The Princess Has Amnesia! (Crown & Glory Book 5)

by Patricia Thayer

  “There wasn’t anything I could do,” he said, trying to keep his frustration from his voice. “They were already dead and you were alive, Ana, and I needed to keep you that way.”

  She nodded and began to rub her temples. “I just wish…I could remember something. This is so maddening not knowing….”

  “I’d say it’s a good thing,” he began.

  “The hell it is,” she spat out.

  Taken aback by her sudden burst of anger, he hid a smile. “I know it’s frustrating, Ana, but your memory loss could just be your way of shutting out the trauma.”

  “I can understand that, but why can’t I at least remember my name? My family?”

  “A husband?” he asked.

  She looked at him with those brilliant sapphire eyes and he felt his chest tighten.

  “There isn’t a husband or any man.”

  His eyes bore into hers. “Have you looked in the mirror? You have a man.”

  She shook her head, not letting go of his gaze. “Not one I want. I know I would remember someone special,” she insisted as her cheeks turned rosy, then her voice lowered, “or your kiss wouldn’t have mattered.”

  With a mumbled curse, Jake looked away. He didn’t need to hear this. “I told you I was trying to—”

  “Shut me up,” she finished for him.

  They sat there staring, then finally Jake said, “You’re a beautiful woman, I don’t deny that. And hell, I’m only human. But you have my word, Ana, I won’t touch you again. You are safe with me as long as you are on this mountain.”

  “A girl can’t ask for more than that.” She stood and walked off toward the bedroom. When the door closed, Jake released a long breath. He was in trouble…. Big trouble.

  Between his sleepless nights and her crowding his days, he couldn’t even think straight anymore. Hell, at the bureau, they had called him “the ice man.” He was a champion at freezing people out. He’d found the only way to keep sane, to keep from getting hurt was to never allow anyone to get close. Especially a woman.

  What he hadn’t figured on was someone like Ana coming into his life. He couldn’t get involved with her. Hell, she didn’t even know who she was. He did. She was a beautiful woman, who if he allowed it, would steal his heart. He would keep her safe as he promised. But how could he protect himself?

  Chapter Five

  Two mornings later, Ana climbed out of bed and slipped on her sweats and flannel shirt. She walked into the main room of the cabin and found Jake stretched out on the couch, asleep. Or was he? She expected that with his training, the man was alert to every noise. It was so tempting to lean down closer to see for sure. But the fear that he might throw her to the floor warned her off the idea.

  To avoid her, he’d wait until she left the cabin before he got up and started breakfast. Past evenings, he busied himself with reading one of his many paperbacks or went on the porch to play with his knife and some scrap of wood.

  She usually retired to the bedroom early. She would hate to be responsible for his freezing to death. There were other ways to torture him. If only she were brave enough to carry them off.

  She put on her rainwear and boots as usual, then opened the door. A surprise awaited her as she stood in the doorway and looked out.

  “Close the damn door, you’re letting in the cold air,” Jake called from the couch.

  “Oh, my God,” Ana whispered. “Jake, come out here. Look.”

  “I’ll look later. Just shut the damn door,” he yelled and rolled over.

  “Well, then you’re going to miss it,” she announced. Stripping off her raincoat, she stepped off the porch onto the soggy earth.

  The rain had stopped.

  She grinned and ran around in her too-big boots. It was still overcast, but for now, there wasn’t any rain.

  Brushing his blanket aside, Jake stood up wearing his usual sleep attire these days, jeans. He made his way to the door to discover it had stopped raining. He also caught sight of Ana dancing in the front yard. Seeing her antics, he had a feeling she was that way with life, too. He envied her that. To be free, so eager for every day to begin that you smiled just getting out of bed. He couldn’t ever remember feeling that way.

  “Hey, don’t you have chores to do?” he called to her.

  “Not until I finish celebrating this glorious day. Come out here and breathe in this beautiful clear morning.”

