Keeping Guard

Nate nodded and wiped his mouth. “I’m sure this guy will be caught soon and you’ll be able to resume your life.”

If only Kylie could be that certain. She licked her lips and leaned back in her chair. “So, you’ve heard all about me. Tell me about this place. Your father opened it, correct?”

“Twenty years ago. This was his big dream that he saved his entire life for. Finally, he quit his job at the motor plant where he worked on the assembly line and opened this place. Spent every cent of his savings and retirement here.”

“Wow. That’s a great story. I always like hearing about people pursuing their dreams. Was the restaurant everything he’d hoped it would be?”

“My dad loved it. It was more than a restaurant for him. This place was like a big old kitchen table where people would come and gather around. It didn’t matter if he knew you or not. As soon as you walked through the doors, you were his guest.”

“That sounds wonderful.” She shifted in her seat. “Do you mind if I ask what happened to your father?”

The smile disappeared from Nate’s face, a grim expression replacing it. “Three years ago, he had a heart attack. The doctor diagnosed him with coronary heart disease. In five months, he deteriorated quickly. Then the second heart attack hit a year after the first one. That one killed him on the spot.”

“That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”

“At least I still have this place. It makes me feel close to Dad, like his spirit is still here overseeing everything.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“She died when I was a kid. Cancer.”

Cancer. Every time Kylie heard the word, she felt a pang of sadness and grief and understanding. “You must have been an only child.”

“The doctors told my parents they’d never have kids. But to their surprise, when my mom turned thirty-nine, she found out she was pregnant.”

Kylie took the last bite of her omelet. “I’m sure it was the best surprise she could have ever gotten.”

Nate smiled. “That’s what she always said.”

Silence fell again and Kylie wiped her mouth. She stood, her chair shrieking against the floor. “That was delicious, but I guess I should get busy in the kitchen.”

Nate grabbed her hand. “Wait.”

Kylie ignored the jolt of electricity that rushed through her and paused, her heart racing for no good reason. “Yes?”

“Could you sit back down for a minute?

Kylie nodded and obeyed, a sick feeling forming in her gut. Conversations like this always put her on edge, and Nate’s eyes look far too worried for her comfort. “Yes?”

“I’ve been thinking about you…about your situation, I mean.” His fingers locked together on the table, like a father’s might before a stern talk. “I really think it’s best that, while you’re here, you don’t go anywhere alone. This man who’s been after you is obviously unstable. I want you to feel safe here, but the reality is that until this man is behind bars, you’re better to be cautious.”

Indignation rushed through her. She’d fought for her entire life to get to the place she was today. She’d overcome the stereotypes that came with being petite, soft-spoken and kind. She’d risen up from the hardships she’d endured and shown she was capable and confident and savvy. The last thing she needed was someone trying to take that from her.

Kylie swallowed, choosing her words carefully. “Thank you for your concern. I realize that I need to take every precaution possible. I do. But the last thing I need is someone dictating where I go and when and with whom.”

Nate’s eyes flickered, though Kylie wasn’t sure what the emotion was behind them. Anger? Curiosity? Admiration? “Kylie, I really think it would be in your best interest to listen to me on this one.”

She bristled. She was wise enough to know she didn’t need to wear a bull’s-eye on her back or act like a sitting duck, so to speak. “I’ve been living on my own for seven years now. I think I can trust my own instincts and make my own decisions.”

Nate cleared his throat and when he spoke again, his voice sounded lower. “This isn’t about making your own decisions. It’s about being smart and staying safe.”

“I assure you that I’ll use the utmost wisdom.” Kylie tried to suppress her frustration. Her efforts didn’t work. Her hands clenched into fists.

Nate closed his eyes, as if frustrated himself. “Kylie, I’m not trying to tell you what to do.”

“It sounds like that’s exactly what you’re trying to do.” She took a deep breath and softened her voice. “I appreciate you letting me stay here, Nate, and I’m more than happy to help out at the restaurant to pay for room and board. But I don’t need a guardian or someone telling me what to do.”

