Chapter Thirteen
Jake’s expression changed from smiling to shocked to intense. He reached out for Thea as she turned to see what had surprised him. His hand locked around her arm and yanked her behind him.
Aaron Croate stood in front of the closed door to the stairs, hands shaking uncontrollably.
How had he gotten in here without them hearing?
“I’m awful sorry, Miz Woodruff. I knocked downstairs, but—”
“What’s wrong?” Jake said.
“Your momma and Sister Sarah are at the store and they’re scaring Emmy and she told me to come get you ’cause Mom and Dad are at the booth,” Aaron said in a rush, running the words together.
It was only Jake’s mom being crazy again. Jake released Thea’s arm.
But Aaron had scared her popping in here like that. What if they hadn’t stopped fooling around earli
