Her Baby's Protector. Margaret Daley

handsome, Mac.”

      Chase introduced Kate to his pet, then unhooked his leash and told him to sit and stay. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to do a quick walk through downstairs to make sure everything is still locked up.”

      “I’ll check the kitchen. Can I pet Mac?”

      “Yes. I’ve let him know that you’re a friend.”

      When he returned to the kitchen, Kate had seated herself in a chair near Mac and was petting him. Boss was on a chair asleep as if a strange dog in his house didn’t mean anything.

      She glanced up. “After making sure the kitchen was secured, I sat and tried to entice him to come to me. He didn’t move so I did.”

      “He’s well-trained. He doesn’t respond to others giving him commands unless I work with you to do that.”

      “So if a burglar came in, he wouldn’t stay put just because the intruder said to?”

      “Right.” He took a seat at the table. “You can go to bed if you want. You’ll be safe tonight. The alarm is back on, everything is locked and Mac and I are here.”

      “I’m going to when I finish this coffee.”

      “It doesn’t keep you up?”

      She shifted around to face him. “No. Caffeine doesn’t affect me like other people. I drink way too much, but I love the taste. One of my bad habits I need to do something about.”

      Chase chuckled. “If that’s considered a bad habit, then I have more than I thought.” He gave Mac the hand signal to rest by his chair. “But in my case, caffeine does keep me up. I figure I can sleep tomorrow after you’re taken care of.”

      “So you don’t want a blanket and pillow?”

      “No. I might close my eyes, but I won’t fall asleep. You should go ahead and rest. I’ll be fine.”

      “Are you sure? You’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

      “I’ll do anything for a home-cooked meal. Your Mexican chicken was delicious.”

      Kate tried to suppress a yawn but couldn’t. “Then tomorrow you can’t leave until I’ve fixed you a full breakfast. I love to cook.”

      “You’re not getting an argument from me. I usually eat out so that’ll be a treat.”

      Kate’s eyelids slid halfway down.

      “Go to bed before you fall asleep talking to me. I have a bum leg. I might not be able to carry you upstairs.”

      Her eyes popped open wide. “I’m okay.” She covered her mouth and yawned again. “I’m going to bed.”

      He walked with her to the staircase.

      On the first step, she turned. “I noticed when you ran after my attacker today that you were limping when you came back. What happened to your leg?”

      For a few seconds he scrambled for what to say. He didn’t talk about that last ambush with anyone. Then he stared into her beautiful eyes, and the words just came out. “I was shot while serving in the Marines.” Then to play it down, he shrugged and added. “It happens in a war zone, but I’m fine now. It only acts up when I push myself too much.”

      “I’m sorry that happened today.”

      He needed to shut down this conversation now. “I’m sorry that you were attacked today.” He grasped her hand. “Go to sleep. See you in a few hours.” When he released her hand, he missed touching her.

      He distanced himself from her and watched her ascend the staircase. At the top, she glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled. When she disappeared from the landing, he stared at the place where she’d been seconds ago.

      What is it about Kate that intrigues me?

      He patted the side of his leg. “C’mon, Mac. We should try to relax at least.”

      As he entered the living room, his cell phone rang, and he quickly answered the call from his partner. “Did you find anything in the garage?”

      “More than enough to arrest Hammer when we find him.”