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She should go back with Clint to the Colevilles’. Now she remembered how it had stressed her that she might bring her mother’s wrath down on that incredible family, but they kept reassuring her they knew witness protection and they were armed and trained. It worried her, but what could she do?
Lights bounced around the canyon and she could tell a vehicle would burst out into the valley soon.
Cade studied her. “Please stay here. Don’t open the door for anyone but Clint or me.”
Jacey could only nod. Standing there, she listened to his steps and then heard the front door open and close. There wasn’t an angle of the front porch from here. Maybe from Cade’s guest bedroom. She hurried out of the master and across the hall. Stepping into the bedroom, her eyes swept the area. Cade must have flipped on the front porch lights. There was enough light to see. There was nothing in the room but a couple sleeping bags stacked on top of each other with sheets and a blanket and a pillow, some clothes in the closet.
Cade.
She put her hand to her mouth. He had been sleeping on the floor so she could sleep in his master suite.
He was too good of a man. She had to get away from him. To save him. She pivoted and ran from the room, down the stairs and into the great room. She hesitated. How could she convince Clint to take her back to Coleville Ranch without Sheryl seeing her? Sneak around through the garage and hide in the back of his truck while they were all distracted?
She heard heated voices and then the front door burst open. An exquisitely beautiful blonde woman burst through the door, crying out, “I’m meant to be with … Who are you?”
Jacey darted back to the stairs. If there was one thing she’d learned from her year at the Colevilles’, nobody but the family and a few of the highly trusted ranch hands could know she was there. It was how she’d stayed safe for a year.
“Housekeeper,” Jacey said, forcing a smile, unable to keep the quaver from her voice.
Cade and Clint were right behind the woman. Both of them looked like deer caught in the headlights.
“If you’ll pardon me.” She hurried up the steps.
The woman was crying and carrying on behind her. “Housekeeper? That gorgeous woman is no housekeeper!”
Jacey hurried into the master suite, hoping the lady hadn’t recognized her. Her idea to go to Coleville Ranch with Clint might cause a mess. She could go in the morning.
She couldn’t resist leaving the door cracked and listening intently.
“You’re living with that lady! Laynee promised you looked miserable at church, that you were alone and pining for me.”
“That’s it,” Clint growled. “I didn’t want to physically restrain you, but you’re leaving me no choice.”
The lady screamed out in protest, but seconds later the door was slammed behind her.
Jacey waited, wondering if Cade had gone outside with them. A few minutes later, two sets of headlights bounced around and then disappeared. Would Cade have left Jacey to drive the Jeep? That didn’t seem like her Cade.
Her Cade? That sadly could never happen.
The front door opened and closed again. Then Cade trod up the stairs. She opened the door fully and walked out to face him. He looked exhausted and frustrated.
She had no idea what to ask, what to say.
“Sheryl?” she managed.
He exhaled slowly, rubbing at his jaw. “She decided she wanted me back.”
“Oh. Do you …”
“Do I what?” Cade had never gotten frustrated with her, but he was definitely annoyed right now.
“Want her back?” She folded her arms across her chest to protect herself. She had to leave, but she was selfishly jealous.
“Never.” Cade shook his head. His jaw worked, but he didn’t say anything else.
Jacey was relieved. “You loved her?”
“I thought I did. When I came home with a medal and an honorable discharge because of my knee … I found out she was with Clint. She’d been dating him here and me long distance. She played both of us.”
