Rescued

by Linda Rettstatt

  “So you take in the lost and abandoned and make them ready for new homes.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Why do I think we’re not talking about dogs any longer? Don’t psychoanalyze me, Evan.”

  “Not my intention.” He stood and picked up their plates. “How about if we have dessert and coffee on the back porch? I plan to build a deck out there eventually, but I think you’ll find it comfortable now. I even bought torches to keep the mosquitoes away.”

  “You’ve thought of everything, it seems.”

  “I hope so. Go ahead out and take Walter. I’m sure he’s ready for some fresh air. I’ll be there shortly.”

  *

  Alex was glad to step out into the cool night air. She’d been finding it hard to breathe. The soft lighting, the glint in Evan’s warm brown eyes, the conversation that danced dangerously close to her heart. She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Walter walked to the edge of the porch and growled at something in the distant shrubbery. “Stay, Walter.” The dog dropped down, but continued to stare into the night.

  What was she doing here? She wore her little black dress, even though she would need it for Monday’s date. She was even wearing heels—something she rarely did. She’d caught Evan checking her out more than once and enjoyed his attention. Feeling the impulse to run, she turned to make an excuse and a hasty exit. Too late.

  Evan carried a tray with coffee and plates of dessert. “I hope this is good. Desserts aren’t my strongest suit. Not like the stuff you serve at the grill.”

  “Oh, that’s Uncle Jack’s doing.”

  “I may have to talk with him about getting some pointers. Sit down. What do you think of my little oasis out here?”

  “It’s lovely.” The flames from the torches sent shadows dancing across his face.

  Evan sat and began to pour coffee, but then stopped. “Alex, is it just me, or are things a little tense between us?”

  Something fluttered in her chest and she swallowed. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  He stared at her. “Okay, must be me.”

  She picked up a plate holding something rich and chocolaty and scooped up a bite. “Oh, my. What is this?”

  “It’s one of Aunt Amy’s recipes. She calls it Double Chocolate Surprise.”

  “I can see why.” She took another forkful of the chocolate delight. “I don’t think she ever made this for me.”

  Walter stood and walked to them, settling his muzzle on Evan’s knee.

  “You two have formed quite a bond,” Alex said.

  “He’s good company. I’m not used to a big house and all this wide open space.”

  “Do you miss living in the New York?”

  Evan shook his head. “Surprisingly, no. Don’t get me wrong, the quiet here nearly drove me nuts the first few nights. But I’ve gotten used to it now. It’s nice. And that scent—what is it?”

  “Magnolia. Kind of sweet, a little lemony. Those big white blossoms on the trees back there.”

  “I don’t know the last time I drew in a breath that didn’t include exhaust fumes, overcooked street-vendor hot dogs, or other things better left unidentified.”

  Alex leaned back in the high-backed wicker chair and crossed her arms. “I don’t think I could live anywhere else.”

  “Small town girl, huh?” He grinned.

  “Lots of advantages to growing up in a small town. For one thing, you never have to wonder where you were the night before or what you were doing. Someone’s sure to tell you all about it.”

  He chuckled. “The city can be impersonal in that regard. I thought I had a lot of friends in New York. I was, apparently, mistaken. Once my reputation was trashed and the restaurant shut down, you’d have thought I had the plague.”

  She turned to look at him. “That’s sad.”

  “Maybe. And maybe I’m better off. I thought I’d lost everything. I’m beginning to think I’ve found everything. Here.” As if realizing he’d revealed too much, Evan stood and picked up their dessert plates. “You want more coffee?”

  “No, thanks. Dinner and dessert were delicious. Your restaurant is going to be a huge success.”

  “Thank you. I trust your opinion. If there’s one thing I know about you, it’s that you don’t mince words.”

  Alex stood and picked up their coffee mugs. “I believe in honesty, though I admit I’m not always skilled in the delivery.” She followed Evan into the kitchen.

  “It’s a breath of fresh air, trust me.” He set the plates in the sink and turned as she leaned forward to deposit the mugs beside them.

