Micah didn’t mean to notice the details. Like the way her posture changed, but it caught his attention all the same. Not only that, but her shoulders had gone rigid.
Was it Travis again? Had he done something else? Sent her a text?
Before Micah could say anything, she opened the door and stepped out, drawing in a deep breath as if pulling herself together.
If they were closer—if he knew her better—he might ask if she was okay. But doing so felt too personal. Keeping boundaries in place was only wise.
The yellow lab jumped out after her. The dog hit the driveway at a run, circled her once, and leaned against her legs with unrestrained joy, tail wagging like it might take flight.
The tension in Micah’s chest eased just a touch. Animals had that effect on people. He’d considered getting his own dog for a while now, but he’d been too busy.
“What do we have here?” Caleb King, Naomi’s brother, appeared from around the corner of the garage, brows lifting as he took in the scene. “Looks like you brought home a friend.”
Naomi crouched and rubbed the dog’s ears, her smile softer now. “We found him off Hollow Ridge Road. No tags.”
“Looks like he found his person.” Caleb glanced at Naomi and gave a nod. “You.”
“For now. Until someone claims him.Ifthey claim him. I’ll put up some signs around town and on social media.”
The dog chose that moment to plant himself squarely at her side, chest out like the matter had already been settled.
Caleb chuckled. “Looks like he’s decided he wants to stay with you. We need to get him some food and water.”
Micah watched Naomi as she stood, brushing loose fur from her hands. He saw the way she squared her shoulders and tucked whatever fear she’d just felt neatly out of sight.
Her strength and discipline were two of the many traits that drew him to her.
The realization left him feeling unsettled.
After Caroline’s death, he’d promised himself he’d keep his distance from any potential relationships. His career was too dangerous. It came with too many risks.
He was better off alone.
Yet Naomi was the first woman he’d noticed—reallynoticed—since Caroline. The first person who’d made him aware of the space she occupied. The first who’d challenged him without posturing. The first who made him want to step closer instead of backing away.
That alone was dangerous—and he had to stop those feelings before they went any further.
“Where’s Millie?” Naomi glanced around as if expecting her to appear.
Millie had recently begun to date Caleb. She’d remained at Refuge Cove to help with operations. Micah was happy for his friend.
“She’s cleaning up from dinner,” Caleb said.
“She doing okay?” Micah asked.
She’d been through quite the ordeal recently when her ex-husband had tracked her down here at Refuge Cove.
Caleb nodded, warmth flooding his gaze. “She’s doing great.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Micah cleared his throat, knowing he couldn’t keep going with small talk. “Caleb, I was hoping to talk to you and Naomi about something.”
Caleb nodded once, his expression shifting to business. “Of course. Let me just grab the dog some water first. The poor guy looks thirsty—and hungry. I’ll get him a treat also until we can feed him.”
Naomi’s phone rang.
The sound cut through the moment like a blade.
She froze.
