Jenna’s Dilemma

Rayne Matthews

Copyright © 2020 Rayne Matthews
All rights reserved.

This book or any portion thereof
may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Editing and Cover Design By

Partners in Crime Book Services

Also by Rayne Matthews

Twisted Road to Darkness

Twisted Road to Salvation

The Journal

Table of Contents

Also by Rayne Matthews

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

About the author

Chapter 1

Jenna

RUSHING around like a chicken with its head cut off is becoming my new normal. When did time management become such a problem?

“Shit, fuck!” I say through a clenched jaw as I trip over my wet towel.

I look in the mirror and thank Goodness I look good. I swing the bathroom door open in a rush and slam into my thirteen-year-old son, Asher.

“You look nice, Mom.”

“Thanks. Why are you standing outside the door?”

“Your daughter is hogging the bathroom. When can she go live with Dad?”

“Your father can’t even pick you guys up on his weekends. How do you suppose Abby can live with him?”

“Just an idea. You’re gonna be late for your meeting,” he says, pushing past me.

I laugh to myself as I take the dreadfully short trip to my tiny apartment’s second bathroom.

I knock on the door. “Abigail? What are you doing?”

The door opens to a dramatic twelve-year-old. “I can’t go to school today, Mom. Look at me! I’m hideous!”

“Look, drama princess. I have that meeting today that will change our lives. Get your ass ready! Ten minutes.”

She rolls her eyes and slams the door. Nothing like a hormonal tween.

I stumble around my living room, looking for my favorite black wedges, and I’m about to curse the heavens when I see Asher dangling something.

I turn, and he has them hanging from two fingers. His smirk reminds me of his father, but I don’t know what I’d do without him. I grab my heels from him, plop myself on the couch and freeze.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” he says, sitting next to me.

“What if they don’t invest?”

“They will. There’s no reason for them not to.”

“You are so comforting, son. I love you.”

“Love you too. We can walk, so you don’t have to rush.”

“And risk your sister taking off on you again? No way, kiddo.”

I run back to my bedroom and close the door to look in the full-length mirror. My black pencil skirt hugs my lower body nicely. The button up, royal blue top, accentuates my girls. I decide to untuck my top. I don’t like the way it makes my pooch of a belly look.

The door opens, and my daughter peeks her head in. “You look so beautiful, Mommy.”

“Thank you. You don’t think this is a little too much?”

“No way. Plus size is the new skinny.”

“Wow! Go get in the car.”

She smiles and leaves my room.

Plus size is the new skinny? What the hell is that?

My daughter is an asshole like her father. They always ruin a genuine compliment with a fatty comment.

Can I just say, I am not fat. Not skinny either. Size sixteen is hardly big.

I have many offers from the opposite sex, but none of them intrigue me. I need a real man with substance. I have baggage and it’s starting to get heavy.

I grab my purse, slip into my wedges and rush out to the car, where my son is going through my checklist of everything I need for the meeting. I send that poor boy back into the apartment three times, before we’re completely ready to take off.

I pull over in front of the school. Abby jumps out, like the car is on fire, and yells something that sounds like a goodbye.

My son leans over and kisses my cheek. “Good luck, Mom. You’ll do great.”

“Thank you. I’m not as nervous as I look. If your Dad isn’t here by three-thirty, drag your sister to the café.”

He smiles and gets out.

Normally, I wait until both kids are past the front gate, but I don’t have the time today.

Luckily, the café I own is less than a mile away from the school, which gives me the time to calm my nerves. I roll the windows down and enjoy the overcast morning. When you’re a block away from the beach, most mornings are like this.

Redondo Beach houses a huge retirement community, and its Pier draws in the many tourists and business people. Opening a café here seemed to make the most sense.

I grew up next door in Manhattan Beach. It’s ideal to grow up on the beach in Southern California. We have a beautiful coast and we’re twenty or so miles from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. My parents, Lee and Marcia, are now retired. My father was a prosecutor for the Los Angeles district attorney’s office for almost thirty-seven years. My mother, a Michelin-starred chef. Her seven restaurants are gold mines to this day.

