Page 18 of Three Steps Behind

He opened the den door and found her on the couch watching Leap Year with a Monster drink in hand. No wonder she wasn’t sleeping.

“Hey,” he said from the doorway, and she jumped.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

No, it wasn’t. He hated seeing her afraid, fear in her beautiful eyes. “Can I come in?”

“You don’t have to ask in your own house.” A half smile curled on her lips, then she winced, her hand going to her cut lip.

He shrugged a shoulder. “Just thought you might want some space.”

“I’m good. If you’re not too tired, grab a seat.”

He stepped into the room. “Leap Year, huh? Riley loves that one.”

“It always makes me laugh.”

She wasn’t laughing, but hopefully before the movie was over, she would.

He took a seat in the chair farthest from her, giving her a solid boundary of space, despite the fact he wanted to be sitting on the couch next to her—the image of cuddling racing through his mind. Cuddling? Seriously? Get your head together, Deck. He wasn’t a cuddler. And having him close to her was apparently the last thing she needed. But she’d come here. Stayed with him. She trusted he’d protect her, and he would. He’d honor that trust and wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Ever again.

If only he could keep her here.

Okay, that sounded creepy. And what was he thinking, anyway? Keep her here. Like, in his life? Like a . . . ? He cut off the thought. Marriage wasn’t for him. It required too much vulnerability.

He wanted to be with her. He loved her. But at that level . . . could he really do that? Be vulnerable? Be there for someone and love her as Christ loved the church? Be her rock, shield, and soft place to fall?

She glanced over at him with that analyzing gaze, and he hoped she couldn’t see through him.

“Do you want some popcorn?” he asked. “I can make us some.”

“No, thanks. I’m good.” She brought her knees to her chest.

“Anything else I can get you? We have a kitchen full of food, thanks to Riley.”

“She takes care of everyone, doesn’t she?” Another half smile.

“Very much.” His nightmare flashed back, sending ripples through his mind. If only he’d taken care of Riley then. Run away with her. Taken her far away—so far their parents could never find them. But that place didn’t exist, apparently, given their father’s visit.

“You okay?” Harper asked.

“Yeah. Fine. Why?” Don’t ask why. You’re opening yourself up, dude.

She shifted, angling to face him. “You just went all tense.”

“All good,” he said, praying she’d leave it at that, and she did. “I’m going to grab some popcorn.”

She nodded.

Standing, he strode to the kitchen and grabbed a bag of popcorn and tossed it into the microwave, then stared out the kitchen window above the sink. The stars called to him. But his nighttime tradition would have to wait until another night.

He pulled the expanded bag of popcorn out of the microwave and paused. The rumble of a car’s motor hummed down the lane. He peered into the darkness and leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the driveway. No headlights but definitely a motor growling.

He dropped the bag on the counter and strode to the den. “I’m just going to check on something. I’ll be right back.”

“Is—”