Page 9 of Protecting Vidalia
“Why did your parents move out here?” Jake asked curiously. “That’s quite a life-style change.”
“My dad got a job offer in Fort Collins. Plus, my mom has a sister that lives out here. Since my grandparents have been gone, she kind of wanted to get closer to her. She doesn’t have any other brothers or sisters.”
“I take it you have no siblings?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m an only child. So, they have no grandchildren yet either.”
Jake studied her. “What about you? Are you happy with the move?”
Vidalia shrugged. “I was just out of high school and not sure where I wanted to go to college. I was looking at a community college, but not sure what I wanted to take. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated with the mountains. We used to go to the Ozarks a lot, but it was still pretty warm and humid to hike there. When they said they were moving and wanted me to come with them, I agreed.”
Jake was pleased that Vidalia seemed to be talking a little more. All he’d gotten out of her last night was the kind of music she liked, a few movies she’d watched, and tons of silence while watching the fire flicker.
She was starting to appear restless so not wanting to push his luck he stood up and stretched. “Well, I need to go see about my jeep since my cell phone doesn't work back in here.”
“Yes, I know, mine didn't have any service either,” she agreed, standing up too.
“I guess I'll walk out to the road and make a few calls.” He’d started toward the steps when Vidalia made an offer.
Chapter 3
“Why don't you takeDax’s truck? That way if you need to run into town for parts or something, you’ll have a way to get there.”
Jake turned around, a smile lighting up his face. “That would be great, Vidalia. I really appreciate the offer.
He hesitated then spoke again. “Would you like to come with me?”
Vidalia shook her head. “No, not today. I want to get settled in and explore the area a little bit. Maybe I'll go another time.” She got up to get the keys to the truck.
Slightly disappointed, Jake followed her into the cabin. “All right. But how about I fix steaks on the grill tonight in payment for using the truck?” He waited for her to turn him down again.
When she let her guard down, he was reasonably sure she found him attractive, just as he did her. It might take some work to get through her defenses though. She seemed determined to shut everyone out and wallow in her self-conceived failure of losing someone on her watch. It was the last thing she needed to do, and he knew that from personal experience.
Vidalia handed him the keys. “I usually just have a sandwich after work...” Her voice trailed off, and she shot him a glance. Probably hoping he would take the hint, but he had no intention of doing so.
“You're not at work now, you're on vacation,” he replied firmly. “And I intend to help you have a good time.” His voice was full of promise and then he put his arms around her and gave her a friendly hug. A delicate pink tinged her cheeks and her breath quickened at his closeness. Jake knew he’d been right about her attraction to him. “See you tonight.”
