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“Trust me, I’ve got it covered.” My response was half-distracted as I secured the mount into the weathered siding. The drill whirred, biting into wood. I didn’t want to admit how primal this felt, taking care of something practical for Hannah’s safety. A surge of protectiveness and desire hit me like a tidal wave.
“Alright, this one’s set.” I descended the ladder, brushing sawdust from my jeans. “That should give us a good view of the front entrance.”
“Good,” she said, nodding, but I caught the flicker of anxiety behind her bravado.
“Next up, changing the locks.” I retrieved the new set from my toolbox. They gleamed in their packaging, promising security, a haven from the threats lurking unseen.
“Let me do something, at least.” Her voice was firm as she reached for the deadbolt.
“Sure thing.” I passed her the instructions, though I doubted she needed them. Hannah was smart; she didn’t need someone to chart her course for her.
But as we worked side by side, unscrewing the old lock and fitting the new one into place, I could tell she appreciated not having to navigate this particular squall alone. There was a rhythm to our movements, a silent understanding that flowed as easily as the tide.
“Thanks, Sawyer,” she murmured. “For...you know, being thorough.”
“Anytime.” I met her gaze squarely, seeing something deeper flicker in her eyes.
The last lock snicked into place, and I stood back. The animal hospital was now a fortress, and I was the self-appointed guardian at its gates.
“Looks good,” Hannah said, her voice soft with a hint of weariness as she stepped back to survey our handiwork.
“Damn right it does.” The primal feeling was back, seeping out of my pores. The locks gleamed under the fluorescent lights—shiny sentinels. “No one’s getting in here without a damn invitation.”
She chuckled, a low, melodic sound that seemed to echo off the walls and settle somewhere deep inside me. “You really know how to make a girl feel safe.”
I turned to look at her. “That’s the point, isn’t it?” My gaze locked on hers, green eyes reflecting something like gratitude...or maybe it was more. I wanted it to be more.
“Come here,” she said suddenly, and there was a gentle command in her voice that I had no willpower to resist.
My boots scuffed against the floor as I closed the distance between us. Her hands found their way around my neck, pulling me closer into a hug. It was friendly, sure. But it had the hint of something more.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”
“Don’t mention it.” My words felt clumsy, but I hoped my touch conveyed what I couldn’t say. My hands settled on her hips, thumbs brushing the fabric of her shirt.
“Sometimes I forget that there are good people in the world,” she murmured, her breath warm against my neck.
“Good, huh?” I teased, though my heart hammered against my ribcage. “I’ll take it. But only if you remember that I’m dangerous as hell when I want to be.”
“Impossible to forget,” she replied, her lips curving into a smile that made my blood heat.
“Good,” I repeated, this time with intention. I leaned down, my forehead resting against hers. Our breaths mingled, and for a moment, the world outside the clinic didn’t exist.
eleven
HANNAH
The rumbleof an unfamiliar car engine broke the sleepy silence of Sunday morning as it approached the hill and climbed up the driveway. I was perched on the porch, a steaming mug of coffee warming my hands when the sleek vehicle pulled up. The sight of Tom Boyer stepping out, his light hair meticulously groomed as always, sent a shiver down my spine that wasn’t from the ocean breeze.
“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, watching as my ex-boyfriend straightened his jacket with that familiar pompous air. I couldn’t help but feel like the tranquil sea behind me was about to turn into a raging storm.
“Hey, baby,” he called out, his voice carrying over to where I sat frozen.
“Tom,” I replied, managing a tight smile as he approached. “What are you doing here?”
“Can’t a guy visit his ex-girlfriend without an agenda?” His blue eyes tried to catch mine, but I focused on the chipped paint of the porch railing instead.
“Normally, yes. But since when do you do anything without a reason?” My voice sounded more bitter than I intended, and I mentally kicked myself for not being able to mask my emotions better.
