham bowed his head and said a blessing over the food, his fellowship with God drowning out the sounds of motors revving around the track as the drivers prepared for the Saturday night race.

Was Rori having a good time? Or was she still nervous? When Sam had finally arrived at the track with Rori, she’d stepped out of the rented van, pale and frightened as a skittish cat.

Graham had hated to leave for his turn on the track, but Michelle had planted an arm around Rori’s shoulder and taken her under her wing, giving her the rundown and tour of the track.

He made a mental note to thank Michelle later. Reluctantly, he released Rori’s hand to pass the platter of steaks.

“Mmm, this smells great, Graham.” Michelle said, cutting into the big chunk of beef.

“And tastes better than Louis’s.” Geoff said, around a bite.

“Ouch. Don’t let Louis hear you say that.” Graham cut into his steak and slid a sideways glance at Rori as he speared the piece and aimed at his mouth.

“Who’s Louis?” Rori asked.

“Graham’s chef.” Michelle answered.

Rori’s jaw dropped. Those sweet green eyes shot to his. “Your chef?”

He narrowed his gaze at Michelle. Maybe he wouldn’t thank her after all. The chunk of beef clawed all the way down his throat. He took another swig of water and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not how it sounds.”

“No?”

He shook his head, debating his next words.

“Louis cooks for the entire team. Most of us don’t have the time or the proper facilities to cook so he does it for us.” Mike saved the day. “It’s more efficient that bringing food in or everybody leaving the track.”

“Oh.” Rori’s shoulders seemed to loosen up a little more with every bite. By the time they finished the meal, she reclined in her seat with a hand pressed against her little belly. “That was delicious, Graham. Thank you.”

He took hold of her hand again, smiling. “You’re welcome. Glad you liked it.” And he hoped there would be plenty more meals like this together.

Geoff stood and stretched his arms above his head. “It was mighty good, Graham. Thanks for inviting us.”

Michelle stood, too, along with Kristen and Mike.

Sam started clearing the table, tossing paper plates and crumpled napkins in the trash can behind the RV.

Goliath trotted after Sam, his fluffy tail waving.

Sam’s gaze darted around. Apparently, he didn’t catch Graham looking at him because he tossed a chunk of beef to his canine buddy, who snatched it out of the air. So much for being sneaky.

Graham chuckled as he stood to wish his friends a good night.

“Rori, we’ll leave the door unlocked for you. It won’t be hard to find your bed.” Michelle laughed, her arm snaked around Geoff’s waist.

Graham felt a giant chasm split wide open in the vicinity of his heart. He was surrounded by loving marriages. His mom and dad’s. His sister’s. Geoff and Michelle’s. Yet his had failed miserably. Where had he gone wrong? He’d been so smitten, so entangled by Lisa’s rapt attention that he hadn’t prayed about whether she was the soul mate God had picked out just for him, and he had plowed into intimacy without considering the consequences.

If he’d have waited a few more months, the fact that she wasn’t God’s choice would have been obvious. But, he’d rushed headlong into a mistake. Was he doing the same thing again? No. He’d been praying for God to make His choice known for a long time, since the day in the courthouse when the judge cracked the gavel, marking the official demise of his marriage.

He was determined he wouldn’t make the same mistake, wouldn’t move ahead in a relationship without God’s blessing. Wouldn’t marry until God gave the go-ahead. But patience was his weak spot. God, you know that, right?

 

****

 

Where had she gone wrong? How had she allowed the walls around her heart to be penetrated so easily? Alone. Finally. With a man who was quickly becoming a necessity in her life. Someone she needed to see and be near on a daily basis. What was she thinking coming here this weekend?

Graham turned to face her, his palms cupping her cheeks. In the soft light of the moon and the glow from the track’s floodlights, his brown eyes blazed warmth and appreciation.

Her heart pounded so loud that it almost drowned out the growl of the racecars in the background.

His lips feathered a touch against hers for a second, sweet, but oh, much too short. When he grabbed her hand, her lids fluttered open. Had she just dreamt his kiss?

“Come on. Let’s sit for a bit before I take you back to Geoff and Michelle’s.” His touch was strong, but gentle, as he led her to a chair.

Goliath lifted his head from his spot in the grass, and then plopped it back down with a moan.

Graham pulled a chair close and sank into it, gazing up at the star-studded sky.

A powerful desire to reach over and run her fingers over the stubble along his jaw, to touch him, came over her. What would it hurt? Instead of stifling the urge, she gave into it.

He pulled her palm up and pressed his lips against the tender part of her skin. His lips burned a trail to her wrist until—he stopped abruptly and tucked her hand against his, settling their twined hands on the chair’s arms. “I made a few mistakes with a past relationship, Rori. I don’t want to make the same with you. I want to do this right.”

“You’re talking about your ex-wife.”

Surprise flitted across his face, and then acceptance. He nodded. “Yeah.”

“Are you referring to marrying her in general?”

“That and so many other things. Like not making God front and center in our relationship. If I had done that and not rushed things, I would have saved myself a lot of heartache.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Patience isn’t one of my strong traits, I’m sorry to confess.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.”

“That’s because I learned my lesson. The hard way.”

“I’m sorry she hurt you.” And she was. She dug her free hand into her pocket, tugged out some candy. “Want one?”

He smiled as he accepted the chocolate-peanut butter treat. “Is this the equivalent of kissing a boo-boo?”

She’d prefer kissing him, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. Instead, she concentrated on unwrapping the candy and popping it into her mouth.

He did the same.

She offered him another, but he refused.

