Silent Run

gave her shoulders a shake. “Look at me. You’re okay. You’re safe."
    He’d pushed open the curtain behind her, allowing in enough light to soften the shadows.
    â€œIt’s just the storm. Listen to the rain. No one cut the power to lure us outside.” He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “You’re ice-cold. I can feel the chill through your sweater. Where were you just now?"
    â€œI was in the car with my parents,” she said. “There was an accident. It was a really dark night. I tried to wake them up, to get out of the car, but it started to shake and slide and then it flipped over and over. When it finally stopped, I knew they were dead.” She gazed into Jake’s eyes. “And I was alone in the dark."
    His eyes filled with a protective tenderness. “Oh, God, Sarah! I’m sorry you had to go through that."
    â€œWe were there for hours. Nobody moved. Nobody talked. I couldn’t stand it."
    â€œYou’re not alone now. I’m here. I’m not leaving."
    She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him as tightly as she could. She knew she wasn’t being fair to him. He had walked away from her earlier. He had told her he wasn’t going to touch her again, but she needed him now. She needed his comfort, his warmth, his embrace. And as he’d promised, Jake didn’t move away. He let her cling to him. He gave her the support, the security that she craved.
    Finally she eased her death grip on his neck and pulled back so she could look at him. “Thank you."
    â€œYou never told me about your parents’ accident. I knew you didn’t like the dark, but you never said why. Did you remember anything else?"
    She’d known the question was coming. In fact, she wondered how he’d had the restraint to wait so long in asking it.
    She shook her head.
    He let out a sigh. “Well, at least we have one more truth."
    â€œDo you think in the end that the truths will make up for the lies?"
    â€œIf you’re asking me if I could forgive you --"
    â€œNo, I’m not asking you that,” she said quickly. “Not now anyway.” But as she looked at him, she wondered if one day she’d have to let him answer that question.
    â€œLet’s sit down.” Jake led her over to the bed.
    She perched on the edge.
    â€œYou might as well get comfortable. We might not have any lights for a while."
    She stretched out on top of the covers. Jake walked around to the other side of the bed and lay down next to her. There was a good foot between them, and Jake had his arms folded over his chest. He made no attempt to touch her. He simply stared at the ceiling. But she could tell by the stiffness of his pose that he wasn’t at all relaxed. The air between them grew thick and heavy and restless.
    â€œDon’t,” Jake said abruptly. “We’re not going there again. I can’t let you back in."
    â€œCan we just hold each other?” she asked, rolling onto her side.
    He shook his head. “No. No touching. Too dangerous."
    â€œI didn’t make love to you earlier to prove something to myself or to bring my memory back. I did it because I feel a connection to you."
    â€œWe always had good chemistry. No surprise there."
    â€œI’m not talking about physical attraction, although it definitely exists."
    â€œSarah, you don’t know me. And I don’t know you. Let’s just leave it at that."
    â€œI know that you’re protective and kind and loyal."
    â€œI’m not a damn Boy Scout,” he growled.
    â€œNo, you’re far too angry and intense and impatient for that. But you’re a good person."
    He turned his head to look at her. “Don’t say any more."
    â€œI can’t stand this wall between us."
    â€œWell, it’s not coming down tonight.” He swore. “Dammit."
    â€œWhat?"
    â€œCome here."
    She didn’t know why he’d had a change of heart, but she wasn’t going to argue. She curled up into his embrace, her head back on his shoulder. This was where she belonged. This was home, she realized. Where she wanted to be. It was perfect -- well, almost perfect. When they had Caitlyn, then her world would be right again.
    â€œJust sleep,” Jake ordered.
    â€œI want to,” she said. “But I’m afraid of where the dreams will take me."
    â€œDon’t be afraid. We’ll go there together. Take me with you this