Keeping Guard by Christy Barritt

need to take every precaution possible. I do. But the last thing I need is someone dictating where I go and when and with whom.”
    Nate’s eyes flickered, though Kylie wasn’t sure what the emotion was behind them. Anger? Curiosity? Admiration? “Kylie, I really think it would be in your best interest to listen to me on this one.”
    She bristled. She was wise enough to know she didn’t need to wear a bull’s-eye on her back or act like a sitting duck, so to speak. “I’ve been living on my own for seven years now. I think I can trust my own instincts and make my own decisions.”
    Nate cleared his throat and when he spoke again, his voice sounded lower. “This isn’t about making your own decisions. It’s about being smart and staying safe.”
    â€œI assure you that I’ll use the utmost wisdom.” Kylie tried to suppress her frustration. Her efforts didn’t work. Her hands clenched into fists.
    Nate closed his eyes, as if frustrated himself. “Kylie, I’m not trying to tell you what to do.”
    â€œIt sounds like that’s exactly what you’re trying to do.” She took a deep breath and softened her voice. “I appreciate you letting me stay here, Nate, and I’m more than happy to help out at the restaurant to pay for room and board. But I don’t need a guardian or someone telling me what to do.”
    â€œI think you’re misunderstanding me—”
    â€œMaybe this isn’t the best time to talk about this.” She stood and hurried into the kitchen before she said something she’d regret and began prepping for the day.
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    Nate watched Kylie walk away and shook his head.
    The Coast Guard had taught him a lot about rescuing people. Some people were anxious for your help, and even after the mission was over they’d make it their mission to publicly thank you and tell others about what you’d done. Others were more difficult. Some people tried to pull you underwater in their panic to be saved. Still other people wanted to be rescued but were too afraid to take the necessary steps, too afraid totrust you. Sometimes you had to literally knock them out in order to save their lives.
    Kylie was obviously going to fall into the “difficult to rescue” category. She wanted help, but she wanted to save herself at the same time. She’d been forced to trust him but wasn’t sure how far to take that trust. Nate could understand that. But he also knew that the most important thing was keeping her safe, whether she wanted his help or not.
    He sighed, ready for the challenge but not the drama that might come with it.
    He gathered the plates on the table and bused them into the kitchen. Kylie stood with her back toward him, chopping carrots and onions. By the force of her chopping, she made a clear statement that she did not want to be bothered. Nate was fine with that. If he spoke to Kylie now, the words that left his mouth might not be kind.
    He went about his tasks to prepare for opening. The crowds were always bigger on Saturdays than weekdays, so they prepared for more. By ten o’clock, the rest of the staff wandered in, looking less than thrilled to be working today. The sun did shine bright outside this morning and the weatherman had promised some of the nicest weather they’d had since last fall. Most people didn’t want to spend days like today inside.
    At noon, customers began coming in, most of them tourists visiting for the day. Being busy probably benefited both Nate and Kylie because, in the rush of things, chances for more unpleasant exchanges were limited.
    He noticed Kylie seemed to warm up toward the rest of the staff while completely avoiding him. She was efficient in the kitchen though, so he couldn’t complain. He wished he could hire someone with her work ethic permanently. When would Kylie be leaving? Possibly in just a couple of days.
    When they finally had a