I’m the youngest of three kids. The oldest, my sister Jillian, followed in our father’s footsteps, and is a lead prosecutor. She’s a complete bitch. My brother, Jake, is a real estate developer. He owns his own company in our hometown.

I was the uh-oh! I’m fourteen and eleven years younger than my siblings. I had dreams of being just like my mom. I wanted to be a chef, but I fell for the troublemaker and had Asher at the young age of seventeen. Abigail came a year later. My parents aren’t the type to scream and holler. They know how to speak in a way that will hit your core. All my father said was he was disappointed in my selfish behavior. My mother didn’t speak to me for weeks. I’ve always been close to my parents and I hated that I let them down. But ultimately, they helped me tremendously. They fell in love with Asher and they were extremely excited when Abby was born. Scott, my ex, is a whole different story. My parents have never been fond of him. I think the only reason they didn’t protest my relationship with him, is because Scott comes from a prominent family.

After high school graduation, while most of the kids I grew up with were over indulging into their parent’s large bank accounts, I enrolled into a community college and was accepted into the culinary program. One of the many decisions, my parents were not happy with. They wanted me to train under the best chefs from around the world. My mother got me a spot under a well-known French chef that would’ve required me to move to France. I couldn’t commit to that with two small children. I could’ve been like most of the trust fund babies and mooched off my parents, but I wanted to teach my kids responsibility. I want them to live within means, not beyond them. Even though I have money, I don’t live the posh lifestyle like everyone else I see.

I rid my mind of anything that has the quality of distraction and get focused on the meeting I have with two investors. I want to open another place so badly, but unfortunately, I don’t have enough money and the banks won’t even shoot a double take in my direction. They tell me I have too much money for a loan. Two kids in private school, and an ex who “forgets” to pay child support every month, keeps my money right where it should be. A little less than tight, and I won’t dare ask my parents.

I have a very successful business. I opened ASHES CAFÉ eleven years ago, after my first year of community college. I quit school before receiving my degree, but I did finish all my core requirements and received my certificate in food management. I had to do a lot of work in convincing my parents that I wouldn’t make them regret fronting the start-up money for the café. They gave me enough to last five years and they were in complete shock when I paid them back within three. I saved a little at a time after that. I had a dream of opening another restaurant. Then my barely there boyfriend, Scott, left me and the kids to follow his dream of being a rockstar. Up until, six years ago, Scott was involved in the kids’ lives. He helped at the café every day.

We had a picture-perfect relationship. His band would rehearse, the way they always had; when all five members were available. Then one day, he stopped helping at the café and told me he quit his bartending job. He poured all our savings into renting out a recording studio with the guarantee his career would take off quickly. He moved out to be closer to the studio and jumped in head first, into the lifestyle. Booze, chicks, and drugs almost every night. If he committed a quarter of his time to the kids, the way he does to partying, he’d be a decent dad again.

It’s been five years and the band is barely booking venues. They have a large following, but their recording company is shady.

I park in my spot and rest my head back on the seat. I clear my mind and get myself back on track. It’s eight a.m., the café has been open for two hours, so I go in through the back door.

My manager Nico is in the backroom and rushes over to help me.

“I thought your meeting was at nine?” he says, heading into my office.

“It is. I just need to get some work done.”

“I’ve never seen you this nervous. Are you okay?”

“This is huge for all of us. I really don’t wanna fuck this up.”

“You won’t fuck this up. If they don’t give you the money, they’re idiots.”

“Thanks Nico. Did Charity show up on time this morning?”

“She was pounding on the door at five-till. That’s an improvement. That cop was asking about you again.”

I turn in my chair. “Which cop?”

“You know which cop. Comes in every morning at six-ten. Suit, five days. Sweats the other two. Cade.”

“Oh! He’s a cop? I had no idea,” I say with a silly grin.

“Yeah, real cute, Jenna. He flaunts that shit in front of you.”

“So, what did he say?”

“The usual. How’s Jenna? Haven’t seen her in a while. Think she wants to fuck me?” he says, giving me a wink.

I let out a giggle. “You can let him know tomorrow that I would entertain the idea.”

“Forget that guy. I’m all the man you can handle. Remind me, when was the last time you had anything between those legs? I don’t mean battery operated, or your hands.”

