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explained. “The Buxtons were a family of veterans that went all the way back to World War I and decided they wanted to donate the property to the town for a community center as long as we established space in it for the Wounded Veterans Center.”
    “That was generous of them,” Regis said, stepping back and taking another few pictures as she listened.
    “Well, there was back taxes and debt to pay, but we managed to raise the money locally for that,” Ethan added. “Ian has been instrumental in working the cause. I think it saved him, to be honest.”
    Regis lowered the camera and looked at both of them. “Saved him?”
    Hawk thought of his cousin and how far he’d come. “He was a mess when he came back from Iraq. But this has given him a reason to get out of bed and for that alone, I’m grateful to the Buxtons for their gift. Now we just have to get this place up to speed.”
    They finished their tour of the mill, which took longer than the other properties because of its size and proximity to the river. Just as they were wrapping up, Ethan got a call over the police radio.
    “I have a call down at the high school,” Ethan said. “I’ve got to run.”
    “Are you going to stop in and see Maddie?”
    Ethan made a face that gave him his answer.
    “She’s got to talk to you sometime.”
    He shook his head. “No she doesn’t,” he said quietly. To Regis, he added, “Do you need anything else?”
    “We’re all set here,” Regis said. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
    “No problem. You know where to find me if you have any questions. And you have Ian’s number. I’m sure he can answer more than I can. He would have been here today but…”
    “I understand. It was last minute so I appreciate you taking the time.”
    A few minutes later, Ethan was pulling out of the parking lot in his SUV and the two of them were alone at the empty mill. They were losing light fast and the ground was disappearing in the darkness as they walked back to the truck, making it hard to see the ruts in the dried mud. Knowing Regis was already tired, and not wanting her to injure herself again, Hawk took matters into his own hands. In one fell swoop, he scooped Regis up into his arms.
    # # #

Chapter Five
     
    The last thing Regis had expected when she’d agreed to have Hawk help her today was ending up in his arms. When he’d put a strong arm behind her knees and the other around her waist, she was in the air instantly. His jacket was open and she was pressed up against his rock hard chest before she could say a word of protest.
    “Don’t argue,” he said. His face was just inches from hers as he carried her effortlessly across the parking lot to the truck.
    “This isn’t necessary.”
    “It’s just insurance that you don’t get hurt again and wind up on my examining room table. I’d much rather see you outside my office than in it.”
    When they reached the truck, Hawk stood next to the passenger side door and held Regis in his arms, just looking at her. She could feel his warmth, see the mist of his breath against the cold air, and feel his heart beating against her.
    “You can put me down now,” she said, her heart beating wildly in her chest.
    “I don’t think so.”
    “What?”
    “I like you right where you are.”
    “Please put me down, Keith,” she said quietly.
    His lips lifted to a half grin. “I really like it when you say my name.”
    “I thought you didn’t like people calling you by your given name.”
    “I like the way you say it. In fact, I like it a lot.”
    “You do?”
    He had a full blown smile now. “I like you a lot.”
    “Keith?”
    “What?”
    “Please put me down.”
    “I kind of like having you right here in my arms.”
    She drew in a deep breath. “You don’t like me. You only think you like me. You don’t even know me.”
    He chuckled against her eye and whispered, “Then let’s get to know each other.”
    She turned away from him, feeling her resolve wither away.