out there because of the stalker,” Katie huffed.
Sutton laughed, “I have a strong suspicion that your stalker and your reluctant suitor are the same person.”
“No,” Katie shook her head. “It isn’t possible.”
Sutton raised a brow, “Well, maybe not, but I still think there is more to this than you can see. Let’s poke the bear and see what happens. If he doesn’t rise to the bait, at least you know, and you can move on.”
Katie let out a deep sigh, “Alright, I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”
Brian arrived home just in time to see Katie bent over, ass in the air as she planted a shade-loving plant in direct sunlight. Damn it, didn’t she read the tags at all?
He fought the urge to stomp his way over there and take care of things himself. But what happened next had his jaw-dropping.
Out of her garage in a pair of worn faded jeans came Dr. Young with a wheelbarrow full of some shit or another. Brian’s blood boiled.
How dare he worm in on his girl? This wasn’t happening.
Brian was out of his car and halfway across the grass when Dr. Young greeted him.
“Good to see you, Brian!”
“Like hell, it is,” Brian growled at the handsome doctor. “Why are you here?”
Dr. Young looked around at all of the plants. His expression was fairly clear; it said to look around him.
Brian took in the cases of plants. “Why does it look like Home Depot threw up their lawn and garden department in your yard?”
Katie had righted herself and moved to get in between the two men.
“I am doing some gardening, and Trevor offered to help.”
“Who the hell is Trevor?” Brian growled.
“That would be me,” Dr. Young said. The differences between the two men was almost laughable.
Brian was a retired Marine, his body a finely tuned machine. While also physically fit, Dr. Young had more of a lithe runner’s body and stood at maybe five-ten to Brian’s six-four.
“Why are you so interested in Katie’s plants?” Brian bit off.
“Hey, buddy, I don’t know why you have so much hostility, but I was invited here.”
Brian whipped his gaze to Katie, “You invited him?”
Katie tipped up her chin, “Yes, he isn’t afraid to be around me. Unlike some people who…”
She broke off when Brian moved close and snatched her against his chest.
His voice was low and gravelly. “I am not afraid to be around you.”
Katie scoffed, “I haven’t seen you all week, Brian. You were hiding from me.”
He gritted his teeth but didn’t say anything.
“Look, I am tired of the runaround. If you don’t like me, that’s fine.”
“Don’t like you?” Brian’s tone was incredulous. “The last time I liked you, we spent the evening in the emergency room with this douchebag.”
Katie winced, “That was an unfortunate accident.”
“My dick hasn’t gotten any smaller,” he roared.
Katie’s cheeks were a deep pink when she replied, “That isn’t a bad thing.”
Dr. Young cleared his throat from behind them, “Katie, do you need any help?”
Brian growled at him.
“I was asking Katie.” Dr. Young held his ground.
“Thank you, Trevor. I think I’m good right now,” she said in a rush.
“I think I am going to take off. Let me know if you need anything,” Dr. Young’s footsteps could be heard behind her as he left her yard.
“I don’t like him,” Brian said, his eyes burning down into hers. “But I do like you, very much, too much. I am not boyfriend material.”
Katie frowned, “That’s bullshit. Why? Would you cheat on me? Lie to me?”
Brian’s nostrils flared. “I would never cheat on you. But I might lie to protect you. My job is dangerous and…”
Katie cut him off, “Yeah, and I am a cop. Granted, this town is pretty sleepy, but still, anything could happen at any time to either of us. You either want something with me, or you don’t.”
“I want something,” his low words shocked the hell out of Katie.
“What?” she whispered.
“I am probably all wrong for you,” he continued. “But I care about you, Katie, so damn much.”
And then he kissed her.
25
Katie could hardly breathe. Brian was kissing her! Brian was kissing the ever-loving snot out of her on the front lawn! Her body was smashed against his, and her mouth was pressed tightly against his as their tongues battled for dominance.
His hand was firmly parked on her ass, and she loved the way his entire palm cupped her tightly. Everything about Brian was intense, including his kisses. He wasn’t careful or soft. Brian kissed her like a man that was starving, and