Page 38 of Sexy Dare (The Sexy 1)

“It’s no problem, Mrs. Dare. I’m really the intruder here.”

“First, call me Savannah, and second, nonsense. Now tell me how you and my son met.”

Faith bit the inside of her cheek, then said, “He rescued me when I was stuck with a flat tire one night and somehow has become entangled in my problems.”

Savannah nodded somberly. “Yes, he told me about those issues while you were showering and getting ready. Money does such dreadful things to people. Really. I’m sorry about your brother.”

“Well, he had a drug problem long before my mother passed away and left me a small inheritance. The fact that there was money just makes it all worse. It gives him a reason to come after me. I just can’t believe he’s been able to stay under the radar for so long.” She shifted in her seat, automatically looking out the window. As if her brother would magically appear, but of course he didn’t.

Jason frowned at the reminder of Colton. “He’s hanging out with people who have no way of being found. Other addicts and dealers, probably. But I have faith in Jack Renault.” He looked to his mother. “That’s the PI Gabe recommended.”

Savannah nodded, then reached over and took Faith’s hand. “My son is a good man. He’s solid and dependable. I am sure he’ll see to it your situation is resolved and you’re safe.” She squeezed once before letting go.

“Thank you,” Faith whispered.

To her surprise, at that motherly gesture and those kind, reassuring words, a lump rose to her throat. Savannah Dare reminded Faith of her own mom, and the loss she still felt deeply, even if she was often too busy to dwell on her pain.

Jason looked from his mother to Faith, a furrow between his brows, a somber look on his handsome face. Although up to now, she’d learned to read him fairly well, she had no idea what was going on behind the masked expression he wore. But if she had to guess, something about having his mother and Faith together, getting to know one another, was throwing him for a loop.

He wouldn’t want Faith to get attached. To feel like she belonged with them. And she wouldn’t, she promised herself. She’d do her best to put an emotional wall up against the motherly gestures and the sweetness that came from Savannah and not misconstrue Jason’s protectiveness for anything more. At the end of the road, she had herself. And no one else.

* * *

Later that evening, Jason escaped to the bedroom, leaving his mother and Faith alone in the kitchen, discussing candy making and other things. He needed a break from the emotional drama that was his mother and father, and he needed to step back from his intense feelings for Faith. He hadn’t forgotten the night they’d just spent together or the way he feared she was cracking his heart open, exposing him to potential pain. The pain that always came from loving someone and the possibility of loss that came with it.

Sitting down on the bed, he picked up his cell and called his brother, who answered on the first ring.

“Jason,” Alex said. “Good to hear from you.”

“Hey, man. How are you, Madison, and the kidlet?”

“All great. What’s up?”

Jason blew out a long breath. No point beating around the bush. “I’ve got company. Mom’s here.”

“What?” Alex asked, startled. “She didn’t tell me she was leaving town,” he said, confusion in his voice.

“Well, apparently it wasn’t a planned trip. She was running away.” Jason drummed his fingers on the nightstand.

“From Dad.”

“You got it,” he muttered. “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.”

Jason shrugged. “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 let 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.”

Jason didn’t mention Faith to his brother. He didn’t feel like getting into the situation he’d found himself in. In fact, he thought, he was actually ready to crash. He needed 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,” Jason said. “Talk to you soon.” He disconnected the phone, but before he could go to sleep, he had another call to make.

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