by Katie Knight
“Yep. Use the bathroom in my master suite, it’s nicer. There’s clean towels in the cabinet beside the walk-in shower and my robe’s on the back of the door, in case you need something to wrap up in until you can get your new clothes ready.”
“Cool. Thanks.” Walking away, she first checked in on Glory, who was still sleeping away, before heading to the end of the hall and the gorgeous bedroom there. All exposed pine beams and polished hardwood floors, it was definitely a guy’s space, but a beautifully done one, all the same. Even the large wooden four-poster, king-sized bed in the center of the room and the thick Persian rug beneath it screamed masculine luxury. Her girly-parts gave a warm squeeze before she could stop them, imagining her and Jack in that bed, doing all sorts of wonderful naughty things to each other. Cheeks flaming, she hurried into the attached bathroom and quickly stripped before turning on the water in the huge stone shower and letting it heat up. From the outside, the house looked like a typical old ranch two-story, but inside, Jack had updated it with all the latest amenities. She’d never been more grateful in her life.
Sam stepped under the steamy spray and scrubbed down fast before rinsing off, aware that Glory could awaken at any time. She did take the time to wash her hair and condition it too, using the stuff Jack had that smelled like coconut and citrus, then stepped out and toweled off before sliding into the thick terry cloth robe hanging on the back of the door. It felt like being embraced in Jack’s strong, warm arms. She inhaled deep and caught the scent of his aftershave—sandalwood and spice.
After towel-drying her hair, then running her fingers through the messy waves, she folded her clothes, then padded back down the hall barefoot, carrying them to the living room where the bags of the clothes she’d picked up at Walmart were stashed.
The robe was more like a comforter on her and she had to keep one hand on the front to make sure it stayed closed, but it was warm, and she was thankful for it all the same. Jack was there when she returned, packing up food from the kitchen into a cardboard box. There was a Styrofoam cooler on the counter, as well, that he’d bought at the superstore along with a bag of ice. She set her old clothes on the couch then dug out fresh things from one of her bags before heading to the guest room where Glory was sleeping to change into a pair of blue flannel pajama pants with poodles on them, a blue thermal knit Henley, blue socks and slippers. She checked on her daughter before returning to help Jack.
By the time she got back to the living room though, he was nearly done. Maybe there was something to be said for his ex-SEAL skills after all. “What can I help with?”
“Nothing really.” Jack stood near the door, hands on his narrow hips. “Maybe make sure you’ve got what you need in the diaper bag and your things ready before I stock the rest in the SUV for later?”
“Sure.” She did as he asked, then helped him carry the rest of the bags out to the car. Once everything was packed, he locked the vehicle, then turned to her.
“That’s it, then. We’re all set to go.” Pale moonlight shone down, highlighting the chiseled planes of his face, and her heart tripped. He was so gorgeous. Even all these months later, she still remembered that. Gorgeous and gentle and he smelled so good… His gaze flicked from her eyes to her lips then back again, leaving a trail of tingling want in their wake.
He dipped his head, she rose on tiptoes to meet him, and then boom. They were kissing again and it was every bit as fantastic as Sam remembered. His lips were soft and his tongue tasted of spice from the peppers and a hint of sugar from the soda he’d been drinking. She’d felt so isolated and lonely the past fifteen months, away from everyone and everything she knew, dealing with pregnancy and then caring for Glory all alone. This connection with Jack now meant the world to her, even if it was only temporary.
Unable to resist, Sam pressed closer, reaching up to twine her fingers through his silky hair, one ear still listening for any sound from Glory’s direction. Jack groaned low and pulled her tight against him, allowing her to feel the full extent of his arousal. She felt dizzy and woozy with desire.
She wanted Jack, all of him. If only for one more night.
10
It took Jack’s mind a moment to catch up with the rest of his body. He was kissing Sam, the woman he’d dreamed and fantasized about for over a year. Kissing her. And yeah, it was most likely a mistake. No. Rewind. Was a colossal mistake. He was helping her to stay safe, to get out of town, to escape her father’s clutches. He shouldn’t be thinking about stripping her bare and taking her right there up against the side of the house. And yet when she moaned and slid her fingers into his hair like that, it seemed that was the only thought in his head.