I’m pretending to be thinking. “Scott.”

Nico’s eyes are almost bulging from his sockets. “You’re kidding?”

I shrug. “No. I’ve been busy.”

He crosses his arms over his small chest. “You broke up five years ago.”

“Yeah. That wasn’t the last time. We’ve had a few drunk nights. Usually after one of his gigs. The last time was the week my parents took the kids to Aspen.”

He shakes his head. “That was six months ago, Jenna. You need a good booty call. A dick that doesn’t belong to your overprivileged, ungrateful baby daddy.”

“Tell me how you really feel? And nobody says booty call anymore.”

“What do the kids call it these days?”

“Not a clue. I’m the embarrassing mom, remember?” I say, getting up from my chair and patting his chest on my way to the front of the café.

My nose is greeted with the sweet smell of fresh muffins. I stop and rest my arms on the service window. I see my three-person team of cooks on the line.

My head chef Camilla sees me first. “Good morning, Jenna. Good luck today.”

“Thank you. I placed the order. New menus should be ready by next weekend. Just give Nico your list by Monday.”

The tears that fill her eyes make my heart sing. Camilla has worked for me for the last six years. She moved up the line, and became the executive chef a year ago, after the last guy took a job in a swanky place in Hollywood.

I greet a few of the regulars on my way to the front of the house and stand behind the hostess podium. I’m waiting for my problem employee, Charity. I watch as she seats two older couples at a table. She turns and sees me. The fear in her eyes is timeless. I know, she thinks I’m going to fire her.

She walks up slowly. “Morning, Jenna.”

“Good morning, Charity. Let’s have a chat.”

I allow her to take the chair at my desk. She sits with her head down. “Jenna, please?”

“Please, what?” I say, interlacing my fingers in front of me.

“I know I was late a lot this week. I’m sorry.”

“Charity, this isn’t volunteer work. This is a paid job. If you cannot follow the schedule and or the rules, I can’t keep you here. This is the last and final chance.”

She jumps up in joy and hugs me. “I won’t let you down.” She walks out happily.

Nico appears in the doorway. “I love how you scare the living shit out of these people.”

“I don’t mean to. She’s a good kid. Remember when you were eighteen?”

“Not really.” he says with a chuckle, and walks away.

I guess you can say, Nico is almost like my best friend. Even though he’s tried to sleep with me on more than a few occasions. I’ve heard he’s pretty good in bed. Just can’t bring myself to be with him like that.

His Colombian roots give his appearance a little mystery. Flawless caramel skin, jet black hair and dark brown eyes. He has very full eyebrows that he maintains perfectly. I’ve never found it attractive when men wax their eyebrows, but it looks good on Nico. Just another element to add to his arsenal. He’s one of the most charming and charismatic people I’ve ever met. We had a lot of classes together in community college. We were both in the culinary program, and we stayed friends after I quit, and he was the first person I called when I started renovations for the café. He started on the line, and when he realized he wouldn’t be promoted any time soon, he went back to school for business and marketing. He has an eye for good recipes and good promotions. I’m hoping this meeting goes well, then I’ll be able to promote him to general manager. He has a few kids by different women and his child support is no laughing matter. Three days a week he hops in the kitchen for overtime pay.

I can hear something vibrating in the pile of mess on the floor. My phone, I find it at the bottom of my purse. I take a deep breath before I answer.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, sweetheart. I wanted to wish you a happy day. Don’t worry about the meeting. You'll do great. Are you wearing form fitting clothing?”

I look down at myself. “Kind of.”

“Statistics have proven that older men, love clothing on a younger woman that hug their natural curves.”

I laugh. “Statistics? Dad told you that?”

“Yes, and I fully agree. This is important to you, Jenna bean. You must use what you’ve been given. Do you know how many women would kill to have your figure?”

“You mean all the bigger plus sizers?”

“You are not plus size! You are a healthy-looking girl. Always have been.”

“Thanks Mom. I really need to get ready for this meeting. I’ll call you later. Loves and kisses.”

“Loves and kisses.”

