Page 44 of Property of Stone
Yes, his reaction had been a little over the top—even though she only saw the results afterward in light of her being knocked out—but at least he’d been brave enough to step in to help her.
“He was the one who stepped in to help me when Vic…”
Her mother lifted a hand. “Understood. But, Taryn, take it from me, you shouldn’t rely on a man. And this feels a lot like that.”
“Mom, I think I already learned that lesson.” A few times over.
“Are you sure about this? I’m worried about you, Taryn. I’m worried about my grandson. He seems like the opposite of a good man.”
Taryn sighed. “Are you going by facts or perception?”
“Well, he looks”—her mom flapped a hand around again—“unkempt.”
Unkempt?
He looked more together today than that first day she sought him out at the old school. But then, he didn’t have a hangover today and hadn’t just shared a bed with two women.
In fact, he looked damn good today. A tight, black tank hugged his amazing physique. The man certainly did not have a typical biker body. At least according to what she saw on Google. She figured they’d all look more like Patch.
“He doesn’t look respectable.”
Because he wasn’t. “Looking respectable and being respectable are two different things, Mom. You know wholooksrespectable but, in reality, isn’t?That’swho you should be worried about, not Stone.”
“Stone,” she huffed. “What kind of name is that?”
“A nickname. That’s all.”
“Well, I don’t like it.”
“Then, I won’t call you that. Remember, this is only temporary.”
“I can take Wren.”
Taryn’s heart skipped a beat. “No. I want him with me. And not only that, he’ll have Sunny. She’ll be the sister he never had.” Or at least she hoped so. There was no telling with Sunny’s attitude whether she would be kind to Wren or not.
Her mother clicked her tongue.
Taryn shook her head. “Please don’t turn into Grandma.”
Her mother squeezed Taryn’s arm. “I know my apartment is small, but if this turns out to be not as you expected, don’t hesitate to come stay with me. We’ll figure it out. You didn’t put the house up for sale yet, did you?”
“I’m meeting the agent this week.”
Her mother sighed.
“It’s for the best, Mom. The house is too much for me to handle, especially with only one income, and I’m worried Vic will show up at the door after he’s released. He blames me for his conviction and incarceration.”
“He deserves more time than what he got.”
“I won’t argue that.”
“But he’s a good example of some of the bad choices you make.” She turned her eyes back to the house. “Please be careful.”
“I will. Do you want to join us for dinner? I made Million Dollar Pasta.”
“Another time. I’m meeting the girls to play Pinochle tonight.”
She gave her mother a hug. “Well, have fun. Say hello to the ladies for me and thank you for dropping off Wren.”