His blood pounded and his body pulsated with need for her. So much so that when she stiffened against him and pushed back, he was stunned for a second.
“Someone’s coming,” she whispered.
Jack blinked at her, getting lost in her wide dark eyes and soft lips illuminated in the pale moonlight, before slowly coming back to himself. As his raging pulse calmed, the sound of an approaching vehicle made him tense. Shit. He’d been so distracted by what they were doing that he hadn’t even heard it. Cursing inwardly, he set Sam aside and glanced back to where he’d set up his early detection warnings along the fence line bisecting the long gravel drive up to his home. Sure enough, the sound of snapping wires and rattling cans soon followed. He’d made sure the gate was locked earlier, so whoever was heading to his doorstep had either run the damned thing down or picked the lock. Either way, it wasn’t a good sign.
Mind snapping into SEAL mode now, he glanced over at Sam. “Go inside and get Glory. Hurry.”
Thankfully, she didn’t question him, just did as he said.
Once she disappeared, he refocused on the approaching vehicle. No headlights, another bad sign.
With the moonlight, he was able to discern the shape of a sedan slowly heading toward the house. His friend in the marshal’s office still hadn’t called back, so Jack could only assume the worst.
The crunch of tires on gravel grew louder as the vehicle neared and Jack’s first instinct was to go after whoever the bastards were and take them out right now. But under the cover of darkness he had no idea how many people were in that car or what kind of firepower they had. Besides, his priority now needed to be keeping Sam and Glory safe. That meant running, as far and as fast as possible.
Adrenaline sizzled through his system. At least they’d gotten the SUV packed up first and he’d been able to line up one of his neighbors to come by the farm to tend to his livestock for the next week or so. Now, he just needed to grab Sam and Glory and get the hell out of here.
Sam reappeared a few seconds later, with Glory in her car seat. Jack directed them to get into the vehicle.
The sedan was about two hundred yards away when Jack climbed behind the wheel of the SUV. They’d have to go without lights as well, to avoid tipping off whoever the new arrivals were. But once a SEAL, always a SEAL, and he was prepared.
He reached into the glove compartment, fumbling for the goggles inside and cringing slightly as he started the engine. It would’ve been far stealthier to push the vehicle until they were a safe distance away, but there was no time—and he hadn’t been sure his bad knee could take it. No way would he ask Sam to get out and help him push either. That would leave her far too exposed for his comfort and she needed to stay inside the car anyway to watch over their daughter. So, engine it was. The motor roared to life and he grabbed the night vision goggles, slipping them on so the world went eerily green. For all he knew, those government goons had them too and wouldn’t hesitate to use them if the need arose. He glanced into the rearview mirror, holding Sam’s gaze. “Make sure Glory’s secured properly, then buckle your own seatbelt. Things are going to be bumpy for a while.”
She nodded and did as he asked.
After a last look back at his beloved house, and a silent prayer that all would be safe until he returned, Jack eased his foot down on the acce
lerator, easing away from the front of his home as quietly as possible. Chances were good that the intruders had spotted him as well, given the moonlight, but he didn’t want to draw any more attention to himself and their escape than necessary. Besides, the longer they kept things dark, the less chance the people they were evading would be able to get a clean shot, night vision goggles or not.
The SUV bumped off the gravel drive and down into the fields surrounding his property. The cattle and other animals were all secured in the barn for the night, so there was no chance of hitting one and Jack knew this land better than anyone. Knew there was a broken section of fence out near the highway that would allow them an out that didn’t involve the driveway or the regular gate that everyone else used to get in. All they had to do was get there and they’d be home free.
