Lone Defender (Love Inspired Suspense) by Shirlee McCoy Page B

thinking that no one should look so good after tromping through the desert and running for his life. He met her eyes, and she realized she’d been staring. Realized she’d been thinking things she shouldn’t. Things about the way he looked, the way she felt when his ocean-blue eyes settled on her. Shaky and unsure and intrigued.
    She knew the feelings.

    Knew what they meant.
    Didn’t like it.
    Because those feelings were exactly what had gotten her into trouble with Matthew. Handsome, charming, lying Matthew.
    “I pulled out a couple things for you. A shirt, some jeans. They’re on the bed in my room. There’s a washing machine in here. Feel free to wash anything you need to.” Rayne pulled open a small closet, and Skylar nodded, thankful for the distraction.
    “I appreciate you giving up your apartment, Rayne.”
    “It’s no problem. I’m barely here anymore anyway. Between my work and my school, there isn’t a lot of time to chill.” She smiled, light spilling in from the bay window and highlighting hollows beneath her cheekbones and circles under her eyes. Covered by a deft hand and sheer makeup, they disappeared as Rayne stepped into a galley kitchen. “The soup is in the fridge. Mom suggests you pour it into a saucepan. Me? I’d microwave it.”
    “How about we skip the instructions, you grab your bag and get out of here, sis?” Jonas broke in, and Rayne frowned.
    “What’s the hurry?”
    “You said it yourself. There’s some crazy stuff going on. I don’t want you caught up in any of it.”
    “I deal with crazy stuff every day at the shelter. What’s the difference?” But she grabbed a laptop, shoved it into a case along with a file folder overflowing with paper.
    “The difference is, this is my crazy stuff. Come on.” He lifted an overnight case that sat near the door, pulled the laptop from his sister’s hands.
    “My brother is bossy, in case you haven’t noticed.” Rayne opened a kitchen drawer and grabbed a handful of chocolate bars, apparently not at all concerned by Jonas’s hard glare.

    “I have,” Skylar responded, liking Rayne more with every passing moment.
    “I’m standing right here, ladies.” And he was getting impatient, pent-up energy rolling off him and filling the small room.
    “And standing there for another minute isn’t going to kill you,” Rayne shot back as she slung a purse over her shoulder.
    “It’s not me being killed that I’m worried about,” he growled, and Rayne handed Skylar one of the candy bars.
    “One of my not-so-secret stashes. Help yourself to more if you feel the need. Since you’re hanging out with Jonas, you probably will.” She laughed when Jonas shoved open the door, stepped onto the small stoop at the top of the stairs and gestured for her to follow.
    “Guess that’s my cue to hit the road. It was really nice meeting you, Skylar.”
    “You, too.”
    Rayne smiled, her deep blue eyes looking straight into Skylar’s. Probing, seeking, the intensity exactly like Jonas’s before she pulled Skylar in for a hug.
    “Be careful, okay? My brother’s heart was broken once. I’d hate for it to happen again.” The words were barely a whisper. Before Skylar could register their meaning, Rayne stepped back, offered an easy smile and walked outside.
    “Go ahead and get settled. I’ll be back up later.” Jonas issued the command and closed the door, shutting Skylar into the cozy apartment.
    Alone.
    Again.
    She frowned, irritated with her need for company. She’d spent her entire adult life living alone. She’d never needed anyone. Not even Matthew. She’d wanted him. Or, at least, wanted what he represented, but he’d filled none of the emptiness in Skylar’s heart, plugged none of the holes that had been left by her family.
    Maybe that should have been the first clue that he wasn’t the guy for her. That there was probably no guy for her.
    For her, love and family were elusive dreams. The harder she’d tried to hold onto them,