With that, he briskly entered the vehicle.

A soft chuckle escaped Rosalynn.

She wanted to tease him more, but a mixture of warmth and gratitude filled her. His wariness of dogs, stemming from a past psychological ordeal when he saved her, added a layer of tenderness.

As they settled into the car, Rosalynn looked at Brian, whispering, "Honey, thanks for what you did back then."

Brian, starting the car, turned to her with an air of arrogance.