Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“I think I’ll pass. Go have fun with Mason.” Beau’s little nose scrunches. He usually has that reaction when he hears something he doesn't like.
“Why do you always call him Mason?”
“Hmm.” I trail off, trying to think. “When I met him, he was Mr. Mason. I just dropped the Mr. part.”
He’s never offered for me to call him Hendrix, and I started feeling awkward calling him Mr. Mason. Actually, it was more embarrassing than anything. I was his ward and perceived on some level to be close to him, but I was still to call him “Mr.” Beau is probably only noticing it now because we’re all around each other more.
“You can call him Drix, too, if you want,” he offers.
“That’s your guys’ thing.”
“Fine,” he huffs. “You sure you don’t want to come?” He tries again.
“I’m good.” I snag him by the wrist and pull him to me, giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek before I let him go. He needs this time with Mason.
I think with me around, Mason is spending less time at home, which means less time with Beau. I don’t want to come between whatever bond they have. I want Beau to have that. To have some kind of parent role in his life. Mason might not care much for me, but he does for Beau, and I’ll never come between that.
Besides, it’s not as though I’ll ever look at Mason as a father figure. I’ve been halfway in love with him since he saved Beau and me all those years ago. Even when I want to hate him, those old feelings always come bubbling back to the surface. He could have tossed us out on our asses. He could have chosen not to believe a word I said, but he hadn’t. He kept us safe and gave us a new life. One I’ll always be thankful of. Even thinking back to that now, some of the hurt I’ve built up over the past few weeks washes away.
I check the clock again, guessing they should be gone by now. I grab my purse and slip on my shoes. The second I’m out the front door, Jessup is there.
“Can we go to 39th and Hamilton?” I ask. She nods her answer.
She barely speaks to me either. I wonder if it’s an order or if she generally doesn’t like me. I stopped trying to make small talk with her after the first week. It’s only a short drive over to 39th. Jessup drops back the second I’m out of the SUV, giving me space.
I can kill a few hours here walking around in the outdoor market they have on the weekends and stopping into the coffee shop. Today I’m going to see about getting fresh apples to make a pie this evening.
“You again.” I turn to see the same beautiful blonde I’ve run into a handful of times now. She must live close by. “No little boy this time?” She glances around, looking for Beau.
“No, Beau had plans today. Just me. I thought I’d come and get some apples to make a pie later.”
“How domestic of you. I can’t cook to save my life.” She lets out a laugh. “I’m Marina, by the way.” She holds her hand out. “But call me Mari.”
“I’m Lila.” I take her hand. “I suppose it’s past time we introduced ourselves.”
“Right? I swear I see you everywhere, but you must be new?”
“Kind of. I’m home from school for the summer.”
“Oh, so you won’t be staying long?”
“Not sure, honestly.” I hate not knowing what might come next for me. “Guess I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing next in life. How about you?”
“I’m a singer.” Mari’s whole face lights up as she says it. I bet she can own a stage. She might be one of the prettiest people I’ve ever seen in person. Even now, I can see men looking her way. “You want to get some coffee?” She nods toward the little coffee shop a few doors down.
“I’d love to,” I agree, hoping that maybe I’ll make a new friend.
11
HENDRIX
I toss down the photos Captain Park just delivered.
“Marina is up to something, but talking to either of these women will get me nowhere. They would only spend more time together out of spite.”
“Any instructions?” he asks.
“Not at this time. Make sure that Jessup is on the alert.”
“Of course,” he replies stiffly, taking slight offense to my suggestion that one of his employees is not on the alert.
“Thank you,” I say, hoping to smooth things over.
He gives me a sharp nod and pivots with military preciseness toward the door.
Next to me, Colin lets out his breath with a swoosh when the door closes behind the security officer. “I thought he might take off your head there.”
“I know.” I grin ruefully. “I realize Captain Park only works for me for lack of anything better to do. I promise not to unintentionally insult his employees again.”