As he drove through the dips and slight hills of the field, he kept glancing back to the house in his rearview mirror. The sedan had stopped near the front porch and two men got out, stood for a moment, then got back inside. Jack guessed three, maybe four total, were in the group. Okay. He’d faced worse odds on his many missions over the years. And yes, he was older now, but he wasn’t ancient—no matter what his body might tell him some days. He had to protect Sam and his daughter. No other options were acceptable. So, he’d do what he could.
He just prayed it would be enough.
“Get down,” Jack said as they jumbled over another molehill and the suspension on the SUV squeaked loud. In the mirror, he saw the sedan flip its high beams on and his stomach sank. No more stealth now. They were in pursuit and Jack was the prey. He did his best to keep his voice calm, though this tone sounded tight to his own ears. “We’ve been spotted. Whatever happens, you stay down and keep Glory safe. Understand?”
Sam nodded, her dark eyes huge in her pale face. He wanted to hold her and comfort her, but there’d be time enough for that later, when they were safe. Glory cooed and gurgled in her car seat, content with playing with a toy, oblivious to the danger pursuing them. Jack intended to keep it that way.
No way would those bastards get their hands in his kid or Sam. No way.
He ripped off the night vision goggles and turned on his own high beams, racing through the wide-open countryside. It wasn’t ideal, with Nebraska so flat and no large hills to take cover behind, but he had no choice. In the distance, the highway beckoned, the occasional blip of light flashing as cars zipped by.
Keep your head down, soldier. Head down, courage high, complete the mission.
The words of his old SEAL captain rang through Jack’s head, zeroing his instincts on the task at hand even as the sedan raced after them and bullets pinged off the sides of the SUV. If he’d had backup, he’d have fired back, but with Sam huddled on the floor by the backseat and crooning to little Glory to keep her calm, he just raced on through the night, praying they’d reach the highway and he could get away before these goons caught up with them.
Jack did have one ace up his sleeve though. There was a small ravine running alongside the highway, with only one spot shallow enough to cross it safely without bottoming out and stalling the vehicle’s engine. Months of living here and a few mishaps with his tractor meant Jack knew exactly where it was. The assholes following him didn’t. All he had to do was get them headed in the wrong direction, then boom. Not ideal, since they’d still be breathing when it was over, but hopefully it would buy Jack enough time to get out on the interstate and get away.
“Hold tight,” he said, before swerving hard to the right. His tires kicked up mud and grass and sent it spraying toward the sedan that was closing fast on his tail. The other vehicle slowed slightly as muck covered the windshield, then picked up the pace again, the windshield wipers going double-time. Another swerve, left this time, and more gunk rained down. His fields would be a mess when he finally got back to them, but it was worth it to see these goons scrambling.
They got nearer to the highway, mostly empty at this later hour except for some semitrucks. A bullet took out Jack’s drivers’ side mirror, but it didn’t matter. He had his destination firmly in his sights now. Just a couple hundred feet, a sharp right, and he’d be there. With the way the land looked, especially at night, you couldn’t really see the ravine until you were basically on top of it. Jack used that to his advantage, speeding straight for it. The sedan followed, closing the gap between the vehicles until they rammed Jack’s bumper. The SUV fishtailed before he got it back on track.
Bullets shattered the back window and glass sprayed everywhere. Sam screamed and Glory howled. Fear like he’d never felt before seared through Jack’s veins. If anything happened to Sam or their daughter, he’d never forgive himself. “Everyone okay?”
Please, God. Let them be okay.
“We’re good,” Sam said, her voice shaking. “Just please get us the hell out of here.”
“Yes, ma’am.” An unexpected grin spread across his face. Much as he loved his farm and his life here in Nebraska, Jack had missed this too. The charge to victory, the thrill of the chase. He gunned the engine and raced headlong for the ravine, the sedan in hot pursuit. In the rearview mirror he saw one guy leaning out the passenger side of the sedan, gun drawn, ready to fire again. It was now or never.
