Hostage Rescue (Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense)

by Lisa Harris

  Cammie waved her hands while she rambled on, leaning in for emphasis every few seconds. It was like they were back in college, but while Gwen had grown beyond the need to dig up the latest gossip, she wasn’t sure Cammie ever had. Funny how it wasn’t even Cammie’s brother who’d been arrested, and yet her friend was still was managing to be the center of attention.

  “Do you have plans for the Fourth?” Cammie asked, barely taking a breath before sipping on the water their waitress had brought her.

  Gwen worked to keep her expression neutral. “I was invited somewhere for the weekend, but I don’t think I’m going.”

  “Who’s the invitation from?”

  “Just some friends. A family who lives south of here on a ranch.”

  “I bet it’s beautiful.”

  “It is,” Gwen said, wanting to change the subject before it switched to Caden. “Tell me—”

  “I’d love to tag along if I didn’t have to get back to my family.”

  “You have a great family.”

  “I thought I had a great family.” Cammie’s smile faded. “Jeff and I are getting a divorce. That’s one of the reasons I’m back in town. I needed to get away.”

  “What?”

  “It’s a long time coming, though I never thought it would really happen. Turns out we want completely different things. Have different goals.”

  “I’m really sorry to hear that.” The confession surprised her. She’d thought—at least from the outside—that their relationship had been good. Apparently, she’d been wrong.

  “Me, too.”

  Gwen swirled the straw in her tea and frowned. No one was perfect—she had no illusions about that—but it was still sad. She’d always looked at marriage as forever, if at all possible.

  “Jeff’s keeping the kids right now, but you can imagine how awkward it has been.”

  “I really am sorry.”

  “Forget about me and my drama… What about you? Are you dating anyone?”

  “No.”

  Cammie cocked her head. “You’re hiding something from me.”

  Gwen frowned. Even if they had been dating, Caden wasn’t exactly a subject she was going to bring up.

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “I’m hardly being ridiculous. You’ve got that dreamy, head-in-the-clouds look written all over you. Who is it?”

  She signaled for the waitress. “No one.”

  Which was true. She wasn’t in love with Caden. Just because he was handsome, charming and nothing like the man she’d believed he was didn’t mean there was anything between them.

  The waitress stepped up to their table to take their orders.

  “I’ll have the Cobb salad, please.” Gwen handed the woman her menu, hoping the distraction had ended their conversation.

  “Sounds delicious. I’ll have the same thing.” Cammie took another sip of her water, then set it down in front of her. “I was shocked to hear that Caden was somehow involved in what happened with your brother.”

  “He was out camping.” Gwen tried to keep her voice steady. Clearly this was the real reason for the impromptu lunch. “He ended up saving my life.”

  “That’s so crazy. How is he?”

  “He’s doing well.”

  “You must have talked with him some.”

  “Of course. He’s—he’s working his father’s ranch.”

  Cammie’s eyes widened as she put the pieces together. “Your plans for the Fourth.”

  So much for her plans not to talk about Caden.

  “My potential plans for the Fourth.”

  “And why wouldn’t you want to go?”

  “Because…”

  Because she couldn’t move forward until she knew what really happened that night.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Gwen asked.

  “Of course.”

  “What really happened the night you and Caden broke things off?”

  She knew she was stepping on rocky ground, but even if there was no future between her and Caden, she needed to know the truth.

  “That was a long time ago, Gwen. If he’s the one you’re interested in and you’re worried about my reaction, you don’t have to be, though I certainly hope he’s changed. We had issues. Both of us. And I—I admit, I had been questioning things for weeks before the wedding.”

  “Did he really break things off with you?”

  Cammie grabbed the napkin off the table and squeezed it. “I made some mistakes. In less than twenty-four hours all the guests were going to arrive. Canceling the wedding would have ruined everything, I just… I didn’t know what to do.”

  “So you blamed him.”

  “Gwen…”

  “I just need to know the truth.”

  Friends and family had rallied around her. But if that was nothing more than a lie? She tried to shake the next thought, but it wouldn’t disappear.

  “Were you in love with Jeff while engaged to Caden?”

  “Gwen…that was years ago. None of that matters anymore.”

  “It matters to me.”

  “Why?”

  “It just…does.”

  “Fine. Caden was busy with school and work, and I was lonely. I never meant anything by it. Jeff and I just started going out as friends. Sometimes a movie. Sometimes dinner.”

  “You were engaged to Caden. He trusted you.”

  “I made mistakes. And now it turns out I chose the wrong man again.”

  “But you always told me he broke things off and broke your heart. That he was the love of your life and he’d betrayed you.” A seed of frustration and anger sprouted. “I talked to him that night. Told him exactly what I thought about his behavior, and I wasn’t very nice.”

  Cammie shrugged. “What did you expect me to do? Tell my guests that I’d cheated on my fiancé? How would that have made me look?”

  Gwen couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “He never told anyone, Cammie. He let everyone there that night believe that it was his fault. He took all the blame because no matter what you did, he still loved you.”

