Jack crossed his arms. “You don’t have to tell me.”

“What, about how juvenile you sound?”

“That’s not what I mean. I meant if you want my story, I’m getting yours. I don’t care if you think it’s juvenile.”

Okay. Well, then. They were getting personal, after all. And she thought she could make the drive without diving into those waters. But she hadn’t wanted to admit that somewhere along the way—maybe when she nearly died in that fire and Jack came to the rescue—she and Jack had crossed into personal territory. Even now, sitting next to him in the vehicle, a satisfying warmth filled her heart and a thrum had started deep in her belly.

How did she escape it? Did she even want to?

Jack cleared his throat. Oh yeah, he was waiting for an answer.

“Look, it’s no big deal. I was on a task force with several agencies when I was working undercover for the National Park Service. Jeremy was our archaeologist. He was the specialist on the team and could assist identifying some unique pieces. We worked closely together on one particular sting operation.” How did she explain without sounding weak? “I . . . something terrible happened.”

Tears surged. She wouldn’t speak until she knew her voice was steady.

“Terra, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t—”

“No, it’s okay. I want your story, so I’m going to tell you mine. One of the park rangers got killed. Just some crazy person out to end his own life and take others with him. He was speeding through the park when he pulled out an assault rifle and blasted his way through the ranger parked by the road. He bled to death before help could arrive.”

She blew out a breath. “I know you’re wondering what this has to do with Jeremy. I was upset, and so . . . I needed a someone. Jeremy and I turned to each other for comfort. It grew into something more than simple friendship.” She’d let her emotions get the best of her. “Obviously we’re no longer together.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. That relationship never should have happened.”

It was a full five years after Jack had left her utterly broken before she’d gotten romantically involved again. From Jeremy she learned that she didn’t have it in her to fully trust or love. She remained too guarded.

“Why shouldn’t it have happened, Terra?”

He wasn’t going to let it die, was he? “Because we were working together. We were a distraction to each other.” Terra briefly glanced at Jack to gauge his reaction.

Talking about Jeremy reminded her that she and Jack couldn’t have a thing going. Thinking about their past would help rein her in. But there was still . . . something. It wasn’t interfering with this investigation, was it?

“And?”