Tides of Hope by Irene Hannon Page A

to do with his position of authority, that much she knew. While she’d been upset by the citation, she’d felt angry, not threatened. Nor had she felt in the least intimidated—or unsafe—when she’d marched over to his office and laid into him about it or when she’d rebuked him for taking chances off Great Point. The unsafe feeling was more…personal…than that.
    And it didn’t take her long to pinpoint its origins: the moment in his office when he’d looked into her eyes and tapped into her private sorrows and deepest insecurities. While he might not know what they were, he knew they were there.
    Unsettling as that had been, Kate wasn’t concerned about the commander using that insight against her. She sensed he had too much integrity and honor for that. So the mere fact he’d breached her defenses, albeit disconcerting, wasn’t what made her feel vulnerable.
    Then what did?
    The line inched forward as she pondered that question. And when the answer came, it took her breath away.
    She felt unsafe—and in need of escape—because, for the first time since she’d lost Mac, she was attracted to a man.
    â€œMommy, you’re hurting my hand!”
    At Maddie’s protest, Kate immediately loosened her grip and bent to give the youngster a hug. “I’m sorry, honey. We’re almost to the counter.” Her words came out choppy as she struggled to slow her staccato pulse. “What kind of doughnut are you going to get?”
    â€œSugar.”
    â€œHow come I knew that?” It took every ounce of her will-power to adopt a teasing tone and summon up the semblance of a normal smile. Especially when thoughts of the commander’s deep blue eyes, athletic build and aura of steadiness and strength left her feeling anything but normal.
    No question about it. That little flutter in her stomach was attraction.
    And it scared her silly.
    Because no matter what Edith thought—she wasn’t ready for another romance. Besides, the lieutenant wasn’t her type. He was the exact opposite of Mac, who’d brightened her days with his agreeable, relaxed attitude and easygoing charm. Who’d seen life through a lens that captured nuances of color and texture rather than mere black and white.
    While Kate couldn’t deny the odd magnetic pull she felt toward the new Coast Guard commander, it had to be an anomaly. Perhaps induced by the power of Edith’s suggestion, she speculated. Or maybe it was the result of the deep-seated loneliness that, to her surprise, had intensified rather than dissipated since Mac’s death. Plus, Lieutenant Cole had caught her at a vulnerable time, thanks to her shaky finances and concerns about Maddie. Anyone in her situation would be susceptible to the competence he radiated and attracted bythe broad shoulders that looked capable of carrying the heaviest load.
    His empathetic blue eyes had nothing at all to do with it.
    That was her story, she decided, as she stepped up to the counter at Downyflake.
    And she was sticking to it.
    Â 
    As Craig slid behind the wheel of his late-model Camry, he surveyed the modest church. A few people remained near the front door, but most had departed after exchanging a few words with him. It had been a good morning, both from a spiritual and PR perspective. He’d taken a first step in reconnecting with the Lord, and he’d met quite a few of the locals.
    Edith Shaw, Kate’s neighbor, had been there, too. According to the older woman, who’d managed to ferret quite a bit of information out of him during their short walk to the back of church after the service, Kate had also attended. But by the time they’d emerged onto the small lawn, she’d disappeared.
    He couldn’t help wondering if his presence had prompted the charter captain’s evasive maneuver.
    Guiding his car through the town’s narrow streets, he headed for the small