Page 104 of The Making of Marnie Jones

He watched helplessly as she scooped up her bags and left without a word. The door closed, and he leaned back against the wall, stunned. Breathing was impossible because the pain was as acute as it’d been an hour earlier when he’d driven away from Derks Manor. Jess’d been his mentor and friend for six years. They’d worked together in both Afghanistan and Syria. He’d almost taken sniper fire while shielding her body with his. He had never once, even for a moment, considered she might have her sights set on him.

Suddenly queasy, he groped his way to the couch, unseeing.

How had he been so obtuse? Had the signs been there all along and he missed them?

What now?

Answers weren’t forthcoming. Moving was easy enough—everything he owned fit in his SUV with room to spare. Repairing his relationship with Jess…

Suddenly, he wanted to call Marnie. He needed her advice and reassurance. She could help him.

Burned that bridge.

Needing grounding, he picked up the phone and dialed.

“Wolf.”

“It’s Jake.”

“What’s going on? Is something wrong with Olivia?” Concern verging on panic laced Wolf’s voice.

“She’s fine, Wolf.” He wanted to pace but was too weary to get up. “Actually, she’s doing well.”

“I knew that.” A long breath. “She’s calmer, isn’t she? More at peace.”

Jake shook his head, refraining from comment. “She’s moving in with Marnie. Going to go to counseling, and she’s promised to finish high school.”

“Those are all good things, and although I appreciate the update, why don’t you tell me why you really called?” He chuckled. “Women trouble?

“Big time.”

“Talk to me.”

He rose and stalked to the windows. The moon had a peculiar glow around it.

“Where do I start?”

“Start with Jessica. I saw the interview two nights ago. Both women were exceptionally poised, and the interview went well. But I’m not telling you anything you aren’t already aware of. What happened?”

“She threw herself at me.”Damn it.“I never saw it coming.”

Wolf chuckled, his laughter deep in its resonance. “I wondered if you were ever going to see it.”

“When did you notice?”

“Remember when we got together for beers the last time we were all in Toronto?”

“That was two years ago.”

“Dates back further than that. She’s been in love with you since you saved her life in Aleppo.”

Running his hand through his hair, Jake growled. “I did not save her life.”

“You put yourself between her and a bullet.”

“So what? We’ve been in tight spots and helped each other out. I wouldn’t have done any different for anyone else. Hell, I might even try to save your ass, given half a chance.”

“You did save my ass.”

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