Page 53 of Chain Reaction

Plus . . . she knew about what had happened back in Iraq. She knew about the teammates he’d lost.

He’d taken it hard.Reallyhard.

One evening while he’d been protecting her, he’d opened up about the situation. He’d told her what had happened and explained how much their deaths had impacted him.

Raven’s heart had gone out to Jake, and she’d tried to assure him it wasn’t his fault, that he couldn’t have known.

But he was clearly haunted by the tragedy.

As she glanced at him now, compassion pounded inside her. He always tried to take care of those around him. She knew he’d give up his life to do so.

But the emotional burden of being protector was enough to break someone.

Against her better judgment, she reached over and placed a hand on his forearm.

He’d protected her, putting himself in harm’s way in order to save her life twice since she’d been in Lantern Beach. The least she could do was to try and offer something to him, though she wasn’t sure her comfort would be accepted.

She licked her lips before saying, “I’m sorry, Jake.”

His muscles loosened ever so slightly beneath her touch, and he seemed to snap out of his doldrums. “I appreciate that.”

She pulled her hand away from him and settled back in her seat. “You know what one of my favorite memories of you is?”

He turned to her, surprise flashing in his gaze. “I have no idea.”

“Do you remember when we were in New York City and we’d walked to Central Park?”

“I do.” His expression tensed again, as if he didn’t know where she was going with this.

Did he fear she might lash into him about something he’d done wrong?

“We found that little boy near the zoo area,” Raven continued. “He was probably seven or eight, and he was on the spectrum. He was terrified because he couldn’t find his parents.”

The lines on his face softened some. “I remember.”

“You were so good with him.” She meant every word she told him now. “You got down to his level. You told him everything was going to be okay and that you wouldn’t leave him until he found his parents. You calmed him down, and you kept your word.”

He shrugged as if his actions weren’t a big deal. “Anyone would have done the same.”

“No, you’re wrong. Not anyone would have done that. You went above and beyond. You always go above and beyond. That was the moment when I first knew—” Raven stopped herself, realizing what she was about to say.

He stared at her, all his attention suddenly focused on her. “You knew what?”

That I loved you.But Raven couldn’t say those words. She couldn’t let herself go there with him.

She cleared her throat, trying to rein in her emotions. “It’s when I knew you were a good guy. That you looked out for others and helped make the world a better place. Anyone would be honored to call you a friend or colleague.”

His gaze searched hers, something deep and enticing there. Something she wanted to dive into.

Raven forced herself to maintain eye contact, knowing if she looked away that she’d appear weak. Yet at the same time, she feared he might see the truth in her gaze.

“Thank you, Raven.” His voice sounded soft and serious—but sincere.

“I mean it, Jake. Those guys at Blackout are lucky to have you on their side.”

Then she looked away before she said something she might regret.

The situation was already precarious. She didn’t need to put her heart in danger also.