by Cindy Stark
“No buts, Scarlett. The second you stop looking backward, the sooner you can move on. He still owns you because you let him.”
His words cut deep, leaving her breaths shallow. “I wish it was that easy.”
“It is. File for divorce. End it once and for all.”
“I’ve considered it, but I’m afraid if I do, that will just enflame things more, drive him mad, crazier than he already is.”
“Do I look like I’m scared?”
No, he looked like a man who could beat the tar out of Hank in a fair fight. But she knew her estranged husband never played fair. “Maybe you’re not, but I am. He’s a psycho.”
“Then you need to be rid of him once and for all.”
She agreed. As long as she bore his name, she’d never truly be free. Going off the grid was only a bandage, not a solution. One she would have lived with forever, though, if she hadn’t met Jesse. Now, she wanted to be free to love him. “I need time. Let me think about it.”
He placed another warm kiss on her lips. “Take all you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
She slid her fingers over his raspy cheek, wondering how she’d ever been lucky enough to find him. “Thank you.”
He released her and removed his coat. “So…back to the second reason I’m home early.”
She tried to clear her mind of everything that had taken place since she’d heard the slamming of a truck door.
“I saw a vision of a chocolate cake in my mind and knew it was waiting for me.”
She snorted in disbelief but smiled regardless. “Whatever. You’re not a visionary.”
“Okay, then Merle invited us to dinner tonight. I wanted to get back early to catch you before you started cooking.”
A frown settled on her brow. “Why didn’t Lydia just call me?”
He gave her a sheepish look. “Because…Lydia’s probably just finding out right now, too. Merle gave me a couple of hours’ worth of work today, and I mentioned you were going stir-crazy. He thought it would be a great idea for us to come over, and I agree.”
“A pity invite, then?” The last thing she wanted to be was a burden to anyone.
“No, a neighborly invite. I used to eat over there all the time. Since you moved in, I’ve only seen Lydia for a couple of minutes when I picked up your cat. They’re like family to me, and now to us. We’ll go to their house tonight, and then we can invite them to dinner another night.”
She liked the sound of that and couldn’t help but smile. The only thing was she’d have to be super careful to hide her feelings for Jesse from Lydia. She wasn’t ready for anyone to know about them yet.
Her smile brought one to his face as well. “That’s what I like to see. Let’s go spend some time with friends. It’s Saturday night. We should be doing something social.”
Saturday night? Holed up in Jesse’s house, with every day passing the same, she’d lost track of which day it was. Jesse had suffered the same. Each day was nothing but work for him. “You’re right. We both could use a break. I’ll take the chocolate cake for dessert.”
“Uh…” He graced her with a serious look. “I should probably sample it first.”
The man was devious. “Oh, do you think so?”
He pulled her back into his embrace and nuzzled her neck. “Yes. Now.”
“Now?” she asked with a laugh.
He kissed up her neck until he reached the soft spot behind her ear. “You know, in case it takes time for the poison to kick in.”
“You think I poisoned you?” she teased.
He pulled back and caught her gaze, causing her heart to skip a beat. “Better safe than sorry.” He glanced toward the clock on the wall. “If we hurry, I think I might have time for a piece of cake and a piece of you.”
“Is that so?”
His grin stole her heart. “I guess we’ll have to find out.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Thanks for letting us crash your evening.” Scarlett filled four coffee cups and placed them on a tray while Lydia cut slices of chocolate cake.
“I see Jesse couldn’t resist early dessert,” Lydia said.
Heat surfaced on her cheeks as she thought of the different kinds of dessert she and Jesse had shared that afternoon, and she made sure to keep her head bent so Lydia couldn’t notice. “You know him. I hope Merle didn’t get into too much trouble asking us to dinner before checking with you.”
Lydia dismissed her comment with a snort. “Are you kidding me? I should have thought of it before he did. You’re stuck in that house day after day. Anyone would go crazy. Besides, I miss you.”
