Chapter 42
Chapter Forty-Two
"Y'all made dinner?" Jewel asked in surprise as she kicked off her boots at the door after a long day at work, the smell of sizzling fajitas filling the air.
"We're in here," Chase called. She followed his voice and the smell into the kitchen where Chase sat at the table with his laptop while Raul stirred veggies in a skillet.
"There you are. You're home earlier than I expected," Chase said with a smile, his split lip already turning purple.
She'd been afraid to leave Chase at home, thinking he'd overextend himself when he should be recovering, but Raul had promised to take care of him.
The word home echoed in the room, and she swallowed past what it meant. "I was worried about you when you stopped texting."
Chase waved to the computer. "I just got sucked into work."
Raul snorted and turned, setting the steaming food on the table. "He's got tunnel vision, I swear. Just completely ignored me talking about dinner."
Chase winced and rubbed the back of his neck, his one eye turning to Raul. "Sorry, man, I didn't mean to ignore you."
Raul shrugged. "No skin off my back. I'm still trying to figure out how to have a normal conversation without watching my back."
Chase nodded as Jewel washed up, saying, "You should come to therapy with me tomorrow. It's a group just for convicts."
Her phone vibrated, and she reached for it, swiping on Destini's picture to start the video chat.
"Hey, sweetie, how was school today?" Jewel asked as she went around the table to sit down next to Chase.
"It was fine, but bittersweet, knowing this is my last week with my friends. I—wait, oh my God, what happened to you?" Destini gasped, sinking onto the couch at Liz and Joe's as she peered closer into the phone.
Chase winced, and Jewel handed him the phone. "Got in a fight at the barn party last night."
"Geez, what kind of party was it?"
Jewel laughed and handed Chase his meds and a drink, coming into view of the camera. She explained about the wedding, which made Destini grow quiet, and then about the fight and what Andre had said.
"He was arrested? What does that mean for your record?" Destini asked, way too insightful for her age.
Chase shrugged. "Don't know yet. My lawyer is working on it as well as my brother, Gunner. He's the sheriff."
Destini frowned, and Jewel heard Liz call for dinner in the background.
"I gotta go. Mom, can you come get me this week or do you have to wait 'til the weekend?"
Jewel frowned, grabbing the plates from the cabinet. "I can't, sweetie. I'm working all this week. We're still on for Saturday, though. You got everything boxed up?"
"Yeah, I guess I'll see y'all Saturday then. Love y'all. Bye."
Chase paused when Jewel put her phone away, hand outstretched to the sizzling veggies. "She said y'all. She said y'all? She did, didn't she?"
Jewel chuckled as Raul looked back and forth at them in confusion. She finished plating her own food and explained, "We only found out Chase was her dad a little over a week ago. They met for the first time last weekend."
"She said y'all," Chase muttered, his face shell shocked.
Jewel couldn't keep the smile from her face as they ate, chatting with Raul about his new job that he'd just accepted from Landry. After working all day together on the inside of the house—updating a bathroom—he'd offered Raul a place to belong.
"We should be done this week, so by the time the roofers are done out there, we'll be done in here," Raul said.
Conversation flowed at dinner freely, then she pulled out her laptop to update some files while Raul and Chase watched a fantasy movie.
It was strangely domesticated, and she tried not to analyze too deeply how easy and seamless their lives intertwined. When they went to bed that night, she didn't even question Chase joining her in the main bedroom. She just brushed her teeth next to him and climbed into bed.
He spooned her, his hands drifting over her and driving her body wild. How was it that his touch had the power to completely take her out of her fears and worries? He kept her grounded in the moment, and when he entered her from behind, it was with one hand on a breast and one on her clit.
Both last night and tonight had been from behind, but two totally different experiences. One was full of wild passion, raw from the heightened emotions of the fight, the wedding of his brother and her ex. This one full of hidden meaning and tender care that screamed how much he loved her.
He slung her leg over his elbow, raising her higher and thrusting deeper. She gasped, and when he bit down on the soft spot on her shoulder, the white heat of orgasm washed over her. She cried out, her toes curling as he murmured, "Fuck, yes, that's my good girl."
Pleasure shot through her at his touch, and she felt him swell within her, pumping in time with her own shock waves until they were both spent.
He didn't pull out, instead just pulled a blanket over them and held her close until they both drifted off. There was a peace in his arms that she didn't get anywhere else, and she'd be a fool to keep pretending she didn't sleep better with him than without.
For that reason, she told her dad at lunch that she was going to pack up her things after work.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Henry had asked across the exam table as they worked on a sedated dog.
