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The fresh, enticing scent of gardenia and spring air drifted from her. He inhaled and let himself savor the smell and feel of her.
This morning, Jacqueline Oliver had only existed as a beautiful victim of a depraved mother in the grocery checkout line. A news story. A celebrity.
Now she was flesh and blood and the woman he needed in his arms and by his side.
She obviously didn’t like being needy. He appreciated she would let down her guard with him, but she wasn’t needy. A well-educated and impressive survivor was how he’d define her.
Jacey was leagues above him.
He’d hold her, comfort her, keep her safe, but he shouldn’t allow himself to need her and fall for her.
Sadly, it was already too late. She’d worked her way into his heart.
She’d also leave him soon, and he would be the last one to blame her for it.
Chapter
Eleven
Jacey cried. Cade held her. She appreciated Quaid sharing pieces of the truth with her, even if it made her feel more miserable. She was grateful she’d stood up for her brother when she could but horrified by even the snippets he’d shared. She’d descended from a monster. When her memories returned, she would probably be even more miserable. Cade was incredible to stay with her, hold her, comfort her. What would she do without him?
Swallowing, she eased back enough to wipe at her cheeks and tell him, “Heaven knew exactly where to deposit me this morning. I would be lost without you. Thank you for allowing me to disrupt your life and caring for me with patience and grace.”
“My pleasure.” He looked her over. “That was a lot to take in from Quaid. Are you all right?”
“It is overwhelming,” she admitted. “Do you believe my mind could consciously block my past because of how horrific it was?”
He shrugged. “I’m no doc, but it’s possible. With you hitting your head, the terrifying ride down the mountain face first, the bad news of your mother escaping, and all that you’ve been through, it makes sense that your mind would block the memories to protect you.”
She nodded, tempted to cuddle into Cade and spend the rest of the day there.
But she couldn’t. Her brother thought she was brave, incredible, and unselfish. That was what she yearned to be.
Removing herself from the safety of Cade’s strong arms was grating, but it had to be done. She stood and brushed her hands down her tight Levis as if they were a business suit she was straightening.
Had she ever dressed this way before she escaped? She should ask Cade to search pictures of her and her family online, but she had cried enough. Thinking of her older sister and father made her heartbroken rather than fearful like her mother.
“My brother is inspiring and willing to risk himself. I loathe him doing that, but I will pray for his safety and for his Anna. I am putting away the tears and focusing on this sanctuary you have surrounding us. What work can we do to maintain this pristine haven?”
Cade stood to his full height. He was a large, breathtaking man clad in T-shirt, jeans, and boots, his face that rugged handsome that shouted ‘hot cowboy,’ but more than that his green eyes sincerely showed concern for her. His strong muscles would be utilized to strengthen and protect her.
“You don’t need to be doing any more chores.”
“I demand we do exactly what you would do if I were not here.”
He eased closer, and her pulse quickened. Musk and leather and fresh air. Titillating. Mind-clouding. “You want to do what I do in the afternoon?”
“Yes, sir.”
He smiled and for some reason that smile was dangerous. It made her stomach somersault. “I lounge on the couch and watch a James Bond movie every afternoon.”
“You do not.” At least she knew who James Bond was.
He tilted his eyebrows. “You doubt me, or you don’t want to snuggle on the couch?”
Her heart sped out of control. Snuggling on the couch? Had she ever done that with a man? She didn’t believe so. Especially a man this enticing. “Not a good idea.”
His eyes widened, and she thought he would tease back. Instead, he straightened away from her and nodded. “You’re right. Forgive me. I wasn’t trying to?—”
