Free Searching for a New Home by Karen Ward Page A

plane home.
He dons jeans, boots, and a western shirt. He finally feels like
himself again. He still can't believe he use to wear one of those
monkey suits every day. Those ties are sheer torture!
    While he is changing he is wondering what
Jana's next move will be. Will she pack up and head out of Cody
tomorrow in pursuit of a home? Will she even think about Dani's
feelings when she makes her decision? Until they know for sure
about Sam Willard, he really doesn't want her to leave because she
may be in real danger, but he can't make her stay.
    Yes, he is attracted to Jana. She is a
beautiful woman and he would have to be dead not to be attracted to
her, but what does it mean? Should he take a chance on pursuing a
relationship or will that only expose Dani to more heartache if she
stays now and leaves later? Offering her a position as Dani's nanny
might keep her around at least until they know about Willard. Too
many unanswered questions, he'll just have to play this one by
ear.
    I am relieved to be out from under the
pressure of the trial but now I have to decide what to do next. I
love Dani and I can hardly bear to think about leaving the child. I
know Dani's heart will be broken. She has been through so much in
her short life and I don't want to add to her disappointments. At
the same time, it is Jacob's home and he hasn't given me any
indication that I would be welcome to stay on at the ranch now that
the trial is over. I can't afford to forget about Sam Willard
either. He sounds very dangerous and I am not sure I want to face
him alone. I will just have to wait and see what develops. At least
they gave me back my Glock and all of my money when the charges
were dropped.
    Jacob takes the seat on the jet next to Jana
and reaches for her hand. A streak of electrical energy zips
through his veins when he touches her hand. He takes a deep breath
enjoying the feeling for the first time and asks, "Happy?"
    I feel the charge of electrical energy zip
through my veins and warmth spreads up my arm from where Jacob is
holding my hand. I smile at him, "Relieved and a little
apprehensive." What is going on? This is the
first time Jacob has touched me in months!
    Jacob brushes his thumb across Jana's
knuckles and hears her breath catch. "So what's next?" Yes, she
feels the sexual attraction too. Good!
    I look into Jacob's eyes and see warmth in
their depths, "I honestly don't know." My heart is pounding with
excitement.
    Jacob says, "You know, Dani loves you and
she's going to be devastated if you leave."
    I turn my head and look out the side window
as tears cloud my eyes, "I know." My heart breaks every time I
think about leaving the child.
    "Haven't you been happy at the ranch?" he
asks.
    Surprised by the question, I look back at
Jacob, the tears still visible in my eyes, "Of course, I love being
at the ranch, and I love Dani too."
    Jacob sees the tears in Jana's eyes. "Would
you consider staying then? You can be Dani's nanny. I'll even pay
you. Please at least think about it." says Jacob. Please God, don't
let her leave! He is definitely going to see where this strong
sexual chemistry might lead.
    "All right, I'll think about it." Relief and
joy flow over me at Jacob's words. He isn't going to make me leave,
at least not yet.
    He raises her hand to his lips and brushes a
light kiss across the knuckles and hears Jana's breath catch again.
He smiles. Yes, he is looking forward to getting to really know
Jana.
    ******
    When we get back to the ranch, I am surprised
by champagne, a sumptuous dinner, and a cake to celebrate my good
news.
    Jason pours champagne for the adults and
apple juice for Dani. He then proposes the toast, "To freedom."
    Clinking flutes we all celebrate the end of
my nightmare.
    Dinner is composed of all my favorites and
the conversation flows smoothly. When Jenny brings desert of
Devil's Food Cake, Jacob looks at me and says,
    'Jana, I have a proposal for you. To expand
on what we discussed on the plane, I'd like for