Page 90 of Wired Justice

Chapter Fifty-Six

Jake sethis duffel on the sidewalk of Hilo’s airport and tugged on Tank’s leash. The big pit bull came reluctantly out of the back seat of Sophie’s rental car, where he had been ensconced with Ginger. Jake adjusted the plastic cone around his neck keeping the dog from licking the stitched-up wound site left over from the bullet he’d taken. “Come on, boy. We are going home to Oahu. You’re going to like my apartment. It’s small, but we have a tiny backyard where you can take dumps and bark at birds all day long.” After all they’d been through, Jake found talking to Tank totally natural.

Sophie, behind the wheel, raised a hand. “Goodbye, Jake.”

Jake’s chest felt tight, his throat constricted. It had been almost a week since the events of the Chang kidnapping. He and Sophie had taken time off from Security Solutions to hike Mauna Loa, explore the trails of Volcanoes Park, and even take a tour boat at the crack of dawn to watch the lava dripping into the sea at Kalapana, a mesmerizing sight that Jake would never forget. They’d argued and laughed and enjoyed amazing experiences unique to the Big Island. The friendship side of their relationship was stronger than ever.

But in all that time, Sophie had respected his “terms.” She had not given in to his masculine wiles, both subtle and not-so-subtle. He felt her ambivalence as deeply as ever. Leaving her felt awful, a heavy sensation in his body like he was coming down with the flu.

His sister Patty’s voice sounded in his mind. “Don’t be needy, Jake. Get a life and live it so well she wants to join you in it.”

He knew Patty was right, but he was leaving Sophie vulnerable to unknown enemies and the attentions of men with helicopters and satellites. He needed to try, one more time, to let her know how he felt. “Can I get a hug?”

“Of course. I love your hugs.” Sophie smiled that closed-mouth, guarded curve of her lips that always left Jake wishing he could surprise an actual laugh out of her. If only she would let go more . . . but he knew there were things going on she couldn’t or wouldn’t tell him, things that hurt her and activated darkness in and around her. It pained him that she shut him out from those things. Did she think he couldn’t handle her problems?

Sophie got out of the car and came around the hood, opening her arms to him.

Jake crushed her close in the longest hug, burying his face in her neck, relishing the sensation of her strong, springy form in his arms. His feelings seemed to vibrate inside of him, humming along the lines of his body, and he could tell she felt them as she squeezed him back. “I had so much fun with you, Jake. Thank you. For everything.”

His smile felt painful as he set her away with an effort, clasping her hands. “Be safe, okay? Call me anytime.”

“I’m going to be a lot more than just safe. I’m going to be finding out more about who I am as I work with Dr. Wilson. I’m sorry that there are secrets and time apart. But I want you to know I care for you a great deal, Jake, and I trust you. And I don’t trust many.” Sophie’s golden-brown eyes were intent on his.

“It’s a start.” Jake touched her nose, trying for lightness. “I can work with that. Until I see you again, I won’t be lonely.”

Sophie raised her brows in question.

Jake indicated Tank, sitting on the sidewalk, panting and looking a little ridiculous in his plastic collar. “I have a new roommate. We’re going to be spending a lot of bro time. But if you ever need anything, I’ll be waiting.”

“I hope you won’t be waiting long. I’ll be in touch as soon as I know what I’m doing next.”

Then Sophie stepped forward and pulled him down for a kiss that he would spend his nights remembering.

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