Page 35

I sat up, rubbing my eyes with one hand while giving my laptop’s keyboard a tap. After signing in, my latest document appeared. Right. The article for Robert Cowan. I’d added one measly paragraph to the document. Twyla was going to kill me . . . well, if she was able to beat Herbert to the punch.

Sighing, I climbed out of bed to use the bathroom. My best bet was to listen to Diana and go home. Honestly, I should’ve been home by now but something in my gut told me not to leave. Not until I knew for sure where Eve was.

After rinsing my face with cold water, I called Jayson back.

“Baby?” he answered.

My stomach fluttered hearing him call me that. Flutters were not supposed to be happening between us like this. “Hi, Jayson.”

Music pulsed in the background. “Hold on. Let me get to a quieter place.” The music slowly faded, then I heard a door click shut. “Hey, my Rose,” he crooned in that warm, sultry voice of his.

“Hey.” I bit back a smile.

“Called you about an hour ago. You avoiding me?”

“No.” I laughed. “I was sleeping, actually.”

“Oh, okay. You still at the lake?”

I hesitated. “Sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“I’m close by. I couldn’t stay in that cottage another night.”

“Why not?” he asked, his voice growing serious. “What happened?”

I contemplated telling him everything. The last thing I wanted was to drag another person into this situation, but at the same time I needed to vent to someone who wouldn’t judge me.

I needed someone to know what was happening and what I was facing so I wouldn’t drive myself crazy trying to find out where Eve was.

I sat on the edge of the bed and with a quivering voice that eventually shifted into sobs, I told him everything . Jayson was quiet the entire time as he absorbed the details. When I was done, he finally released a long breath.

“I’m coming to you,” he said.

“What? No, Jayson. You don’t have to do that. I’ll be going home soon anyway.”

“Well, I’ll be coming there to make sure you get home safely. I told you something was off about that town, Rose. I didn’t even feel right leaving you there but didn’t want to protest because I know we aren’t in a place where I can tell you what to do.”

I wish he had. Then maybe I wouldn’t have been so worked up and paranoid.

“Just stay put at the hotel. I’ll have Pete close for me tonight and I’ll call someone in to help him.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Positive. Now send me the hotel address and your room number.”

Nearly three hours later, Jayson was knocking on my door.

I opened it quickly and wanted to cry at the sight of a familiar face.

I’d only been away from home for a day and some change, but I felt so lost, like I no longer belonged in this world.

What next step do you take when your friend is missing and no one in town is willing to help?

Who do you reach out to? What can you do?

You can’t just let it go. Quitting was a reasonable option, but I was Rosette Gibson. I didn’t quit.

“Come here,” Jayson said, roping me into his arms. He let the door shut behind him and I sighed with my cheek pressed to his chest, holding him just as tight.

He smelled like sweet pine body wash and a hint of spiced cologne.

He planted a kiss on the top of my head and a soothing warmth coursed through me.

We were pushing our boundaries at this point, but I didn’t care. He felt good—safe.

Safety was what I should’ve felt with Cole. Even with Eve. Instead, I found it here, in the arms of a man I never expected to meet.

Eve Castillo journal entry

I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to Lake Aquilla. There’s this gorgeous house there with a nice view and great hiking trails. They call it Twilight Oaks. I just booked the place, so I’m leaving in the morning.

It’ll be good to get away. To think.

Lincoln says he’ll join me at the lake but won’t be able to stay long. That’s okay because Victor will swing by. Truthfully, after everything, I’d rather be with him.

Eve Castillo journal entry

Lake Aquilla is gorgeous and the little cottage I’m in is like a dream.

I told myself I wouldn’t make content, but there’s no way I can’t share this place.

My followers are going to love this. I normally announce my upcoming trips, but this will be a nice surprise.

People love quiet getaways, and my followers love when I surprise them.

I actually spoke to the owner of this place when I arrived and told him who I was.

He saw my following and said I could really help him get the word out about his house.

I wasn’t going to record a ton of footage, just a few tidbits to post on Instagram.

The guy agreed to give me a discount in exchange for me posting all about it, so I’ll take it.

He’s kinda sexy too. I’m not usually into white boys but there’s something about this one. It’s like he’s pretending to be this sweet, charming guy but there’s a rough beast hidden within.

Alex.

Wonder what I’d sound like saying his name while he shows me who he really is.