  The coffee mugs clinked together and Alex steadied them. If she could only do the same for her hands. The closeness of Evan caused her to tremble. When she looked up, he was staring down at her, his eyes dark, lips slightly parted.

  A little voice in her head told her to move, but her feet were rooted. His head lowered, his lips meeting hers. Alex had never been one to read romance novels and thought all the clichés about hearing music and currents snaking through the body over a kiss were ridiculous. Until now.

  She leaned into the kiss and into Evan as his arms came around her. What scared her the most was how right this felt. Evan leaned back against the sink and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Walter’s frantic barking broke the mood.

  Alex pulled away. “What on earth…?”

  Evan grabbed her hand. “It’s probably a rabbit or something.”

  “No. Not that bark. Someone’s out there.” She stood on tiptoe and peered out the window above the sink, but beyond the torches, the back yard was dark as pitch.

  Walter launched from the porch and raced into the darkness.

  “Oh, man.” Evan hurried to the back door, Alex on his heels. “Walter!”

  The dog rustled through the brush, growling and barking.

  “Walter, come back here,” Alex commanded. Silence.

  Unable to run in heels, she removed her shoes and carried them as she ran.

  Evan reached the edge of the yard that met the tree line and over-growth. “I can’t see him or hear him.”

  She bent to catch her breath. “He’ll come back eventually. Crazy dog.”

  They walked back through the damp grass to the house. When Evan opened the back door, Walter raced past Alex and straight to his water bowl.

  “Told ya’.” She steadied herself on the doorframe to slip back into her shoes.

  Evan gazed at her. “I would ask where we were, but that look on your face tells me the mood is broken.”

  She linked her fingers together in front of her. “This can’t happen. You’re still married.” He began to say something, but she held up a hand. “I know—a technicality. But not one I can overlook.”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded. “I respect that.” He glanced at her, a half-grin on his face. “But if I weren’t?”

  “I…uh….” Heat engulfed her neck and face. “I have to go now.”

  “Alex, wait. I’m teasing.” He followed her to the front door.

  She picked up her purse and car keys. “Thank you for a lovely evening and a wonderful meal.” After she stepped outside, she turned. “And to answer your question—if you weren’t…I probably wouldn’t be leaving right now.” She hurried down the steps to her car and called back. “Goodnight, Evan. Oh, and Walter’s all yours.”

  Alex drove for a block, then pulled over and sat, the car idling. What is wrong with you? She couldn’t answer that question. But she could determine not to be alone again with Evan Whiting until he was free. She would not compromise the values her grandfather and Miss Amy had instilled in her. And once he was free, what guarantee did she have that he wanted to leap back into a relationship? He could be like Jeff—lead her to the altar and then run the other way.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Evan, it’s Kellie. You ready? We’re on our way.”

  Evan checked his image in the mirror, straightening his tie. “Looking forward to it. See you soon.
” He ended the call then realized he should have asked how formal the evening would be. Well, he could always lose the tie and jacket.

  Downstairs he poured a scoop of kibble into Walter’s dish and refilled the water bowl. “Let’s go out once more before I leave.” The dog took his good time sniffing every tree and shrub until he found a suitable spot to relieve himself. A car horn sounded as they returned inside. “Okay, Walter. Be good and wish me luck. A blind date can go either way—an enjoyable evening with a lovely woman—or pure hell.”

  Rob got out of Kellie’s Solara and dropped the driver’s seat forward so Evan could climb in. Evan tried to fold himself into the back seat and his knees were practically up to his chin.

  Kellie turned and grinned back at him. “I’m sorry if it’s a little cramped back there for you.”

  “May I make a suggestion? We could take my SUV. I don’t mind driving.”

  “Probably a good idea,” she said.

  Evan stretched one leg out and begged the rest of his body to follow. He unlocked his vehicle while Rob parked Kellie’s car off to the side. Once he’d backed from the drive, Evan asked, “Which way?”

  It didn’t take long for him to figure out where they were headed. Alex is my blind date? He parked in front of Alex’s house and sat for a moment. “Kellie, does Alex know I’m her date?”

