“I know you have every reason to distrust me. I led you on, led you to believe we had a future. At the time I thought we did.”
“I see. Then somehow you discovered you were wrong.”
“I can only tell you that I had no choice. There were...other considerations. The team, Pleasant Oaks,” he added lamely. “But you and Sarah mean a lot to me. That’s why I’m here.”
“It seems to me Sarah and I mean very little to you. Your coaching job and your precious stable are what you care about most. Or was I just another conquest?”
“It wasn’t that way.”
“It wasn’t? Maybe I wasn’t good enough in bed. Or maybe you’re the kind of man who needs a different woman every few months to keep his...interest...from lagging.”
“Dammit, Maggie!” Jake surged to his feet. “You know that wasn’t the way it was! I had reasons—things I can’t discuss. I wanted to tell you. I still want to, but I can’t.”
“Can’t Jake? Or won’t?”
He released a slow breath, trying to stay calm. “I never meant to hurt you.”
“Then tell me the truth. What happened to us, Jake?”
“I did what had to. That’s all I can say.”
“Then why are you here?”
Jake clamped down on his emotions and sat back down on the bed. “There have been some problems.”
Maggie sat up straighter in the chair. “Has something happened to the team?”
“That’s just it. I’m afraid something might.” He ran his fingers through his hair, determined to remain in control. “There have been a couple of incidents...so far nobody’s been seriously injured, but—”
“What kind of incidents?”
“One of the horses was drugged. Someone broke into Ellie’s room and attacked her.”
Maggie eyes went wide. “Oh, my God, is she all right?”
“The guy roughed her up pretty good. Clay Whitfield played knight in shining armor and came to her rescue.”
“I think Clay’s more chivalrous than he suspects.”
“Maybe. But things could have turned out differently. She could have been hurt very badly, maybe even killed. That’s why I came. I want you to take Sarah and go home.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Dammit, Maggie, you know as well as I do, the international climate isn’t good. That airbus the Navy accidentally shot down last week could be the fuse that sets off the dynamite. I’d feel a whole lot better if you and Sarah were somewhere safe.”
Maggie just shook her head. “You must be out of your mind. I have a job to do—an important job. The team needs me. I’m not about to go home. I can’t believe you’re even suggesting it.”
“What about Sarah? It isn’t safe for her here. She’s just a child. She’d be better off at home.”
Maggie’s gaze fixed on his face. “What’s this about, Jake? Something’s going on. Tell me what it is.”
“I just told you. Surely, for Sarah’s sake you’ll consider what I’m saying.”
Maggie watched him closely. His face looked drawn and tired, the skin taut over his high cheekbones. “This isn’t about the international climate, is it?”
“Of course, it is.”
“This is about you, Jake. Something’s wrong and you’re involved.”
