Free Unbroken by Jennifer McNare Page B

buildings,” Jake said, motioning to the row of small wooden structures that lined both sides of the narrow dirt road ahead. 
    “I’d love to see it,” Britney responded eagerly.  She’d already scanned the area up ahead.  There was a youn g couple dressed in hiking gear standing outside of what looked to be a small store, studying some type of pamphlet or maybe a map, and a bit farther ahead was a slightly older couple with three small children in tow. 
    “Let’s stop by the old general store first.  Maybe we can find you a sou venir,” Jake said, moving in the direction of the young hikers. 
    The pair looked up as she and Jake approached, smiling and nodding, before returning their attention to what Britney could now see was indeed a map. 
    “Morning folks,” a gra y-haired man greeted from behind a glass-fronted counter, as they stepped inside the small shop. 
    While Jake stopped to chat with the friendly clerk, Britney smiled in greeting and then moved curiously about the little store.  There was a wide variety of antiques on display throughout the one room building, as well as a number of new, non-display items available for purchase.  She’d been studying an assortment of jewelry made with stones found in the surrounding region when her gaze settled on a pale-pink, heart-shaped stone strung on a thin silver chain.  She’d just leaned forward for a closer look when she felt Jake’s presence behind her.
    “Pretty,” he commented, looking over her shoulder.  “Which one do you like?”
    She pointed to the necklace with the pink heart, glancing up as the clerk stepped around to the rear of the glass counter.
    “Would you like me to take it out for you?” he asked politely.
    Britney nodded.  “Yes please.”
    “This one here’s made out of tourmaline,” he told her, bending down to pull it from the case.  “Local fella makes these.  Does a real nice job,” he said, straightening up and handing her the necklace.
    “It’s lovely.”  She held it up, admiring the simple beauty of the stone.  “How much is it?” she asked.  The cost wasn’t really a concern however, for Ian paid her well.  Besides, she still had almost all of the money she’d received from her parents’ life insurance and the sale of their home in California, a substantial amount; though she would have gladly traded every cent to have her mother and father back for even one more day.
    “Don’t worry about it.  It’s on me.” Jake said, pulling a credit card from his wallet, before the clerk had a chance to respond.
    “On no, you don’t need to do that.”
    “I insist,” Jake said, handing over the card, allowing Britney no additional time to protest.
    It seemed pointless to argue.  “Thank you,” she said graciously.
    “You’re welcome.” 
    His smile was warm and friendly, not to mention incredibly sexy.  Again, Britney felt a tiny flutter in her chest. 
    “Would you like me to wrap it up for you?” the clerk asked, after swiping Jake’s card and handing it back to him.  “Or would you like to wear it?” He looked at Britney, his expression encouraging.  “I’m sure it’ll look real pretty on you.”
    “Oh, umm… I guess I’ll wear it,” she responded, moving her fingers to the clasp.  She managed to unhook it and lifted it up to her neck, but fumbled a bit as she attempted to refasten it.
    “Here, let me help,” Jake offered, moving to stand behind her.  Before she could utter a response, he reached for the clasp, brushing his fingers against the back of her neck as he did.  His steady hands had the clasp fastened in an instant. 
    Alt hough there was nothing the least bit untoward in the action, Britney felt a tiny shiver race through her in response to his brief touch.  Surprisingly, it wasn’t fear or revulsion that prompted the slight quiver; it was awareness, normal, catch your breath in a good way, physical awareness.
    “There you go.”   He stepped back around to