If You Believe

There was a squeaking groan of wood and wire as he sat down.

Mariah stiffened, breathing deeply. Calm down, Mariah. Dont let Mad Dog rattle you. What happened at the river was nothing. Nothing at all.

But it was a lie, and she knew it. No amount of rationalization could change the truth. Her time with Jake had given her a brief respite from thinking about this morning, but now that respite was over, and the truth of what had happened hammered her until she could hardly breathe.

God help her, shed wanted that kiss today, wanted it with a desperation that left her dizzy and out of control. And fool that she was, she wanted it still. She couldnt see him right now, or speak to him. She was too damn vulnerable and needy to be strong. She didnt have the strength to keep her distance. If he looked at her right, or touched her, she was afraid shed melt into his arms.

She jerked back from the stove and spun to leave. She had to get away from him, now before he made her forget again.

He strolled into the room and stopped in the doorway. He angled against it, resting one shoulder against the jamb. "Hiya, Jake. " He tipped his hat slightly and grinned at her. "Mariah. "

Her step faltered for a half second and no more. She tilted her chin up and started to push past him. "Excuse me. "

He grabbed her wrist and pulled. She stumbled against him, making a small, quiet sound of protest. "It wont work," he said softly. Almost against her will, she looked up at him. He was smiling, but it was an easy, gentle smile without mockery or sarcasm. Just a smile. She wet her lips. "What wont work?" "You cant run from it. "

She wished to God she misunderstood him, but his meaning was crystal-clear. "It?"

She tried to sound haughty. To her horror, her voice was breathy and weak-sounding.

He leaned infinitesimally toward her. "Theres something between us, Mariah. "

She stiffened and tried to pull away. He held her fast. "Theres nothing between us. I dont know what youre talking about. " "Youre lying. " She licked her dry lips and stared up

at him, breathing too quickly. "I dont want there to be anything between us. "

He gave her a look that was so sad, so filled with compassion and understanding, that for a moment, she felt light-headed. "Thats not the same thing, is it, Mariah?"

She made a strangled, gasping sound of fear and wrenched herself away from him, running blindly from the house.

Mad Dog watched her leave, shaking his head as the door slammed shut.

Turning back around, he strolled into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. "Hiya, kid," he said, taking a seat across from the boy.

Jake spit up his coffee. "H-Hi. "

"Women," he said, shaking his head again.

The boy didnt say anything, he just sat there, staring at Mad Dog through wide, questioning eyes.

Silence pressed into the room, thick and awkward. Mad Dog felt increasingly uncomfortable. "You fight much?" he said, for lack of anything better.

"Nope. " Jake set down his cup and stared at Mad Dog as if he were waiting for something.

"Like fighting?"

"Not anymore. "

"How bout baseball? Thats a helluva game, huh? The Cincinnati Red Stockings are my team. "

"Naw. "

He set down his cup. "Christ, kid, help me out here. Im just trying to make small talk. What do you like?"

Jake shrugged. "I dunno. Reading, talking, being home. You know, regular things. "

Mad Dog grinned. "Not too excitin, kid. Didnt your dad teach you anything?"

For a second, Jake seemed to stop breathing. Slowly he set his cup down and stood up. "No. My dad didnt teach me anything. "