The Princess Has Amnesia!. Patricia Thayer

      â€œCan’t do that,” he said, in a voice that was low and smooth as velvet. “So Rory will have to wait.”

      Slowly Ana came out of her fog and she opened her eyes. The man before her was familiar, but he represented what she didn’t want to remember. A plane crash, two dead men and no memory of who she was or if anyone was even looking for her.

      â€œWhat do you want?”

      â€œI need to check your pupils,” he said.

      She slowly and carefully made it into a sitting position, mainly to get away from him. “What?”

      â€œYour eyes. You have a concussion. I let you sleep a few hours, but you need to be awake now.”

      â€œOkay, I’m awake.” She looked toward the door. “Is it still raining?” Silly question when she could see water sheeting off the window pane.

      â€œIt eased off for a while.”

      She looked back at the man. “How do you stand being up here by yourself?”

      He shrugged. “I like being alone.”

      â€œYes, solitude can have its advantages, but what if something happened?”

      â€œMax is a pretty good watchdog, he could go for help.”

      That sparked an idea in her head. “Could he go now and let the authorities know I’m here?”

      â€œNot in this weather. Besides, this isn’t a life-or-death situation.”

      â€œMaybe not to you,” she said, hating the trapped feeling that was enveloping her.

      â€œIf you’ll be patient a while, this weather will clear and I’ll get you down the mountain, or better yet, maybe Rory will rescue you.”

      â€œRory? Who’s Rory?”

      â€œYou tell me. You called out his name when I tried to wake you.”

      She gasped. “I did?” At his nod, she worked to remember, but nothing came. She couldn’t come up with anyone by the name of Rory. What if he was her…husband? “I can’t remember,” she said through gritted teeth.

      â€œStop trying so hard. Things will come to you.” He moved closer. “Now, look up here so I can check your pupils.” She did as he asked and sat still as he shined the flashlight in her eyes.

      Jake Sanderstone was so close that she could feel his breath against her face. She drew air into her lungs and inhaled his scent and something else. Straw and some kind of animal. A horse.

      She pulled back. “Horses.”

      â€œWhat?” He looked confused and annoyed. “What about horses?”

      â€œYou smell like horses. Why is that?”

      His nearly black eyes captured hers. “Maybe because I just came in from feeding two in the stable. Why? Do you remember something?”

      She shook her head. “Just that I recognize the scent of horses. That’s not such a breakthrough. Pretty distinctive odor.”

      â€œMaybe. But you might know something about horses. Give yourself some time to think about that.” He got up and went to the kitchen area. On the stove was a pan and he began stirring. “If you’re hungry, I heated up some stew.”

      Suddenly, her stomach growled. “Maybe I could eat a little.”

      â€œGood.” He smiled this time. “It’ll help you get your strength back.” He pulled down two mismatched bowls from the cupboard and filled them with two large ladle full of stew. He carried the heaping bowls to the small table and went back for a loaf of bread.

      â€œSupper is ready,” he said as he came to the couch.

      Ana started to stand, but her legs wouldn’t cooperate. Instead of asking for his help, she used the couch for support and slowly made her way into the kitchen. “Looks good.”

      â€œIt’s canned. I’m hoping when you feel better, you can practice your culinary skills on me.”

      â€œI don’t cook.”

      He sent her a questioning look. “Now, of all the things you had to remember, why that?”

      She shrugged and picked up her spoon. “I don’t think I’ve spent much time in a kitchen at all.” She paused and looked around the bowl.

      â€œWhat are you looking for?”

      â€œA napkin.”

      Silently, Jake went to the cupboard and pulled out a package of paper napkins and handed her one. She could feel his eyes on her as she placed it across her lap.

      â€œYou all set now?” he asked as he returned to his seat.

      â€œYes, thank you,” she answered. After taking a bite, she savored the taste. She’d probably had better, but nothing more appreciated. “As I was saying…I don’t recognize anything.”

      â€œWell, when you’re feeling better, I’ll introduce you around,” he said with a cocky smile, then added, “sugar.”

      â€œI insist you stop calling me by that ridiculous name.”

      â€œYou’re insisting?”

      Ana hated that flash of arrogance in his midnight eyes. She didn’t like being teased, never did. Another flicker of memory. Well, she wasn’t about to tell him that so she concentrated on eating her stew. But there was another pressing matter that she did have to talk with him about. She needed to use the facilities. She looked around the room wondering if it was through the bedroom.

      â€œWhat do you need?” he asked her.

      â€œNothing.” She turned back to her food, but the need wouldn’t go away, it only intensified. She stood. “Would you please direct me to the facilities?”

      â€œSure, but I’m going to have to go with you.”

      â€œI beg your pardon. I assure you Mr. Sanderstone, I’m capable of taking care of the situation quite nicely, thank you.”

      â€œThe name’s Jake. And I think this time, especially in your condition, you need my help.”

      â€œYou’ve helped quite enough. Now I want you to show me where to go.”

      His smile turned into a full-fledged grin. “It would be my pleasure.” He pointed to the door. “It’s outside to the left about thirty yards from the cabin.”

      Ana bit back a groan, but wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her distaste. He went to the door ahead of her and helped her into rain gear and boots. He opened the door and walked her to the edge of the porch. He turned serious. “Sure you don’t need my help, sugar?”

      Her temper flared again. “Look…Yank. I told you, I can handle this.”

      She got the satisfaction of seeing his irritation before she stepped off the porch. The cold rain washed over her face and made her shiver. She moved slowly, but she would die before she let Jake Sanderstone know just how much she really needed him.

      Just before dawn the next morning, Jake was stretched out on the couch, listening to the crackling of the fire. Ana had gone to sleep in the bed. He’d checked on her off and on during the night. She was much better. Enough so he felt he could leave her for a while.

      After