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She clenched her fists, fighting down another bout of tears. Whew. She couldn’t wait for this emotional rollercoaster to end. Tomorrow, she’d be back on an even keel. She’d resolve the issue of Kellen’s custody, and she’d adjust her feelings for Bridger. And she’d be fine. She’d be just fine.
Okay, not fine. If she lost Kellen again…and Bridger…she would not be fine.
But she’d manage. Somehow, she’d manage.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the airstrip. Jane watched as Tai shot yet another pointed look at Bridger, who seemed to have developed a sudden interest in the straps of his tactical vest.
“So Paige and I are gonna return that rental car, and this here Charger you ‘borrowed,’” Tai said.
“Good idea,” Bridger mumbled, finally lifting his gaze to meet Tai’s, but only for a moment.
“Need any help?” Jane offered, hoping to break the tension.
“Thanks, but we got it,” Paige chimed in, giving Jane a knowing smile. “You two just take care of…whatever needs taking care of.”
“Right,” Bridger muttered, fumbling with his gloves.
Tai clapped Bridger on the shoulder. “Back in a flash.” He and Paige walked away, leaving Jane and Bridger alone on the tarmac.
Jane stared at Bridger, trying to read the emotions hidden beneath his stoic expression. He had saved her life, risked everything for her, and yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was slipping away from her. The spark they’d shared flickered uncertainly, threatening to be snuffed out by unspoken words and unresolved feelings.
Bridger’s gaze focused on the Eurocopter, tension radiating from every muscle. Jane watched him for a moment, taking in the familiar sight of his strong, capable hands and the way he hunched his broad shoulders as if trying to shield himself from the world.
Time seemed to slow, suspended between one breath and the next, as she gathered her courage to address the one last issue between them.
“I want to thank you. For everything.” Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the depth of emotion she tried so hard to keep hidden.
“Jane, don’t.” His words were a quiet plea, tinged with a hint of desperation. “It’s not necessary. We’re family, right? Your brother is one of us, and now you… you’re part of this too.”
“Family,” she echoed, a bitter smile twisting her lips. Not the kind she wanted, at least not with Bridger.
She scanned the horizon. “Just family. I get it.”
Bridger leaned against the Eurocopter, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. “Jane, I?—”
“Saved my life. Did your job.” The finality in her tone stopped any further protestations. “We don’t need to rehash it.”
A frustrated sigh escaped him, the tension in his shoulders evident even beneath his dark jacket. “Fine. Good.” He jerked a thumb at the aircraft. “I need to get going on the preflight. There’s probably a coffee pot in the office. I could use a good jolt of caffeine.”
The air around them hummed with unspoken words, the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on Jane’s chest like a physical force.
She backed away from the aircraft. “I’ll let you work then.”
He murmured his assent, the helicopter already holding his attention.
Tears and self-pity and an unjustified jolt of anger buffeted her, a potent wave of emotion that sucked her in, spun her around and deposited her at the door of the empty airstrip office, spent and limp.
The acrid scent of burned coffee hit her nose. Tears welled in her eyes. This time, she didn’t bother to wipe them away.
42
The helicopter bladeswhirred to a stop as Bridger powered down the engine. His heart was heavy in his chest, frustration and disappointment gnawing at him like an ache he couldn’t shake. He blew it. The airstrip in Las Vegas had been the perfect opportunity to talk to Jane, but his courage deserted him.
Cool night air rushed into the cockpit as Paige slid the cargo door open, ushering Jane out.
“Nice landing,” Tai remarked, unbuckling his seatbelt. The tall man’s long black hair was tied back in its usual ponytail, his eyes dark and knowing. “But you’re not fooling me, brother. You’re kicking yourself for whatever didn’t happen back there.”
Bridger’s shoulders slumped, and he shook his head. “I’m an idiot.”