I sit at my desk and think. Is she right? If she said it, it must be true. I tuck my top back into my skirt and unbutton the top two buttons.

I’m lost in my pitch, when Nico comes in to tell me my guests have arrived. I glance at my desk clock. They’re fifteen minutes early. I like these guys already.

I see them standing at the hostess station and the taller of the two men looks at me and smiles. He knows who I am. Everybody does and I have my parents to thank for that.

I walk to them with my arm extended. The taller gentleman takes my hand and kisses the back of it. “Miss Westin. It is an honor. I'm Harry Davenport. My business partner, Alfred Black.”

“Gentleman, the pleasure is all mine. As you already know, I'm Jenna Hunter-Westin. Let me show you to our table.”

I walk slightly ahead, and make sure to put more emphasis on my walk. I know at least one of them is watching. We sit at the only unoccupied table in the far corner of the café and they allow me to sit first. I slide my proposal across the table. Mister Black takes it first. The other man, Harry Davenport has a lust filled smile and it’s all for me. I give the man my best flirtation, with my eyes only.

Mister Black hands off my hard work to Davenport. “Miss Westin. Please help me to understand the concept?”

“Well, high end comfort food, for a reasonable price. Good drinks, good atmosphere.”

“I understand that part. How will you manage high end for a reasonable price? Manhattan Beach is not a lower-class income community. Aren’t you concerned that it won’t hold up to the standards of the other restaurants in the area? One being your very own mother’s?”

“Unlike all the other places around there. They target the rich folks, so to speak. I want to capture the attention of the hard-working blue-collar people. Students, single parents who just want one night out. Now, I don’t want you to think that the upper class is less important. I want a place where everyone can come for a short amount of time and leave full and happy.”

Davenport puts his left hand up. “I have to tell you, Jenna. May I call you Jenna?”

“I prefer it.”

“Jenna, I’m impressed. The concept is unique to the area, we know you have had much success here. Do you think it might be a little overwhelming running a restaurant that is open in the evening opposed to a café that closes at two?”

“Not at all. My brother says I need to get out more after dark.”

We share a laugh.

“Speaking of your family. Why an investor like us? Why not propose this to one of your relatives?” he asks, with that same lustful look.

“That’s a good question. I made my kids a promise to always work hard for them and do everything to secure their future. When I opened this place, I was so young and new to this, I asked my mom to help with some dishes. People saw this as her present to me. Which is not the case. The reason I’ve asked you to meet with me is because I want to prove to my kids and myself that I don’t need my family’s money or status to succeed.”

I’m looking from one man to the other. Their poker faces are amazing.

Mister Black nods. “If you will allow me until the middle of next week, I would be happy to work out all the concrete numbers with you.”

“Thank you so much.”

“This isn’t a final decision. I still need to see the exact numbers.”

“I understand. I thank you for meeting with me, Mister Black.”

He nods and shakes Davenport’s hand.

“In twenty years, I have never seen a response like that from him.”

“I whole heartedly believe in this and I would be so grateful to the both of you.”

“If he chooses not to move forward, I would be happy to give the full eighty percent you are asking for.”

“That means so much to me. Thank you, Mister Davenport.”

“Please, Jenna. Call me Harry. I would like to call this the start to a beautiful partnering. Let me take you to dinner this evening. I’d love to hear all of your creative ideas,” he says with a wink.

“That sounds like a wonderful time to me, Harry.”

We shake hands and he leaves.

I say my hellos to all the tables and get back to my office to check my phone, and I don’t need this right now.

I hit send.

“I won’t be on time to pick up the kids.”

“Why now, Scott? This is the fourth pick up in a row.”

“Recording is running late.”

“It’s fucking ten in the morning. The kids get out after three. I don’t know how much longer I can let you keep doing this to them.”

“What are you talking about? You know this is taking off for me. You promised to be supportive.”

He always makes me feel like the villain. I know better than to argue.

“Okay, Scotty. I am supportive and so are the kids, but you are still their father and you need to spend time with them.”

“My parents want to take them to Big Bear. They’ll pick them up.”

“Scott! That doesn’t count, and you know it.”

“I’m doing all I can, Jenna. Pretty soon, we’ll be great. We can finally be a family.”