  “No, of course not. That’s what a blind date means. Why don’t you go and ring the doorbell. It’ll be a nice surprise.”

  He got out of the vehicle with some trepidation. “Surprise. Yeah, we both know how much Alex likes a good surprise,” he muttered as he headed for her front door.

  Alex answered on the first ring. She stared at him and blinked. “Evan. Uh, this isn’t a good time. I have a date.”

  “I know.”

  “You know? Then why are you here?”

  Evan took in a breath and exhaled. “I’m your date.”

  “You?” She leaned around him to look at the vehicle idling at the curb. She drew back and stared at him. “You knew about this yesterday?”

  He shook his head. “No. That is, I knew I had a blind date. I ran into Kellie and Rob and she suggested she set me up with someone. I didn’t know it was you.”

  She looked stricken. “So, if you had known it was me, you wouldn’t be here. I get it. Let’s just forget about the date.”

  “No. We both agreed to this date, and I think we should go. It’s only dinner. You don’t have to marry me at the end of the evening.”

  “Good. Because it seems you’re already married.”

  Before he could reply, a horn sounded and they both turned.

  “Come on, you guys. We have reservations and I’m starving,” Kellie shouted.

  “She’s starving. You don’t want to be responsible for your sister’s demise, do you?”

  Alex rolled her eyes and grabbed up her purse. “Fine. Dinner. That’s all.”

  He lifted his hands in surrender. “I wouldn’t expect anything more. Trust me. I’m a fast learner.” He ushered her to the SUV and held the door for her to climb inside, grateful that the glare she cast toward Kellie was not directed at him.

  When they reached the restaurant, Evan brought the SUV to a stop and stared. “This is Johan Hemming’s. I’ve heard of him.”

  “The reviews for this place were great. Rob and I have wanted to try it. Look, there’s a parking spot,” Kellie said.

  The restaurant had a modest exterior and simple, but elegant interior. They were seated at a cozy table in the back room. Evan’s pulse picked up as he perused the menu. He wanted to sample it all.

  “What would you recommend?” Kellie asked.

  “Everything. I may have to come here every day for the next week to try it all,” Evan said.

  Rob looked up, his eyes glazed over. “Is any of this just…steak?”

  “You might like the Filet of Buffalo Tenderloin,” Evan suggested.

  “Buffalo? Really? Cool.”

  They looked to Evan to do all the ordering. The food was spectacular. Evan pulled a pen and notepad from his inner jacket pocket. He’d long since learned to carry something to jot down recipe ideas when dining out.

  Alex stared at him. “What are you doing?”

  “Making notes.”

  “On dinner?”

  “Yes.” He tucked the notepad and pen back into his pocket. “I’m sorry. So, are we having dessert?”

  “Oh, yes. They’re known for the chocolate soufflé. Rob and I are going to share one,” Kellie said.

  Evan glanced at Alex. “What do you say? Share the soufflé with me? I know you like chocolate.”

  “Sure. But I only want a taste.”

  When the desserts were delivered, Evan handed her a spoon. “You go first.”

  She scooped up a spoonful of the chocolate dessert. He licked his lips as he watched her mouth close over the spoon. Then her eyes closed and she let out a low moan. He was mesmerized by the look of pure satisfaction on her face and wondered if she reacted this way to dessert, what would she be like—

  “Evan? Are you going to taste this?”

  “I’d love to. Uh…the soufflé, that is.” He spooned the chocolate. “Mmm, this is delicious. Almost as good as Aunt Amy’s soufflé.”

  Alex had already dug in for another spoonful. He watched with amusement as she savored each bite and went back for another. “Just a taste, huh?”

  Her face flushed. “I’m sorry. I ate the whole thing.”

  “It looked good.”

  “I’ll get you another one.” She motioned the waiter over. “Another soufflé, please.”

  When it was set in front of Evan, Alex bit her lip and watched him take a bite. He took another. “It’s killing you, isn’t it? You want some?”

