Page 83 of In Hiding

“You’re safe,” he said, his lips moving against her ear. “No one is going to hurt you.”

“You don’t know that.”

“What I know,” he sounded sure, “is that I will do everything to make it so. You are stronger than you think, smarter than you know. You will survive whatever comes your way, Sarah. That, I know.”

His words made her smile. She’d once told him he was good for her ego, and here was the proof. Leaning back, she rested against his strong body, feeling his soft kiss at her temple. As if in response, his hold on her tightened, the security in it bewitching.

“I believe in you, Sarah. I want you to have the same confidence.”

“I wish I could.”

“I’ll keep saying it until you feel it. Fake it till you make it, right?”

Turning her head, she met his gaze. Strong, certain, absolute. There was no doubt in his mind. She twisted until she could touch her lips to his. He tasted of peppermint as he returned her kiss. His tongue swept through her mouth and sent a thrill through her body.

“You need to eat,” he said with a smile. “Or you’ll fade away.”

I need you. The words froze her, and it took a moment to realize she hadn’t said them out loud. Staring into his eyes, she thought he could read her mind. Part of her wanted him to. Another part of her cursed her for trusting him. He’d opened her up and made her vulnerable. History should have taught her that offering herself in such a way would only end badly.

“Sarah?”

“I trust you,” she whispered, her throat protesting every word. “Don’t you dare betray me.”

His expression grew solemn. “Never.”

Beside them, the phone rang. Its shrill tone shattered the moment. When she moved to answer it, Jake held her tight. The intensity in his eyes pierced her soul.

“Never,” he growled softly. “I promise.”

And with that, he let her go. He lifted the receiver and held it out to her. Sarah took it as he reminded her she needed to eat, then disappeared.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Andersen, it’s John Everly from the high school.”

The serious tone of the principal’s voice worried her. Her heartbeat slowed to a crawl. “Mr. Everly, is William alright?”

“He’s fine, although completely soaked to the bone. One of our teachers noticed he wasn’t in class following lunch. Not long after, we caught your son entering the school grounds through a back fence.”

“How long was he gone?”

“It would seem he left school grounds at the start of the lunch break, so perhaps an hour or so. He refuses to tell me where he’s been. Just says he had an errand to run.”

Disappointment flooded through her as she sat in her office chair and sighed. “Was he alone?”

“He was. The usual suspects are all present and accounted for. Whatever William did, he did on his own.”

She closed her eyes. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Mr. Everly. I’ll send someone to collect him right away.”

“Of course. I’d like him to attend afterschool catch up sessions next week, if that’s okay by you.”

She half expected a suspension. “Not a problem. I’ll arrange to have him picked up each night.”

Ending the call, she left her office and went downstairs where Jake stirred a pot at the stove. Delicious aromas took the edge off her anger but as soon as he saw her, concern showed in his eyes. Relaying the story of William’s truancy left her empty.

“When will he get his act together?”

Jake squeezed her arm. “Let me go get him. I might be able to coax it out of him.”

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