She stopped and took a deep breath when he squeezed her hand again.
“Mind if I have a say?”
She shook her head, knowing what he was about to say—and she was right.
“Savannah, of course I want to help you.If it’s going to get rough, that’s a reason I want to be in it with you—not a reason I’d want to stay away.Even if it’s only as your friend.”
His grip on her hand tightened for a second before he looked down at their joined fingers and eased off.When he looked back up, he held her gaze.“And I want to be more than your friend.There’s no way I’d leave you to face this asshole by yourself.”
“I know, and thank you—really.But you don’t need to.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean this is my mess.You came here to start a fun new life for yourself after you got out of the military.You have the garage and a bunch of new friends.You don’t need someone like me—someone with problems – hanging around your neck.”
She was surprised when he smiled.“You just put your finger on exactly why you’re wrong.See, I am starting a new life here.I have the garage, and I’m making new friends and having fun, and you know what?You’re the biggest part of all of it.Think about it, Savannah—I need a mechanic to help me out.Not only who do I want, but who’s the best fit?You.
“When it comes to friends—yeah, I’ve made a few, sure.Josh and I are housemates, and we’re close.But you’re my other closest friend here.”He winked, and warmth filled her chest when he added, “And you’re way better-looking.
“And as for fun, are you trying to tell me we don’t have fun together?”
Butterflies took flight in her stomach when his voice dropped and he added, “And that you don’t think we can have a whole lot more?”
She shook her head slowly.
“All I’m saying is please let me help you if this asshole comes back around.I don’t see it as a burden.If you want to know the truth, you’ll be doing me a favor.”
She let out a short laugh.“How do you figure that?”
“I’m serious.I joined the military for a reason—it’s my nature to serve and to protect.I don’t get much chance to do that in my new life here.”He gave her a small smile.“So, if you look at it that way, you really will be doing me a favor.”
She had to smile.“It might not be an issue.He might leave me alone.”
“Let’s hope he does.But if he doesn’t…”
“We’ll see.”
Jake shook his head.“I’d love to just agree and let it go at that, but I need us to be clear, Savannah.I want us to start seeing each other for real.But I need you to give me your word that if this Rick gives you any trouble—if you even hear from him—that you’ll… you’ll…”
She held her breath, waiting to hear what he’d say, and let it out slowly when he added,
“That you’ll tell me.I’ll respect however you decide to handle it, but please don’t face it all on your own.And don’t hide things from me—that won’t work.”
“Okay.”
He raised his eyebrows.“Okay?”
She gave him a small smile.“I was about to tell you that’s what I’d decided.I don’t want to hide things from you, but I need you to respect however I choose to handle it.”
He smiled back at her.“Great minds think alike, huh?”
“Something like that.Should we order?”
He held her gaze for a moment.“We should.Thanks for trusting me.”
It was only when he said it that she realized it was true.She gave his hand a squeeze.“Thanks for being someone I can trust.”
Chapter Seven