  She grinned. “One last taste.”

  “Uh-huh, heard that before.” He slid the dessert cup closer to her. Just watching her face while she ate was a treat for him.

  She licked chocolate from her upper lip. The action nearly undid him and he loosened his tie to swallow.

  “What?” Alex asked.

  “Nothing.” He shifted his attention to Rob and Kellie who were happily feeding one another the last of the soufflé they’d obviously savored.

  Rob agreed when Evan suggested they split the check.

  “That was great,” Kellie said as they got into the SUV. “Hey, want to go somewhere and listen to music? How about Beale Street?”

  “I don’t think….” Alex started.

  “It’s kind of late,” Evan said at the same time.

  “Oh, come on. It’s only nine-thirty.”

  “I have to work tomorrow,” Alex said.

  “Okay, another time,” Kellie conceded.

  They were approaching Cade’s Point when Alex’s phone rang and she pulled it from her purse. “What’s up, Suze? Uh-huh. Oh, no. Yes, I know the place. I’ll take care of it. I’m almost home and I need to change. Let the Sheriff know I’ll be there soon.” She dropped the phone back into her purse. “I have to go home and change. There’s a situation in town behind the library. A dog that’s growling and aggressive toward the Sheriff’s Deputy and everyone else who gets near her. If I don’t get there soon, they may shoot her.” She turned to Evan. “Can you drop me off first?”

  “I have a better idea. Let me drop Kellie and Rob at my place, then I’ll go with you. We’re closer to my house anyway.”

  “But….”

  “He’s right, Alex,” Kellie said. “It’ll be faster. My car’s at Evan’s house.”

  They left Kellie and Rob and headed in toward town. “Swing past the shelter so I can get a carrier and leash. I don’t know what we might be dealing with. Forget stopping by my place so I can change. This is critical.”

  A car from the Sheriff’s office sat with headlights aimed toward the Dumpster behind the library. “Where is she, Ricky?” Alex asked the deputy.

  “She’s behind the Dumpster right now. If I approach, she comes around the corner and sn
arls at me. Looks like a pit mix. She won’t leave the Dumpster and won’t let me get near her.”

  “Okay, I’ll see what I can do.”

  Evan watched as Alex set the carrier down with the door open and moved toward the Dumpster, talking in soft, lilting tones. “Hey, sweetie. Come out here where I can see you.”

  The dog did as asked, bearing glistening teeth.

  Alex stopped. “You hungry?” She tossed a few of the treats she’d picked up with the carrier. “Here you go.”

  The dog sniffed, then hungrily snapped up the treats before returning to her spot in front of the Dumpster and resuming her growling.

  Alex took another slow step forward. “No one’s here to hurt you.” She tossed a few more treats. Then she stopped. “Did either of you hear that?”

  “Yes. I think she wants you to back up,” Evan said.

  “Not that. Puppies. I hear puppies. She’s not being aggressive. She’s being protective. Some s.o.b. tossed her puppies into that Dumpster.” When Alex took a few steps forward, the dog lunged and snapped.

  Ricky drew his gun from his holster.

  Without taking her eyes off the dog, Alex called back, “Evan, would you move the carrier up here closer?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, move slowly and stay behind me.”

  He was embarrassed by the way his voice had risen in his reply, like a frightened teenager. He slowly moved the carrier forward, making sure the door was open. His gaze was fixed on Alex in her little black dress and heels, trying to rope an angry stray dog in a dark parking lot. If that dog wanted to, it could lunge at her and tear her throat out before she could react. And she did this every day?

  “It’s okay, sweetie. We’ll get your babies for you. You have to trust me.” Another few treats, another few steps. While the dog was distracted with food, Alex slid the leash around her neck. “Get the carrier up here beside me,” she said in a soft, even voice.

  In a quick move, she tugged on the leash and side-stepped, directing the dog into the carrier. When she reached down to close the door, the frightened animal lashed out, catching her forearm with her nails.

  “Ouch.” She closed the carrier and drew her arm back.

  “You’re bleeding. Did she bite you?”