“Asher has a key. Your parents can stop by and let the kids pack.”

“You’re the best, bean. I’ll call Mom now.”

He hangs up and I lay my head on the desk. I feel hands on my shoulders and I know it’s Nico.

“He’s not taking the kids?”

“No, his parents are taking them to Big Bear.”

“They’ll like that. And the meeting?”

I lift my head. “Good. Davenport asked me to dinner.”

“Booty call with old, shriveled balls.”

“That’s so weird.”

He spins my chair and kneels in front of me. “Seriously, Jenna, they’re gonna give you the money. Stop stressing.”

“I just want to give so much more.”

“We’ll get there. Your pussy is too good to be given away to a fossil.”

I laugh. “Who said I was gonna sleep with him? And how do you know how good it is?”

He shrugs. “If you wear that dress you wore that one night you almost sucked my dick, you won’t even need to have physical contact.”

“What dress?”

“The tight black one. The one that doesn’t leave anything to the imagination.”

“The hooker dress? Maybe, and you know damn well I have never been close to sucking your dick.

“Let a man dream, Jenna.”

“Come help me pick something out?”

“When did I become your girlfriend?”

“I’ll be naked the whole time.”

“Deal! Davis is asking for you.” He kisses my nose and leaves me alone in the office.

I hurry and readjust my outfit. I don’t want to look like a slob in front of him. I turn on my sexy and walk up front. Davis always sits outside, so I go out to find him.

He’s sitting at a table alone, looking at his phone. He makes me nervous like an eighth-grade crush.

He looks over and stands. We hug, and I enjoy his smell.

He pulls out a chair for me before he sits.

“How was the meeting?” he asks, sitting at the edge of his seat.

“So far so good. May need to dabble in prostitution with a much older investor.”

He smiles. “I know you’re joking, but you don’t have to have sex with someone just for a contract.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I was trying to make you laugh. Any word on the interview?”

“I got the job.”

“Oh, my goodness, Davis, that’s awesome. I’m so happy for you. Let’s celebrate this weekend?”

“Absolutely. How about tonight?”

“I have dinner with one of the investors. What about tomorrow? The kids are gone for the weekend.”

“Wow. Scott is being a father?”

I hold back my laughter. “No, his parents are taking them.”

“Must be nice. Call me when you get home tonight. We’ll make plans then.”

“You got it. I need to get back inside. Congrats on the job.” I get up with a smile.

“Congrats on your meeting. Be good tonight.”

I keep that smile as I walk away. I don’t know how I always manage to make things awkward with Davis. He’s such an amazing guy. He’s an English Lit professor and now with this new job, he’ll be at his alma mater. University of Southern California. I’ve known him almost ten years, but I’ve never had the courage to ask him out. He’s never asked, so I assumed we were only friends. Still can’t help the butterflies. I get my mind off of Davis and get back into the café. It’s busy as hell and they need help.

Most patrons that come here, are courteous and are out by the posted closing time of two pm.

When everyone has paid and left. I call a staff meeting.

“It seems like we’re a go on the restaurant. Nothing is set. I feel really good about this.”

They applaud and cheer.

Camilla rushes me with a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Jenna.”

I take her head into my hands. “If this goes through, would you like to be the executive chef?”

Tears fill her eyes and she nods furiously. “I would love to.”

“When it’s solid, the menu is yours.”

“Really? Thank you so much.”

“Alright, guys. Let’s get this place golden and get out of here. Thank you for all your hard work.”

I am not the kind of owner that expects my staff to do it all. I get down on my hands and knees just like they do. How can I get respect if I stand over them or micromanage over the phone?

After my crew is gone, I use the time to take another look around the café, and every day, I’m not surprised to see they missed nothing.

Payroll is about done when my phone plays an annoying techno song, telling me that it’s Asher.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey, Mom. We’re going to Big Bear. You coming home soon?”

“Yeah, buddy. I’ll be home in a few.”

“What’s Dad’s excuse this time?”

“Recording is running late.”

“He gets another free weekend. How was your meeting?”

“It was good. Should know for sure by next week.”

“That’s cool. When you open the restaurant, will you be gone all the time?”