  “Why does any of that matter? Because you’re in love with him, aren’t you? He played the hero and rescued you and now you’ve fallen for him.”

  “I’m not in love with him.”

  Gwen stared at Cammie’s necklace, then dropped her gaze. She never should have agreed to meet with her. She’d heard enough now to know that everything Caden had told her was true. And everything Cammie had told her was nothing more than lies.

  “You are, aren’t you?”

  “I never said I was in love with him. His parents invited me to the ranch, actually. They’re just being nice. They know I’ve been having a hard time with my brother and thought I could use a weekend away.”

  “It’s just hard to imagine my best friend falling for my ex-fiancé. I’m not sure I can wrap my mind around that.”

  “He used to be good enough for you.”

  “That wasn’t exactly what I meant. I have no interest in a relationship with Caden, and if you want my blessing, you have it. That was a long time ago and I’m certainly not the same person. I’m sure he’s not, either. The two of you are probably perfect for each other, anyway. As far as I’m concerned, you can have Caden O’Callaghan and his stuffy morals.”

  “Cammie, I—”

  The waitress stopped in front of their table and set the salads in front of them.

  “You know what?” Cammie stood up and grabbed her bag. “I’m not hungry anymore.”

  Gwen’s heart pounded as she watched Cammie stomp away. How had she been so wrong about someone? About both Cammie and Caden?

  Caden was at the main house when he heard a car coming down the gravel road. He stepped out onto the porch, feeling the pack of nerves he’d tried to stuff down all
morning shoot up again. When Gwen had accepted his parents’ invitation for the Fourth of July weekend, he’d panicked at the thought of her visiting.

  Which didn’t make sense.

  He’d enjoyed their frequent conversations over the past few weeks, and felt like every time they spoke, he got to know her a little better. They’d spent time talking about everything from their dislikes, to quirks, to deeper things like faith and their values. And the more he’d learned about her, the more he’d realized they were on the same page. But nothing they’d said on the phone, or via texting, had crossed the line from friendship toward something more. And that was the problem. Every time he’d tried to move their relationship forward, he felt her holding back. But maybe he shouldn’t be surprised. He wanted a relationship with the woman who’d despised him for over a decade.

  The bottom line was he was thirty-two and had lived enough to know exactly what he wanted. And Gwen was what he wanted—but she had no feelings for him.

  He met her car, opened up her door and felt a familiar stir as she slid out of the driver’s seat and smiled up at him.

  “I’m glad you came.” He pulled her into a hug, resisting the urge to kiss her as he took in her red sundress, perfect for the patriotic weekend. “You look great.”

  He swallowed hard. She was perfect for him.

  “Thanks. There was a conflict at work, and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to come for a while, but I managed to sort things out and get away.”

  “I’m glad.” He studied those wide blue eyes of hers and wondered how he could have missed her so much. “My mother’s got the guest room ready for you, so you can make yourself at home for the weekend.”

  She shoved her keys into her pocket. “I really could have driven back to Denver tonight. I don’t want to be any trouble.”

  “You’re no trouble. Trust me. My mom loves having the house full. The more family and friends around, the happier she is.”

  “I hope so.” She pulled out a pink carry-on suitcase from the back seat and set it on the ground.

  “Is there more in the back?” he asked.

  “No. I’m a pretty light packer.”

  “I’m impressed. I’ve seen my mother take three times this much for just an overnight trip.” He stopped in front of her. “Before we go in…how are you? I know that the past few weeks have been hard.”

  A shadow crossed her face. “It has been tough. I know Aaron will spend some time in jail and lose his bounty-hunter license, but at least he’s alive. I keep telling myself that God gives second chances, and I need to be there for him.”

  “You’re not alone in this.” He glanced at her sandals. “What about your ankle?”

  “It’s finally healed, thankfully.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, as well.”

  She looked toward the house. “Where is everybody?”

  “My mom’s still here, but Mia wanted to go see the cows, so everyone took the Jeep out to the west pasture to check on them.”

  “Mia’s Gabby and Liam’s child?”

  Caden nodded. “She’s two and has completely stolen everyone’s hearts.”

  “Caden?”

  His mother hurried toward the car, waving at them. “I guess I’m not the only one excited to see you.”

  Without even hesitating, his mother stopped in front of them and pulled Gwen into a hug. “I’m so glad you decided to come.”

  “I appreciate the invitation, though I was surprised.”

  “You shouldn’t be. We’ve been wanting to meet you. It’s become a bit of a family reunion with all my boys here, plus current and future daughters-in-law, and a grandbaby… I’m sure you’ll fit right in once you meet everyone.”

  Gwen glanced up at him. “I still think that if I lived here all I’d do is sit on the front porch and enjoy the view.”

  Caden smiled at the soft blush crossing her cheeks. Maybe she felt somewhat presumptuous by her statement, but he loved the thought of the two of them spending hours on the front porch together.