“How can you miss me? I only lived with you for a short time.”
“But it was so lovely. I felt like I was on vacation from the mundane. We should probably get together a couple of times a week. Just me and you. I wish we could go shopping together.”
“Me, too.” She sighed. She’d give almost anything to have a normal life. “Jesse thinks I should file for divorce. He thinks that will help put things behind me.”
She eyed Scarlett with a discerning gaze. “Me thinks I detect a little something going on between you and Jesse.”
“Really?” How could she know?
“In case you haven’t noticed, he watches every move you make. Never thought I’d see him do that with another woman.”
“He does?” She pretended innocence. Would Lydia condemn her if she knew?
“He does, and so…” She lifted her brows in question.
Scarlett turned her attention to locating the sugar bowl. She hadn’t expected to have to own what she and Jesse had done so soon. She’d thought she have time to figure things out or to make things right or…
Lydia approached and put her hand on Scarlett’s arm. “Is everything okay?”
She still couldn’t meet her gaze. “Depends on your definition of okay.”
“So, it’s not okay.”
She released a ragged breath as buried fears surfaced. “Things happened. Things that shouldn’t have happened.” She lifted her gaze to her friend. “I don’t want to hurt him.”
“Why would you hurt him?”
“Because I’m still married. I might always be.”
“Oh, girl.” She placed an arm around her shoulder. “First thing, if you think Jesse’s going to crumble because life’s difficult, think again. He’s been through a hell of a lot, and he’s not slowing down. If he’s willing to accept another woman into his life, that says a hell of a lot about you. Second, you need to go easy on yourself. It’s one thing to cheat on a valid marriage, but what you have is nothing more than a sham. Sounds like it’s always been.”
“That’s true.” She paused. “I just wish everything wasn’t so messed up. Life would be much easier.”
Lydia laughed. “Have you listened to everything Merle’s been complaining about all evening? Trust me. We all wish life would be easier.”
“Yeah. I guess everyone is struggling with something.”
“If you’re serious about divorce, I have a cousin who lives in California who’s a divorce lawyer. He could draw up papers for you. No reason to disclose where you’re living.”
“Would I have to go to court? I don’t think I can stand to see him again.”
Lydia sighed. “I’m not sure, but I could ask him if you’d like.”
She nodded as she picked up the coffee tray. “Yeah. Ask and see what he says.”
Jesse glanced up as Scarlett and Lydia returned to the living room, and his heart did that crazy dance like it did whenever she was near. He half-tuned out Merle’s tirade on the benefits of raising grass-fed calves just to watch her move.
“We’d make more per head.” Merle shook his head in disgust. “A guy can barely make a living as it is.”
Jesse caught the pointed glance Scarlett shot at Lydia, who responded with an eyeroll. Apparently, the women agreed that Merle was a little too worked up over the situation.
“Your cake is amazing,” Lydia said l
oud enough to be heard over Merle’s voice. “Better than your coffee.” Not surprisingly, that halted his conversation, and he seemed to become aware that the ladies had rejoined them.
“Nothing better than Scarlett for dessert,” Jesse said with enthusiasm as he claimed his piece. The second his words were out of his mouth, he choked. “I mean Scarlett’s dessert.”
Lydia shot him a knowing look. “I know what you mean.”
“Agreed,” Merle said, ignorant of the conversation taking place behind the scene.
Jesse had eaten most of his cake when Scarlett stood abruptly. “Someone’s here,” she whispered.
The worried look on her face reminded him of their encounter that afternoon, and he wished he could wrap his hands around that fear and choke the life from it. Time would help her, he knew, but she’d have some hard days between now and then.
He reached for her hand, but she shook her head and slipped into the kitchen. The doorbell rang as he stood to follow her. He made it to the doorway to the kitchen and paused as Lydia reached the door.
Merle shot Lydia a questioning look, and she shrugged. “I don’t know who it could be,” she said in lowered tones.
