Tangled Hearts by Barbara McMahon

done wrong.”
    “Surely there was some hurt, some regret, some feeling of wanting to change things, make them come right.”
    He spoke of his own feelings. Funny, until today he had thought he was coping. But the frustration of wanting this woman and not being able to have her threatened to swamp him. Two years ago, he’d made his decision, based on circumstances that appeared to have changed. Yet he didn’t think he'd make a different decision.
    Only—he still had regrets.
    “So what if there is?” she asked defiantly. If he thought to excuse his behavior or offer some platitude—
    “So maybe the man's trying a different tactic, one to make you aware of being alone, of needing him.”
    She stared at him in horror. Had Jake staged the break-ins just to be the hero riding in to save her? But there had been no need. A phone call and she would have been more than willing to see him again. She had longed for such a call.
    No, that didn’t make sense. Besides, he’d been with her when her car was broken into. And Jake was too honorable, too much a policeman to ever do anything criminal.
    “I don’t think I understand what you’re talking about,” she started. “I didn’t walk out of the relationship. You…he did.”
    The phone rang. He leaned over and picked it up.
    “Morgan.” His eyes never left hers.
    A tendril of fear snaked up her back. Was this a new report from the police about something else of hers damaged? Or had they found the man? Was the reason for her staying in Jake’s cabin now gone?
    “Thanks for the update. We’ll be in and out, but keep me informed.” He slid the receiver back in place.
    “Another break-in?” she asked.
    “No. Nothing to report. The information from your neighbor wasn’t enough to ID anyone. We know he’s a man—too large to be a woman. We know his car's a dark SUV, so we’re noting any that drive by your place.”
    Brianna shivered. “I hate this. I feel like I’m the prisoner and I didn’t do anything wrong.”
    “I know it’s a strain. Most police work is time-consuming. But we’ll find him. He’ll either make a mistake, or something will turn up to lead us to him. We’ll get him.”
    “I just hope I’m not a basket case before then.”
    “You’re doing fine, honey. There’s nothing more I can do for you.”
    “You could hold me,” she blurted out. Her eyes held his, the longing and uncertainty clearly written on her face.
    He didn’t move; his expression was hard, as if carved from granite.
    “Forget it. I—it’s just I feel so scared sometimes.”
    He made his feelings obvious. She felt like an idiot asking him to hold her.
    “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Brie.”
    “Yeah, you’re right. I’m a big girl now. I don’t need someone to hold me and kiss things better.”
    Jake closed his eyes momentarily, snapped them open. “It’s all right to be afraid. We’re going to protect you. We’ll find him, I promise.”
    She nodded, fiddling with the last of her bread. How could she have asked him to hold her? Good grief, she wasn’t some baby that needed coddling. She was a mature…
    Tears welled in her eyes. She was scared, damn it. Her entire life had been disrupted and she didn’t even know why. She just wanted him to hold her.
    “Come on, baby.” He reached over and lifted her from the chair, leading her into the living room. Sinking down on the sofa, Jake pulled her into his lap and put his arms around her. “This isn’t a good idea because of all the lascivious thoughts that race through my mind when you’re in my arms,” he whispered in her ear.
    In contrast to his words, his touch was devoid of passion. His arms held her against his solid chest; his chin rested against her hair. He gently rubbed her back.
    Brianna sighed, snuggled closer and relaxed for the first time in days. She closed her eyes and gave herself up to the enjoyment of being held. Jake made everything seem safe. He would find the bad guy and lock him