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? So really you think I shouldn’t have slept with C.J., Hunter, and York? You think I’ve put them in danger?”
“No. Cameron is different than Skip.”
Caroline widened her eyes and gasped. “Cameron is a cop, Shelby, with resources and abilities that none of us even know about. He’s well trained and violent. He won’t stop looking for me and when and if he finds me…I don’t know what I’ll do,” she said as the tears filled her eyes but she swallowed them down, refusing to cry or be in fear.
“I’m not comparing. It’s just a different situation and I had different experiences. Hell, Caroline, things happened that I never told you. I was trying to hide and protect you from him, too, and you were trying so hard to find love and companionship. We both made mistakes that we have to live with. The scars run deep, and the emotions are raw. You’re moving on because of the help of this town, and of the Mantel brothers. I’m nowhere near that point and I’ve come to realize and accept that I may never be. So please, just respect my need to be alone and to not get involved with any man or men. It’s how I feel.”
“I’m sorry, Shelby. I have no right to make you feel bad for your decisions. I just want you to be happy and to feel like what I feel right now.”
Shelby smiled and then walked closer.
“You’re my sister and my best friend. I love you always and I’m so happy for you.” She hugged her tight and they both remained that way for a moment.
“Maybe someday you’ll let go like I did and give a man a chance to prove he’s not like Skip and can love you fears, scars, and all,” Caroline said and her sister smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Maybe,” she said and then tugged on Caroline’s hair and she giggled.
“So, grilled cheese tomato sandwiches for lunch?” she asked.
“Yes, but I’ll make them. You nearly burned the bread the last time,” Shelby teased.
“I did not,” Caroline scolded and then followed her sister into the kitchen smiling and feeling blessed to have her in her life and sharing all these moments together.
* * * *
Cameron’s plan was in motion. He wanted everything to be perfect. He splurged and rented a private house on a lake. It was big and beautiful and secluded. As he fixed up the bedroom and arranged a series of candles around it the way Caroline would like, he looked out the window at the view of the woods. It was gorgeous. He had the windows opened a little because it was warmer here than up north, and the smell of the woods and fresh air was a nice touch.
Chance was two exits down the highway. He planned on checking it out today and to see Caroline. He knew she may be a bit upset at seeing him. Perhaps it would be better to get her alone at the house she shared with her sister? He would make the decision later. He walked over to the duffel bag and pulled out the handcuffs and rope. In case she was defiant, he would need to ensure she didn’t try to run off. He had a lot of convincing to do and if she was too defiant, a firm hand and some discipline would be in order.
He smiled to himself as he stood there in jeans, a T-shirt, and his gun on his waist. He pulled on the hooded sweatshirt to cover his revolver and smiled. “By tonight, you’ll be back in my bed where you belong, Caroline.”
* * * *
C.J. lifted Caroline up and twirled her around. She was laughing and filled with joy as she just beat C.J. in a round of tennis.
“One more game,” he said to her.
“Nope. You owe me a lunch and a dinner, oh, and dessert, deputy,” she teased and he covered her mouth and kissed her deeply. That kiss grew a little wild until they heard someone clear their throat.
C.J. looked over her shoulder.
“Hi, Ed, Liah,” he said to the couple who came to use the other court. Caroline chuckled as she hugged C.J.
“Deputy Mantel,” Ed said and looked at the two of them. Liah smiled and gave Caroline a wave.
“Have a nice game,” Caroline told them and her and C.J. headed out of the courts with their rackets and down the path through the little woods.
“That was so much fun. I think I’m getting better,” she said to C.J.
He gave her ass a slap. “Oh, I think so, too. I’m going to have to warn Hunter and York. You just swindled me into lunch and dinner.”
She hugged his waist. “And dessert,” she teased. He ran a finger along her ass cheek, and she jerked away.
“C.J.,” she scolded.
“You fucking whore.”
Caroline gasped and froze in place the moment she saw Cameron. C.J. turned to the right and exchanged looks with Caroline and went to move in front of her when the gun went off.
