Page 64 of Big Bad Wolfe

“Listen.” Mia grasped Jillian’s hand. “No matter what choices we make, pain in life is inevitable. Clichéd, but true. Unfortunately, too many people let fear stop them from pursuing what they really want. I almost let my fear keep me from being with Dallas.”

“But Zane and I are complete opposites. I’m outgoing, he’s reserved. I crave intimacy, he runs from it. I want a big family, he’s so adverse to children he had a vasectomy!”

“Dallas and I are very different, too. But his strengths balance my weaknesses and vice versa. Together, we’re much stronger than we are as individuals.” Mia’s lips pursed. “I don’t believe Zane is as much adverse to kids as he is unused to them. Being with Casey will help. And vasectomies can sometimes be reversed. Or adoption is a possibility.” She patted Jillian’s hand. “I happen to know a great family practice lawyer.”

Jillian bit her lip. “Zane has made his intentions clear. As soon as I get custody of Casey, he’s leaving. He doesn’t want either of us.”

Mia’s gaze deepened. “Do you want Zane?”

“Define ‘want.’”

Mia grinned, arched a dainty brow at Jillian’s neck. “Yeah, I’m surprised the sparks between you didn’t set the dining room on fire.” She sobered. “I’ve seen Zane with a few women, but I’ve never seen anyone get under his skin like you do. With anyone other than Dallas and me, he’s so tightly-leashed and emotionally distant. You’ve definitely connected with Zane physically …” Mia touched Jillian’s pearls. “But this necklace tells me it’s also on a way deeper, personal level. He doesn’t give his women gifts.”

“He had no idea, but pearls are my favorite.”

“Then I bet you know pearls have a special unique quality among gemstones.”

“Yes. The more often you wear them against your skin, the more lustrous and beautiful they become.”

“Right. And I’m betting the more of a physical bond you can create with Zane, the less leery he’ll eventually be to give you his trust. And his heart.”

“The big problem with that plan is the more I’m with him, the moreIalso care. I’ll be puttingmyheart at risk, while Zane could choose to stay aloof and removed from the messy emotional part.”

“Only you can decide if it’s worth the risk. But I’ll tell you this—on a par with Dallas, Zane is the most loyal man I’ve ever known. He doesn’t offer his trust easily or often. He’s never given anyone his heart. But if he gives it to you, he’ll be yours forever. If you love him, Jillian, don’t let him go without a fight.”

If you love him.

Trembling from head to toe, Jillian drew a shaky breath.Am I in love with Zane?

Jillian looked across the aisle at her husband. He was engaged in quiet conversation with Dallas, expressive eyes alight with intensity, his regally handsome features strong and serious. Her pulse stumbled.

You’ve been in love with Zane Wolfe since the moment you spun around with a paintbrush in your hand and tumbled into those soulful, wounded eyes.

Her stomach dropped like the plane had hit turbulence. Zane was a complicated man. Initiating a physical relationship with him in hopes it would lead to more was terrifying.

Worse, it was dangerous.

She could end up with shattered dreams and only a jagged, bleeding hole where her heart used to be.

He obviously cared about her, or they wouldn’t have that special link shimmering between them. But did he care enough to be able to defeat his fears?

How far did she dare push him?

Only time—and a huge risk on her part—would answer that question.

Jillian shook her head at Mia. “I have a lot to think about.”

“I know.” Sympathetic amber eyes held hers. “Been there, done that, totally freaked the hell out.”

Jillian leaned back in her seat, closed her eyes and tried to calm the whirlwind in her mind—tried not to think aboutanything. She had to clamp down her spiraling emotions, or she wouldn’t be able to hide the fact that she was in love with Zane. Panic skittered through her. She was living on borrowed time there anyway, because she wouldn’t be able to fool him for long.

She practiced slow, even meditation breathing. But maybe,hopefully,she could disguise her deep feelings for him long enough to establish enough trust that he wouldn’t flee.

Chapter 11

When the pilot finally announced their arrival at Portland International, Jillian figured she’d sublimated her emotions enough to manage the rest of the trip to Cape Hope alone with Zane without giving herself away. Getting back to work, staying busy would help.

The plane landed, taxied to the gate and braked to a stop.

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