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He faced her displeasure calmly and firmly. “I meant every word of what I said. Stay out of this, Samantha.”
She wrinkled her nose as she frowned at him. Why was he being such a jerk suddenly? They’d had this argument before, and she’d won. They were partners whether he liked it or not. It wasn’t fair of him to try to change the rules now. Was there more to her father’s phone call than he was saying? The thought scared her a little.
“Why should I stay out of it? We’re talking about white-collar crime here, not murder incorporated.”
He arched a brow. “Have you forgotten being stalked and attacked at the cabin?”
“Of course not.” She sighed. His closed expression told her she had little chance of changing his mind, but she had to try. “Those were just random acts of violence. Everything’s been fine since we returned.”
He shook his head. “In this case, I’d rather be safe than sorry. You’re staying home. Period. End of argument.”
She scowled at him. How dare he think he could order her around? That wasn’t his function anymore. He’d better learn that fact fast, or he’d be out on his ear.
“I’ll go on my own then.”
A nerve pulsed in his tense jaw. “You do, and I’ll see to it that you can’t sit down for a week.”
She gaped at the barbaric threat. Gazing at the steely look in his eye, she suddenly decided she wouldn’t put it past him to resort to spanking her.
She automatically backed against the counter. “Lay one hand on me, and you’ll draw back a bloody nub.”
The tension seemed to roll off him as he flashed her a startled grin. “Bloody nub? Don’t be so dramatic, Sunshine. I’ve got to go. I don’t want to keep your father waiting.”
She fumed, but realized she was just as unreasonable as he was for her reactions. She was worried about his safety. But the best way for him to stay safe was to focus all his energy on the task at hand. She’d probably be a distraction if she were there.
“Fine, go. Please save me from the bad guys. I’m a weak lady who needs a big strong hero like you to save me.”
He flashed her an apologetic smile as he walked toward the door. “I’m not falling for that for a minute. Don’t you dare try to follow me down there. I told the security guard to bar you from the building until further notice.”
She scowled as she followed him to the door. “That’s just peachy.”
He brushed a quick kiss across her lips. “I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”
“I might not be here.”
He stopped in his tracks and turned to slant a panicked glance her way. “Don’t even joke about walking away, Sunshine.”
“I just meant that I might go into the shop.” She read the look in his eyes and knew he was concerned for her safety. “Alright, I’ll stay put until you get back. I guess you should get going.”
“Later,” he said, walking out the door.
“Yes.”
He pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll call Laura to sit with you.”
She didn’t relish the idea of company right now. Her emotions were too raw.
“No, thanks.” When he hesitated, she reassured him. “I don’t need a babysitter, Jake. I’ll be fine.”
“I hate to leave you alone.” He gazed at her rebellious frown and slid his phone back into its holster. “Okay, you win. I guess I’ve pushed my luck far enough this morning. Just make sure you set the alarm. And don’t forget the panic code.”
She smiled, hoping to reassure him. “I won’t forget. Thanks to you, I have my new alarm system to protect me. You need to leave now, or you’ll be late.”
He glanced at her appreciatively. “You’re something else, Sunshine. I’ll make it up to you when I get back. Get ready for love lesson number ten.”
She locked the door behind him and slumped against it. “Dear Lord,” she prayed, “please don’t let anything happen to him.”
She paced the confines of the living room for a moment, and then went into the bedroom to get dressed. Stewing over Jake’s mission wasn’t going to do either of them any good.