  “I’d rather have another hour of sleep.” He turned away from her tempting body, then before he could close the door, felt a pebble bounce off his back. Then came her giggle.

  He turned around, Ana’s smile was a defiant challenge. She looked like a sprite. “You’re going to get it now,” he said. Shirtless and barefoot, he stepped off the porch and went after her.

  Excitement raced through Ana as she managed to elude him, but she expected it was only because he let her. With his agile body, he moved easily around the terrain until finally he trapped her beside a tall pine.

  She squealed as he captured her. Ana felt even more excitement as his arms went around her, bringing her close against him. Then to her shock, he swung her up and over his shoulder.

  “Jake, put me down,” she cried, feeling his large hand on her leg.

  “You shouldn’t have thrown rocks at me,” he said. “Now, you must pay.”

  “It was only one, and it was a pebble. Please, I need to feed Toby and Maisie.”

  “The horses can wait, you must be punished.”

  Max joined in the romp and danced around them barking. Jake showed off his athletic abilities as he crouched down to pick up a small branch and toss it for the dog.

  “Max, help me,” Ana called. “Jake, what are you going to do?”

  “Make sure you pay for your sins.” He walked over to the big metal tub filled with water on the porch, prepared to drop her into it, but she clung to him.

  “Jake, you wouldn’t dare.”

  “Wouldn’t I?”

  “Please, Jake don’t,” she cried, enjoying the feel of his bare skin under her hands. “I’ll do anything.”

  “Now this could get interesting. Will you do the dishes?”

  “All right, I’ll do the dishes,” she said grudgingly.

  He righted her, then set her down. At first a little unsteady, she swayed against him.

  “Whoa, there,” he said, gripping her by the arms. “You okay?”

  She drew a breath and his scent filled her nostrils. She managed to nod as he continued to hold on to her. “Just a little dizzy,” she said.

  “Damn, I shouldn’t have been so rough.”

  “You weren’t rough. The blood just rushed to my head. It happens when you’re turned upside down.”

  He smiled. “And just how do you know that?”

  “I don’t know. I took a first-aid course. It was required…” Her eyes grew wide and she frowned.

  He nodded. “Go on.

  “Oh, Jake. I remembered.”

  “And more will come.”

  She looked at him. “I like you this way. It makes me feel good.”

  He wanted to close up and pull back, but she was right, he didn’t need to take his frustrations out on her. “I’ve never been good company.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” She folded her arms. “But a little more than grunting sounds would be nice. So what will we do today? We can’t let this good weather go to waste. Is it too much to hope that the road is drivable?”

  “It’ll take more than a few hours to dry out.” Jake found he wanted to find something to keep her smiling. He glanced up at the sky. “While we’re getting a break in the weather, why don’t we go fishing?”

  “Oh, Jake, really?”

  “Really,” he agreed. “You go feed Maisie and Toby and I’ll gather up the gear.” He turned her in the direction of the shed and gave her a gentle shove. To his surprise, he was looking forward to spending the morning with her. He pushed aside the feeling that it wasn’t a good idea.

  If Jake had
his way, he’d go up to the lake, but that was a two-mile hike and he wasn’t sure how the weather, or Ana, would hold out. So he chose the stream not far from the cabin.

  “Do you think we’ll catch anything?” she asked.

  “Not sure.” He helped her over the rocky bank, found a large rock and spread out the blanket. He had her sit beside him. “Do you remember ever fishing?”

  “No.” She took hold of the pole he offered.

  “I guess you want me to bait the hook.”

  “I wouldn’t mind if you did, the first time anyway.”

  He opened the jar of moist earth and dug out a worm. He was surprised when she didn’t act squeamish as he pushed the sharp hook through the creature. Finished, he tossed her line into the water.

  “What do I do now?” she asked.

  “Just hang on.”

  “Okay.” She gripped the pole tightly.

  “Ease up a little, this is supposed to be fun.”

  “I just don’t want my fish to get away.”

