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“Nice work,” Paige told Kate. “I’ll have a name and an address for you on the maternal aunt ASAP.” Computer bag banging against her hip, she trotted off toward the house.
“We’ll give you the full debrief when we get back,” Kate said. “But we wanted you to know ASAP. This intel could be key for Jane’s custody case.”
Bridger nodded slowly, his brain still processing it all. “Yeah. Good work, you two. See you back here shortly.”
He ended the call, meeting Jane’s wide eyes. The implications for her future with Kellen were enormous.
Seeing the naked hope dawning on Jane’s face, Bridger realized he couldn’t wait any longer. He had to take the risk, lay his heart bare, and trust that she would understand.
It was time to tell her the truth. All of it.
43
“Look at this!I got a whole bucket of them, Jane,” Kellen’s eyes sparkled, holding out his latest prize like a king with his royal scepter. “Have you ever seen so many crawdads?”
“Wow, that’s quite the catch.” Despite the ache in her heart, Jane couldn’t help but smile as she took in Kellen’s dirty face and wet shoes.
A trail of small wet footprints led down the hall, straight into the bedroom Bridger had lent her in the ranch house. The danger was over now; she and Kellen could go back to her place. But seeing the pure joy on Kellen’s face made her hesitate. One more night here wouldn’t hurt.
“Mason showed me how to catch ‘em, but I think I’m better at it than him already.” Kellen beamed with pride. “I bet we could eat these for dinner.”
“Are you sure about that?” Jane raised an eyebrow, biting back laughter at his enthusiasm. “Do you even know how to cook them?”
“Uh...no. But Tai said he’d teach me.” Kellen’s confidence faltered just a bit, but quickly returned as he added, “Or maybe Bridger can help. He’s good at everything.”
“That he is.” One more reason leaving was going to hurt.
“Maybe you can help,” Kellen suggested, bringing her back to the present. “Then we can all have a big crawdad feast together.”
“Sounds like fun.” Jane relented, allowing herself to enjoy the simple pleasure of his excitement. “We’ll see if Bridger can fit it into his busy schedule.”
Kellen’s grin widened, convinced he’d just planned the best dinner party ever. For a second, amid the chaos and uncertainty of life, Jane found herself believing him.
Except Fenn and Kate were out searching for the woman who could tear her and Kellen apart. When they found his biological aunt, Jane would have to make that dreaded call. Explain Pete’s death. Beg for custody.
“Knock, knock.” The deep voice made her jump.
Bridger leaned against the doorframe, a hint of amusement dancing in his blue eyes. He nodded at Kellen. “Hey, Kel, Tai’s got the grill going outside. He said he could use a hand from an expert like you.”
“Really?” Kellen’s eyes lit up with excitement as he clutched the bucket of crawdads close to his chest.
“Remember, this is serious business,” Jane teased as she ruffled Kellen’s unruly curls. “You’ll be responsible for everyone’s dinner.”
“Got it!” Water sloshing from the bucket, he dashed out the door.
Bridger lingered in the doorway. She couldn’t help but study the way his muscles rippled under his casual clothes. Instead of the suit making the man, Bridger made a tech tee look…heroic.
Where Pete had been all about appearances and deception, Bridger was honest, loyal, and true to his word. It made her heart ache, knowing that she had once fallen for Pete’s charms while men like Bridger existed in the world.
“I hope they don’t let him burn the place down,” she commented, trying to lighten the mood.
“I’m more concerned about Tai. The man’s been known to get a little overly enthusiastic with his grilling,” Bridger replied, a small grin playing on his lips.
Jane let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn’t deny the feelings she had for him, but the thought of giving herself to another man, especially one so different from Pete, terrified her. She knew she needed to trust again, to believe in love and loyalty, but it wouldn’t come easy.
Not that Bridger was asking. He’d had more than a few chances, and…nothing. Guarding her heart wasn’t gonna be a problem after all.
He offered a small smile before stepping inside and closing the door behind him. The room felt smaller, more intimate with him near.