She turned the knob and opened the door. From over her shoulder, Jesse caught sight of a stranger with shaggy reddish-brown hair and a red beard that needed a trim.
“Hello,” he said with a friendly smile, and then glanced beyond her and nodded to both men. “I hope I’m not interrupting your evening.”
“Is there something I can help you with?” Lydia asked in an overly-friendly tone, and Jesse immediately picked up on the suspicion hovering beneath.
“You probably don’t remember me.” He gave a sheepish smile. “We met when you were visiting your sister, Marie. You were in town during the Labor Day festival, and she introduced us.”
Holy shit. This was the mother-fucker who’d tortured Scarlett. Hatred raged inside him. He tightened his jaw but didn’t trust himself to move. He wanted to punch the prick into oblivion, but he’d probably end up in jail, leaving this asshole free to go after Scarlett. Best thing would be to keep it cool.
Scarlett. She’d be freaking out right now. He wanted to go to her, but he couldn’t or he might give something away. The thought of the terror she must be feeling sickened him.
Lydia hesitated a moment. “Your face is familiar, but I’m sorry. I don’t remember your name.”
“Hank West, ma’am.” Again, he glanced toward him and Merle, this time studying them for a few seconds longer. “I’m sure you’re wondering what I’m doing so far from home and landing here on your doorstep.”
She laughed. “I have to admit, it’s crossed my mind.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Do you mind if I come in? It’s chilly out, and I left my jacket in the truck.”
Lydia turned toward Merle, her expression panicked.
“Sure,” Merle said with all the confidence in the world. “What kind of people would we be if we let you freeze?”
The sound of a softly clicking door reached out to Jesse from the kitchen. Shit. She’d gone out the back door. He silently willed her not to run or to do anything stupid. Hank didn’t know she was there, and he prayed she didn’t do anything to give him a clue.
Hank thanked them as he entered and closed the door behind him. He removed his cowboy hat and held it with both hands. “Winter’s chill is already upon us.”
“Happens early here, being so close to the mountains,” Merle responded as he closed the distance between him and Lydia, wrapping a protective arm around his wife. “How can we help you, sir?”
“It’s a long story, but the gist of it is my wife has recently gone missing, and I’ll admit I’m plenty worried. She suffers from mental illness, not that most people would notice. But she’s not right in the head. She makes up stories. Lies. Convinces people she’s something she’s not. On the surface, it seemed a little harmless, nothing we couldn’t manage. Then she got worse. Tried to kill herself a couple of times. I feel like she’s really gone off the deep end this time.”
“The deep end?” Lydia asked innocently.
“Yeah,” Hank nodded as his fingers tightened on the brim of his hat. “Out of control. I waited a few days for her to come home. She disappeared once before, you see. But she hasn’t. I know it’s a long shot to think she’d come all the way here, but she used to talk about you both after we met you. She said she’d love to come to Moose Meadows for a visit. I know that was a long time ago, but I’ve tried all the obvious places. She’s not in the hospital, jail or morgue. Yet. But I feel like my time is running out.”
Lydia’s face contorted into heartwarming concern. “I’m so sorry. You must be terrified for her.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I wish we could help you, but I haven’t seen her except that one time. I hate to admit that I scarcely remember what she looks like.” Lydia shook her head, her expression worried. Jesse had no idea his friends could be so convincing.
Hank dug in his pocket and pulled out a mangled photo. It looked like it had been crumpled many times over. Probably in a fit of rage, Jesse concluded.
“This is her, my pretty Scarlett.” He twisted his lips into a troubled smile at the photo and then presented it to Lydia and Merle. “Maybe this will help.”
Lydia took the picture and studied it for a long moment. “I remember her now.” She gave the photo back to him. “But I haven’t seen her. I’m sorry. I truly wish I could help.”
“What about you?” he directed his question to Merle.
“Sorry, bud. If you want to leave a phone number, we could call if she shows up.”
Hank nodded, his gaze slipping to Jesse. “You?”
