Excerpt of Tessa's Treasures by Callie Hutton

Lucas released her lips and rested his forehead on hers. "You know I would never hurt you."

Tessa pulled back, her eyes narrowed. "Why did you say that?"

He ran his knuckles over her cheek. "Because I never would."

"I think I'd better go now."

Lucas smiled. "Okay. I don't want to scare you."

Her chin came up and she stiffened her shoulders. "I'm not scared of you."

"Good." As he came around the vehicle, he stopped and stared at the building. "Tessa?"

She jumped down to join him. "What?"

"Didn't you put the lights out when you locked up before?"

"I thought I did. But it appears there's a couple still burning."

He continued to stare at the building. "Get back in the jeep."

Her mouth went dry as dust. "Do you think someone's in there?"

"Probably not, but old training is kicking in." His hand settled on her arm as he walked her back to the Jeep. "Where are your keys?"

She rummaged in her purse for the key ring and handed it to him. "Front door."

"Stay here, I'll come get you when I'm sure it's safe." He closed the door and gestured for her to lock both doors.

As soon as the back door opened, Lucas waved for her to join him. Heart pounding, she got out of the Jeep. As she came closer she heard him on the phone. "Tessa's Treasures, corner of Main and Sixth." He glanced around the room. "Doesn't seem to be." He squeezed her hand. "Okay, we'll be here."

She stepped through the door between the kitchen and the store proper, and gasped.