Taking Heart by T. J. Kline

attacked me.”
    â€œAttacked? He hurt you?” She saw the fury rise in his eyes.
    Tango positioned himself between her and Dylan, sitting up and putting his head on her arm as if reminding her of his comforting presence. “It wasn’t long after I was out of the hospital that I got Tango.”
    Dylan took a deep breath, squatted down in front of her again, and reached for her hands. His fingers twined with hers. His hands were warm and gentle, but she felt a current of warmth flood through her palms and up her arms. She tried to focus on anything other than the heat spreading through her limbs.
    â€œA client?”
    She looked away, unwilling to admit the feelings she’d had for Evan. It had been a whirlwind romance, and she’d believed everything he told her about himself. It wasn’t until he started pressuring her, saying strange things about always being with her, of owning her, that she started to question the relationship. When she woke and found him staring at her while she slept, she should have listened to the alarm in her head warning her that love wasn’t supposed to be obsessive like this. How could she explain away her naiveté? Dylan didn’t press her for more.
    â€œNow he’s out and looking for you?”
    Dylan’s question jerked her back to her present predicament. Evan was back. “I guess so. He texted me this morning, but I thought he was just trying to mess with my head. I never meant for you to get involved in this. You have enough to deal with right now, and this is just making things worse.”
    Dylan’s lips curved in a lopsided grin, and he shook his head. “Are you for real? You find out some maniac is stalking you and you’re worried about me?” Tango pressed his nose into Dylan’s ear, and he couldn’t help but laugh as he pushed him away. “I think he’s telling me to keep my distance.”
    â€œIf he was doing that, you’d see teeth.” She returned Dylan’s smile as she reached out to pet the dog’s velvety head. “What do you think about grabbing a quick breakfast and getting started on training early?”
    â€œTraining,” he repeated. His eyes focused on her mouth, and she felt her heart take another leap. She had to get control of this. He was a client, and she didn’t fall for them now—ever. She’d learned that lesson the hard way. “How about if you fix breakfast and I’ll clean up this coffee?”
    She’d forgotten about the mess on the porch. “Sure. And depending on how the two of you do, I have an idea for this afternoon.” She rose from the seat, and Tango jumped to his feet as she headed for the front door. She forced herself to focus on putting some distance between them.
    â€œI hope it includes calling the police.” His voice was somber, not allowing for any argument. When she didn’t answer, his brows pinched together. “If you don’t, I will.”
    His expression was dark and she could see the dangerous soldier he’d once been, but he didn’t frighten her and she wasn’t about to be bullied into anything. It didn’t work when her brother tried it, and it wouldn’t work for Dylan either.
    â€œGo ahead, and be sure to let them know how you assaulted him as well.” She let the door slap shut behind her before he could reply.

Chapter Five
    T RAINING R OSCOE WASN ’ T what Dylan expected. Maybe it was because his mind equated training with his military service. Julia’s version was relaxing and, dare he admit it, fun. As he and Roscoe walked around an obstacle course, as he directed the dog through various maneuvers the way Julia instructed, Dylan found himself enjoying each successful maneuver Roscoe completed. Until today, he’d almost forgotten what it was like to enjoy himself. Even smiling felt awkward, although it was surprising how quickly he was getting used to doing it