He sounded like a regular infomercial. Alex parked in front of the quaint cedar log cabin, shut off the car, then turned toward her and took in her grim features. He hated seeing her like this.

Lord, hasn’t she been through enough already? Please help me keep her safe.

“The cabin is all set for you to stay here.”

She sat quietly for a moment, just staring straight ahead. “Thank you. For everything. I . . . I didn’t think when I asked for your help that . . . I thought that, well, you kind of speak my language. You know what I mean usually when I’m talking about cybersecurity issues. And you have the resources and—”

“It’s okay, Mackenzie. I know why you asked, and I’m glad you did. And in fact, I have more resources than you probably thought.” He gestured at the cabin. This opportunity had surprised him as well. “God was looking out for you.”

“You mean the cabin?”

“I do. Are you ready to go inside? Or do you want to wait out the rain?”

In answer, she shoved open the door and ran to the front porch. He jumped out and caught up. They were soaking wet by the time they made it under the covered porch.

Soaking wet and cold.

He dug around in his pocket and held up the key for her. If she unlocked the door, she would feel more in control. More at home. She snatched the key and then tried to unlock the door, but her fingers kept slipping.

“Let me help,” he said.

He reached for the key, but she didn’t step away, and his fingers got tangled up with hers. The key fell to the ground, and they both bent down to grab it, bumping heads. He gripped the key, then stood and found himself much too close, her face inches from his.

The same longing that rose in his chest was reflected in her luminous eyes. Pulse pounding in his ears, Alex tried to remember to breathe. Attraction raced through him. She blinked as if to somehow break the connection or hide that she even felt a connection with him.

Raindrops clung to her cheeks, and she shivered.

His only intention had been to warm her when he cupped her cheeks and leaned close, then without any thought at all, his lips were gently pressed against hers. Soft and tender. A thrilling warmth flooded his belly, and though he took a step back, she clung to him and pressed her lips harder against his.

But now . . . now wasn’t the time.

She was vulnerable. Hurt. Only a jerk would kiss her when she was struggling.

The crunch of tires signaled an approaching vehicle and interrupted the moment, breaking the spell. Mackenzie stepped back. He keenly felt the absence of her lips, her passion, and it took him maybe two seconds too long to compose himself as she stole the key from his hands.