Page 16 of Guarding Truth

“I’m in a robotics competition at school. We’re building a robot that can…” The girl prattled on about the technical specifications of the robot, but Juliette’s mind drifted. Just one look at the girl, and Juliette’s nostalgia took center stage. The resemblance between Ivy and her uncle made Juliette’s heart ache. How would Caleb handle seeing her after all these years? She had been the one to walk away. She’d done it with his future in mind, but would he see it that way? The knot in her stomach tightened.

When Ivy stopped to take a breath, Juliette jumped back into the conversation. “So your uncle doesn’t know I’m coming?”

Ivy cringed. “I didn’t tell him. I knew he wouldn’t want help. But he needs it. He’s alone.”

Those two words burrowed into Juliette’s heart. Caleb deserved to be with someone special. Women always seemed to fall for the nerd, but Caleb had never seemed to notice the command he had over the opposite sex. He was attractive, kind, and super smart. Why was the man still on the market?

They arrived at the address Ivy had provided.

“This apartment complex was an old hospital that was gutted and renovated into apartments.” Ivy’s lecture style reminded Juliette of a college professor. “The outside still holds its pre-Civil War historic charm, but the lobby and each unit received a complete twenty-first-century upgrade. Modern lighting, new fixtures, but sadly, no elevator.”

Juliette hiked up the stairs with Ivy, her heart rate ticking up with each step. How had she not run into Caleb when they’d been living in the same city? She’d been in Savannah for a year.

They rounded the corner of the hallway, and Juliette collided with someone. Strong arms grabbed her to keep from tumbling over.

Not someone.

Caleb Styles.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said, willing the rising heat in her neck to stay down.

Her eyes locked with his, and for a second, it seemed like no time had passed between them. It was as if they were still in basic training, hanging out together and laughing while they were both saddled with the late shift for guard duty.

She took two steps back, out of his reach, and the connection was severed. Now she was the woman who had left him three years ago without a word. No explanation. Nothing.

“Juliette?” His arms flopped to his sides, and his mouth gaped open. “I—I don’t know what to say. Why—why are you here?”

His eyes shifted to Ivy. “What did you do? I was just rushing out the door because the school called and said you never arrived for first period. And I dropped you off.” The car keys jangled in his hand.

Something tugged at the hem of her shirt, and Juliette saw Ivy peeking out from behind her.

“Uncle Caleb, we need help. You need help. And you told me your Army buddies would always have your back. So I googled Juliette, and it turns out that she’s a professional bodyguard. So I hired her.”

“Surprise,” Juliette said, throwing up her hands in mock surrender. “I found her in my office this morning. Thought I’d make sure she got home in one piece.”

“Don’t worry,” Ivy said. “It was only two blocks from school. Not a long walk.”

Caleb ran a hand through his hair. When had he let his hair grow out? It wasn’t long, but she’d always seen him with his short military style. Not to mention the goatee he sported. But his signature black-rimmed glasses remained the same. The man still looked good, from his nerdy T-shirt to his plaid Converse. He was the same old Caleb she remembered, just a little older with a few gray hairs peeking out of his brown, wavy hair and a couple of fine lines on his forehead.

“Ivy, head inside. I’d like to talk to Juliette for a moment.”

Ivy complied and bounded down the hall and through their apartment door. Once the door closed, Caleb leaned against the wall and said, “Jules. I didn’t know you were in Savannah of all places. In fact, I had no idea where you’ve been the last few years.” His tone wasn’t one of scolding, but of concern.

She shrugged and leaned against the wall, facing him. “I moved to Savannah about a year ago. I had no idea you were in the area.” She folded her arms, trying to appear casual, but the rising tide of emotions swelled. “I am so sorry to hear about your sister. When did you take custody of Ivy?”

His shoulders sank and he stared at the ground. “It was just after you left. When I got back to the base after the attack, I found out about the car accident. I finished out my contract and came stateside to be with Ivy.”

Right after she’d walked out on him, leaving him in the hospital after he’d rescued her.

Three years ago, the decision had seemed to be in everyone’s best interests. But now?

She longed for that spark between them to ignite again. The camaraderie they’d shared. If only she could pick up where they’d left off, before things had derailed like the world’s largest freight train.

Did she and Caleb have a shot at being friends again?

Or would she always be the one that left him behind?

FOUR