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He suspected Jade’s display of affection with him before the show caused Rosé’s outburst.
Since the backstage dressing room was secured, this attack narrowed Ryker’s suspect list. He already had his team working through the smaller list, and had a strong suspicion as to Rosé’s identity. He had to prove it. And unfortunately since waterboarding was frowned upon these days, he had to use other methods to do it.
Having Jade in the mountains with him was a plus because no one except his team really knew about this place, which meant Jade was safe and the guys could focus on catching her stalker.
He looked forward to simultaneously spending this time getting to know her better and keeping her safe.
He stood to check the steaks. They were almost ready. He flipped them again, closed the grill cover, and went to get Jade.
He knocked lightly on the cracked bathroom door then pushed it open.
Jade was stretched back in the large clawfoot tub, surrounded by bubbles. She must have found the stash of bubble bath his mom left behind.
She had a towel folded up behind her head, her rainbow hair pulled up in a messy colorful topknot, and had fallen asleep using the towel as a pillow. She looked so relaxed and peaceful.
He hated to wake her but she needed to eat.
He crossed the room, knelt beside the tub, and stroked his hand across her cheek.
He said, “Jade, sweetness. Time to wake up. The food’s ready.”
She mumbled something indistinguishable and her eyelids fluttered.
“Wake up, baby.”
Her eyelids opened, and she smiled when she saw him in front of her. “Hi.”
He smiled back. “Hi.”
“This tub is wonderful. You should join me.” She trailed her fingers down his bare chest.
“Maybe later, sweetness. We have steaks waiting right now.”
“Ooooh, you have my attention.” Her eyes widened. “Hello, steaks. Goodbye, bath. You were a dream.”
He laughed and kissed her quickly.
He gently pulled her forward, grabbed the towel from behind her head, then stood, unfolded the towel and held it open for her.
She pulled the plug on the tub and rose to her feet. He dried her off and wrapped the towel around her, tucking it in place.
“When we go to town, we can get you a robe if you want,” he offered.
Jade stepped out of the tub onto the bath mat. “That’s sweet of you, but I don’t need a robe. I’d rather wander around naked,” she teased.
“If that’s what you want to do, I won’t complain. Although I figured we might have dinner on the patio sometimes, like this evening, and if a hiker or neighbor wanders by they might get a peek at those perfect boobs. I’m not sure I’m cool with that.”
“Hmm. Good point. Don’t worry, I’ve got the perfect compromise. Be right back.”
She gave him a quick kiss then crossed the hall into the bedroom.
He was curious to see what she meant, but he would let her have her big reveal.
He stepped into the hallway and called out to her, “Meet me on the patio when you’re ready!”
“Okay!”
Ryker went back to the kitchen and threw together a small salad then grabbed plates, utensils, steak sauce, and a couple bottles of beer and took it all out to the patio.
