Page 39 of Sexy Dare (The Sexy 1)

He scrolled through his contacts and dialed his brother-in-law, the famous musician with Tangled Royal, now a songwriter, Grey Kingston.

“Jason?” Grey answered quickly. “How’s things in New York?”

“All good. You and Avery?” he asked of his half sister.

“We’re fine, too. So what can I do for you?”

Jason chuckled. That was Grey, right to the point. He leaned back against the headboard and stretched out his 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.” He drew a deep breath. “We were thinking of you.”

Grey paused 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.”

Jason heard noise and then, “I’m on the phone with your brother Jason, sugar. You feeling okay?”

Whatever Avery said was muffled and Jason couldn’t hear.

“I’m back,” Grey said. “So about the club.”

Jason crossed his fingers. “We figured your absence from the stage would make you more of a draw now. A limited appearance, if you will.” He knew he was asking a lot of Grey, but he hoped the other man was itching to play in public once more.

Grey chuckled. “It’s not that I couldn’t be persuaded, but there are things going on here…”

“It’s okay. Tell him,” Jason heard Avery say.

He narrowed his gaze. “Is everything really okay there?” He was 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 explained. “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 took hold of Jason along with concern for Avery. Still, Grey had given him good news. “Congratulations! And give Avery a kiss for me. No worries. I’ll find someone else to play,” Jason assured him, glad Avery had a man who was 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 said.

Jason winced as he answered. “Within the next few weeks. I know it’s short notice–”

Grey let out a low whistle. “No kidding. But let me see what I can do.”

“Thanks.” They said their goodbyes, and then Jason spoke to Avery for a few minutes, congratulating her and reassuring himself that she was suffering from severe morning sickness and nothing more serious.

He disconnected the call as Faith walked into the room and shut the door behind her. She looked adorable in a pair of curve-hugging leggings with white stripes down the side and a white tee shirt that showcased her delectable breasts. Despite it all, his body reacted to hers. He wanted her. He had a feeling he’d always want her.

“Hi. Everything okay?” she asked, gesturing to the phone he still held in his hand.

He nodded. “Avery is pregnant. My half sister,” he explained, a smile on his face.

“That’s great news!” Faith lowered herself to the bed, sitting beside him.

“It is.” Another Dare baby. More people to add to those he loved and worried about, he thought. “What’s doing with my mom?”

“She turned in for the night. I think the long day finally caught up with her.”

He nodded. “Did she mention my father?”

Faith shook her head. “I got the distinct impression she didn’t want to go there. We talked about other things. I like her.” She studied him intently, her brows furrowed over narrowed eyes. “What’s wrong?”

She was exceptionally good at reading him, he thought. But he wasn’t up for an emotional conversation tonight. Especially when he had no idea what he wanted to reveal about his feelings.

“I’m just tired. I think I’ll take a shower and turn in early, too,” he said.

She flinched at his brusque tone. But for a man used to living alone, to thriving on being by himself, he found himself suddenly surrounded by women. By emotions. Theirs as well as his. And though he wanted to lose himself in her body, he was afraid that meant losing his heart as well. And he wasn’t ready to face that truth. Not now.

And maybe not ever.

Chapter Eight

Jason finished his cup of coffee and glanced at the two women looking at him expectantly. He turned to his mother first. “I’m going to drop you off at Sienna’s on my way to work.” He’d been neglecting his duties, and one of the things he’d decided while tossing and turning last night was that it was time for him to get back to normal. To do his job while protecting Faith at the same time.

The new arrangement would also allow him to get his bearings and his emotions back on an even keel. They’d been together twenty-four seven, and it was messing with what he knew he both wanted and needed in his life.

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