Jake pov
I was embarrassed. More embarrassed than I'd ever been in my entire life. Now I for sure wouldn't be telling Sam I like her. Why does she have to share a room with me anyway? I know we need to be as protected as possible, and that's all I want for Sam, but did she really need to see me cry?
The nightmare is the same almost every night. It's basically her accident, but by the time I get to her, it's too late. She's dead. I don't know how I would go on with my life if she died. I mean, I was such a mess after she just went to San Francisco.
"Jake," I hear Sam say softly. "What," I reply. "Who do you think is after us?" I think for a minute. "By the way Dylan and Jordan were acting, it's could be someone we know. But I can't think of anyone who would want us dead. Both Linc and Flick are in jail," I say. She looks scared, so I get up and go sit on the bed. "Tomorrow, I want to go ask Dylan who it is," she says. "Are you sure? You may not like the answer." I don't want to see her any more scared than she already is. She nods, then curls up next to me. I put my arm around her, and we eventually fall asleep.
Next morning
Sam pov
I wake up to find Jake's arm around me. It feels nice, so I try not to move and wake him up. I think about what I said last night. I want to know who's after us. We might know something that can help the police catch them. I realize that once the person is caught and we go home, I'm going to miss this place. It's so pretty and quiet, with just trees and lakes and streams everywhere. It then dawns on me that I don't even know where we are! We could still be in Nevada, or we could be in Australia and I wouldn't know. I decide to ask Dylan that too.
Jake wakes up then, and we kind of glance awkwardly at each other before he takes his arm from around me and we both get up. When we walk into the kitchen, we see Dylan preparing breakfast. "Where are we," I ask. She looks up, smiles and says, "I thought you'd never ask. That's usually the first question we get. Well, you're in Mammoth Lakes, California. It's a tiny town very far north, and very high up in the mountains." "It's gorgeous here," I say. I take a deep breath then say, "I thought about it, and I would really like to know who the person after us is. We might be able to help you catch them." "Are you sure," she asks. "It may not be the answer you're expecting." We both nod, then she says, "Alright. The person after you is Ryan Slocum." I look at Jake and gasp. "But why?" I ask. "He always seems so nice."
"Apparently he has a little obsession with you, Sam. He's decided if he can't have you, no one can. And Jake, since you're so protective of her, he knows he has to get rid of you too or he'll come after you." This comes from Jordan as he walks into the room with Ember and two other dogs. "You know Ember, but this is Onyx and Garnet, the other two dogs that will be protecting you." I nod but I'm still speechless. Ryan? But what about Jen? And what if he tries to hurt anyone in Jake's or my family?
Jake pov
I always knew Ryan couldn't be trusted. He would look at Sam like she was something to buy. That's why I was never able to tell Sam why I disliked Ryan so much.
I'm going to tell Sam I like her. I know she likes me, and maybe she'll feel safer if our friendship is not only repaired, but we're closer also. Besides, it'll probably get her mind off of Ryan, and I don't like to see her worried. Now, I just need to figure out a way to tell her. I'm not bold enough to just flat out tell her, or even write a note. I suppose I could kiss her. But I would need to find the right time and place. Ugh. This is all so confusing. "I'm gonna take a walk," I say. "Alright, but take Onyx and Garnet with you," says Jordan. "And don't go too far," adds Dylan.
Sam pov
I watched Jake walk out the door and I was filled with regret. I know he's embarrassed after last night, but I feel safest when I'm with him. He didn't show any emotion when we found out it was Ryan that was after us. I know that that's typical for Jake, but I know he really doesn't like Ryan. He is also usually protective when it comes to my safety, but he doesn't seem to care. I guess that means he doesn't want to even be my friend anymore.