Anonymous(17)

Jake and I look at each other and he gets up to stand behind my chair, hands resting on my shoulders. He squeezes them reassuringly. “Ellie and I have decided we’re moving to Arizona . . . temporarily.”

My father’s fork stops at his mouth and the cake falls onto his plate. My mother gapes at us and then bursts out laughing. “Seriously, what’s going on? Are you pregnant?”

Eyes burning, I shake my head. “We’re moving, Mom. Jake’s been offered an amazing opportunity, and I’m going to open another bakery. It’ll be good for us to get away.”

“What about starting a family? I won’t be there with you.”

This is what I knew would break her heart, and mine. Tears fall down my face. “I’ll find a house with lots of space. You and dad can stay with us whenever you want.”

Owen isn’t even looking at us when I peer over at him. He fiddles with his cake and pushes it out of the way. I knew telling them was going to be hard, but I didn’t expect it to rip my heart wide open.

My parents look at each other and my father places a hand on her shoulder. “It’ll be fine. We can visit them as much as you want. I have a ton of vacation time with work.” This seems to appease my mom.

She turns her stare to me. “You’re going to be sick of me when you have a baby. I’m not letting my grandchild go months without seeing me.”

I slide out from my chair and hug her. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. The two years will go by fast. Besides, it’s a new adventure for me and my bakery.”

Her arms wrap tightly around me. “I know, sweetheart. And I can help you in any way I can.”

I laugh through my tears. “I’m starting to think I’ll see you more when I move.”

Owen still hasn’t said anything, but I have a feeling he’s going to save it until my parents leave. And I was right. The second they walk out the door, he shakes his head. Crossing his arms over his chest, he glares at Jake. He used to not look so intimidating in college. It wasn’t until he started police training that he bulked up. Jake’s right there with him though. Sometimes I think they try to outdo the other. But I guess that’s a guy thing.

“Say it,” Jake commands. “I know there’s something you want to say.”

Owen huffs. “You know if you move, I won’t be there to help you if you need me.”

Jake sighs. “That’s why I’m hoping you’ll find Snyder and nail his ass. We can get a restraining order against him. If he tries to contact Ellie, or if he shows up in Arizona, I’ll take care of it. I can protect her.”

Owen shakes his head. “This is the worst timing ever. I don’t even know where Snyder is, and I won’t know until a formal complaint is filed. We have nothing to go on, other than texts, and that he might have been at my party.” Blowing out a heavy sigh, he looks at us and runs a hand through his hair. “His supervisor isn’t going to give up his whereabouts unless we get a warrant out on him.” He pins his lethal gaze on mine. “You are vulnerable right now. He could be anywhere.”

“But that doesn’t mean he’s going to kidnap or try to kill me. This is Bryan we’re talking about. He would never hurt me.”

“We don’t know that,” Owen states. “It’s been years since I’ve been around the guy. And you,” he looks at me, “don’t know him that well either. It’s been years since you last spoke to him. Anything could’ve changed during that time.”

Jake places a hand on his shoulder. “Whatever happens, we’re still moving to Arizona. Ellie and I need to get away. This will be good for us.”

The muscles in Owen’s jaw clench, but he nods in understanding. He doesn’t agree with it one bit, and I can see his point of view. “Do what you need to do. I’ll support you no matter what.”

I hug him and his arms tighten around me. “You know we love you and appreciate everything you do for us. I’ll be okay, I promise.”

“You better be.” He lets me go and points at Jake. “Or I’m kicking your husband’s ass.”

They both chuckle and hug. “I’d like to see you try.”



* * *



Jake lets out a big sigh as he comes in from walking Owen out. “It didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, but I think it wasn’t so bad.”

I cover the chocolate cake and set it in the refrigerator. “Seeing my mother cry was the worst for me. I can’t imagine being a mother and having one of my kids move across the country, no matter how old they are.”

Leaning against the counter, Jake corners me in, imprisoning me with his arms. He presses his body against mine and I can feel the hardness between his legs. “I think I know a way of cheering you up.”

“Oh yeah?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Grabbing my hips, he lifts me up onto the counter, burying his face against my neck. Chills cascade down my skin and I shiver. “It’ll cheer me up too. Hang on tight.”

Locking my ankles around his waist, he picks me up and carries me out of the kitchen, stopping once to lean me against our living room wall. He slides his erection against me and locks his lips with mine. I moan into his mouth as my body ignites with so many different sensations.