Free With Family In Mind (Saddle Falls Book 1) by Sharon de Vita Page B

what I mean about the truth, Jake, and why I do what I do?”
    He scowled, his brows drawing together. He’d been bushwhacked, he realized. Coolly and cleanly. So why didn’t he feel any animosity? Only a grudging sense of respect? “Yeah, but—”
    “No buts about it, Jake.” She shrugged, and the motion emphasized the curve of her breasts, making his mouth go dry. He almost groaned.
    “So what happened to the kid?” he asked. “And the mother?”
    “The girl was removed from the mother’s care almost immediately. She was placed in a very loving foster home, and later adopted by the couple who’d taken her in.” Rebecca thought for a moment. “She’s a teenager now, a healthy, happy, normal teenager with no medical problems whatsoever.”
    “That’s terrific,” Jake muttered. “And the mother?”
    Rebecca shrugged again. “Last I heard, she was in a state-run mental health facility. Apparently she had a complete breakdown. Charges were brought against her for child endangerment as well as attempted murder, and that’s when she had the breakdown. She was found unfit to stand trial. She’ll probably spend the rest of her life in that facility.”
    “Well, at least the child is doing well.”
    “Jake.” His name sounded like a caress on her lips. “I told you this story because I wanted to give you a little glimpse into why I do what I do and how important it is.” Hesitating, Rebecca licked her dry lips, aware that he was watching her intently. “It’s important to me that you know I will be honorable and ethical in my dealings with you and your family, and in the way I present the Ryan family story.” She leaned toward him, anxious to make her point. “I have no intention of invading your privacy, nor will I do anything to sensationalize any part of your family history. I will do nothing to hurt you—any of you,” she added emphatically, almost sighing when suspicion clouded his eyes again. “You have my word on that. You have my word, Jake, ” she repeated. “But I need a couple of things from you, as well.”
    “What?” he asked, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. His inner warning system was clanging again, almost drowning out his thoughts. Her words.
    “Your help,” she responded softly, realizing she was going out on a limb professionally. And for some inexplicable reason, it felt personal, as well.
    “I already told Tommy I’d help you.”
    “Yeah, and if the help you’re offering is as enthusiastic as all you’ve offered to date, I might as well go whistle ‘Dixie’.” Heat echoed in her words, darkened her cheeks. She knew very well he had no intention of helping her, or making this easier for her. He was merely going to pay her lip service, and she couldn’t accept that. Wouldn’t accept that.
    “I’m that transparent, huh?” he asked mildly, making her smile.
    “Like glass.” She paused. “Jake, I want to do this story right. I want to tell the whole story of the Ryan family, and I want Tommy to be pleased with the results. I can’t do that alone. Oh, I could, but it will take that much longer if I have to do everything myself, and learn all my facts through research. Your help will give the story a personal feel, give it the heart and soul it needs to be truly special.”
    Determination shone in her eyes, and pride—a fierce pride, something he knew a little bit about. He decided to let this subject simmer in his mind for a minute. “Okay, you want my help. But you said there were a couple of things you wanted—needed from me. What’s the second?”
    She forced herself to meet his gaze and hold it, aware that something strange and darkly exciting seemed to pass between them, connecting them on a level that seemed entirely too personal, too intimate. It made her uncomfortable, and off balance once again.
    Ignoring it, Rebecca concentrated on the job at hand, as she always did in a professional situation. And that’s all this was, she told herself firmly,