This hits me hard. “No, I will always be there for you and your sister.”

“I didn’t mean that in a bad way, Mom. I’ve been thinking if the engineering thing doesn’t work out, I wanna be a chef.”

“Really?”

“I wanna take care of you. You deserve it. Maybe I can work for you one day.”

“You have no idea how proud I am of you. If being a chef is what you want, we’ll make it happen.”

“You’re the best, Mom. See you when you get home.”

He hangs up and I smile. I really don’t know what I’d do without that kid.

The ride home is peaceful and when I get to my apartment door, it’s slightly open, and I walk in to a nice scene. Scott’s parents, Dave and Celeste, are sitting on the couch holding hands.

His mom sees me first and gets up. “Jenna, you look so beautiful as always.”

“As do you, Mom. When shall I expect you back?”

Scott’s dad stands and hugs me. “No later than dinner time Sunday. You do look beautiful, dear.”

“Thank you both. Have you talked to Scott?”

Both of their expressions change. They are not the proudest when it comes to their only child.

His father takes a quick breath. “He’s being Scott. We don’t like you and the kids in this small place. Let us get you something more suitable.”

“This is just fine. Once the new restaurant is open, I’ll move us.”

“It’s no trouble, Jenna. Let us know if you change your mind. I’m sure Lee and Marcia would like it, too.”

I smile at him and notice my son out of the corner of my eye.

“Miss you already,” he says, hugging me.

“Miss you too, buddy. Have fun.”

I pull away and am plowed by my daughter.

“I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, angel. Be good. I’ll see you Sunday.”

We say our goodbyes and I wait until they drive off to kick off my heels and open a bottle of wine. I’m sure Davenport will send a car, so I’m safe to let a little loose.

I’m thumbing through the order schedules when I get an email.

Davenport.

Miss Westin. A car will pick you up at six-thirty sharp. I am elated to talk further business with you.

I have plenty of time. I finish my bottle of wine and open another one. This may be my downfall, but whatever. I’m feeling nice, and text Davis.

Hey, Davis. Dinner is at six-thirty. Hopefully it won’t take long. Maybe we can celebrate tonight?

Sounds good. Want me to make a reservation?

No. How about my place? Do you remember my apartment number?

I do. I’ll bring something to drink. Good luck tonight.

Maybe I’ll be a gracious host and make food. Lol. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way home.

My second bottle of wine is in the books. When there’s a knock on my door. I open it and I can feel the effects of the alcohol.

“You’ve been drinking?” Nico says, walking passed me.

“I’m fucking nervous.”

“I wish I could help ease your mind. Get that sexy body naked, and I’ll dress you.”

A deal is a deal and I take my clothes off on the way to my bedroom. Nico’s looking through my closet and I wait impatiently.

He turns, and his mouth falls open. “Jesus, Jenna. You’re so fucking hot.”

I realize this is the first time Nico has seen me in my birthday suit. “What do you have for me?”

He pulls out some hangers and lays his choice on the bed. “I would fuck you in this.”

He picked out black jeans and a nice sleeveless dress top.

I jump on him. “You are incredible. I love you.”

“I love you too. Call me later.”

I wait for him to leave to hop in the shower and get my make up touched up before getting dressed. In the living room, Nico left me a pair of six-inch red stilettos that Scott bought me before we broke up. I slip in to them and talk a lap around the apartment to make sure I can actually walk in them safely, when my phone rings.

“Hello?”

“Miss Westin, my name is Dennis, I’m your driver for the evening. I’m outside.”

“I’ll be right out.”

I drop my phone into my purse and stop at my door. “You got this, Jenna. This is for the kids and the staff.”

I walk out into the beautiful June air to find a stretch limo with and the older man opens the back door for me.

“Miss Westin, I’m Dennis.”

“Please Dennis. Call me Jenna.”

“Miss Jenna. It is an honor.”

I get in and the first thing I see is champagne staring me in the eyes, screaming for me to pop the top and enjoy myself. I wouldn’t want to be a rude guest.

The car stops and I down the last of the drink. I look out the window to the front of the restaurant. Thank goodness it isn’t one of my mothers. Dennis opens the door and I step out.

