“I see he’s met his match,” Thomas replied with his eyes sparkling.
Caroline watched as Jameson climbed out of the pool. He stalked toward the towel while his eyes remained glued to her. Warmth filled her belly, and her heart raced as he promised her retribution.
“Jameson, there’s another shower in the guest bedroom of the pool house if you want to get cleaned up,” she suggested. “I’ll come say goodbye before I leave.”
“Take your time,” Thomas encouraged her, watching Jameson. He waited by the patio door until she approached and slid it open for her.
“You did an awesome job today. Swimming’s a great low-impact way to build muscle and increase your endurance. You’re still new to it. Always make sure someone’s with you,” he warned as they entered the living room.
“I will. You’ll find towels in the cabinet, and it already has soap and shampoo. I’m surprised Dad even stocked this place. Then again, this house doesn’t fit him. Maybe my years away changed him, too,” she remarked as she stared down the hall.
“Do you think he doesn’t like it?” he asked, glancing toward Thomas and Nancy.
“No. It’s lovely. It might be Nancy’s influence. My dad refused to sell our house to a realtor who once made him an offer. He said we made our best memories there. Of course, the neighborhood has gone downhill, and I looked it up on a real estate site. It’s beyond repair,” Caroline informed him. “I haven’t broached the topic yet, but I’m worried he spent his life savings searching for me.”
“Under the circumstances, do you think you’d do any less for your daughter?” he asked gently.
“I’d go to my grave searching to the end of the earth to find her,” she vowed. “They stole my innocence. If it happened to my children, I’d want revenge.”
“I feel the same way about you,” he murmured, cupping her face. “The Feds have Cain in sight, but if I got the chance, I’d pay him back for all the terrible things he put you through.”
Caroline held on to his wrists. “Thanks. But I’d rather do it myself.”
Their gazes met, and Caroline licked her lips as Jameson leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her mouth.
“I’d hold him down and let you at him,” he whispered, meaning every word.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Jameson drove the blue convertible while she leaned back in her seat, tired from the swim. Her sunglasses allowed her to take in Jameson while he drove and none the wiser.
“When do I need to give this car back?” she asked.
“It’s yours until you don’t need it anymore,” he informed her.
“It seems new. Who drove it before me?” she asked, watching him closely.
“It’s a new acquisition. You’re the first,” he said, glancing at her. “Did you call Rebecca and find out where you’re staying the night?”
“She set up one of the cabins,” Caroline said, turning to watch out the window.
“If you don’t want to stay there, we can come up with another solution,” he suggested as they pulled up to a red light.
“Rebecca’s watching Tara until Garrett and Riley return. Riley’s on her honeymoon. Rachel seemed upset with Matthew, and I don’t want to feel like I’m in the middle of a fight. It’s fine. After all, it’s only for two nights,” she said, sighing.
“My cabin has an extra bedroom,” he offered. “It’s no different than me watching you at the pool house,” he pointed out.
“I don’t know…It might seem rude,” she said, uneasily.
“Rebecca wants you to feel comfortable. Where do you want to stay?” he asked, holding his breath.
“I’ll stay at the cabin,” she said, resigned. “I won’t be there much anyway.”
“If you change your mind, I’ll leave the light on,” he teased, trying to ease the tension. He loved the woman he discovered in the pool and playing cards. She forgot the trauma and enjoyed herself. It seemed like she let her guard down more around him, and the sight of him didn’t make her immediately stiffen, as if reminding herself about his last name and his father. He desperately wanted it to continue.
“Thanks. Do you own your cabin? Delaney said Rebecca and Julio own theirs, and Garrett’s property has access to the ranch,” she questioned as he turned on the road to Embers.
“No. I’m only using it. Kassie gave the original team who saved her and Emma houses. Julio’s came with the job,” he explained.
