Page 24 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

Then there was his attraction to her.

Even just the sight of her was causing his brain to misfire.

There was something about her story, her very demeanor that brought out the protector in him. His very soul cried out to care for her, yet he also wanted to explore what lay beneath the baggy T-shirt and skirt someone had given her to wear.

The two conflicting thoughts competed for space in his head.

How was he supposed to stay away from scandal and women — this woman in particular — if she was living across the back yard from him?

He couldn’t worry about it now. What was done, was done, and she was standing in front of him, waiting for some form of greeting.

“Hello Jane. You’re looking much better.”

Smooth. Women always loved to be told that.

“I probably couldn’t have looked much worse,” Jane replied, only to wonder where that had come from. How she had looked upon waking on that beach shouldn’t even be an issue. As the heat of embarrassment stung her cheeks, she hurried to continue. “But, thank you. I’m very grateful for everything you’ve done.”

“It’s nothing. I have all this room and the pool house has never been used.”

Summers shook his head, apparently not reading — or possibly ignoring — the tension in the room. “That’s a line I’ll never be able to say in this lifetime.”

Kitty took the small break in the conversation to offer everyone a drink, but both Jane and Summers declined. Unable to stop Loki from attacking his toes, Logan hissed a sigh of exasperation and passed Kitty the puppy as the doorbell rang. Logan glanced at the Bvlgari watch on his wrist.

“That’s my driver. Sorry to cut this short, but I’m due at the studio.”

“You’re leaving?”

Jane couldn’t stop her surprise from showing. While she hadn’t expected fanfare, this rushed meeting didn’t seem enough time to acquaint herself with the man whose home she would now be living in, pool house or not.

He didn’t seem to pick up on her nerves.

“Yes, but Kitty here will help you with anything you need.”

He shook Summers’ hand again, nodded at Jane and left without saying goodbye. His seeming disinterest in her stung.

Kitty set Loki down and gestured into the house.

“If the two of you would come with me.”

Summers didn’t move, shooting a smile at Jane. It took her only a moment to read the apology in it.

“Do you have to go, too?”

He nodded. “I actually thought Logan would be here to help the transition. We’re short staffed at the station due to the flu that’s been going around, and I’ve already been gone for most of the day. Much as I’d love a tour, I should head back. There’s a mound of paperwork on my desk that’s taller than I am.”

Jane tried to quell the rising disappointment. For whatever reason, the thought of being left on her own was inducing no small amount of panic.

“I understand. I’ve taken a lot of your time, already.”

“Oh, it’s my pleasure, believe me. After what you’ve gone through, this is the least I can do. Now, you have my numbers. If you remember anything that you think might be of use, drop me a line. I’ll be in touch when I have news my end. Try not to drive yourself crazy in the meantime.”

His eyes turned soft.

“I mean it, Jane. Relax, enjoy this nice place. Oh, before I forget.” He retrieved a handful of leaflets from his jacket. “Here’s some information about memory loss with some websites that might prove useful. Have a look through these.”

“Thank you.”

She took them, though her hands felt frozen to the touch. She wanted to beg him to stay, to help her find a way through all of this, but she swallowed the pleas. She was a grown woman and not a helpless victim. There was nothing to fear about this place or the man who had shown such kindness.

---