“I like the time I spent with you. I just wanted you to know that,” I tell Savannah.
“You never know, you might end up sticking around,” Savannah says, hinting at something more happening between Jason and me.
I shake my head. “I hate to burst your bubble, but honestly, Jason doesn’t want the same things I do.”
“Which are?” Savannah tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and leans in close, waiting for me to answer.
“One day, when danger isn’t lurking? I want a husband, a family. Kids,” I whisper. And though I know without a doubt I want those things with Jason Dare, he’s made it clear he isn’t ready. Will probably never be ready.
“Listen, honey. He went through a real life-altering tragedy. I have to believe he will come out the other side… with the help of the right woman.” Reaching out, Savannah takes my hand. “I know I’m meddling, but I’ve seen how you two look at eachother. I believe you’re that woman. It’ll take patience… and faith,” she says, laughing at her own joke.
I grin. “We’ll see. But you have a lot more to worry about than Jason and me.”
“Yes. Yes, I do. But I believe I’ve taken the right first step.”
I smile as Jason walks into the room. He’s been taking a shower. His hair damp, he wears a pair of jeans and a tee shirt, his standard outfit for daytime at the club. He changes there for the nighttime shift. We agreed to stick to the same work schedule with Renault as my bodyguard.
He really does need to be at work, and I understand. Now that we discussed it like rational adults, without him just pulling away, I have no problem with the change. In fact, I am so grateful he’s going out of his way to help me like this. The only way I can think of to repay him is to let him go easily and the way he wants when this nightmare with my brother is over.
“Are you all packed to go to Sienna’s?” Jason asks his mother.
“Yes. I can’t thank you enough for letting me intrude on you two.”
Waving away the comment, Jason grasps his mother’s hand. “Just be happy.”
Once again, I find myself with tears in my eyes. This is a man capable of deep love, affection, and understanding. If only he would extend those same things to himself, he, too, could be what he wants for his mother.
Happy.
***
Jason
A week aftermy mom moves out, I sense Faith’s restlessness. She wants her brother caught and she wants it yesterday. I sensethe man is merely biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike. He probably hopes to find Faith alone, something that won’t happen under my watch.
On the other hand, I hope to prolong our situation as long as possible. It isn’t that I think Faith desires to leave me; no, she just wants her life and her freedom back. Sadly, we’re both aware that comes with the end of our relationship as it exists now. She will move out. She’ll work days. I’ll work my long hours day and night. And I’ll have to let her go… to find what I heard her telling my mother she wants. A husband and kids.
Before I can delve deeper, my phone rings and I see it is Jack Renault. “Hey. What’s up?” I ask.
“We got a break,” Renault says in his always deadpan voice. “I’d sent out pictures of the necklace to other PIs and friends of mine and someone found it. They’re going to drop it off at the club, because believe it or not? The pawnshop was right around the corner. We’d checked the place once before, so we’re thinking it was pawned off more than once. Either way, it’s in our hands. And we’re tracking it backwards. Hope to have more soon.”
My heart beats harder. Faith is going to be so happy she’ll have this piece of her mother back. “Thanks. That’s great news.”
“I love results,” Renault says. “And your girl is fine. I’ve got eyes on her now. So everything’s good. Check in with you later.” He disconnects the call.
Your girl.
The words stay with me, even as I collect the necklace from Renault’s associate and head over to return it to Faith.
***
Faith
I have justfinished a batch of strawberry lemonade truffles and placed them in the front case when the bell over the front door rings, and Jason walks in. Whenever I look at him, it’s like seeing him for the first time, and that ripple inside me is just as potent.
Kelsey comes out from the back to see if she can help and steps close to me. “You’re one lucky woman,” she whispers, eyeing Jason, then returns to the kitchen in the back.
We just had a busy spurt and now things at the shop have died down, so I head out from behind the counter and stride up to him. “So what brings you by?”
