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“I don’t know if I can stomach nourishment,” she admitted. “I trust you, and I’m grateful you sent those men away. Were they … underhanded?”
“No. Some really good guys, actually.” It seemed to pain him to say that. “One is our sheriff. They want to protect and help you.”
“Oh. That’s … thoughtful of them.” She tried to wrap her mind around her feelings and then explain them. “I’m terrified of the witch coming for you and my brother.”
“I can understand that.”
He believed her about the witch?
Cade directed her out of the laundry room and into the kitchen. Pulling out a couple barstools, he waited until she sat and then settled into one himself. “Doc thinks your memories will come back soon. He believes you have dissociative amnesia, which can result from trauma or stress. You had both. You got some bad news right before your fall. An evil woman escaped from prison, and I’m sure you’re afraid she’ll hurt your brother again.”
She stared at him, wishing she could remember. His explanation didn’t spark anything. Who was this evil lady? The witch? She had injured Jacey’s brother. Jacey loathed that lady. Why would the witch hurt him, and who was she? Was she coming?
“Doc says you might get your memory back in hours or days. Rarely does this type of amnesia last weeks.”
“That’s positive news.” At least something.
“Yeah. And he said it won’t hurt you if I tell you your name and answer questions you have, but not to give you too much information. Plus, I don’t want to scare you.”
She licked her lips. “The witch is coming for me, or is she searching for my brother?”
“She’s escaped prison. I doubt she’d dare go after your brother. He’s famous, a former special ops soldier, and has powerful friends.”
“That’s wonderful news. What is his name?”
“Lieutenant Quaid Raven is the name he goes by. He was Thomas Oliver as a child.”
She waited, hoping the names would ring a bell like Jacey had, but all she felt was concern. This witch would hurt her brother and her.
“You generously offered to help me.” She worried her lip. “Is this situation too burdensome? Should I accept the protection of those men, the sheriff? It is his job to protect. I don’t want to expose you or your perfect home and valley to this evil witch.”
“Do you want to leave me and go with them?” Cade’s green eyes became piercing. “It’s your choice, Jacey.”
The last thing she wanted to do was leave him. He was safe, thrilling, kind, and appealing. She adored hearing her chosen name from his fascinating lips.
“I choose you,” she burst out with.
Cade’s grin took her breath away. “Thank you, Jacey,” he said softly. “I will take care of you, protect and shelter you. Only you can choose to leave me.”
Jacey’s jaw went slack. Was his declaration only about protection, or did he want her to stay … longer? “You are an incredible man and an enthralling cowboy, Cade Miller.”
“Thank you.” He looked embarrassed by her praise.
He wouldn’t push her away or let anyone else take her. That meant a lot. She hoped he was prepared for a female house guest. She was safe, happy, and she wanted to stay here. Why would she ever choose to leave?
Chapter
Six
Jacey surprised Cade when she jumped right in and helped him cook breakfast. He’d assumed a wealthy East Coast beauty who looked as fit as she was would order him around the kitchen, requesting egg whites with spinach. Jacey impressed him at every turn. She helped him cut up onions, mushrooms, peppers, and ham and put everything on her three-egg omelet, including the cheese. Working side by side with an intriguing woman in his kitchen felt like a long-fulfilled dream that he’d never acknowledged.
They sat down with their omelets, milk, and juice. She picked up her fork. He shifted in his seat and finally said, “Do you mind if I pray?”
She stared at him, and then her eyes and mouth went soft. “I would savor hearing your melodious voice speak to heaven.”
He smiled and extended his hand. She placed her soft palm against his calloused one and he was filled with warmth and purpose. Jacey being here was right. Exactly right. This extraordinary and intriguing woman had chosen him. Him. His chest almost burst with happiness and pride as he pushed their differences and the pain he’d feel when she did walk away to the side.
He wanted to thread their fingers together, but that was a bit too reminiscent of dating. He was supposed to protect her, not fall for her. Clasping his fingers around her smooth hand, she returned the favor. It was perfect.
