The Princess Has Amnesia!. Patricia Thayer

about you?”

      Jake’s desire flashed hotter and moved dangerously lower. Hell, he knew where he wanted to sleep, but he fought the crazy urge to climb in with her. “You’re not taking anything, I’m offering.” He moved back before he did something very foolish. “Besides, I want some time to myself. This way we won’t disturb each other. I’ll be fine on the couch.” He sounded a little too gruff, but hell, she wouldn’t leave it alone. “If you need anything holler.”

      â€œI’ll have you know, Mr. Sanderstone, I’ve never ‘hollered’ in my life,” she said indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest.

      Jake wanted to laugh at his haughty houseguest. She looked distant and untouchable, but he knew that was far from the truth. He turned and left the room, hoping for a peaceful night. But he knew that peace wasn’t possible as long as Ana was in the cabin.

      Ana woke up the next morning and realized two things; she still couldn’t remember who she was, and it was still raining. Climbing to her knees on the bed, she leaned against the adjacent windowpane and looked out at the heavily wooded forest. She’d had high hopes that today she would be able go outside. And if the skies cleared, that would allow a rescue team to start searching for her.

      But who would be searching? She had no idea. She closed her eyes and tried to force herself to remember, but there was nothing. Dear Lord, she had no idea how old she was. She tugged on the gold charm around her neck. Who had given it to her? A husband? She studied her bare ring finger. Who was Rory? Was he important to her?

      Ana sat down on the bed and pulled her knees to her chest. What if she never regained her memory? Worse, what if no one was looking for her? In her head, she conjured up all kinds of scenarios, none of which helped calm her anxiety.

      A loud knock broke through her reverie. Then the door swung open and Jake appeared. He had changed into a fresh pair of jeans and a blue and green flannel shirt. He’d washed up, too. His long hair was damp and his face free of any beard stubble.

      He frowned. “You all right?”

      She nodded and quickly blinked away her threatening tears.

      â€œDon’t give me that.” Looking concerned, he walked to the bed and sat down next to her. “Are you in pain? Is it your head?”

      â€œNo, I’m feeling fine.” She tried to turn away, but he wouldn’t let her.

      â€œYou’re not fine if you’re crying.”

      â€œI’m not crying.” She just felt like it. “I have a reason to be upset…I still can’t remember anything.” Now the tears rushed out along with the words.

      â€œYou need time. It’ll happen,” he promised. “It’s only been a few days.”

      â€œIt’s been four.” Ana suddenly felt weepy. She hated weepy women. She’d never resorted to tears before, but now she couldn’t seem to stop them.

      Jake scooted closer on the bed and she breathed in the familiar scent of soap and the man. When his hands gripped her by the shoulders, she looked up at him. His coal-black eyes locked with hers, and she could see compassion and concern. A strange stirring erupted in her stomach, and she was oddly disappointed when he released her.

      â€œCome on, chère, don’t go all mushy on me.”

      She stiffened. “Mushy? I’ve got news for you, Yank. You’d be a little upset if you didn’t even know your name.”

      His eyes turned dark and dangerous. “And I got news for ya’ll. I’m not a Yank and never have been. I was born and raised in the south,” he said with a heavy southern drawl. “Ya’ll got that?”

      She nodded, knowing better than to push him any farther.

      â€œGood.”

      â€œAnd you may stop calling me silly pet names.”

      â€œFine. Then you tell me what to call you.”

      She took hold of her charm. There wasn’t much of a choice. “Call me Ana.”

      He stared at her. “Okay, Ana it is. Now, let’s get some breakfast.”

      â€œIs that all you think about, food?”

      He cocked his eyebrow and she caught a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. She felt that strange feeling again.

      â€œBelieve me, I think about other things,” he said in a husky voice. “But my stomach has been talking to me since before sunrise.”

      He tugged at her arm. “Come on, it’s your turn to cook.”

      She resisted. “And I explained to you before that I don’t know how. Besides, you seem very capable of doing the job.”

      â€œWell, capable or not, I’m tired of doing it. Your turn.” He got her off the bed and into the other room. “If you need to make a trip to the facilities, you better be quick. I’m hungry.”

      Ana grumbled the whole time she put on her rainwear. She purposely took her time, but that didn’t seem to change Jake’s mood. When she returned to the cabin, he was leaning against the counter, waiting for her.

      â€œYou could have started without me. I’m not very hungry.”

      â€œToo bad, you need to eat and so do I. So don’t think you’re getting out of cooking. Since you seem to be recovered, we’re going to share the chores.”

      â€œMaybe I should rest one more day, because of my head.” She touched the bandage.

      He paused, looking concerned. “You said it didn’t hurt. Look, if you aren’t feeling well, then go back to bed.”

      Here was her chance to get out of cooking, but something inside wouldn’t let her lie. Besides, she’d be bored if she had to spend the day in bed.

      â€œNo, my health is fine,” she said.