  He noticed her serious expression and he couldn’t help but smile. “So you think you’re going to catch a fish?”

  “Of course. And you’re going to cook it.” She scooted to the edge of the rock and looked down into the rushing stream.

  “I hate to disappoint you, but some days I come back empty-handed. And I’m a Louisiana boy. I could dangle a pole in the water before I could walk.”

  “That’s impressive, but I plan to catch dinner for us.”

  “Sounds like a challenge.”

  “Maybe.” She studied her fishing line.

  “Then let’s make this interesting.”

  “Very well. If I catch the first fish, you not only cook it, but do the dishes, too.”

  He smiled again. “You’re too easy, chère. And if I catch the first fish?”

  “I’ll cook you breakfast tomorrow.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a winning deal.” Then he felt her sharp elbow land hard against his ribs. “Hey, that hurt.”

  “Well, you deserved it. I’ve never said bad things about your cooking.”

  “That’s because I’m a pretty good cook.”

  Ana arched a quizzical brow. “Oh, really?”

  “Let’s just say nothing has stopped you from eating.”

  Ana’s eyes flared and her sweet bow-shaped mouth opened. He wanted nothing more than to kiss her again. Losing the battle for control, he leaned closer and was about to cover her mouth when she gasped and turned away.

  “My line,” she cried. “Something tugged on my line.”

  Jake couldn’t believe it. “A fish.”

  She pulled up on the pole. “Hurry. What do I do?”

  “If I didn’t want fish for dinner so badly, I’d let you figure it out yourself.” He reached for her line and tugged the fish out of the water.

  “Not you, Jake Sanderstone. You’re too nice a guy.”

  He turned and sent her a scorching glance. “Don’t be too sure of that.”

  They ended up with three fish, not huge, but enough for a nice meal. Ana had caught two of them; nothing about the woman surprised Jake anymore. He could tell she’d spent time in the outdoors. She was steady on the trail and small rodents and forest animals hadn’t bothered her as they hiked the long way back to the cabin. He still didn’t want to tempt fate with those threatening clouds overhead.

  Then together they sat on the porch and cleaned the catch for dinner. They talked about the area, and places that Jake had traveled over the years. She was careful not to bring up anything from his years with the bureau. He realized he’d enjoyed spending the day with her.

  “How are you going to cook the fish?”

  “I’m going to pan fry them with salt and pepper. I have some rice we can cook up.”

  “What’s this we business?” she asked with an attempt at innocent. “I thought you were in charge of the cooking tonight.”

  “I thought I’d help with Maisie and Toby and you’d help me cook.” He carried the fish inside.

  She followed him. “Well, since you asked so nicely,” she said sarcastically.

  He put the fillets on the counter. “You’re not giving an inch, are you?”

  She placed her hands on her hips. “Just hours ago, you held me upside down and threatened to drop me into a rain barrel.”

  He stood in front of her. “After you threw a rock at me.”

  “A pebble.”

  “You could have hit my head and hurt me.”

  “Such whining. You sound like my sisters…” Her hand went to her mouth. “Oh, my, Lord. I said I have sisters.”

  Jake watched as her eyes filled with tears. “Now stay calm. Let it happen. Do you remember their names?”

  Looking dazed, she shook her head. “Oh, this is so frustrating.” Her hands fisted at her sides.

  “Just slow down. There’s a lot to dredge up. Go take a rest and I’ll handle things here.”

  She looked up at him. “But…I was going to help.”

  “There’s no need. You’ve done plenty of things around here. Maisie and Toby have never had so much attention.”

  “I enjoy it.”

  “Well, it won’t hurt you to rest awhile. I hear you moving around in the middle of the night.”

  “I don’t mean to disturb you.”

  Too late. She already had. “I know, but we’ve been stuck inside for too long. Hopefully, the rain has stopped for a while.”

  “Then we can go down the mountain?”