  “Honestly, I never get tired of the view,” his mom said. “And you can sit all you want on the porch. Let me take your bag up to the house. Lunch isn’t going to be ready for another hour, so Caden, why don’t the two of you go for a walk before everyone gets back. The weather’s perfect.”

  “I’d be happy to come inside and help with lunch,” Gwen said.

  “You didn’t come here to work—”

  “I would like to show you around a bit,” Caden said. Knowing his family, this might be the only time he got to be alone with her.

  The sound of tires on the gravel interrupted his thoughts as the Jeep pulled up in front of Gwen’s car. Caden frowned. Too late.

  He forced a smile as his family piled out of the Jeep and he started making introductions. “Gwen, this is my youngest brother, Liam, and his wife, Gabby, and, of course, Mia.”

  “I hear you’re expecting another little one. Congratulations,” Gwen said.

  Gabby beamed. “Thank you.”

  “We’re superexcited,” Liam said. “And it’s great to meet you.”

  “You’ve already met Griffin and Tory. Reid’s the only one not here, besides my father, and they should both be back soon.”

  “Nice to meet all of you. I’ve been looking forward to this weekend.”

  He put his hand on Gwen’s arm, not wanting to miss a few minutes alone with her. “Why don’t you all head up to the house. I’m going to show Gwen around a bit before lunch.”

  Laughter and chatting faded as the group headed to the house and he turned back to her. “Sorry about that. When my entire family gets together it can be a bit overwhelming.”

  “No, it’s fine. Really. I’ve been looking forward to meeting your family. They’re all so nice and welcoming.”

  “Good, because I really am glad you’re here.”

  They headed down a tree-lined path that led to the pond. He drew in a deep breath of fresh air, surprised at how much he’d missed her. And how glad he was that she was here with him.

  “I’ve been talking to my father about your idea, as you know,” he said as they walked. “He’s really interested in bringing corporations and local businesses on board. I’d like your input, but we’re thinking about implementing some of your ideas. I’d like to also have a free program for veterans.”

  “I love that idea.”

  “I thought you would. There’s a lot more that we’d have to talk about, but I’ve definitely been doing a lot of thinking about it.” Been thinking a lot about you. “I’d love your thoughts on making the idea a reality.”

  Doubts from his practical side shot through him as he tried to read her expression.

  Just tell her how you really feel before you go any further.

  “Gwen, I—”

  “I’d love to brainstorm with you and your father, but there’s something I really need to talk to you about first.”

  “Of course.”

  She turned toward him. The mountains framed her in the background, making him want to snap a photo and preserve the moment.

  “I don’t know how else to say it than just jumping into it,” she said. “I saw Cammie a few days ago. She called me up out of the blue and wanted to go out to lunch. Apparently she’d seen a newspaper article about us and my brother, and the entire fiasco, and had to know more.”

  “Cammie?” His ex-fiancée wasn’t exactly the topic of conversation he’d expected. “Okay…how is she?”

  “Getting a divorce. I was pretty surprised to hear that, but there was something else I was even more surprised about. Why didn’t you tell me the truth about her? That she cheated on you and you turned around and let her lie about you. Even when I confronted you, you never said anything. Why?”

  “Back then… I suppose because I still loved her and didn’t se
e the point in ruining her reputation.”

  “She didn’t have any trouble trying to ruin yours.”

  He stuffed his hands in his pockets, not sure where this was going. “That night I was hurt, understandably. But when she started telling everyone how I’d broken up with her, I realized that I could have married her and found out later who she really was. I was simply grateful that didn’t happen, even though it was painful to find out that way.”

  “I have to say I admire you for not trashing her reputation, because she deserved it.”

  How was he supposed to respond?

  “Cammie had this charm about her that had me blinded. In the back of my mind, I told myself I could put up with her faults, because there was enough good in her to make up for them. But that night I realized I’d bought in to a lie, and I promised myself I would never compromise my values like that again. Instead, I would wait until I found the right person, even if that meant I stayed single the rest of my life.”

  He rocked back on the heels of his boots, struggling to find the right words. “Besides, I wasn’t sure anyone would believe me. She painted a pretty stark picture of me. And, on top of that, what did it matter? We weren’t getting married. My heart was broken, and I decided to simply walk away. But none of that matters anymore.”

  “It does to me.” She stared out past him at the mountains. “I’ve held on to this grudge against you for all these years on false information.”

  “Honestly, I’m flattered you remembered me at all,” he teased, trying to lighten the heaviness that had fallen between them.

  “I’m serious, Caden.”

  “I know.” He bit the edge of his tongue and started walking again. “I’m sorry.”

  “But that’s just it. You had nothing to be sorry about. You have nothing to be sorry about. I just… Back then it was so hard for me to see a friend hurt, and now I know it was nothing but a bunch of lies. I still can’t believe she’d do something like that to you.”

  “I was just as much to blame, I’m sure. She needed more than I could give her.”

  “But she never should have treated you that way. She lied about you.”