A Rescued Heart (Rescued Heart Romance) by Natalie Replogle Page A

messing around while putting her palms together and leaning forward slightly. She enjoyed how spending time with him made her feel lighthearted and silly.
    “I just have a few random questions for you.”
    “Okay, shoot … oh, well, not literally. I forgot who I was talking to.”
    He laughed. “Let’s start with your middle name.”
    “Well, this isn’t painful so far. It’s Noel because I was born on Christmas Eve.”
    “Do you like having your birthday on Christmas Eve?”
    “Yes and no. I enjoy the Christmas season, so it’s special in that sense. But when I was younger I always wanted my birthday in the summer so I could get presents spread out twice a year.” Now that Ava was older she didn’t mind her special day surrounded with busyness. Her family always did their best to make sure she felt significant.
    He questioned her about who was her best friend and why. Talking about Jules came easy. She was trustworthy, honest, funny and her rock during the hardest time of her life. She couldn’t have survived the last two years without her. Her friend was a gift from God. Her family was great and a part of her, but Jules was special because she was chosen.
    They talked about Matt’s partner at work and what made their friendship click. He and Derek started the academy at the same time but didn’t get real close until they were placed together on the SWAT team. He explained how Derek was also a Christian and how nice it was to know they protected each other not only in force, but in prayer.
    Matt asked her about what movies and music she liked. She became embarrassed when he asked her about what she did in her free time. Her pathetic list of hobbies included reading, watching sports and movies and taking walks. She didn’t realize how dull she had become until she said it out loud.
    When she turned the question around to him she had expected him to blow her simple life out of the water, but was pleasantly surprised by his easy lifestyle. In the winter he enjoyed snowmobiling up north and in the summer he enjoyed hiking. The majority of his free time he spent working out, with friends, and at church activities.
    Their second date came as a surprise to Ava. She had been afraid her insecurities would show through and force her to be uptight. Quite the opposite had happened. Matt’s questions didn’t push, they had purpose. He was setting the foundation of a strong friendship. He was in no rush, simply savoring the time to get to know her. Matt’s interest in her life became clear, and if she were truly honest with herself, it delighted her.
    “What’s your favorite color?”
    “Orange. It reminds me of the sunset.”
    “Not the sunrise.”
    “Um, that would involve the morning.”
    “Not a morning person?”
    “Full out claws the first ten minutes.”
    “Have you ever committed a crime?” Ava raised an eyebrow at his smirk. “I’m just checking to see if you are paying attention.”
    “Alert and no, I’m crime free.”
    “Good, but I did a background check anyway.”
    “You what?”
    “I’m kidding, Ava.” He put his hands up with his palms facing her in surrender. “I just wanted to get you all riled up. You’re so cute when infuriated.”
    She playfully punched his arm as her cheeks flushed with warmth. He brought his arms down and stuffed his hands into the front pocket of his sweat shirt. Leaning back against the bench he straightened out his legs, crossing them at his ankles. “So, what’s your biggest fear?”
    Ava looked away, fighting the urge to flee. Without even meaning to, he had stumbled upon the one subject she cautiously tried to avoid. Should she lie or tell him the truth? Ava had no desire to bring up her past today, but she had to be honest. He deserved that much. She turned back toward him, facing the inevitable.
    “I fear rejection and falling in love.”
    “Is that the baggage you were talking about at the wedding?” Ava noticed how he tiptoed around the sensitive