Read Online Boxed Set: Intercepted by Love (The Complete Collection): Books One - Book Six by Rachelle Ayala - Free Book Online Page A

night, he was attentive, touching her, kissing her like she was his girlfriend. But ever since she ran into him out walking, he’d kept his hands to himself and seemed to always skitter out of her reach whenever she got too close.
    “I’ll take whatever you’re having.” She tucked her hands behind her back and leaned against the counter. “Sorry about touching you inappropriately.”
    “It’s okay. Like you said, too much of a target.” His smirk seemed to make fun of her, and when she tried to catch his eye, he fumbled through a drawer looking for a can opener.
    Andie’s guts twisted into knots. After the talk last night, she thought they’d gotten closer. He’d confessed his doubts about himself and the hurts he’d endured growing up. Maybe she’d been too bossy and sure of herself to tell him he should be grateful to the donors. She swallowed the growing lump in her throat and twisted the edge of her blouse.
    “Could I get you anything to drink?” Cade emptied the soup can into the pot and opened the refrigerator.
    How could he act so casual like nothing had happened between them? When he invited her over for lunch, she thought he wanted to get closer. What happened to the dating agreement for the six weeks they still had?
    Cade stood in front of her waving a little round bottle of pomegranate juice. “You like this?”
    “Uh, yes, thanks.” She bit her lip to keep the tears from welling.
    “Hey, I know you’re worried about Gollie and this is the hardest, not knowing.”
    She really had to get her head together. He wasn’t thinking of her or them, but only about Gollie, not that she wasn’t worth worrying about.
    Glad for the misunderstanding, Andie took the juice and forced a smile. “I know. Sorry if I’m such bad company.”
    “No apologies necessary. We’re both exhausted. I’m thinking of crawling back to bed for a nap.” He jumped back when she caught her breath and met his eye. “I mean, alone. Not trying to come on to you. Sorry.”
    “Yeah, sure. I should be going.”
    “At least eat some of the soup.” He switched off the stove. “I heated enough for two bowls.”
    “We’re still friends, right?” Andie couldn’t keep the anxiety inside of her one minute longer. If he wanted to end it after the split pea soup, she could at least walk away with her heart intact. A week ago, she hadn’t even known a Cade Preston existed. Fortunately today was Saturday. After crying her eyes out tomorrow, she’d be ready to go back to her job and spend her free time with King David and his mighty men.
    “Of course we’re friends. Or are you having second thoughts? It’s my fault your dog’s missing. If Red hadn’t met Gollie, she wouldn’t be lost right now.”
    She couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. He had completely forgotten that magical moment in his SUV when parked at the side of the road, he’d opened his heart and she’d glimpsed the man he was, one who had a pure, although wounded heart, who needed someone like her to help him believe in himself.
    Today, he was cold. Friendly, but distant. And all he thought about was her lost dog.
    # # #
    Women came in hormonal bundles with buttons and dials and settings that confused Cade. What had he said to set her off like that? It was his fault her dog was missing, and he hated being so freakin’ helpless. If only he could call in the National Guard to find that dog.
    “I really have to go, Cade. I’m not myself right now.” Andie slashed at her tears as if they were a minor inconvenience.
    “Sure, but I feel bad. I feel like I ruined your life or something. Shall I walk you home?”
    “No, I know the way.” She scurried from the kitchen and unlatched the child safety door.
    “Did I say something? Are you upset with me?” The bottom dropped from his stomach. He’d been apologetic about her dog. He’d offered the reward. He’d even called his publicist to create a website to alert the public to the dog theft.
    “No,