He battened down his tongue in the hopes of sounding civil. “Don’t know her.”
“You haven’t looked at her picture.” Hank held out the photo.
“Don’t need to. I haven’t seen anyone around these parts that I don’t already know.” He paused for emphasis. “Except you.”
Hank’s features tightened, and Jesse wished he could do a hell of a lot more to the asshole. But not now. Not this time. Scarlett was his main concern, and the sooner the fuckhead left, the sooner he could check on her.
Lydia opened a drawer in the end table next to the couch and pulled out a pen and small notebook. “Here. Give us your number, and we’ll be sure to call if we see her.”
Hank leaned over and scrawled his number before he straightened and handed the information to Lydia. “Thanks so much for your help. I appreciate it.”
“Of course,” Merle responded. “I know I’d feel the same if something happened to my wife.”
Lydia awkwardly blinked at her husband a few times. “Thanks, honey.”
Hank glanced about the room one more time, paused on Jesse, and then nodded a farewell. “You folks have a good night. Sorry to interrupt.”
Everyone in the house remained frozen in place until Hank’s engine started and headlights flashed into the room as he backed out of the drive.
“Holy shit,” Lydia exclaimed. “I can’t believe he came here.”
Jesse had no time for talk. He had to find Scarlett.
Chapter Nineteen
Jesse had no idea where Scarlett might go, but he figured the barn out back was a good place to start. He prayed she hadn’t gone farther.
With only his phone’s flashlight, he made his way across the yard. Frosty air surrounded him, reminding him she’d been outside for far too long without a coat. He should have thought to bring one along.
The door to the barn stood slightly ajar, which he decided was a good sign. He doubted Merle would have left it that way.
He pulled it open and stepped inside. Musty barn scents and sounds of restless animals greeted him. “Scarlett,” he called softly. “It’s Jesse. If you’re in here, it’s safe to come out.”
She peeked from within a stall and then fully emerged carrying a small revolver.
Damn, if the woma
n wasn’t consistent. “I see you’ve armed yourself again.” His attempt at humor failed to inspire a smile from either of them.
“Lydia told me where it was the first day I arrived.” Her eyes were wide, her gaze fierce. “He won’t get near me again and live to talk about it.”
At least she wasn’t crying in a corner. “He’s gone.”
She glanced behind him. “Are you sure?”
“I watched him get in his truck and drive away.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him to circle around and watch the house.”
He shook his head and gave her a soft smile. “He’s gone, Scarlett.”
“You don’t know him like I do. He’s crazy. Psychotic. What kind of person would drive all the way to a strange town and knock on the door of someone he’d met once, searching for his estranged wife?”
She had a point there. He sighed and scrubbed his chin. “I could see what you mean the moment I laid eyes on him. It took all I had not to lay him flat, but I didn’t. For you. Best thing is he’s had his look around and found nothing.”
She stared at him for a long moment and then gave a quick nod.
He snorted as he recalled events from the past few minutes. “I didn’t realize Lydia was such a great liar. But he asked his questions, poked and prodded, and got nowhere. Now, he’s gone.”
She moved closer until she was within arm’s reach, but he didn’t pull her to him. He sensed she needed space, and she’d come to him when she was ready. “He’s gone until he comes back.”
“No reason for him to come back. As far as he knows, there’s nothing here to see, and we’re a long way away from Colorado. I wish you could have been a fly on the wall so you could have seen how well Merle and Lydia handled it. If I didn’t know better, I would believe them.”
Her shoulders relaxed which allowed him to as well. She sighed and nodded. “I wish someone would have followed him until he was out of town. What if he’s still hanging around just to see if he stirred up anything?”
“He won’t find anything. He can check around town all he likes. If you’re worried about him seeing us now, he can’t see back here from the road. The dark of night will keep you hidden while you get in the truck, and I’ll be able to tell if anyone follows us home. I’ll park around back there, too. If he’s looking, he won’t see anything.”