Vote Then Read: Volume I

by Carly Phillips

  Savannah drank a mimosa, Jason and Faith coffee, and after the waiter took their orders, Jason glanced at his mother. “So Dad wants you back?”

  Faith held back a shocked sound.

  Savannah looked to Faith.

  “She knows,” Jason said. “I told her everything about my family situation.”

  Savannah raised her eyebrows, obviously surprised her son had opened up. But she nodded her head and launched into her story. “Before Robert ran off to Barbados with his mistress, he told me he wanted a divorce. For reasons I can’t fathom, he’s returned with a change of heart. He wants me back.”

  Jason grimaced and Faith knew what he thought of that idea.

  “And what do you want?” he asked his mother, to his credit not giving his own verbal input. Yet.

  Savannah lifted the glass and took a sip of her drink. “I had already resigned myself to a divorce, but more than that, your father’s behavior forced me to take a good look at my past.” She glanced down at her plate. “I might not have known he was married when we met, but when I found out, I didn’t leave him. That makes me complicit.”

  Faith squirmed in her seat, but Savannah seemed comfortable enough talking about personal issues in front of her.

  “Mom–”

  “No. It’s true. I justified it by telling myself his marriage to Emma hadn’t been for love, but that doesn’t make what I did right. The truth is, the man is a cheater. If I take him back, he’s bound to do it again. It isn’t like it’s only happened once, after all.”

  Jason nodded in agreement. “I hate to admit that you’re right because he’s my father … but you are. And as long as you’re saying these things yourself, I can say I agree with you and your decision.”

  Listening to mother and son, Faith marveled at a few things. One, how close they obviously were, but then Jason had said his family was everything to him. Two, the burden he carried on his shoulders. A father he couldn’t look up to, a mother he obviously loved and wanted to take care of, and a past of his own that was heavy and painful. No wonder he didn’t want to add any more people to his responsibilities.

  “Faith, honey, I’m so sorry to put you in the middle of listening to my problems.” The sound of her name shook Faith out of her musings.

  “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.

  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.

  He met Faith’s curious gaze, and he knew she was going to be hurt by what he said next. Gritting his teeth, he dove in. “I called Jack Renault, and he’s going to pick you up and escort you to work today. He’ll be on bodyguard duty, so you have nothing to worry about.”

  He’d caught her, mug halfway to her mouth. She slowly lowered it and nodded. She met his gaze, to her credit, not looking away as he severed the routine they’d been in for the last few weeks with no explanation.

  “Okay.” She straightened her shoulders, clearly holding back whatever she was feeling. “What time will he be here?”

  “Thirty minutes.”

  She nodded. “I’m going to finish getting ready.” She placed the mug into the sink, and without another word, she turned and walked away.

  Jason exhaled, watching her go.

  “What did you just do?” his mother asked in the tone he recognized as the chiding one from when he was a child.

  He ran a hand over his face before answering. “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me, Jason. I spent last night with Faith. I know you’ve been working from her shop, protecting her, making sure she’s safe. Now suddenly you’re sending her with a bodyguard? The poor girl looked blindsided.”

  He swallowed back a curse. He probably could have handled it better. But when? He’d made the call to Renault while she showered, then fallen asleep on his side of the bed before she’d turned in for the night. He just needed a break and he took it. He left her in bed to shower and later met up with her in the kitchen.

  “It’s for the best,” he told his mother. “We were getting too attached. It wasn’t a normal situation. The guys were getting annoyed that I wasn’t there. We’re close to opening a new version of the club. I need to be focused.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “What did it?” she asked, lowering her voice. “Was it your father? Me? Almost losing Sienna? Or was it Levi that severed you emotionally?”

  He reared back in shock. All this time he’d thought he’d kept his feelings to himself. Gone about his life. Lived it to the fullest. He never showed anyone his weakness, and yet here was his mother, nailing it in one breath.

  “All of it maybe?” he said, uncharacteristically allowing himself to have this conversation.

  “Jason, I can see how deeply you care about this woman. She’s special. She’s intelligent, smart, can run a business, and she cares about you. Don’t lose her because you’re afraid.”

  He shook his head. It went so much deeper than that. He didn’t deserve happiness when Levi was buried and he’d done nothing to stop it. This was a thought he rarely let himself have, but he allowed it now because he needed the reminder. With his mother pushing him toward Faith and Faith’s pull so strong, he had to prompt his memory. The thought of Levi would keep him strong when desire threatened to pull him into the light.

  “I can’t, Mom. She deserves someone who can give her everything. And I’ve given up on having it all.” He deliberately glanced at the clock on the microwave. “We need to get going.”

  Savannah Dare sighed. “One day you’re going to look back and realize that you alone destroyed any chance you had at happiness. A chance you deserved. And one Levi would want you to have and live for him.”

  He shook his head and walked away.

  Jack Renault was a large man, bulky and heavyset, wearing a blazer beneath his winter jacket. Faith felt safe with him but not as safe as she’d been knowing Jason was nearby. She wasn’t stupid. She knew their arrangement couldn’t last. Not when he had an important business to run that had opposite hours of her own, but she’d enjoyed the time she had with him.

  And if she’d given it thought, she’d have assumed they’d have an adult conversation before he up and hired a bodyguard and went back to his normal routine. Instead he’d waited until he’d slept with her and then run scared. She had no doubt that’s what had occurred, either.

  After an incredible night where he’d opened up emotionally, after they’d given
themselves to each other in intimate ways she’d never have imagined, he’d slipped out of bed before her and she’d woken up alone. She had no doubt it had been deliberate. Then his mother had arrived and they’d had no time alone to rehash or discuss, and she honestly thought Jason was relieved. Now she had a bodyguard and Jason’s distance spoke volumes.

  Well, it wasn’t like she had nothing to do. Although it had only been this past weekend that she’d provided the treats for Izzy’s son’s birthday, three of her friends had contacted her via email already.

  “Faith?” Kelsey called her from the kitchen.

  “Yes?” She glanced out at the shop devoid of customers and walked into the back.

  The young woman seemed nervous, which was unlike her.

  “What’s up?” Faith asked.

  “I was wondering if you had more hours for me? My classes this semester are almost over and I–”

  “Yes!” Faith didn’t even let her finish. “Yes, of course. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of hiring someone else, as well. It’ll free me up for other parts of the business,” she said, and went on to explain the party favor aspect she’d discovered courtesy of Izzy Dare. “I want to build the business and you’re going to be a key part.”

  Kelsey’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “I won’t let you down,” she promised.

  And Faith didn’t think she would.

  Kelsey returned to work, and Faith headed back out front, her gaze falling on Jack Renault, who looked fierce as his stare held the front door.

  She sighed. If this mess didn’t end soon, she wouldn’t have customers. Jack Renault’s expression would scare them off.

  Faith walked up to him, meeting his gaze. “Can we talk?”

  “What can I do for you, Ms. Lancaster?”

  “I want to know why it’s been so hard to find my brother? And if we do find him, how can we prove he’s been vandalizing my business and my house? I need to get my life back!” And so did Jason.

  He’d made it clear he was finished giving up his time for her, and she wanted to free him up and get out of his space. As much as it hurt her heart, because she was definitely falling for the man, he couldn’t give her what she wanted or needed. Oh, when he’d made love to her, she’d believed it, but not when he’d shut her out right after.