Page 49 of In Hiding

“Not just you.”

His hands rubbed up and down her arms. “You’re freezing, we should go inside.”

“Not yet.”

“Sarah,” he sighed. “Don’t argue.”

She smiled. “I’m a Dane. That’s what we do.”

He chuckled and pulled her against him. Shocked, she froze, tension pulling her body tight. She expected him to let her go, but he didn’t. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and held her.

“Don’t fight me,” he whispered at her ear. “I just want you to know you’re not alone. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

His warmth comforted her, and she found herself embracing him. His strength called to her and encouraged her to lean on him. It had been so long since she had anyone to rely on that she let herself believe his words. Sighing against him, she rested her ear against his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

Strong.

Steady.

Predictable.

His scent filled her nose and wormed its way into her soul. That mix of muscle and man, like an elixir it promised peace. Sarah closed her eyes, greedily soaking in the moment.

An owl hooted nearby, the sound lifting her head. As she turned, her cheek brushed against his, the rasp of his light stubble surprising. Before she knew it, his lips touched hers. She should’ve pulled away, but she didn’t. Staring into his dark eyes, she breathed in the air from his lungs and heard the blood rush through her ears. The tender contact disappeared too soon.

“Sarah,” he whispered against her lips. “I didn’t mean for—”

She pressed her finger to his lips, cutting off his words. “Teach my son to defend himself. Please. My ex hurt him once. Never again.”

He nodded and rested his forehead against hers. “What about you? Should I teach you as well?”

The idea hadn’t occurred to her, but she liked the sound of it. “Yes.”

His fingertips trailed down the side of her face, sending a silent thrill through her. “That way, no one can ever hurt you again.”

A crash downstairs startled her, and she stepped away, almost slipping on the icy deck, but Jake kept her upright. The loss of his heat was a stark revelation, and she knew she didn’t hide it well.

“We should go back downstairs.”

He nodded, guiding her back inside and locking the glass doors. At the top of the stairs, his gaze bounced between her and the steps. Finally, he shook his head.

“I can’t have you fall down three flights of stairs.” Taking her arm, he laid it over his shoulders before scooping her in his arms. He smiled at her gasp. “Don’t argue.”

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