“You have our word,” Julio vowed. “Things always seem to appear more sinister at night. Let her have time to sort out how she feels about it, then approach her.”
Jameson huffed and shook his head. “You didn’t see the terror in her eyes. The way her voice shook as she ordered me to leave. Fuck,” he said, pinching his nose to keep the tears from welling in his own eyes. Seeing Caroline’s reaction cut him like a knife.
“Let’s see how the women fare, and they may be able to offer some guidance,” Mac suggested.
Jameson nodded and took a swig of whiskey, letting the burn take over. He wanted to feel as numb as his heart.
“Caroline,”Rebecca called her name as the women walked through the cabin. Riley headed straight for the emergency closet while Rachel checked the bathroom.
“She’s in here,” Rachel called, taking a washcloth and wetting it with cold water. “Come on, Caroline. You can’t check out because things got tough. You’re a survivor.”
Caroline stared at the ceiling, hearing the women searching for her. Her body seemed frozen to the spot, and the terror in her mind refused to leave her alone.
“Oh, honey,” Rebecca said softly as she put her hands under Caroline’s shoulders and sat her up. “Riley, get me some orange juice.”
Riley ran to the kitchen while Rebecca and Rachel held her up.
“Why didn’t you call one of us?” Rachel demanded. “We’re your friends.”
“Jameson,” Caroline whispered. “He’s…”
“We know,” Rebecca admitted gently. “I know this has come as quite a shock, but he’s still the same man you relied on while you recovered at the clinic. Drink this,” she said, handing her the orange juice Riley passed to her.
“It’s your wedding day. You need to go with your husband,” she insisted.
“Garrett and I have this thing. When our family needs us, we take care of business first. Besides, how can I enjoy myself knowing you’re in pain?” Riley asked, taking the glass and helping her to her feet.
The women led her into the living room. Rachel covered her with a blanket and sat at her feet on the floor. Riley and Rebecca sat on each side of her.
“How can you act this calm? If you know about his father, why do you keep him here?” Caroline asked, attempting to keep the hysteria at bay.
Rachel rubbed her feet. “Have you heard, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover?’ It’s the same with people. Jameson shares a last name with a man who deserves to rot in hell. It doesn’t mean he’s cut from the same cloth.”
“Did Jameson know this before he rescued me?” she asked.
“His name tends to have doors slammed in his face. He didn’t know your story until you told him,” Rebecca explained. “He struggled to tell you because he knew it might hurt you.”
“I can’t stay here. He lives on the ranch, and I don’t think I’ll feel safe here ever again. It may sound selfish, but I don’t think I can look at him the same way,” she admitted, peering at her friends. Her heart broke thinking when she left the ranch, she left them, too.
“He’s at the farmhouse with the men. Jameson called me first to ensure your welfare. He’s worried about you,” Rebecca said, heading toward the kitchen. She added water to the teapot and heated it.
“I haven’t known Jameson as long as these two, but I can tell you he’s a wonderful friend. He helped us move into our home. Jameson even helped clean out the barn for the wedding at night, after he returned home from work. He checked on you first and then met Garrett in the barn to ensure it didn’t smell like horse manure,” Riley offered. “When I decided to leave Embers, Tara and I caught a bus, heading to Corpus Christi. Jameson alerted Garrett, and he stopped the bus in the middle of an intersection. I made a mistake by not communicating with Garrett. He hurt me, and instead of talking it out, I ran.”
“I’ve lived in your shoes,” Rebecca said. “I know how scary it must’ve felt when you found out. Your instincts tell you to run. What does your heart say, Caroline? Since we rescued you, Jameson seems like the only person you trust completely. Did it all disappear when you heard his last name? Haven’t his actions shown you the real man?” Rising, she went to the kitchen and made four cups of tea.
Caroline bit her lip. Everything they said rang true, but the fear loomed larger than her common sense.
“I spent a year in his father’s house. How did I never run into Jameson?” she asked, hugging the teacup, relishing its warmth.
“It’s a question only he can answer,” Rebecca said. “Matthew knew him from his time in the military. He recommended him for the bodyguard position on Serenity Mountain. Instead of running, why don’t you seek the answers to your questions?”
“Because I don’t know if I can tell the difference between the truth and a lie. I don’t trust my instincts right now,” she answered truthfully.
“I get it. It’s hard,” Rebecca sympathized. “Maybe I can help with some of your questions. Can you stay until Wednesday? I think it’s time you spoke with someone who might clear up a few things and give you some peace of mind.”
“I’m supposed to see my father tomorrow. Jameson located him. All this time, I thought he died with my mom,” she said, pulling her knees to her chin. The warm tea soothed her.
“We can take you,” Rachel offered.
