Standby (Open Skies Book 4) by Becca Jameson (popular e readers .TXT) 📕

He pulled her into his side again. “I do. Now eat and then go put some clothes on before Hatch arrives.”

Chapter 29

Shayla couldn’t stop pacing. She hated that there was nothing they could do except wait. Wait for how long? It was nerve-wracking. They had no idea where Hawke was. They had no way of knowing if he would come after her or when.

Jake had called Marilyn, who found out at the same time as Shayla that her husband had been released. Talk about a fuckup. She hadn’t heard from Hawke either, and she was still at her parents’ house. That was good. At least she wasn’t alone.

Jason was camped out on their couch. Libby had called several times as the self-appointed phone tree for the posse. She was keeping Shayla’s friends informed of Shayla’s general state of mind. At least that’s what Shayla assumed.

Shayla tipped her head toward Jake. “Have you spoken to Deacon?”

“Not yet, but he’s at the airport. Don’t worry. He’ll pick up Raeann. He’ll have her call you the moment she’s in his car.” She had been standing next to Jake when he’d called his office to ask if someone would pick up Raeann, and Deacon had immediately volunteered. It worked out perfectly since he was one of the newest members of the team and single. The other recent hire, Neil, was also single, but he had been out on an assignment with Kraft.

“How’s he going to find her?” Shayla knew she was fretting unnecessarily over Raeann. Hawke wasn’t interested in her. As long as she didn’t go home where he might potentially be hoping to catch Shayla, she’d be fine. “He doesn’t know what she looks like.”

Jake closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. “We texted them photos of each other. Plus, she’s not hard to miss with that distinctive black hair and the stunning white streak she wears in the front. He’ll find her. He’s also going to hold up a sign.”

She sighed. “I know. I’m just losing my mind slowly.”

Jake smoothed a hand up her back and held her closer. “It’s understandable.”

Jason twisted his neck around to look at them. “Deacon was excited about this assignment.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Who would turn down the opportunity to pick up a cute damsel in distress and protect her from the bad guy?” he teased.

Shayla groaned. Men.

Jake chuckled.

They paced. They ordered pizza for dinner. They watched out the window. One of the guys, Bracken she thought, drove by the condo every once in a while and reported he’d seen nothing. Jake put in a romantic sitcom after dinner, but Shayla paid no attention to it.

At ten o’clock, Jake insisted they get some sleep. Jason was going to stay on the couch in the living room. He said he’d rather be more diligent than in the guest room.

Jake took Shayla to the master bedroom and slowly removed her clothes. She hated that their day and now their night had been hijacked by fucking Hawke Richman. No way was she in the mood to have sex with Hawke’s whereabouts a mystery.

She also wasn’t going to sleep naked, which she would have preferred. And Jake didn’t suggest it. He handed her shorts and a T-shirt. He put on flannel pants and a T-shirt.

When they slid under the covers, he pulled her into his arms. “Try to sleep.”

She smirked. “Sure.”

It took over an hour to drift off and then only because she felt warm and secure next to Jake. And then it seemed like she’d only been asleep for moments when her phone pinged.

She bolted to sitting, sucking in a breath.

Jake kept one hand on her as he reached for her cell phone on the nightstand. He sighed as he read the message.

She couldn’t look. She just watched his face. Only one person would text her at this hour.

He closed his eyes and lowered the phone before sliding out of bed.

“Where are you going?” she asked, feeling a bit frantic.

“I’ll be right back. Just going to let Hatch know.”

“Okay.” She slid back under the covers, but she was shaking.

Five minutes later, Jake returned. The phone was pinging again in his hand. He waited until he was snuggled next to her once again to look.

“Is it bad? Just tell me what he’s saying.”

“It’s bad. I suspect he’s here in Dallas. Not sure if he knows where you are.”

The phone pinged again, and Jake reached for the button on the side and turned off the volume.

“I’m betting he’s going to text all night.”

“I’m going to call Detective Jarvis.” Jake opened his own phone and tapped the screen before putting it to his ear. She watched his face as he waited. “This is Jake Robinson. Just wanted to let you know that Hawke Richman just started texting Shayla. He’s bombarding her phone. I get the impression he’s here in Dallas. I’ll be calling the local police too, but I knew you’d want an update.”

“I guess you left that on his voicemail.”

“Yeah.” He kissed her forehead and then made the next call. “Hi, this is Jake Robinson. Can I speak to Detective Rick Stallman?” Jake glanced at Shayla and whispered, “They’re looking for him.”

Shayla nodded.

A moment later, Jake spoke again. “Yes. Hi. This is Jake Robinson… Good. I just wanted to let you know that Hawke Richman was released on bond in Seattle yesterday. I believe he has returned to Dallas. He just started texting Shayla about fifteen minutes ago… Yes… No… Will do. Thanks.”

“What’d he say?” Shayla asked immediately.

“Exactly what I expected. Not much they can do since they don’t know where he is and he hasn’t actually approached you. But he is violating the restraining order, so they’re going to have someone drive by here and your condo. Until he makes physical contact, though, their hands are tied.”

She closed her eyes and turned more fully toward Jake, wrapping her arm around him. “I’m so damn glad I’m here with you.”

“Me too, sweetheart.” He hugged her close.

They