The men laughed, picturing the two of them fighting.
“We have about an hour before the shower winds down,” Julio interrupted their fun. “I want to update you on what we’ve learned from the Feds.”
The men grew serious as Julio turned their get-together into a business meeting.
“They followed Cain to one of the ring leaders, who set up their operation in Denver. Tomorrow, they plan to raid the warehouse. As of this morning, they found twelve victims. We don’t have a number yet on gender or age. They’ve seen four women in total, guessing their ages around their twenties.”
“Do we plan to spin up?” Jameson asked, feeling disappointed.
“No. They have it covered. After the raid, Rebecca and I will fly with Dr. Greene and bring back the survivors. I’ve asked Matthew and Rachel to ready the cabins.”
“I know I’ve spent more time with Caroline than you anticipated. I can do the cabins,” Jameson offered, hoping to give Matthew time with Rachel to work things out.
“We have it. You’re making progress with Caroline, and it’s important you spend this time with her,” Mathew advised. “If the situation were reversed, you’d cover us in a heartbeat. Let us do the same for you.”
“Anytime,” Jameson said gratefully.
Julio glanced at his phone.
“It’s time to pick up Delaney, Mac. She’s tired, and Rebecca suggested she take a nap before this evening. Jameson, you can get Caroline settled, and I’ll let them know cabin four will be available for tomorrow.”
Jameson rose, taking their whiskey glasses to the kitchen and adding them to the dishwasher. His heart sped up at the thought of taking Caroline home. It’s as if she belonged here with him, even if she didn’t know it yet.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Caroline entered the farmhouse and gazed around the spacious area. She smiled when she walked into the living room to see a huge TV and a couch.
“I see you’ve upgraded a bit since the last time I visited,” she said, making him grin.
Jameson nervously rubbed his stubble and grinned. “I haven’t spent much time here. You can have the bedroom, and I’ll sleep out here.”
She nodded, taking her suitcase into the room he pointed to.
“What time do we return to Julio and Rebecca’s house?” she asked, trying to ease the tension between them.
“We have a couple of hours. Do you want to watch TV or something?” He asked, scanning the room. “I can make you a snack. Shit, I can’t. I haven’t gone to the grocery store in weeks.”
Caroline giggled. “What’s the matter? You seem a little jittery.” She picked up his hand and examined his nails. “You didn’t bite them, did you?”
He pulled her close and tickled her with his scruff.
“You’ve given me a hard time all day today,” he said, lightheartedly. “What’s got into you?”
Caroline’s smile faded as she drew the courage to tell him her feelings.
“I don’t know how to overcome the situation with your father. But you’ve shown me you’re nothing like him. After all you did to find me, it’s not fair to judge you by his actions,” she faltered, hoping he understood her.
“What are you saying, Caroline?” he asked softly, caressing her cheek.
“I…I have feelings for you. Years of abuse have taught me to read a man’s actions and his words. I think you care for me, too, but I’m afraid. If you do, I’d like to see where this might lead.”
Jameson let out a relieved sigh.
“I care a lot about you, too,” he told her. “We can move slowly and agree to talk about things when they feel uncomfortable.”
“I’d like that,” she murmured. “I have scars.”
Jameson stepped back and yanked up his shirt. “So do I.”
