“I’ll let you tell her that.”
“Unless, she’s carrying,” he amended.
“I’m sure she’ll agree to that.”
“I’m sorry, my being here is putting everyone in danger,” Emily said.
Jake and Faith both looked at her and spoke at the same time.
“It’s hardly your fault, dear,” said Faith.
“No more apologies today.” Jake gave her a stern look.
Her cheeks turned hot at his reference to her apology this morning. Faith gave her a curious look. Emily did not want to explain to Faith, so she let it drop. Apparently, Jake knew how to push Emily’s buttons.
“Good. It’s settled. She’ll be here in a few hours.”
Emily welcomed the distraction Jake’s sister might provide. Was she as sensitive and compassionate as Jake?
* * *
“It’s horrible,Joe. I’m in limbo, knowing my life is in danger, waiting for something to happen. Everyone on the ranch is carrying guns, and it’s all my fault.” Emily sat in Jake’s office, twisting a lock of hair around her finger. She hoped he wouldn’t mind, but he hadn’t been around to ask, so she’d gone in any way to call Joe.
They had been talking for half an hour, with Emily doing most of the talking, or rather venting. She’d cried, she’d yelled, and Joe patiently talked her through her avalanche of emotions. When she sat down to make this call, she’d promised herself she would tell him about what happened last night, but she hadn’t been able to bring it up.
“Let the others worry about your safety. The important thing is to take care of yourself, Em. Are you eating?”
Emily went quiet. She knew Joe wouldn’t let her go without answering.
“Emily?”
She let out a sigh. “I’m trying.”
“Which means you’re not eating enough.”
She knew she should consume more calories than she was, but knowing and doing were two different things. Like she knew she shouldn’t have asked Jake to stay with her last night, but she’d done it anyway.Because I’m weak.
“I slept with him last night, Joe.” The words flew out of her mouth at the same moment the door opened.
Jake was three steps into the room before he registered her sitting on the love seat and the words she’d said. He froze and stared at her, a mixture of emotions crossed his face. Shock. Anger. Hurt.
“Jake?” Emily and Joe said in unison. Joe questioning and Emily exclaiming.
“Joe, I’ve got to go.”
“Emily. Wait. We need to talk about this.”
Jake spun around and walked out of the room.
Emily hung up on Joe’s protests. “Jake, come back. Please.”
Jake stopped. It was a long moment before he turned around. He stepped into the office and slammed the door behind him. He planted his feet and folded his arms. “Why did you tell him we slept together?”
“We did... sort of.”
“He’ll think I took advantage of you.”
Joe probably thought exactly that. Jake had every right to be upset. Emily rubbed her forehead. Why hadn’t she kept her mouth shut?
