Chapter Seven #3
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.”
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, my body 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.