  “The road needs to dry out for a few days. It’s still too muddy. If we’re lucky the weather might hold until then.” He doubted it. “Now, go lie down and take a nap.”

  “I sleep too much during the day.”

  “Go on. I don’t need you in my way,” he said and shoved her toward the bedroom. “I’ll wake you in an hour.”

  “I won’t be able to sleep,” she called from the doorway.

  Jake shook his head, then went to work. Looking into the cupboard, he found a bag of rice and two cans of vegetables. Green beans or peas. Did Ana like peas? He walked to the bedroom and started to ask, but stopped when he found her sound asleep.

  He went to the bed, removed her shoes and pulled the blanket over her. Unable to resist, he brushed strands of hair from her face. The hike must have worn her out. He wished it had done the same for him. His body stiffened with tension. He hadn’t had a good night’s sleep since she had arrived.

  Now, he found himself wondering what he was going to do when she was gone.

  The table was set for dinner.

  Jake even had napkins tucked under the knife and spoon at both place settings. It was far from fancy, and he’d bet Ana had had better, but it was the best he could do. The vegetables were warmed and the coffee ready to be poured. At the stove, the fresh fish simmered in a cast-iron skillet. His mouth watered as the incredible aroma teased his nostrils. It was surprising what butter and a little lemon pepper seasoning could do for trout.

  He couldn’t help but wonder if Ana would like it. What a joke. In the past, he’d never cared much about pleasing anyone. At the bureau, he’d been the “loner” because he never depended on anyone. Undercover assignments had been best for him. That way Jake got to play everyone else but himself. The only one he’d let get close was his partner Meg, but unlike her, he’d lived to regret it.

  Ana was different. She could make a man forget to think, only feel. All his life he’d fought attachments. His own mother hadn’t wanted him. He wasn’t cut out to be the loving family man. But couldn’t rid his mind of thoughts of Ana and her rich blue eyes, her inviting mouth.

  A crackling sound drew his attention to the fish. Seeing his meal was about to be ruined, he grabbed the skillet handle without thinking, burning his hand on the hot metal. He cursed loudly, then used the pot holder to remove the pan from the burner.

  He sucked in a breath as he looked down at the long red welt across his palm. Careful of his injury, he used his other hand to prim
e the pump, letting the cool water run over the wound. That’s when Ana appeared at his side.

  “What happened?” she cried.

  He withdrew his throbbing hand and held it up.

  “Oh, Jake. It must hurt.”

  “Like hell.”

  Ana looked up at him, her eyes reflecting her concern. “I’ll get some antiseptic cream from the kit,” she said, then busied herself searching through the small box.

  “I can do it.” He didn’t need a nurse. He could take care of himself.

  She returned to him with a tube of cream. “Sit down,” she prompted and pointed to the chair.

  Jake wanted to tell her to leave him alone. He never liked being babied, but found himself doing as she asked. He straddled the chair and held out his hand.

  “It’s just a burn. I’m more worried about the fish.”

  “I don’t care about dinner. Making sure this wound doesn’t get infected is more important.” She took his hand in hers and squeezed out some cream. Then she gently smoothed it over the injured skin.

  Jake’s hands were much larger than hers. He was a big man, and strong. He had easily picked her up this morning, and she’d liked the way he made her feel. Protected. She like their differences. The sandpaper roughness of his skin against her smooth skin.

  His breathing abruptly changed.

  “Am I hurting you?”

  He closed his eyes, and shook his head. “No. It feels…okay.”

  Ana studied his face, his square jaw, straight nose and deep-set eyes. He wasn’t classically handsome, not with his brooding manner, but his strong presence made him more than appealing.

  Her gaze moved to his furrowed brow and she fought the urge to stroke it. “Good.”

  Jake opened his eyes and heat surged through her. How dangerously close they were. Then came a flashback to earlier at the stream when Jake almost kissed her. Even now, she wanted it so badly, but terrified he would reject her so she moved back. She took the bandage and wrapped the gauze strip around the palm.