Jack approached the edge of the ravine, then jammed the steering wheel hard to the right, his back tires skidding toward the edge of the six-foot drop-off before inching away from the precipice. They were safe, but the sedan wasn’t so lucky. Without knowledge of the area or Jack’s razor-sharp reflexes, the car careened over the side of the ravine and crashed into the water with a huge splash. Jack couldn’t help but cheer. His joy was short-lived, however, as the safe crossing quickly approached. He braked hard and barely managed to swerve the SUV across the ravine then up the incline on the other side to the interstate. A passing truck honked as he veered onto the roadway, covered in muck from the fields, chilly air blustering in through the shattered back window, but safe.
He hazarded a glance back at Sam over his shoulder. “We’re good. They’re gone.”
“For now,” she said, dusting off shards of glass from her arms and hair, then climbing up onto the seat to comfort poor Glory, who was still wailing and frantic but otherwise unharmed.
“Yep,” Jack said, breathing a sigh of relief. “For now.”
11
Jack signaled, then veered off onto an off-ramp for another two-lane backroad. They needed to get to the cabin, but he wanted to make sure they weren’t being followed first. The energy rush of the chase was wearing off, leaving him feeling a bit numb and shaken. He had the heater jacked up to maximum to counter the chilly air blowing in through the shattered back window, but even so, it was brisk. Just as well, considering he was still overheated from the chase through his farm fields and the kiss with Sam.
Lord help him, that kiss had been one of the hottest things he’d ever experienced.
Each time he licked his lips, he still tasted her there—all sweetness and light and forbidden seduction. He glanced in the mirror and saw her in the backseat, one hand resting on the car seat. The baby had been remarkably good in a crisis. She must’ve gotten that from him.
An unexpected swell of pride ached in his chest.
My daughter.
Man, part of him was still trying to wrap his head around that. His kid. His to protect. His to provide for. His to love. For a guy who’d never really thought much about his emotions, it was a lot to process.
“How far is it to the cabin?” Sam asked, her voice low to avoid waking Glory.
“Maybe another hour or so. I’m taking the long way.” He leaned his elbow on the windowsill beside him and gazed out at the shadowed farm fields zipping by them. It was still a few hours until dawn, which gave them the advantage when it came to hiding. Still, he didn’t want to take any chances. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m fine.” She sounded tired though and he felt an unaccountable urge to pull her into his arms and hold her while she slept against him. Not that he
’d do that. Kissing her had been mistake enough. She needed his help, not sex. Plus, the power dynamics were screwy. She was depending on him for her safety—he never wanted her to feel like she had to keep him happy or he’d take away his protection. Still, the way she’d felt in his arms, all her soft curves pressed into his hard muscles, the fruity scent of his shampoo in her hair, the soft sounds she’d made…
“How about you?” Sam asked, breaking him out of his torrid thoughts. “You all right?”
He cleared his throat and slowed to make a right onto yet another road. No headlights behind them, no sign of another human anywhere around. Good. “I’m fine,” he said. “Ex-SEAL remember?”
“Hmm.” She shifted slightly, sinking down to the floor and tucking her knees up against her chest to her arms around them, leaning her back against the bottom of the seat as she faced him. “Tell me about that.”
“About what?” he frowned.
“Why’d you leave the SEALs? Granted, I only knew you for that one night, but even then, I could tell you loved what you did.”
“My knee gave out on me,” he said, pointing toward his right leg. “Blew out during a black ops mission in Qatar. Tore my meniscus all to hell, had to be airlifted out. Spent weeks in PT after the surgery, but the docs said I’d never be back to the way I was before.” He sighed, feeling the old familiar sense of disappointment and failure rush back. Still, he didn’t talk about this much and if it was nice to get it out. “So, I came home and started subbing and farming until a permanent teaching position opens up in the area.”
“That must’ve been hard,” Sam said. “Leaving it all behind.”
“It wasn’t easy, that’s true.” Jack checked the mirrors again, then made a left onto the road that would take him to his cousin’s hunting cabin. It was still about an hour away, but they’d get there in plenty of time to get unpacked and inside before sunrise. Then he’d hide the SUV to avoid detection. “But farming’s in my blood. My grandparents worked the land their whole lives.”
