“Which house?” he asked.

“The small blue one with the white front porch. I’m renting from Dan Amos.”

“Nice,” Duke said, and then added. “Dan was actually in the ER when you were. I saw him come in with a bloody hand, and then his wife came in a few minutes later. On the job injury, I suppose.”

Cathy frowned. “Oh no. I hope it’s not serious. He seems like a really nice man. Very helpful in finding me a place to stay for the winter.”

Duke felt a moment of regret, and then disappointment. “So you’re only passing through?”

She was silent for a few seconds before she answered. “I honestly don’t know where I’m going. I just know where I don’t want to be.”

The lack of emotion in her voice was more telling than what she’d said. He wanted to know more, but he was already pulling up the drive. He parked beneath the empty carport, then got out and circled the truck to open her door.

Cathy had already unbuckled herself and dug the house key from her pocket when the door swung open.

“One more time?” he asked.

Cathy’s lips twitched. “Now you’re asking permission? Just do your thing, big man. I am so over this morning jog.”

Duke grinned, then picked her up where she was sitting, settled her more firmly into his grasp, and pushed the door shut with his elbow as they passed.

“I have the door key,” she said, as they started up the steps. “Now that we’re on the porch I can make it from here.”

Duke put her down easy and held out his hand. “No, ma’am. I don’t do anything halfway. My job isn’t over here until I know you’re safe inside and settled.”

She sighed, then dropped the key in his outstretched hand.

Moments later, she was back in his arms and he was carrying her across the threshold.

“Where to? The recliner, or your bedroom?”

Cathy though about the shower she always took after a run, but right now, even if she unwrapped her ankle, standing up on it was too painful to think about.

“I think the recliner for now.”

Duke put her down easy, then looked around, trying to figure out how she was going to manage on her own.

“Do you have anything to make an ice pack?” he asked.

Cathy smiled at him. “Duke Talbot, you have been a godsend and if I have offended you today, my sincere apologies. I have this chip on my shoulder I’ve been trying to dislodge for some time now, but you are officially relieved of further duty. I’ll figure it out,” Cathy said.

Duke didn’t like the situation. There were too many variables for more problems here.

“I’m sorry, but this is the older brother in me not wanting to leave someone in need. Do me one favor and don’t lock the door. I’m going to the pharmacy to pick up a couple of cold packs. The swelling on your ankle will go down a lot faster if you use them. It won’t take me long, and then I promise I’ll leave you alone.”