“I think you’re misunderstanding me—”

“Maybe this isn’t the best time to talk about this.” She stood and hurried into the kitchen before she said something she’d regret and began prepping for the day.

Nate watched Kylie walk away and shook his head.

The Coast Guard had taught him a lot about rescuing people. Some people were anxious for your help, and even after the mission was over they’d make it their mission to publicly thank you and tell others about what you’d done. Others were more difficult. Some people tried to pull you underwater in their panic to be saved. Still other people wanted to be rescued but were too afraid to take the necessary steps, too afraid to trust you. Sometimes you had to literally knock them out in order to save their lives.

Kylie was obviously going to fall into the “difficult to rescue” category. She wanted help, but she wanted to save herself at the same time. She’d been forced to trust him but wasn’t sure how far to take that trust. Nate could understand that. But he also knew that the most important thing was keeping her safe, whether she wanted his help or not.

He sighed, ready for the challenge but not the drama that might come with it.

He gathered the plates on the table and bused them into the kitchen. Kylie stood with her back toward him, chopping carrots and onions. By the force of her chopping, she made a clear statement that she did not want to be bothered. Nate was fine with that. If he spoke to Kylie now, the words that left his mouth might not be kind.

He went about his tasks to prepare for opening. The crowds were always bigger on Saturdays than weekdays, so they prepared for more. By ten o’clock, the rest of the staff wandered in, looking less than thrilled to be working today. The sun did shine bright outside this morning and the weatherman had promised some of the nicest weather they’d had since last fall. Most people didn’t want to spend days like today inside.

At noon, customers began coming in, most of them tourists visiting for the day. Being busy probably benefited both Nate and Kylie because, in the rush of things, chances for more unpleasant exchanges were limited.

He noticed Kylie seemed to warm up toward the rest of the staff while completely avoiding him. She was efficient in the kitchen though, so he couldn’t complain. He wished he could hire someone with her work ethic permanently. When would Kylie be leaving? Possibly in just a couple of days.

When they finally had a lull in customers, Nate excused himself and went upstairs to his apartment. He picked up his cell phone and dialed Bruce’s number. He’d been thinking about everything that Kylie had told him and now he wanted the inside scoop from his friend.

Bruce answered on the first ring, his voice tight, worried.

Nate assured him everything was okay. “I want to ask you about this man who’s been following Kylie. She told me he broke into her house yesterday.”

“We searched for clues as to this guy’s identity, but we haven’t found anything yet. Whoever he is, he’s good. Leaves no detail unnoticed. He’s been like that since the be ginning.”

Nate narrowed his eyes. “Everyone screws up sometime. Everyone.”

“That’s what we’re counting on.”

Nate shifted his weight, looking out his window at three cars that pulled in front of the restaurant. They’d need his help downstairs soon, but right now he had to get more information. “Any update on the sting?”

“It’s scheduled for Friday. We want to make sure we do this right, with no mistakes.” Bruce’s voice held no room for question. “I’m afraid that if this guy ever sees Kylie again, her life will be on the line. This isn’t someone who’s just playing a game anymore. This guy is obsessed.”

Nate bristled at his friend’s words, at once glad that Kylie was here. “You think this guy knows where she went?”

“We’re telling people she’s on a road trip, trying to get some more inspiration and do some research for her cooking show. I won’t feel safe until this guy is behind bars. He always seems to be one step ahead of us.”

One step ahead of them. Maybe this guy was someone who knew Kylie personally or who could eavesdrop on her at work. “There was nothing in her apartment that would indicate where she’d gone, right? Do we need to find somewhere else for her to stay?”

“No, we don’t think so. She said the only place she wrote your address down was on her notebook, but she tore that sheet off and brought it with her. We think she’s safe. Believe me, the moment I start thinking she’s in danger again, you’ll be one of the first people who knows.” Bruce paused a moment. “How’s it going so far? Is she holding up okay?”

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