Anonymous(29)

“What do we do now?” I ask.

Terry glances at both me and Jake. “We wait. Finding someone who’s trained on staying hidden isn’t a walk in the park.”

I know that must be true. Owen is one of the best undercover agents around and even he hasn’t had any luck.

The detective focuses on me. “It’s at this time, I’d like you to reconsider being put in protective custody.”

I shake my head. “I’m not going anywhere.”

His phone rings. “Let me see if this is one of my guys.” He answers and holds his hands out for us to stay put.

Jake and I look at each other, but I know it can’t be that they found him.

The conversation ends, and he takes a deep breath after hanging up. “We found his truck. It’s in an abandoned barn, just off Miller Road. Apparently, there’s some traces of blood inside. I’m going to head out there and get some samples for the lab.” He stands, and for the first time since everything started, I feel hopeful. “I’ll call you both as soon as I find out more information.”

Jake shakes his hand. “Thanks, Detective. We’re just ready for this to be over.”

“I understand.” Terry nods. “And Ellie, please think about what I said. I think it’d be for the best.” He hurries out the door to his car and we watch him speed off.

The sun is shining, making the snow glitter on the trees. I peer over at Jake who watches me. It’s clear some of the stress has been lifted.

“I’m going to call Owen and update him. Why don’t we go home and relax?” he suggests.

“Sounds good to me. There are some houses I want you to look at. We can make it a date.”

His lips pull back in a small smile. “We could use the time alone. Since I’m not taking my pain meds, we can continue our baby-making tonight.”

“Sure you’re up for it?”

A sexy chuckle escapes his lips. “Oh, I’ll definitely be up for it. The question is . . . can you handle it?”

I wink. “Guess you’ll just have to find out.” With everything going on, it’s important we keep our relationship strong. It’s the only thing that keeps my mind off the chaos.



* * *



Jake helps me cook dinner and manages to refill my wine glass every time it gets empty. It’s the first time in months that I feel completely relaxed. I know I shouldn’t, especially with everything going on, but I want to concentrate on Jake and nothing else. I refuse to let Bryan ruin our lives.

Once the kitchen’s clean, I join Jake on the couch and open my laptop. “Vikki and I found some houses the other day. Right now, I’ve narrowed it down to eight of them.” I nuzzle into his side and lift my feet up on the coffee table, setting my laptop on my lap.

“Eight?” Jake says, laughing. “I’m just happy you found some. I thought I was going to have to force you to look at them.”

“No,” I murmur, gazing up at him. “I am sad we’re leaving, but I’m happy for this opportunity you’re being given. Besides, this house is going to be our baby’s first home. I want it to be special.”

He brushes a finger gently down my cheek. “It will be special.”

I open the folder with all the saved houses. Jake and I look at them for about an hour, comparing the pros and cons of each one. In the end, we narrow it down to two.

“I wish we could move now, and forget about everything going on here,” he comments.

I drink the rest of my wine and smile as I gaze back and forth at the two houses. “Me too. But then, if Bryan were to find us out there, we’d be alone, without our family and friends. It’s probably best we’re still here.” I nuzzle into his side and breathe him in. “What all did Owen say when you told him what the detective said?”

“He’s worried. He said that he’ll drive by our house a couple times tonight to make sure everything’s okay. If Bryan knows that he’s getting closer to getting caught, he might do something foolish.”

The thought makes me shiver. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” I murmur. “He has nothing to lose at this point. He could take you out and then turn a gun on himself.” If I’m being honest, that’s one of my greatest fears with this whole thing. I know Bryan would never hurt me physically, or at least, I don’t think he would. But I can’t say the same for Jake.

He taps my laptop. “Choose one, cupcake. I like both houses. I want you to pick the one that’ll make you happiest.”

Butterflies flutter in my stomach and I click on the stone and stucco house with the tall evergreen trees out front and the mountain out back. “That’s it,” I reply. “That’s the one I want. It has the perfect back deck, with an amazing view. We can put a hot tub out there.”

His eyes twinkle. “Speaking of hot tubs. I think ours would do wonders for my sore muscles.” Taking my laptop, he sets it on the coffee table and pulls me onto his lap.

“Will it now? Are you sure you’re okay? Your head doesn’t hurt?”

He cups my face in his strong, warm hands. “Oh, my head hurts all right,” he teases, pushing his hips up into mine. His lips touch mine and I let him devour me. His arousal grows between us and I ride him. “How about I get the hot tub going and you come out and join me?”