Page 13 of Crossroads of Innocence
She pressed her lips together, working out what she should say before opening her mouth again. “You’re right about bringing danger to people’s homes. I don’t want that for anyone. Hell, I hadn’t even thought about how I was putting you in danger. I just showed up. And I really do appreciate everything you’ve done, but I can’t go to some retreat and hope for the best. It’s too risky.”
Sighing, Wade sank down on the couch and Macey leapt into his lap. “What other choice do you have? We’re running out of options, and you’re a sitting duck at my place. Hopefully Cruz makes some calls and gets this whole mess taken care of soon, but until then, we have to play it safe. Have to take you somewhere—without being followed—and make sure you can’t be found by this asshole.”
His words rang true, but she couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in her belly. She might not know what this retreat was like, but she remembered that campground. Hell, she’d spent most summers there. The crappy cabins and overgrown trails had been ripped from a horror movie. The only good part about being there was having her boyfriend close and willing to keep her safe.
But Wade wasn’t her boyfriend anymore and being alone in a dilapidated cabin deep in the forest sounded like an invitation for disaster.
She wrapped her arms over her chest. “I survived that camp every summer for years with you, Chet, and Tucker. I can do it again. I’ll go to this retreat if you’re sure there’s nowhere else.”
“There might be one other place you could stay,” Wade said, scratching his chin. “Let me make a call while you get ready to leave.”
Nodding, she hurried to gather the products she’d left in the bathroom and pack her limited possessions. Her stay at Wade’s apartment had always been temporary, a stop along the way to getting her life back on track, but a sudden wave of grief slammed against her. Walking away from Wade the first time had been almost impossible. She wasn’t sure she could do it again.
6
The old wood creaked under Jude’s weight as she ascended the porch steps to the cabin-turned duplex tucked into the woods. Icy wind blasted through the trees surrounding the house, and she pulled her jacket tighter across her middle. Staying at Chet’s place sounded like a good idea when Wade suggested it, but now doubts paraded in her mind. She was involving way too many people in her mess—putting too many people in danger.
And now, not only was Chet offering shelter, but his girlfriend would be caught up in her disaster of a life as well.
She hovered at the edge of the stairs. “Are you sure Chet’s okay with this?”
Wade snorted and placed a hand on the small of her back, ushering her to one of the front doors. “Have you ever known Chet to agree to anything he didn’t want to do?”
A half-smile lifted her lips. “No, but I haven’t seen him in twelve years.”
“Not as much has changed ’round here as you’d think.” He winked then knocked on the door.
Woof! Woof!
She took a step back, concerned the dog on the other side would barge through the barrier any second.
“Don’t worry. That’s Wrigley. He wouldn’t hurt a fly unless that fly attempted to take out Mia. Who, by the way, you’ll love.”
A lump lodged in her throat at the name of Chet’s girlfriend. She never imagined Chet would be with anyone besides Laurie, and as much as she tried to keep away from Pine Valley and everyone she’d left behind, news of Chet’s family’s deaths had trickled her way. She should have come home then, should have set aside whatever hard feelings kept her away, and been there for her friend. She hadn’t wanted to admit all the things that had kept her away, but now, the true reason was blaringly obvious.
Cowardice.
That’s right. She could avoid her family, refuse to speak with the father who’d done so much damage, but she wouldn’t be able to stay away from Wade. Clearly she was like a moth to a flame when it came to her high school love. And somehow that flame burned brighter and hotter twelve years later.
How was that even possible?
The door flung open, ripping her from her wayward thoughts. A curvy woman with tight black curls that touched the top of her shoulders and kind, brown eyes greeted them with a wide smile. A hip-high grey and black spotted dog barked at her side.
“Wrigley, stop. I’m sorry. He gets excited. Especially when Wade’s here. Wade usually brings food.” Mia shooed the dog behind her, sneaking outside while riffling through a packed key ring. “I’ll leave him home while we check out the apartment next door.”
“Next door?” Jude asked.
“Yeah, this way you’re close but have your own space. Is that all right?”
Appreciation warmed her from the inside out. “Perfect. This is incredibly nice of you.”
Mia pushed into the attached apartment and waited for Jude and Wade to step inside before offering her hand. “I’m Mia by the way. Nice to officially meet you.”
Jude had to fight an overwhelming urge to hug the woman and took her offered palm instead. Must be the fact she’d kept everyone away for so long that was making her want to act like a mushy mess. Or maybe it was the fact that every fiber of her being wanted to touch Wade in any way she could, but her survival instincts had her keeping her distance. Which made everyone else around her fair game. Thank God she hadn’t done something stupid when Cruz had offered his help.
“I’m Jude. It’s nice to meet you.”
Wade shuffled his feet in the doorway, indecision clear on his pinched face. “I’ve got some things to take care of. You okay here?”
