Grey pauses before answering. “I’m honored you want me. But you know I haven’t been singing publicly anymore. I’m more of a songwriter than an entertainer these days. Hang on.”
I hear noise and then, “I’m on the phone with your brother, Jason, sugar. You feeling okay?”
Whatever Avery says is muffled and I can’t hear.
“I’m back,” Grey says. “So about the club.”
I cross my fingers. “We figured your absence from the stage would make you more of a draw now. A limited appearance, if you will.” I know I’m asking a lot of Grey, but I hope the other man is itching to play in public once more.
Grey chuckles. “It’s not that I couldn’t be persuaded, but there are things going on here…”
“It’s okay. Tell him,” I hear Avery say.
I narrow my gaze. “Is everything really okay there?” I’m suddenly worried.
“Yes. It’s just that Avery’s pregnant and it’s been a little difficult these first few months. I don’t want to leave her to perform,” Grey explains. “We haven’t told anyone yet, so if you could keep it quiet until we’re ready to let the family know, we’d appreciate it.”
“No problem.” A wave of happiness takes hold of me along with concern for Avery. Still, Grey gave me good news. “Congratulations! And give Avery a kiss for me. No worries. I’ll find someone else to play,” I assure him, glad Avery has a man who is so devoted to her.
“When are you thinking about doing the first gig? I’ll make some calls and see if I can get you someone solid,” Grey says.
I wince as I answer. “Within the next few weeks. I know it’s short notice—”
Grey lets out a low whistle. “No kidding. But let me see what I can do.”
“Thanks.” We say our goodbyes, and then I speak to Avery for a few minutes, congratulating her and reassuring myself that she’s suffering from severe morning sickness and nothing more serious.
I disconnect the call as Faith walks into the room and shuts the door behind her. She looks adorable in a pair of curve-hugging leggings with white stripes down the side and a white tee shirt that showcases her delectable breasts. Despite it all, mybody reacts to hers. I want her. I have a feeling I’ll always want her.
“Hi. Everything okay?” she asks, gesturing to the phone I still hold in my hand.
I nod. “Avery is pregnant. My half-sister,” I explain, a smile on my face.
“That’s great news!” Faith lowers herself to the bed, sitting beside me.
“It is.” Another Dare baby. More people to add to those I love and worry about, I think. “What’s doing with my mom?”
“She turned in for the night. I think the long day finally caught up with her.”
I nod. “Did she mention my father?”
Faith shakes her head. “I got the distinct impression she didn’t want to go there. We talked about other things. I like her.” She studies me intently, her brows furrowed over narrowed eyes. “What’s wrong?”
She is exceptionally good at reading me, I think. But I’m not up for an emotional conversation tonight. Especially when I have no idea what I want to reveal about my feelings.
“I’m just tired. I think I’ll take a shower and turn in early, too,” I say.
She flinches at my brusque tone. But for a man used to living alone, to thriving on being by myself, I find myself suddenly surrounded by women. By emotions. Theirs as well as mine. And though I want to lose myself in her body, I’m afraid that means losing my heart as well. And I’m not ready to face that truth. Not now.
And maybe not ever.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Jason
Ifinish mycup of coffee and glance at the two women looking at me expectantly. I turn to my mother first. “I’m going to drop you off at Sienna’s on my way to work.” I’ve been neglecting my duties, and one of the things I decided while tossing and turning last night is that it is time for me to get back to normal. To do my job while protecting Faith at the same time.
The new arrangement will also allow me to get my bearings and my emotions back on an even keel. We’ve been together twenty-four seven, and it is messing with what I know I both want and need in my life.
