She thinks I’m handsome?“And tomatoes.”
She laughs softly. “And sometimes jam.”
“I’m a sucker for strawberry jam,” I admit.
“Gavin,” she says, her voice growing soft. “Thank you for finding me.”
I glance down at her. Sophia Bennett is tucked against my chest like she belongs there.I could get used to this.
“Technically, Raider found you.”
“Raider’s not the one carrying me right now.”
“It’s my job, ma’am.”Shit. Why do I keep saying that?
She studies me for another second. Then she says quietly, “Still. I’m glad it was you.”
Something warm settles low in my chest. Raider gives a low huff as we reach the trailhead. Sophia’s truck sits alone beneath the trees.
I shift her slightly in my arms. “We should probably take you to the hospital to get checked out.”
“The hospital will keep me all night,” she says quickly. “I know how this works.”
“You might need an X-ray.”
“I really think it’s just a sprain, but I promise to go tomorrow if an icepack and Tylenol aren’t getting the job done.”
I consider that. “Your house close?”Another white lie. I know exactly where she lives.
“It’s a ten-minute drive.”
I glance at her old work truck. “It’s going to be impossible to drive that with your busted ankle. I’ll take you home.”
Chapter 3
Sophia
GavinparksthepatrolSUV beside my little farmhouse.
The porch light glows over the front steps, and the yard is quiet except for the low clucking of chickens settling in their coop for the night.
I have never been so happy to see my house.
“Home sweet home,” I say softly.
Gavin glances toward the garden beds and the small barn beside the house.
“You keep all this up yourself?”
My chest swells with pride. “Yes.”
Raider jumps down from the back of the SUV and trots straight toward the yard like he has already decided this place belongs to him.
“Hey,” I call after him. “Leave the chickens alone. Raider, stop!”
Raider pauses mid-stride and looks back at me. Then he sits.
“Wow,” I say. “He’s obedient.”
