I pull myself out of his arms to twist and turn and look at him, placing a palm on his chest to keep myself upright, and he runs his fingers up my wrist and arm until his hand cups my face gently. He pulls me close and kisses me softly on the mouth, stilling my manic panic. Soothing me instantly, I return to calmer, less erratic thoughts.

“Then Jackson is with you every second of the appointment. He’s ex-military, highly trained and won’t let anything happen to you. I can meet ...