Jason frowns at the reminder of Colton. “He’s hanging out with people who have no way of being found. Other addicts and dealers, probably. But I have faith in Jack Renault.” He looks at his mother. “That’s the PI Gabe recommended with Alpha Security.”
Savannah nods, then reaches over and takes my hand. “My son is a good man. He’s solid and dependable. I am sure he’ll see to it your situation is resolved and you’re safe.” She squeezes once before letting go.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
To my surprise, at that motherly gesture and those kind reassuring words, a lump rises to my throat. Savannah Dare reminds me of my own mom, and the loss I still feel deeply, even if I am often too busy to dwell on my pain.
Jason looks from his mother to me, a furrow between his brows, a somber look on his handsome face. Although up to now, I’ve learned to read him fairly well, I have no idea what is going on behind the masked expression he wears. But if I had to guess, something about having his mother and me together, getting to know one another, is throwing him for a loop.
He doesn’t want me to get attached. To feel like I belong with them. And I won’t, I promise myself. I’ll do my best to put an emotional wall up against the motherly gestures and the sweetness that come from Savannah and not misconstrue Jason’s protectiveness for anything more. At the end of the road, I have myself. And no one else.
***
Jason
Later that evening,I escape to the bedroom, leaving my mother and Faith alone in the kitchen, discussing candy making and other things. I need a break from the emotional drama that is my mother and father, and I need to step back from my intense feelings for Faith. I haven’t forgotten the night we just spent together or the way I fear she is cracking my heart open, exposing me to potential pain. The pain that always comes from loving someone and the possibility of loss that comes with it.
Sitting down on the bed, I pick up my cell and call my brother, who answers on the first ring.
“Jason,” Alex says. “Good to hear from you.”
“Hey, man. How are you, Madison, and the kidlet?”
“All great. What’s up?”
I blow out a long breath. No point beating around the bush. “I’ve got company. Mom’s here.”
“What?” Alex asks, startled. “She didn’t tell me she was leaving town,” he says, confusion in his voice.
“Well, apparently it wasn’t a planned trip. She was running away.” I drum my fingers on the nightstand.
“From Dad.”
“You got it,” I mutter. “He returned from wherever he was and decided he wants her back. She, on the other hand, has come to terms with the man he is and is ready to move on. But she didn’t want to deal with him yet, so she’s here.”
“Damn. I’m sorry it landed on your lap.”
I shrug. “It’s fine. It’s Mom. She’s always welcome. I just figured you didn’t know yet and wanted to give you a heads-up in case Dad comes sniffing around your place looking for her.”
Alex lets out a low growl. “I’ll deal with him. What about Sienna?”
“Mom called her earlier today. She’s going to see her in the morning. Mom stopped by a baby store and loaded up on things for Lizzy. I have a feeling Sienna will beg her to stay there and help out, but she’s welcome here for as long as she needs.”
I don’t mention Faith to my brother. I don’t feel like getting into the situation I find myself in. In fact, I think, I’m actually ready to crash. I need a good night’s sleep.
“Well, tell Mom I say hi and to call me if she needs me. And don’t worry. I’ll handle Dad if he shows up here.”
“Thanks,” I say. “Talk to you soon.” I disconnect the phone, but before I can go to sleep, I have another call to make.
I scroll through my contacts and dial my brother-in-law, the famous musician with Tangled Royal, now a songwriter, Grey Kingston.
“Jason?” Grey answers quickly. “How’re things in New York?”
“All good. You and Avery?” I ask of my half-sister.
“We’re fine, too. So what can I do for you?”
I chuckle. That’s Grey, right to the point. I lean back against the headboard and stretch out my legs. “Well, the guys and I are expanding what we do at the club. We want to bring in live entertainment and launch with a big name.” I draw a deep breath. “We were thinking of you.”
