A Perfect Storm
Page 96

He would offer her comfort, and in return, she would give him…everything.
He would demand nothing less.
* * *
SPENCER WANTED TO GO after Arizona, but he knew she wouldn’t appreciate that. It was bad enough, watching her draw comparisons, knowing she thought she didn’t fit in. But seeing that wealth of emotion in her expression had nearly leveled him.
All because of a knife.
And not just any knife, but a knife meant to do damage. A knife meant for a skilled combatant.
A knife she knew how to use and had wanted for just that purpose.
A gift that damn near brought her to tears.
He didn’t know what to do.
Chris began gathering up the torn and discarded wrapping paper.
Jackson stood to scowl at him. “What the hell, Chris?”
Spencer sat back, content to think about things, about Arizona’s reaction—and Chris’s obvious insight.
“Did you see her face? I’d say, so far, today has been a success.”
Dare shook his head. “You realize you just set us all back, right? We’re trying to get her away from danger.”
“Not encourage her into it,” Trace added.
“You’re trying to change her,” Chris pointed out but not with much accusation. He looked at Spencer. “She doesn’t want to change.”
“Just where the hell do you think she’ll use that knife?” Jackson asked.
Chris paused in his clean-up efforts to give Jackson a direct look. “She does not want to change.”
“What does that mean?” Trace asked. “You actually think it’s okay for her to get involved in this stuff?”
“I think she’s a very special girl with a unique background who can make her own decisions.”
“Chris has a point.” Spencer lifted a long, curling ribbon from the table. “Can you imagine how it makes her feel?”
Nodding, Molly whispered, “She is who she is, and yet we’ve all made it clear that she should be someone else.”
“But given what she’s been through, how life molded her…” Priss closed her eyes a moment. “Changing is probably impossible.”
His guts cramped at what he’d inadvertently put her through. “Disapproval isn’t easy for anyone.” Spencer crushed the ribbon in his fist. “She needs acceptance first.”
“Well, hallelujah. You get the prize.” Chris threw a balled up wad of paper at Spencer. “How can she trust that any of you care, when you don’t accept her for who she is?”
“There’s an order here,” Spencer agreed. He slouched in his chair with a groan. “And I for one have gone at it ass-backwards.”
“Well, damn.” Jackson stood, then rubbed the back of his neck. “I just wanted to protect her.”
“It’s what you do.” Alani took his hand. “But Arizona isn’t like most women.”
“Or most victims,” he agreed.
Amen to that. She was unlike…anyone. Stronger, thank God. More resilient. And so incredibly proud.
“Damn it, I still have to give her my gift.” Jackson started to go after her.
But Spencer said, “No, leave her be.”
Looking very put out by the idea that Spencer would dare try to give him an order, Jackson slowly pivoted to stare at him. “Come again?”
Not the least intimidated, Spencer rolled his eyes. “Give her the time she needs.”
Forestalling any hostilities, Chris said, “She’ll be back.”
“Her pride won’t let her dodge us for long.” Spencer stared toward where she’d gone. “But she won’t appreciate you seeing her upset.”
* * *
JACKSON HAD TO ADMIT that Spencer was probably right. Arizona could get real prickly over any perceived weakness. But damn, it went against the grain. Every instinct in his male-inspired repertoire told him to console her.
She’d probably have a fit if he tried that, though.
And she’d be more embarrassed. He couldn’t do that to her.
Patience was one of his strong suits. When necessary, he could wait for hours, even days, on a stakeout. But now, he had a hell of a time waiting for Arizona to return.
In his pocket, the keys jangled. He paced, constantly watching for her.
By silent agreement they had all decided to give her the space she needed. She’d return when she was ready. It had only been ten minutes. But still…
Finally she came back around the house, both dogs trailing her. She stroked Tai while talking to Sargie.
She liked dogs. Maybe that could be his next gift.
He wanted to take care of her for a very long time. He wanted to shower her with presents.
He wanted her to be in his life, for the rest of his life. As Alani had pointed out, she was like a sister to him. He felt responsible for her, loyal to her. He trusted her.
He loved her, damn it.
Hopefully his gift would help to convince her.
She stalled when she saw them all still lounging around the patio. “I figured you guys would go swimming or something.”
“That’s next,” Chris told her. “But Jackson has one more surprise for you.”
Jackson saw her bite off a groan, and it amused him. “None of that, now.” Throwing an arm around her shoulders, he brought her into the group. “Indulge me a little, will you?”
“Well, sure, but…” She let out a long breath. “Seriously, Jackson, it’s already so much. My trunk will be full!”