CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CAYLEE
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“It’s really annoying that you invited your parents,” Scarlett says instead of hello when she walks into the party. She’s carrying a plate, and by the look on her face, I might need to check she hasn’t poisoned the cauliflower recipe.
Cole follows, carrying Zara in her bassinet.
“Welcome, anyway.” I roll my eyes. “Sorry to steal your babysitters.”
“Hey, sis. Don’t mind my fiancée; she didn’t sleep well last night.” Cole leans in and kisses my cheek.
“I haven’t slept well in almost a year. Because of your penis.”
“God, please stop her,” I cry, slapping my hand over my face. “He’s my brother.”
“There’s my little darling,” my mom coos and takes Zara off Cole, then wanders off with her.
Scarlett stops dead. Smiles. Glances at Cole. Then me.
I lift my brow, waiting for the apology.
“Okay fine, I take it back. Where’s the wine?”
“No, you’re breastfeeding.” Cole says firmly.
“Listen, father of my child and man I love, find me a glass of wine. Your daughter will not die. But you might.”
Jake walks up behind me, places a hand on my hip and holds out his hand.
“Cole.”
“Jake.” Cole reluctantly shakes it and glances at me as if I’m going to give him a gold star for the effort.
I’m not.
They are grown men and both need to get along.
“Oh, Cassy and Savannah are here. Babes, I’m childless for ten minutes. Let’s party!” Scarlett darts off.
“She can’t drink, right?” Cole asks.
“One drink won’t hurt. Water it down.” I shrug.
“If she works it out, I’m telling her you did it.” Cole points his finger at me.
“Fair.” I smile and lean into Jake's chest as Cole heads to the kitchen.
“She’s scary.” Jake watches Scarlett, and I giggle.
“She’s the best sister-in-law I could ask for. And an amazing mom. She’ll probably just hold the glass, but she likes to boss Cole around.”
“I like her already.” Jake grins. “Although if she could ease up a little, it might make my life better at work.”
“He was insufferable before Scarlett. Trust me.” I laugh.
Jake met my parents when they arrived, and it was a non-event. They were polite to one another, but as there are so many people here, there was no pressure. They won’t stay long, but I’m pleased they met. They divorced when I was a teenager, but for the most part they are amicable to one another.
“He’s cute.” Mom whispered, and I couldn’t stop smiling. “Is it serious?”
“Not yet. It’s still new.”
“Well, bring him over for dinner so we can get to know him properly.”
“Thanksgiving?” I asked, my expression hopeful.
“If he would like, yes.” She rubbed my arm and wandered back over to Dad.
Thanksgiving is only a week away, so I’m still hoping he invites me to his family’s meal.
Jake’s family couldn’t make it tonight. Both his mom and dad came down with a stomach bug. I’m very disappointed, especially under the circumstances, because meeting his mother would have put my mind at rest.
The calls have continued, less frequently, but he still takes them and doesn’t give more of an explanation.
Is it his mom?
I don’t want to bring it up. I don’t want to ruin what we have. It’s so good.
Being with Jake feels right, yet I know something isn’t right. It’s so damn confusing.
On a bright note, a few friends he worked with in the Marshal service are here. One of them knows Liam and Ryder, so everyone is getting along well.
I won’t ruin this. I’ll let him tell me in time.
Surely his mom will extend an invitation to Thanksgiving after not being able to make it tonight.
“Hey,” Jake lifts my chin. “The party is great.”
“Thanks,” I let him take my lips, then find some courage deep inside. I slide my hand down his chest and rest it on the top of his rock-hard abs. “Jake, I want to meet your mom.”
I physically feel him tense.
Why?
What is so damn horrible about introducing me to his family?
His jaw clenches, though he tries to hide it, and an invisible wall comes up between us.
“Let’s take things slow, baby. There’s no hurry.” Jake cups my cheek, but there’s a coldness to it.
“Okay.” I let my hand drop away. “Okay.”
Forcing a smile, I head back to the party to socialize with everyone, but the sense that something is wrong is heavy on my shoulders.
Jake is hiding something.
I can’t pretend he’s not anymore.
When I glance up, Cole is staring directly at me, knowingly, because I can’t hide from my brother. His darkening gaze shifts behind me to Jake.
Shit.
I head toward my beautiful niece for a cuddle.
God knows I need it.
I think I’m about to get my heart broken.
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JAKE
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TIME IS RUNNING out.
I know that. I can see it in her eyes.
But now is not the time to be ending this relationship. First, I need to know she’s safe and out of any danger if we decipher that Brad is guilty and responsible for the disappearance of these girls.
Then, I need to do the right thing and walk away.
Cole was right this entire time.
That doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a selfish asshole and take more of what I crave from her.
The interesting thing is that it’s not just her body anymore. It’s all of her.