“Right before the rocks tumbled toward Jennie, someone was watching from the top of the hill.” David ran a hand over his head, mussing his hair. “I’m sorry I failed. I should have focused harder and got a better look at him. Then we’d know for sure.”
“Failed?” Zoey shot off the couch, her voice rose an octave. “You yelled at my momma. Then tackled her, protecting her like some sort of superhero. Who cares what the person looked like? Momma didn’t get hurt because of you.”
Jennie clasped her daughter’s hand and pulled. “Honey.”
“Well, it’s true,” Zoey huffed and dropped beside her.
“I agree with my daughter. You saved me from being hurt or worse.” She rubbed Zoey’s back but never took her gaze off David. “Speaking of hurt. How are the cuts and bruises?”
He blinked as if hers and Zoey’s words didn’t compute. “I’m a bit sore, but ibuprofen is doing the trick. By the way, thanks for taking care of my wounds.”
“It’s what I do.” The words left her mouth before she could haul them back in. The man had risked greater injuries in his attempt to shield her. “It was the least I could do. You protected me and got hurt doing so.”
Hair sticking out in multiple directions, he stared at her then sighed. “Listen, I should head out. I only wanted to give you the info in person.” He pinned his gaze on Zoey. “Sorry I couldn’tconfirm whether or not the rocks were an accident. But I’ll keep looking into it.”
Jennie’s daughter nodded. The movement almost imperceptible. What was going on between those two?
David slapped his legs and stood. “I better go.”
“Hold on.” Zoey hurried to the kitchen.
He turned to face Jennie. “Sorry for the interruption.”
“It wasn’t a problem. Besides, I have a feeling someone in this house knew you were coming.”
“Maybe.” He grinned.
Zoey appeared in the living room. “Here.” She shoved a paper plate at him. “I want you to have some cookies.”
Hand on her daughter’s shoulder, David closed his eyes and exhaled. “Thank you.” He peered at Jennie. “I’ll let you catch up with Tina.”
The man’s tenderness toward Zoey and his protective nature yesterday had her mind swirling. She’d only known him a few days, but he exuded integrity. Plus, Aunt Emily trusted him. Could she?
He pivoted and was gone before she untangled her thoughts.
She stood staring at the wooden barrier between her and the man who’d saved her life.
“You’re right, Zoe.” Tina’s voice broke through her musing.
“Told you,” her daughter sang.
Jennie spun and faced her friend and daughter. “What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” they said in unison.
Yeah, right.Those two were trouble with a capital T.
“What do you say we get a snack and have a marathon chat session?”
Tina smiled. “I’d love it.”
Six hours later, Zoey headed off to bed, leaving Jennie draped over the arms of the easy chair and Tina sprawled across the couch.
Jennie had missed her friend, but her life was different than when she lived next to Tina. The woman had been her lifeline and had begged her to walk away from Kenny.
“I’ve never thanked you for being there for me. If I’d only listened to you sooner.”
“You were hurting and scared. Everyone could see that.”