His deep, melodic voice drew her back to his profile again as he stared off into the darkness, regret lining the hard ridges of his face. “I’d been dreaming of a wife, someone to come home to, a soul mate to share my life with, for so long that I accepted what I thought He put in front of me. But I should have known better.”

She felt, more than heard, his sigh. “How’s that?” How did one know the will of God?

“Lisa didn’t share my faith.” His gaze honed in on her. “That much was obvious from the beginning, but I ignored it. I thought she would change once we were married.”

“And she didn’t?”

His head wagged back and forth, practically rattling the chair. “No. She gave up all pretense after we were married.”

Rori certainly understood that. The camera brought out the best in her father. He’d reserved the worst for home.

“I want what my parents and my friends have.”

“What’s that?” She angled her head to the side. This was the first time he’d mentioned his parents.

“The love of a lifetime, a partnership with their true soul mate. I won’t settle for less the next time.”

A fierce longing ignited, zapping all the way from her toes to her head. She pushed it down. Absolutely not. She couldn’t. He was an athlete, a public persona, and a rather good-looking one at that. He probably had females hanging all over him most of the time. “You’ll find it. I’m sure you get a ton of female attention. There’s bound to be somebody for you in that crowd.”

He scoffed, more like a loud bark, and shook his head. “No. Definitely not.”

“Why not? Are you trying to tell me that you don’t have a huge fan base of women?” Here it was. The moment of truth. Would he be a man of honor or lies?

He dropped his head for a minute before spearing her with his dark gaze. “Actually, I get more female attention than a man has any business with.”

There. She knew it. But now she was confused. How could a man of honor and faith have women hanging all over him? The two didn’t seem to go together.

“But I’m not interested in any of those women, and my friends will confirm that I don’t allow groupies to get anywhere near me.” Serious brown eyes, dazzling with the warm color of roasting coffee beans, drilled into hers.

“No?” She gulped. Could he hear the frantic beat of her heart? See the blood racing through her veins? What happened to that barrier of protection, that giant wall of privacy, she’d erected around herself to keep from getting hurt? Graham Decker had crashed right through it, that’s what.

He wagged his head, a slow back and forth motion, while he raised her hand, caressing the sensitive spot of her wrist with his lips. “They only care about the size of my wallet. Not a single one is remotely interested in getting to know the real me.” He thumped his chest. “That’s why I didn’t correct your original assumption about me being a vet, Rori. I hoped, I prayed, that finally I had a fighting chance to meet someone who didn’t know my name.” He looked down for a second before wounded eyes lifted to meet hers. “Someone who might eventually be interested in me for just me.”

She swiped at a tear drifting down her cheek. She knew all about people trying to get at her for what she could give them. But in her case it wasn’t her wallet. It was news reports, magazine interviews, any scoop on her father. And then, the general public assuming the worst about her family based on news reports and magazine articles. They didn’t know squat. They certainly didn’t realize the pain, the deep emotional wounds that their words inflicted. The effects, like Beck’s absence and the hole his leaving meant for their family. And for Savvy.

Or Rori’s social disorder, how a simple dinner like tonight’s caused such fear and anxiety that she’d considered catching a flight back home this afternoon. If it hadn’t been for Michelle’s kindness and Graham’s continual popping in and out to check on her during his times on the track, she wouldn’t be here now.

“Come on. I’ll walk you back.” Graham tugged her from the chair.

Goliath bolted off the ground, his tail waving.

They walked in a companionable silence. The whine of the motors, the soft padding of their rubber soles on the grass, Goliath’s pants, and the occasional RV door closing was comforting. Not as peaceful as hearing the animals munching or their tails swooshing at the sanctuary, but…comfortable. Or was it just because she was with Graham?

“Hey, Graham!” A male voice yelled, and a metal fence rattled. “Graham Decker! How about an interview before the race tomorrow?”

Goliath assumed a guard dog stance and ripped off a few ferocious barks.

Rori startled. The air whooshed from her lungs, and she almost tripped.

Graham waved a hand in the air in acknowledgement, but his other arm tucked around her waist, bringing her snug against his side. “It’s all right, sweetheart. The gate’s locked and secured. He can’t get in,” he whispered, close to her ear. He veered away from the main walkway and led her along a hidden, private path, tucked in the middle of RV’s, Goliath trotting beside them.

She stole a sideways glance at Graham, caught the determination to protect her in the tight line of his lips and the clenching of his jaw.

“Here we are.” Graham’s deep voice rumbled near her ear as he stopped walking and tugged her against his chest. Citrus and spicy berries, lavender and wood mingled with the cool outdoors to send her pulse to skittering and her heart to racing. In a good way, not from the fear the reporter invoked a few minutes ago. Yeah. Definitely. The man in front of her prompted that spike in her pulse. Her arms somehow managed to find their way around his neck. Had he put them there?

His head dipped agonizingly close, and his lips finally met hers. The perfect balance of sweet from the chocolate and spicy from the steak sauce. Mmmm…

He pulled back too soon.

She definitely wasn’t ready for that kiss to be over.

He pressed his forehead to hers. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Night.”

He opened the door for her and she slipped inside the RV, lit only with a nightlight in the kitchen area. She locked the door, and then flicked back the shade.

Graham walked back in the direction they’d come, his broad shoulders powerful and confident. His hand reached down to pat the top of Goliath’s head. He wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed to show his vulnerability, and so far, he’d been a man of his word, a man of honor and faith, and the night hadn’t been that scary.

She’d actually enjoyed spending time with Graham’s friends. And being with Graham was so much sweeter than spending the weekend alone.

Thank You, God.