to learn to care again. God made that clear last week, too.”
“And He told you to care about me?” She couldn’t believe it. This was what he’d wanted to tell her? It was the last thing she’d expected.
“Yes.” He slid his hands across the table again. “Is it okay? If we hold hands?” He paused. “We have to be careful.”
“We will be.” She did a slight shrug. “Friends hold hands.”
“Exactly.” His eyes never left hers. “Eliza… I’ve been alone since my parents died. I haven’t let my heart connect. Not with anyone.”
One of the walls fell. “Me, either.” She moved her hands toward his. Until now, she wanted to say. But she didn’t want to give him the wrong impression. She could use a friend in this new life of hers. Nothing more. Even so, when their fingers were connected she felt the most wonderful sensation.
Like she could actually breathe. For the first time since her days in Lower Barton Creek.
* * *
THEY WERE WALKING back to the car when it happened.
Jack had gone to the restroom and left her at a well-lit table along the river walkway. Eliza had learned long ago how to keep guys from looking at her. Don’t make eye contact. Looking into the eyes of a man could sometimes make him think he had the right to approach.
So Eliza kept her attention on the river, on the next boat making its way down the water. But then out of nowhere, she heard someone yell. She turned and saw a man sitting at a table directly across the path. He looked right at her.
“Hey, beautiful!” He was tall with dark hair and a tank top. Three guys sat with him.
Again Eliza looked away.
The man must’ve been drunk. Because his tone grew angry and he cussed at her. “Don’t disrespect me!” He was on his feet, and one of his friends tried to grab his hand. But the guy was undaunted.
If he touched her she’d flip him to the ground. Like Camille had taught her to do back at the FBI office. But what if he was a trafficker? What if he wanted to kidnap her? Fear seized her as she looked toward the pavilion. If Jack didn’t come now, she would run. But if she ran, how would she meet up with him again? Then she remembered. She had a cell phone, and she knew Jack’s number.
She stood, but even as she did, the man stormed across the pathway toward her.
Come on, Jack. Eliza glanced toward the restrooms. She was deciding which way to run when suddenly the guy was on her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and started to pull her toward his sweaty body. Eliza wrapped her right foot around his ankle and tried to drop the guy to the ground.
But he was too big, too strong.
“Stop—” She started to scream, but before the sound was out of her mouth someone grabbed the guy. Eliza spun around and there was Jack.
He took rough hold of the tall man’s shoulder and then drove his fist straight into the guy’s face. The attacker reeled back and dropped to his knees. At the same time his friends ran up.
“Sorry, man,” one of them said to Jack. “Too much beer. He won’t bug you again.”
Jack was still staring at the guy on the ground. Like he wanted to kill him. He said nothing to the other three. Just shot the drunk man one final, menacing look and then turned to her. “Are you okay?” He fixed her hair and put his arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Eliza. That… that never should’ve happened.”
“I tried to trip him.” Her teeth were chattering. “He… he was stronger.”
“You’re stronger than you think, Eliza. You just need practice.”
“I thought… he would kidnap me.”
“No.” Jack searched her eyes. “No one will ever do that to you.” He studied her. “Come on.” He led her through the crowd. “I have somewhere I want to take you. Is that all right?”
“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. It was nearly nine already, but Eliza didn’t care. Tomorrow they’d be separated for months. Maybe forever. Right now she didn’t want to be anywhere in the world but with Jack Ryder.
He drove her to the bureau building. “This won’t take long.”
“Are you allowed to be here? After hours?” The place looked dark. Only a few windows had lights behind them.
“Twenty-four-seven.” He winked at her. “FBI agents have flexible hours.”
He parked and hurried around the car to hold her door.