Jewel bit her lip and shook her head. "No, I'm not. But it's what's best for Destini."
"Is it what's best for you though?" Henry had glanced up, spearing her with his dad stare. "What do you need? What do you want?"
She thought back to the past few days of taking care of him but also the way he took care of her. "I want to live with him," she said simply.
She was still afraid to define what they had, but her soul needed to be with him and Destini. After packing up the few boxes that she'd unpacked at her dads, she drove back to their new house.
It was amazing how much stronger she was now compared to when she'd first moved to Crimson Creek. She was still tired and could feel when she was overdoing it, but with so much less stress, eating better, and working with her dad and Gemma who actually understood her needs, she was growing stronger.
After a long day at the clinic and packing and hauling boxes to her truck, she was still happy and at peace to be exactly where she was. With him.
When she went inside, carrying a box, Raul was cooking dinner and yelled that Chase was in the barn. So she took the box upstairs and then went to the barn to find him.
The soft light hit his brown hair and wide shoulders, and she ached knowing that he was hers.
She paused, frowning slightly because neither of them had actually said they loved the other. Did she though? Or had they just trauma bonded and sought comfort in the other? Or was she just with him because it was what was best for Destini?
She refused to answer. There was plenty of time to analyze her feelings later.
His hands worked the brush in smooth strokes down his horse's flank. She stopped outside the stall door, propping her arms along the top and looking around at the solid but dilapidated barn.
Chase looked up as Jewel entered, his movements careful and measured. The bruises from the fight were still vivid against his skin, mottling his arms and jaw.
"How's Gladys?" Jewel asked, running her hand along the horse's chestnut flank.
"Tired of being cooped up," Chase replied. "Just like me."
She wondered if he was referring to being cooped up behind bars or if he referred to being stuck with her and Destini.
She frowned, shaking off the negativity. He was probably thinking about the situation with Andre. "Have you heard anything else from Goldie?"
Chase shook his head and continued brushing Gladys, explaining that Gunner had called but nothing new had come out of it. She'd sent him a copy of the report that had been filed, and he'd had to sign some paperwork that she'd put together to get his record cleared. With a therapist, lawyer, schoolteacher, Marine, and several other witnesses all verifying that Andre had admitted guilt and swung first, it was only a matter of time until he could get his license back, his life back. There'd even been a video that had surfaced of Andre's confession, although it conveniently got cut off right before the fight.
As he talked, his methodical movements spoke of years of practice, of muscle memory built from countless hours in barns just like this, yet he was obviously still stiff and in pain from the fight.
Jewel leaned against the stall door, watching him. The barn smelled of hay, leather, and something distinctly masculine—sweat, horse, and a familiar comfort that wrapped around her like a warm, old blanket.
New wood reinforced the barn's structure on one side, as well as support beams and fresh wood patches. It wasn't just a repair—it was a restoration, slow—but still good progress since she'd first been here a few weeks ago.
"We're gonna need to replace that east wall soon," Chase said, catching her looking. "Landry's got a plan."
"The wood is new."
"I did all that two weeks ago. Don't tell Jade or the previous owner that I was out here working on it before we even signed the papers."
She shook her head in amazement. "You moved into the house, got it looking like a home, and had time to work on the barn? Are you Superman?"
He chuckled, wincing in pain. "Nope, just a man who wants to give his family the best."
Her heart thundered in her chest, and her eyes swung to him, searching for a deeper meaning. Did he see a long-term relationship with her? She was slowly coming to realize that's what she wanted, but she didn't want to force him into it too.
"Do you still see this as a rehabilitation center?"
She brightened. "Yeah, it would've been nice to have ready. Got a call from a backyard breeder this evening who's ready to downsize into a semi-retirement. He's looking to unload a six-year-old paint who's taking too long to sell."
Chase glanced at her over the back of the horse, his eye-patch already smudged with dirt. "Is it a spirited animal or a gentle one?"
She shrugged. "I didn't talk to him, just saw the message at the clinic on my way home."
Chase frowned and looked around the barn. "Well, Destini's going to need a horse, so if it's well-trained, maybe we should take it in. Hell, call him back tonight. We'll figure it out."
He continued brushing and rattled off a number that he'd already earmarked for Destini for a horse or car, and her heart melted. He'd thought of what their daughter would need too. He knew how she felt about animals and supported her dream, both the things she said and the things she didn't say.
He hadn't told her no, but offered a solution that might work for everyone. She watched him, noting how carefully he moved, how deliberate each brush stroke was with Gladys.
"I'll call the breeder when I go inside," she said softly.
