Saving Grace by Kimberly McKay Page A

and wondered if he was curious about what he saw.
    Burke frowned, and repeated himself.  “You going to sit out here all night?”
    Grace lifted her chin in defiance.  “So what if I am.” 
    She wasn’t sure where to go.  She had no direction.  She didn’t want to use her credit card at a hotel, as her family or Zach might find her.  Grace turned to face Burke.
    He noticed the determination in her eyes.  He also saw the bruise that had formed around one of them.  He winced internally. 
    Who would do such a thing?  Burke’s gut burned.  He instantly felt protective over this girl, and softened his approach.  She obviously needed a break.
    Grace noticed him staring at her eye, and turned to face the ocean, blocking his view from her face.
    “Well, if you’re going to sit here and take up my time, I might as well know your name.”  He insisted.
    Grace didn’t care if he saw her face anymore.  She turned and shot him a look, which let him know exactly what she thought of him at the moment.
    “Easy.  I don’t bite.”  His voice softened.  “I’m Burke.  I’d shake your hand right now, but they’re both kind of occupied.”  He shrugged and glanced up to his hands, which held the tarp up.
    Grace looked up, and listened to the pounding sounds of raindrops, as they pelted above.  She let out a breath, knowing he didn’t have to be out here keeping her dry.
    She turned to face him and smiled warmly with appreciation, which gave his gut a shock. 
    Easy Burke.  Don’t get too involved.  She’s a girl in trouble – nothing more – nothing less.  Keep your hormones in check. 
    It was hard to think of anything but her smile.  The way it lit up her face, literally would have knocked him on his butt if he weren’t already sitting down.
    As the rain pounded harder onto the tarp, she scoot in closer, trying to stay dry.  The feel of her body leaning into his, didn’t help him release any tension he was feeling.
    “I’m Grace,” she said softly.  “Thanks for the rescue … twice.”
    “Sorry - I left my horse at the castle.”  He joked, and got the payoff he’d wanted … her laugh.  It was almost melodic … like magic, and he wanted to hear more of it.  It had been ages since a woman’s laugh made him feel anything, let alone send his insides into a fit.
    “This storm is supposed to last for a couple of hours.  And you can’t go anywhere looking like that.  You could get arrested for solicitation,” he said, glancing back to her wet shirt.
    “Funny.” She grimaced, and clutched her knees tighter.
    Don’t do it, Burke.  Don’t do it.  “Come up to the house.  You can change into dry clothes, and we’ll wait the storm out.”  Awe, Burke … you did it. 
    He was kicking himself for committing to helping her out, but from the second he retrieved her purse - knew he was going to.   There was just something about her. 
    Grace looked wearily at him, with guarded eyes. 
    “It’s okay.  I’m not going to try anything.  Besides, you could be my little sister.  How old are you? You can’t be more than eighteen?” 
    “Twenty.”  She sat up straighter.  “Twenty – one next week.”
    He groaned.  They were closer in age than he’d originally thought.  He was hoping to put a mental barrier between them, so he could resist his growing attraction.  If she were too young, than that’s a line he wouldn’t cross.  But she was only five years younger than him, and now he was in trouble.
    “Still too young.”  He lied.  “Come on.”  He stood, and shifted the tarp so she could grab her gear and stay dry as they walked up to his home.
    Once inside, she visibly relaxed.  This didn’t look like the house of an axe murderer.  Besides she’d seen evil, and he wasn’t it.  He had kind eyes, once you got past the gruff exterior.
    Burke set her bag just inside the back door, leaving it unlocked, as a sign that she could leave at any time. 
    She watched