Page 50 of Love on the Run

“Are you angry with me?”

“Why would I be?”

“Because I…pushed things.”

“I didn’t exactly push back.”

“You tried to warn me.”

“Callie, I wanted you. Ever since the first night.” He paused. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m glad you showed up. I’m glad I found you.”

She suddenly felt like crying. “Why is life so complicated?”

“One day at a time, Callie,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Let’s just take it one day at a time.”

* * * *

They both sensed the speeding of the clock as the daylight crept into the room. The temptation to linger in bed was strong, and Callie nearly drove him mad with the thousand little kisses she decided to lay on him when she suddenly woke up for good. But when they were about to go too far again, Jake forced himself to take control of his emotions. He put his arms on Callie’s shoulders and flipped her onto her back, lightly pinning her down.

“Hey, honey. Stop now. We’re behaving ourselves from now on. Until…we know what’s going on.”

“Sure thing,” Callie nodded, but with a wicked gleam in her eye. Jake decided the only safe thing to do would be to get up and dress. Another minute of this and he’d be putty in her hands.

As if she could read his mind, she laughed and slid out of bed. “Mind if I shower first?”

“Go. And fast, or you’ll be sorry.”

“Will I?” she asked with an arched eyebrow. But she heeded his warning and scampered off to the bathroom. He watched her go, wondering what the hell he’d gotten himself into.

* * * *

Once dressed, Jake felt marginally more in control of himself, if not the whole situation. He headed out to the kitchen to brew some coffee, all the time wondering if he should pursue his inquiries into Foster, or leave it to the proper authorities. He’d always had a problem separating his personal life from his work. He felt responsible for Callie, on so many levels. He couldn’t stand the idea of leaving her safety to others.

Jake had finished his first cup of coffee when his cell rang. He picked it up immediately, recognizing that it was work-related.

Callie emerged from the shower feeling like she could face the day. Actually, she thought if Jake was at her side, she could face anything. What was happening to her? Only a few days ago, she’d been running scared, so frightened and out of control, she was lucky to be alive. But now, she could actually think about putting her life back together, figuring out where she went wrong and get to fixing it. Callie sighed. She wished she could stay, but she knew it was impossible. Even if Jake felt the same way, it was far too soon. She’d die before she asked him to let her stay. It would feel like begging.

The scent of coffee drew her like a magnet, but she stopped short when she saw Jake on the phone, his expression serious. He nodded several times, asking questions in a low tone. Then he hung up.

“What’s wrong?” Callie asked, her stomach clenching. “Is it…”

“Nothing to do with your problem, sweetheart. A ranch stable caught fire this morning. It’s spread to the other buildings, and they need every hand. Right away.”

“Well, you have to go then.” Callie tried to be dispassionate about it. Why now, when she desperately needed to talk to him?

“Yeah.” Frowning, he ran his hand through his short hair, making it stick up in little spikes. “Promise me you’ll stay here. And be careful.”

“Where else could I go?” she asked, with a wistful smile. “Unless I rustle someone’s horse, I’m pretty much stranded.”

“You’ll have Bruiser for company,” he said, shaking off his mood. He gave her a long look. “He’s really taken to you.”

“It’s mutual, in case you can’t tell,” Callie said, blushing.

Jake got ready quickly, and Callie saw him off at the door, giving him a quick kiss that became a longer one. He bent his head and kept her tight in his arms for a moment, unwilling to let her go. She tasted sweeter than sugar. He felt her mold her body to his, pressing her mouth to his own. Reluctantly, he pulled away.

“Callie,” he started, not sure what he wanted to say, but feeling it was wrong to leave so much in the air.

“We’ll talk about it when you get back,” Callie promised, not specifying whatitwas because she knew what he meant already. “Go. I’ll be here.” She waited for him to start up the truck, and then waved as he drove off. Jake caught a possible flash of the future at the sight of her, and couldn’t believe his life might be that charmed.

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