Page 46 of Sexy Dare (The Sexy 1)

“That’s an understatement,” Jason muttered.

His father ignored the dig. “I’m a prick. I’ve done shitty things to Emma and the rest of my kids. I never knew how to handle the dual life. I actually felt guilty about hiding you all, and I took it out on them, not giving them the parent they deserved. I didn’t love their mother, so I wasn’t good to them. I can’t justify it…” He trailed off, then looked down at his hands, which he was twisting together.

“Robert,” she began.

He drew a deep breath, paused, then said, “Please let me finish. I love you, Savannah. I always did. I’m weak. I never admitted that before. But I want the life I have with you.”

Jason glanced at his mother to find tears trickling from her eyes. Faith clasped his hand tight.

Jason blew out a long breath. If he had to say whether or not he believed his father … the best he could say was Jason thought Robert believed his own words. Did it change anything? Did Jason trust the man to change? Hell no.

“Well? Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?” Robert asked.

Jason held his breath, and so did Faith by his side.

“No.” His mother rose to her feet, her pretty silver dress sparkling and seeming too nice for this awkward moment. “You cheated on your first wife. You cheated on me. You’re a no-good, worthless excuse for a man and I’m done. I’m going to like myself for a change, and for that to happen, I need to get rid of you.”

Robert jumped up, surprise on his face. He’d really thought Savannah would forgive and forget. “But–”

“No. The door is this way.”

Jason and Faith remained sitting, letting his mother precede him to the door. He heard mumbling and then the door opened and slammed shut. He assumed his father was gone. Footsteps told him his mother was going directly to her room.

“Are you okay?” Faith asked softly.

He shifted in his seat so he could meet her gaze. “Yeah. This family drama? I’m becoming immune.” He managed a laugh. “Or at least I’ve learned to distance myself from it. But I’m so damned proud of my mother.”

“She is pretty awesome,” Faith said, resting her head on his shoulder. “It’ll be okay, you know.”

He pulled her tight, breathing in her sweet scent. “Yeah.” On the family stuff?

He agreed.

On life in general? That was anyone’s guess.

* * *

The next morning, Savannah, looking strong and satisfied with her decision, broke the news that Sienna had asked her to come stay with her. She didn’t have a nanny, nor did she want one, though her husband could well afford it. But she did need her mother, and since Savannah was here, Sienna wanted her. And Savannah was thrilled to help with the baby and spend time with her granddaughter.

A win-win all the way around, Faith thought, as she sat sharing her last cup of coffee with the woman she’d come to like a great deal. Savannah was warm and friendly, genuine and real.

“It’s been nice getting to know you,” Faith said, glancing at Jason’s mother over her coffee cup.

The other woman smiled. “I feel the same way.”

“You remind me of my mom,” Faith said.

Savannah tipped her head to the side. “You miss her.”

Faith nodded over the lump in her throat. “It’s hard. And I had her necklace that she wore every day, but my brother took it when he ransacked my apartment.” She wiped at a tear that fell. “Jason has his PI looking for it in pawnshops, but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that it’s lost forever.”

Which seemed to be a theme in her life. Things lost to her. Her father. Her mother. Even her brother. All gone. And one day soon, Jason would be, too.

“I like the time I spent with you. I just wanted you to know that,” Faith told Savannah.

“You never know, you might end up sticking around,” she said, hinting at something more happening between Faith and Jason.

Faith shook her head. “I hate to burst your bubble, but honestly, Jason doesn’t want the same things I do.”

“Which are?” Savannah tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and leaned in close, waiting for her to answer.

“One day, when danger isn’t lurking? I want a husband, a family. Kids,” she whispered. And though she knew without a doubt she wanted those things with Jason Dare, he’d made it clear he wasn’t ready. Would probably never be ready.

“Listen, honey. He went through a real life-altering tragedy. I have to believe he will come out the other side … with the help of the right woman.” Reaching out, Savannah took her hand. “I know I’m meddling but I’ve seen how you two look at each other. I believe you’re that woman. It’ll take patience … and faith,” she said, laughing at her own joke.

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