I dont blame you for being frightened by what happened. Hell, my hands shook for half an hour after I heard. But running home isnt the answer.
Im not running home. I like it in Highpoint, Jack. I like it better there than anywhere else Ive been. Why wouldnt I want to live there?
Youve never really been anywhere, Annie. Youve never cut the ties. You keep the past knotted up around you like a rope. Its familiar, its comforting, and its keeping you from following your dreams.
She shook her head. Im not giving up my dreams. Ill still teach
Forget about teaching. Im not talking about that. What about travel? What about all those places you always wanted to see someday?
Travel is your dream, not mine.
You teach English as a Second Language because youre fascinated by other places, other peoples.
Iyoure wrong. Theres a great demand for ESL teachersit made sense to go where Id be needed, thats all.
His lips thinned. He paced over to the box shed just finished filling and started digging around in it.
She came to her feet. What do you think youre doing?
I know theyre here somewhere. He moved to another box, one shed already sealed, and pulled the tape off.
Stop that. She moved over to him, shoving at his hand.
He ignored her, ripping open the box and grabbing a handful of the contentsher collection of old National Geographic magazines. How many back issues do you have, Annie? How long have you been dreaming about faraway places?
Oh, good grief! Millions of people read National Geographic who dont have some secret yen to take off for Tunisia!
But most of them werent abandoned by parents who preferred those faraway places to staying home and raising their kids. Parents who died in one of those faraway places.
She froze. How could he? How could he throw that in her face? My mother didnt abandon us. And my father had to work.
You mother was gone almost as much as your father, from what Charlie has told me.
She felt that her place was with her husband, whenever possible, she said stiffly. She knew wed be fine with Nana. Hurt throbbed through her. She turned away. I had no idea you were building some kind of a fantasy based on my reading material. Theres no deep, dark secret here, Jack. I like to read about distant places. It doesnt mean anything.
Doesnt it? He shook his head. Maybe Ive got some selfish reasons for not wanting you to move back to Highpoint, Annie. But not all
of my reasons are selfish. I dont want to see you bury yourself there.
She turned around. He was close. Too close. He stood only a hands breadth away now, his bitter-chocolate eyes intent on her face, his long, perfect body near enough that she could feel the heat from it. Her heart began to pound out a strange, erratic beat. Youre seeing me through the lens of your own compulsions, Jack. Im not the one who feels trapped if I stay in one place for too long.
No, unfortunately you dont feel trapped in Highpoint. You feel safe.
Whats wrong with feeling safe? Whats wrong with wanting to be around people who know me, people Ive known all my life?
I hope theres nothing wrong with wanting to be around people who know you. His crooked grin was familiar. The look in his eyes wasnt. Since thats one of the things I like best about you. You know me better than just about anyone. Annie, dont go back to Highpoint. Come away with me, instead.
What? What did you say?
Come with me when I leave on my next job. You can teach. There will be plenty of people who want to learn, believe me, and Ill take care of you. I can make you feel safe, Annie.
I cant believe you said that. Jack had never been overprotective the way her brothers were. Hed been the one who taught her rock climbinghe had insisted on it, in fact, showing her how planning and knowledge minimized the risks. Annie could handle almost anything if she knew what the risks were and could plan for them.
But you couldnt control some risks. She licked her lips nervously. Youre looking at me funny. I wish youd quit it.
His eyes drifted to her mouth. Funny? he said absently. I guess so. Ive always liked your mouth, Annie.
What? Alarm had her heart jumping into her throat. She raised one hand to where her pulse throbbed, as if she could force her heart back where it belonged. What are you talking about?
Your mouth. Maybe he murmured, and she had the feeling he was talking to himself, not her. Maybe its time. He started to lower his head.
She jerked hers back. What are you doing?
His grin flashed. Isnt it obvious? Here. Ill show you. And his mouth came down on hers.
The shock of it held her still for a moment too long. Long enough for the pleasure to catch her, a shimmering loop of pleasure that settled over her in one quick shiver. Long enough for a thrill to chase itself up and down her spine as his lips moved on hersoh, such smooth and clever lips. She had wondered. For years shed wondered about Jacks kisses as much as shed feared them, fighting the need and the curiosity with her too-complete knowledge of the man. One taste, and wonder overtook fear in a burst of heat. His hand was at her nape and his fingers were as clever as his mouth, drawing chills across her flesh, making her ache. It was too much.