Free Make Me Remember by Beth Kery Page A

problem for you at work?” Jacob asked.
    “It’ll certainly make it more difficult to deny that I have any inside track to you or Lattice with Ruth, not to mention Burt, one of my reporters who’s been nosing around.” She noticed his somber expression. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Because they know that you and I are seeing each other doesn’t change a thing. If anything, it should send a clearer message that what’s . . .” She hesitated in describing their relationship, realizing it was a glaring question mark. How exactly did one describe Jacob’s and her involvement—especially after their intense, amazing long weekend together? “What’s happening between us is private and not a topic for public consumption.”
    “They’re going to be curious. They’re going to ask a lot of questions. Do you think your editor in chief is going to give you a hard time?”
    “Sangar? No. He’s a pussycat compared to Ruth, or even Burt Chavis.” Her gaze flickered over his face. Her heart squeezed a little at how sober he looked. “Are you regretting getting involved with a reporter again?” she asked softly. His eyebrows arched a question, and she sighed. “Cyril told me you were still having doubts about seeing me because I was a reporter.”
    “I’m managing those doubts pretty well. Wouldn’t you say? Just like you’re managing yours, about being with me?”
    She gave a bark of laughter and rubbed her eyes, suddenly feeling tired. “Damn Charlie Nelson. I’m going to call him tomorrow and let him have it.”
    “It’s okay, Harper,” he said, coming down in the bed and urging her to recline with him.
    “It is?” she asked incredulously as he twisted around to shut off the lamp.
    She felt his shrug against her chin as his arms encircled her a moment later.
    “At least you won’t have to tiptoe around the topic at work anymore.”
    She rubbed her lips against his skin distractedly. “No more sneaking into the newsroom’s bathroom, now that the spotlight has been turned on.” She squeaked in surprise when he was suddenly rolling her on her back and coming down over her.
    “I’m not promising anything. Being with me is risky business.”
    She laughed and encircled his neck with her arms. “The reward has far outweighed the risk so far.”
    “I could say the same about you,” he replied huskily before he covered her mouth with his own.
    * * *
    The next morning, Harper got up extra early with Jacob to jog. Much to her amazement, Elizabeth was already at the mansion, waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. She informed them she wanted to orient Harper to the compound’s security measures so that Harper could return there anytime she chose without difficulty. Harper gave Jacob a surprised glance, but could tell by his relaxed expression he’d been the one to give the direction to his assistant in the first place. Knowing that he’d expressed to Elizabeth his trust in her by giving her total access to his home gratified Harper.
    After her orientation, she and Jacob jogged on the beach during a glorious sunrise.
    “Do you want to take a few of the dogs out for some catch?” Jacob asked her upon their return.
    Harper checked her watch and nodded, liking the idea.
    He ended up doing most of the ball throwing to three or four of the adult dogs, however, while Harper sat in the sand with her legs spread, watching him and playing with Milo, the puppy that’d had his foot amputated by some sadistic sociopath.
    “He likes you,” Jacob said as he walked toward her a while later, and the golden sun blazed over the tops of the mountains. Warmth went through her at the magnificent vision he made, wearing running shorts, his dark blond hair damp at the nape from jogging and play, his simple gray T-shirt molding his muscular, fit torso in the most distracting way.
    “Do you think so?” she asked hopefully, petting the puppy’s ears and scratching his back.
    “I know so.” He reached for