Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #1 by Terri Reed, Becky Avella, Dana R. Lynn Page A

you, Adam, for all you’ve done.”
    He didn’t like the tone of dismissal in her voice. And if he hadn’t seen the momentary vulnerability that told him she was putting on a brave front, he’d have felt a bit put out. But he had seen the look and knew she was uncomfortable with him leaving. It couldn’t be helped. He had every confidence she’d be okay with Joe and Ruth and the girls. Lana just needed to believe that, too.
    Ruth cleared her throat. “I’ll get the girls so they can say goodbye.” She slipped out the sliding patio door.
    Gathering Lana’s hands in his, he said, “I see you’re fretting. Don’t. You’re safe here. We’re doing all we can to find the arrow and the thief.”
    She gave him a trembling smile. “I know you are. And I know I’ll be safe here. I just—” She licked her bottom lip. “When will I see you again?”
    â€œYou said the custody hearing is tomorrow?”
    She nodded.
    â€œI’ll escort you.”
    She blinked. “You will?”
    â€œIt would be my pleasure.”
    The girls barreled through the door and wound themselves around each of his legs. Tink raced a circle around them and Ace stood beside Lana, leaning into her leg. Laughing, he walked stiff-legged, carrying the twins toward the door.
    â€œNo, no. Don’t go,” the girls chanted between giggles as they hung on.
    At the door, Ruth extracted the twins and hustled them back to the kitchen. Tink followed his people, leaving Adam alone with Lana and Ace. The dog didn’t seem to want to leave her side. Adam didn’t blame him. He would rather stay with Lana, too.
    He whistled and Ace snapped to attention. Adam opened the door, gestured for Ace to go outside.
    â€œI’ll see you in the morning,” he said to Lana. Why did this suddenly seem like such a long time?
    Before he closed the door, she stepped close, putting a hand on his arm. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. No one’s ever had my back like this before.”
    Her words made him feel ten feet tall. He covered her hand with his own. The heat of her skin burned through his palm. “I’m doing my job.”
    But deep inside he knew there was more than duty driving him to want to protect her, to be there for her in her time of need. He’d let his guard down enough for her to create confusion within his heart and mind. If he wasn’t careful his attraction to the appealing and beautiful art curator would turn into something emotional, something he had no intention of pursuing. This wasn’t the right time.
    The sooner he found the arrow and the person who’d hurt Lana the better. Then he could move on with the plans he had for leaving Washington, DC, and returning to Colorado. Plans to start a new life. One that wouldn’t include the beautiful and puzzling Lana.
    Or him risking his heart.
    * * *
    The next morning, Lana picked up the mug of coffee in front of her. Her shaky hand caused the liquid to slosh. Afraid she’d spill it, Lana quickly set the cup on the kitchen counter.
    â€œNervous?”
    Returning Ruth’s smile with a wry one of her own, Lana nodded. “Yes.”
    Ruth arched an eyebrow. “Because of the custody hearing or because Adam will be here in a minute?”
    A flush of heat tiptoed up her neck. She could hedge, deny that Adam affected her in any way, but she decided honesty would serve her better. “Both.”
    Yes, the thought of appearing before a judge who would decide her and Juan’s fate had her nerves stretched tight like a rubber band. And seeing Adam again, being close to him, having his support, simultaneously thrilled and scared her.
    She wasn’t looking for an emotional attachment to the man. She’d had her fill of romance and been disappointed. She wasn’t planning on going down that road anytime soon.
    However, she couldn’t deny her