The Road to Rebirth Her Fresh Start and His Late Sorrow by Helena R. Bates

Chapter 43

Nancy's heart pounded as the footsteps grew closer. She had no intention of opening the door, but dying in her new home in the suburbs was not on her to-do list, either. After all, she had gone through hell and high water to escape her life in Cyrus, a small, suffocating town where everyone knew each other's business.

With no time to hesitate, Nancy flung open the door. The moment she did, a figure burst through, enveloping her in a firm embrace. Judson, a man with the arms one would expect to see on a lumberjack, scooped Nancy up and kicked the door shut with a resounding thud.

Suspended in the air, Nancy found herself almost entirely supported by Judson. The back of her head rested against his chest, and she could feel the solid press of his muscles even through his shirt.

Startled, Nancy was about to protest when the footsteps outside made her swallow her words. It felt like an eternity before the footsteps faded. Finally, Nancy and Judson exhaled, and the next moment, Nancy was prying Judson's hands from her waist. "Put me down!"

Judson obliged, setting her gently on the ground. Nancy backed away immediately, creating a safe distance between them.

Please leave," Nancy said, her

Something out there made him spin around to talk to Nancy, but before

in shock before he slumped to the ground,

lying on her floor, Nancy felt frustrated. She had

ordeal abroad. Was she that

Nancy was about to drag Judson outside when footsteps approached again. "Is that

heart raced. She held her breath, listening as the voices moved away, convinced the villa

especially not with a head wound. After some hesitation, she fetched a first aid kit and

Judson's striking features. She had seen handsome men before, Cyrus included, but Judson was different-youthful, with flawless features