He didn’t want to let her go, but it would make him the lowest kind of bastard to not give this woman a choice.
“If you want, I can give you money to go anywhere you choose.”
Sky’s arms tightened.Oh, God.She’d been afraid he’d do this.“You don’t want me here?”she murmured the question against his chest.
Jared used his fingers to tilt her head up.“No, that’s not what I’m saying.I just want it to be your choice to be here, and no one else’s.”
Sky’s gaze slid over his face, finding the truth of the words he spoke.“I’d like to stay here with you.”
A growl rumbled in his chest.Jesus, that woman was going to drive him crazy if he didn’t watch it.Everything about her appealed to him.There was nothing he’d change about her.
He dipped his head and took her mouth in a drugging kiss that left them both breathless.He cupped her cheek and stared into her eyes.“I’m very glad.”
Sky smiled.His heart stopped in his chest at the happiness on her face.
“I’m going to take you to the dining room to get some breakfast while I make a few calls.”
The edge in his tone caught her attention.
“Is everything all right?”
“It will be by the end of the day.Are you ready?”
Sky pulled away and turned off the lights before following him out of the bedroom.
Jared captured her hand.He was quiet as they made their way to the dining room.He sat her down and walked into the kitchen.She heard Jared and Abby whispering before he came back.
He bent and placed a kiss on her lips.
“I’ll be right back.”
She nodded but stayed silent.
“Here you go, Honey,” Abby said as she came through the doorway.“I’ve got you some orange juice, eggs, and toast.Can I get you some coffee?”
“Abby, I don’t want you to wait on me.I’m perfectly capable of getting my own coffee.”
Abby bent and hugged her shoulders.“I know that, but I enjoy taking care of you.Would you take away my happiness?”
Sky caught a bit of mischief in her expression before it was gone.“Well, no, I wouldn’t want to make you sad.”Sky paused.“Maybe you’d let me help you sometimes.”
“Absolutely.Do you cook at all?”
“Oh, yes.I love to cook and bake.Maybe you could teach me more, though.”
“Did your mom teach you?”
Sky’s smile fell before she turned away.“No, I didn’t have a mother, so I had to learn from books I got at the library.”
Tears burned Abby’s eyes at the desolate look on Sky’s face before she turned away.“I would love to teach you, and maybe you can teach me some recipes you have?”
Sky put the glass of juice down and nodded.“I’ll try to find ones I think you’ll like.”
Abby patted her shoulder.“I’m sure I’m going to like everything.Now I’ll be right back with your coffee.”
Sky smiled.“Yes, ma’am.”
A few minutes later, Jared came back and sat beside her.