Chase nodded, then winced as he shifted his weight. The bruises from Andre's attack were turning deep purple and angry on his face.
Raul walked into the barn, wiping his hands on a shop towel. "Dinner's almost ready," he announced. "Chase, you need help back to the house?"
"I'm fine," Chase muttered, though his movements betrayed his discomfort.
Jewel stepped forward. "Let me help you," she said, sliding her arm under his good shoulder.
He started to protest but shut up when she pressed her hip to his. He glanced at her, and the heat in his gaze made her cheeks flame without even looking at him. Together they walked slowly back to the house, Raul following behind and closing the barn door.
As they walked up the stairs, a car pulled up the drive. The three of them paused as Lola and Ana walked up, their hands full of bags and aluminum foil pans.
Jewel waved, her smile softening. "Oh, hey, what are y'all doing here?"
Lola held up two bags. "Granny started a meal train for y'all, although I'm not sure if it's because of the new house without a housewarming party or because of the fight."
Ana lifted her casserole dish high as she came up the stairs. "I think she's just after gossip about the fight. We're supposed to gather intel."
Chase chuckled as Raul opened the door for them, bowing his head slightly as he said, "Ladies."
Ana flushed, and Jewel introduced him to the two women. When they went inside, Ana and Lola both exclaimed over the natural woodwork, stone accents, and fresh paint smell that still lingered in the air.
They strode into the kitchen, and Jewel invited them to eat.
Chase eased himself down into a chair at the kitchen table, trying not to wince too obviously. Jewel set out plates and silverware while Raul pulled a casserole out of the oven.
Lola and Ana bustled around the kitchen, setting out their dishes and chattering about the latest town gossip as the aromas of various foods mixed in the room.
"So tell us everything," Lola said, turning to face Chase and Jewel as she sat at the table with a plate. "What exactly happened at that barn party?"
Jewel shot Chase a look, leaving the decision to share up to him. Chase just sighed, not even trying to battle the small-town gossip.
"Andre basically admitted to driving the farm truck that night. It wasn't me," Chase said simply. "I lost my temper and tried to take him out."
"Try? Brother, you knocked him out cold," Raul argued.
Ana leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I heard you broke his nose. Is that true?"
Raul, who was setting the table, chuckled. "More than his nose, I think."
Jewel rolled her eyes. "Men and their testosterone."
The conversation flowed easily, with Ana and Lola filling the silences. As they wrapped up the evening, Jewel followed them onto the front porch to say goodbye, leaving the men inside.
"So what exactly is going on here? Are you living together?" Lola asked, her voice curious and open.
Jewel hunched her shoulders and crossed her arms, tucking in her sweater against the chill air of early evening. She deflected talking about her feelings yet again and put it on Destini.
"Yeah, I'll go pick Destini up this weekend and move her in. It's a chance for her to get to know her father. Not sure how long it'll last, though."
Ana and Lola looked at each other, then back to Jewel.
Lola tilted her head, a knowing smile playing at the corner of her mouth. "Not sure how long it'll last? Hell, I've seen the way Chase looks at you. That man isn't going anywhere."
Jewel felt her cheeks warm. She wasn't ready to admit how comfortable she'd become with Chase. How natural it all felt. How much she wanted this to last forever—whatever this was.
"We're just... figuring things out," she said carefully. "One day at a time."
Ana snorted. "If you figure things out, let me know how to replicate it because I'd kill to have a situationship like this. I guess that just proves that the best things in life don't go according to plan, huh?"
Jewel pursed her lips and muttered, "Got that right. Couldn't have planned this if I'd tried."
"Want help with moving this weekend?" Lola asked, with Ana nodding agreement that she could help too.
"I've got it," Jewel said. Then, realizing how abrupt she sounded, she added, "But thanks. I'm planning on taking Destini to yoga as soon as she gets settled, though."
"Oh, good! Skye and Violet will love that, I'm sure," Ana said.
Lola took a step down the stairs, saying, "Granny set up a meal train with church for the next week, so someone will be dropping things by every day. Hope you're ready for visitors."
Jewel rubbed her forehead. "Damn, alright. So much for relaxing and getting Destini settled away from prying eyes."
Lola looked back up the stairs as Ana followed her, green eyes twinkling in the porch light. "You've got a good thing here, Jewel. Don't overthink it, and just roll with the flow. One of the hardest lessons I ever learned was that one. We're here for you though, when you're ready for help. Just holler."
Jewel nodded, waving as they got into the car, their casserole dishes and gossip already making this feel like home. As their taillights disappeared down the long gravel drive, Jewel wondered if they were right about her and Chase.