Page 47 of Filthy Commitments
I put my foot on the brake, slowing to a stop. “Oh.” Backing up, I parked next to the curb, hesitating before getting out of the car. My hands gripped the steering wheel.
Asia reached over, laying her hand on top of mine. “It’s going to be okay, Jett. I promise you, it will.”
The sound of her voice was convincing. The touch of her hand soothed me. The guilt retreated a bit. “I can do this, right? I can look your parents in the eyes. I haven’t ever hurt you. I’ve never made you feel controlled or dominated. I’ve been good to you.”
She nodded. “Yes, you have been very good to me. You can face them. You’ve never hurt me, Jett. You’ve only done nice things for me.”
Guilt bubbled. “I made you lie.”
“I don’t think that’s so bad. You had your reasons for it. And they don’t have to know about all that mess. Here, with my family, you and I are the real versions of ourselves. You can feel free and easy with them. No pretending. Come on. It’ll be fine.”
Nodding, I had to agree with her. We were mostly on the up and up. “Thanks. You’re helpful, baby. Come on then, let’s go inside.”
Once we stepped out of the car, the front door was flung open, and her mother rushed out to greet us. “There’s my baby girl!”
Asia was caught up in her mother’s arms as I waited for their hug to end. Then I was caught up in her mother’s arms. “Hello,” I said as surprise took me over.
“Hello, indeed!” Her mother let me go and held me at arm’s length to look me over. “My goodness, Asia, you caught yourself a winner!”
Asia laughed and stole me away from her mother. “Yes, I have. How’s our new baby doing today, Mom?”
“Great. He’s sleeping.” Her mother followed us inside and closed the door behind us.
A large man with tree trunk arms sat on the sofa. He started to get up, but I quickly stopped him. “Hello, you must be Mr. Jones. I’m Jett Simmons, sir. It’s an honor to meet you and your lovely wife.” I shook his hand and tried not to give off a nervous vibe.
“Jett, nice to meet you.” He nodded at his daughter. “Asia, you look well.”
She smiled and hugged her father. “Daddy, you do too.”
“Asia, can you come here?” her sister called out from her bedroom.
“Coming.” She kissed my cheek and hurried away, leaving me all alone with her parents. People who were looking me all over.
“You must work out,” her mother said.
I took a seat on the chair in the corner. “I do. Every single morning.”
“Did someone teach you how to do that?” her father asked.
“I have a trainer I work with back in Los Angeles. I follow his program.” I crossed my legs and put my hands on my knee, not sure what to talk about.
“Max was a coach,” her mother said then looked at the hallway.
“Yes, he mentioned that yesterday.” I also looked toward the hall, hoping anyone would come out of it and end the awkward conversation I was barely having.
Her father moved around a bit, trying to get comfortable on the old sofa. “I wonder if he could be a trainer.”
“I don’t see why not. If he knows his way around the human body and all of its muscles, he’s a great candidate for the job.” I thought I heard the bedroom door open and keened my head, praying someone was joining us.
Her mother whispered, “You should tell Max about that, Jett. He needs some guidance in the job department. I bet he’d listen to you.”
“Sure, I’ll say something about that.”
Then the door did open, and Asia came out, carrying the baby and making my heart do flips. “He’s awake, Jett. You’ll get to see his eyes.” She came right to me, and I stood up to look at the cute baby.
“Hi there, Ray. It’s nice to see you again.” I ran my finger over his tiny chin as he looked at me with almond shaped, doe-like eyes. “He’s got the Jones’ eyes, I see.”
“He sure does,” her mother agreed.
