Page 37 of Shielding Maya

"You and me."

"Okay. I'll come back with Spencer and get my Jeep and supplies."

"Why are you up there without your Jeep?"

"I had a date."

Jasiah turned and grinned at her as he poured hot water into her cup. He dropped a tea infuser into her cup then set the pot on the counter on a hot pad.

Myles said nothing for a long time. "Also, Casper called today and spoke to Rafe. He's got everything in motion now. The VP elect has now been sequestered for safety reasons. The information has been taken to Congress and a full-on investigation is underway. Casper said, King's men will likely get very violent right now and we're to be watching everything and everyone."

"Okay. That's why Malibu Man is still around. He has to silence any witnesses. And, he must know that someone saw him. And, whatever is on that recording is damning."

"That's what we're thinking." He huffed out a breath, "Maya..."

She didn't want to get into anything with him, so she said, "I'll see you later. We'll talk then."

She ended the call quickly and knew she'd likely have to play twenty questions with him later tonight. She didn't care. She liked being with Jasiah. Which made her wonder if he needed to be discreet during this election thing.

"Do I need to slip out the back door so no one knows I was here?"

Jasiah sat in the chair next to her. "Are you asking if I want to keep this a secret? If I'm embarrassed being with you?"

She shrugged a shoulder. "I suppose."

He laughed. "I'm not like that." His hand slid across the tabletop and closed over hers. "I like you, Maya. I'm absolutely enamored with you. I think you're stunning and smart and fun. I'm not ashamed to be with you."

"But, with the election, aren't you worried?"

"Look, from what I've heard and seen, your elections have gotten downright nasty. Awful even. We're not like that here. I hope we never are. I'm a grown man who is attracted to a grown woman. I'm single. You're single. We're consenting adults. I don't need to hide or prove anything other than I'm a good leader. I've been proving that my entire life."

Her shoulders relaxed. "Thank you. For the record, I'm absolutely attracted to you. You're amazing."

He laughed. "That's settled. So, I need to check on my father and I have other things I need to do. Do you need a ride down to get your vehicle?"

"No. Spencer is coming up here to install cameras. Also, we'll be watching the roads and up here around the clock to find the man who killed the senator and is likely tracking you. And, I need to speak with Marni."

"Okay. Do you need me to come with you to ask Zara if you can speak to Marni?"

"No. I'm a big girl."

"If she gives you any trouble, let me know."

He leaned in and kissed her lips and she kissed his right back. Man, he was something.

He pulled back slightly, "Will you be here later?"

"I have to work tonight. I'm not sure what my assignment will be yet. Can I let you know?"

"I feel safer when you're here!" His grin said it all. "You know, on top of me."

"I'm not telling my brother, or my boss that."

His laugh filled the room and her heart skipped a beat.

23

Jasiah slipped into his parents’ cabin. His mom lay next to his dad, sleeping. He watched them both for a moment, his mother's hand laid on his father's chest. It was sweet and sad. He inhaled deeply, then turned quietly to let them rest.

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