He could hear Holly peeling off her clothes and waited impatiently for Mia’s answer. What had she been thinking? He rubbed at his neck.
He heard movement and then blankets rustling and knew Mia would be under the covers. That was the smartest course. Get her dry and slowly warming up. He turned, and there she was. Holly had moved her toward the middle of the large bed, out of the wet spot where he’d first set her in her soaked clothes. He probably should’ve carried her to the bathroom to take her clothes off. Too late now. They could wash the sheets later.
She was all covered up. Holly had even wrapped a throw blanket around her head like a turban. Only her beautiful face peeked out. It was pale. He wanted to see more color in it.
“Mia?” Holly prompted, looking from her to Zeke then back again. “Why did you jump in?”
“Zeke,” Mia said simply.
Their gazes locked and Zeke was warm all over. He didn’t need blankets, warm broth, a hot shower, or dry clothes. He only needed … her.
But why would she jump into the lake for him?
“He was in danger,” Mia said softly.
“You could see us fighting?” Zeke asked. The lake definitely hadn’t been clear and she had probably been fifty feet away from them. Joseph had said they’d wondered about all the movement they could see from the waves, but they couldn’t see the actual fight.
“Not really. Not until I got to the end of the dock and screamed that Blaine was choking you, but before that I just knew … you needed me.”
Zeke’s heart threatened to pound out of his chest.
You needed me. You needed me.
He blinked and shook his head, trying to break the power she had over him. He didn’tneedanybody, and she’d only put herself in danger. Her words and the way he felt made no sense. The look in her dark eyes held devotion to him the likes of which he’d never seen or imagined in his life. She barely knew him. He didn’t need her. She needed him for protection, but that had to be the extent of this relationship. Captain Zeke Hendrickson couldn’tneedsomeone. Needing someone besides the men you trusted to do their assignments could get a man killed.
Why was she looking at him like he was her superhero? Why did he feel like she was the answer to every bit of pain, neglect, and loneliness he’d ever experienced?
“Well, then …” Holly thankfully interrupted whatever was happening between them. “I hate to interrupt this moment, but you both need some warm broth and tea, and Zeke, you need to get in the shower and get out of those wet clothes. I hear you were in that lake trying to drown Commander Lewis for far too long.”
“I’m okay. Get her tea.”
“Zeke,” Mia protested. “Go shower, please. I’m all right.”
“Go shower,” Holly demanded. “You’re an ice cube.”
Zeke yanked his gaze from Mia and muttered to Holly, “I’ll shower quick. Please don’t leave her until I’m out.”
“Yes, Cap.” Holly saluted him.
She was trying to make him smile. He thought the world of the older lady, but nothing would make him smile right now. Except for Mia. He walked toward the bed, unable to drag his gaze from Mia. She gave him a brave smile, and he felt his own smile break out. She was so incredible. He gently touched her soft cheek and her smile grew. He’d never felt anything so enticing as her supple skin.
Holly sucked in a loud breath behind him and he remembered their audience. An audience who knew how much he loathed touch.
Not with Mia.
He pivoted and hurried to grab his bag and get into the bathroom. The quicker he showered, the quicker Holly would go make them tea and broth.
Then … he could be alone with Mia.
Could he touch her cheek again? Or did he need to put his guard back up? The problem was Mia could blast through anything he erected better than Demo could clear a wall or door.
And for some reason, he didn’t even care.
ChapterTen
Mia heard the shower running and she got warmer than this pile of blankets could make her. Zeke had touched her, willingly touched her. He’d tenderly touched her cheek moments ago. Earlier, he’d carried her through the water and up to the house like the toughest hero in history. Even though he’d almost been drowned by that git Lewis.
It was more than the physical touch, though. She knew Zeke would protect her from anything and everyone because that’s who he was, but they also had an emotional connection. She thought of the moments recently when that connection had been undeniable—as he carried her, when she told him she knew he needed her, and as he touched her cheek. The look in his smoky blue eyes had filled her with a happiness and hope that a Christmas miracle could happen. She wanted to be the woman her Rambo needed. The woman he wanted.