“Mister Davenport is waiting. I will walk you inside.”

“Thank you, Dennis.”

He leads me inside to the table where Harry is sitting. He smiles and stands until I’m seated.

“You look ravishing Jenna.”

“As do you, Harry.”

“I am happy you’re joining me this evening.”

“I am happy you invited me. What is it you wanna talk about?”

“I noticed your nervousness with Alfred and I thought a little alone time would help me make my decision. I want to come to an understanding, so we can close this out.”

I smile. “What else do you need from me to close?”

“Just have dinner with me every once in a while. Make an old man feel young.”

“I would love to have dinner with you every now and again.”

He orders drinks and a meal for us, and I don’t complain that my host has taken it upon himself to make my choices for me. I’m tipsy so the less I speak the better

While we eat, he allows me to go into all the details of my proposal, and after the check is paid, he walks me out to the limo where Dennis is waiting.

Harry rests his hands gently on my shoulders. “I had a great time with you, Jenna. Consider yourself a new restaurant owner.”

“Thank you so much. We should have dinner after the signing.”

“I will hold you to that. Good evening, Miss Westin.”

“Good evening, Mister Davenport.”

He kisses both of my cheeks and I get into the limo.

I call Nico.

“Hello?”

“We’re in business.”

“Are you fucking serious?”

“YES!”

“Holy shit! This is fuckin awesome, Jenna.”

“Nic, it’s really happening. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Go get that Davis cock. See you tomorrow.”

He hangs up and I start to dance in my seat. Davis cock!

It’s not the worst idea, so I call him next.

“Hello?”

“Good evening, handsome.”

“Sounds like you already started celebrating.”

“Guilty. I’m on my way home if you wanna head over.”

“I take it you won’t be cooking?”

I giggle. “Probably not. I’ll order something.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay. I’ll leave the door unlocked.”

I hang up and sit back in my seat. Davis has never been inside my apartment. He knows where I live because his younger half-sister lives in the complex. He saw me one day as I was taking out the trash. It amazed me that he even spoke to me after that day. I looked a hot mess. He was a gentleman about. He complimented on my natural beauty.

I thank Dennis for the ride after he opens the limo door, and I haul ass to my apartment. I kick off my heels inside the door and leave it unlocked as promised. My small apartment is tidy, so I go into my room to change into something that will get Davis’ attention. I find a lacy black tank top and matching shorts. I throw my hair up in a messy bun and take one last glance in the mirror behind my door. If this doesn’t get his attention, I give up. I swing my door open and nearly jump out of my skin.

You have got to be kidding me. I push the man standing in my doorway, back-wards.

“What the hell, Jenna?”

“You have to go, Scott. Why are you here?”

“I wanted to see you and it’s Friday night. I brought beer.”

“You wanted to see me but you didn’t wanna see your own damn kids? You are truly something else. Get out and take your cheap beer with you.”

“I have good news, but fine, I’ll go,” Scott says, turning around.

He pauses and that’s when I see Davis. Can a girl catch a break?

Scott walks over and stops in front of Davis and laughs as he sizes up the shorter man.

Scott turns and looks at me. “You’re making me leave to spend the night with this?”

“Don’t be a prick,” I say, pushing Scott closer to the front door.

He smirks and shakes his head as he walks out of my front door, slamming it behind him.

“I am so sorry, Davis,” I say, mortified.

He smiles. “That was Scott?”

“The one and only. Did you hear everything?”

He nods. “I think so. He’s a big son of a bitch.”

“Yeah he is. You’ve never met him?”

“No. I never pictured he’d look like that.”

“What did you think he looked like?”

He smiles and holds up a bottle of bourbon. “This should make the celebration more fun.”

Changing the subject is a good idea.

I grab the bottle. “How do you take your bourbon, sir?”

“Straight up.”

“My kind of man. Make yourself comfy.”

I grab my fancy glasses and pour more than I should into each. I sit on the couch facing him and stretch my legs out on his lap. He takes a glass and raises it.

“To a great night between friends.”

Friends?

I clink his glass with mine and down my drink.

Friends?

He sips his drink and stares at me with his amazing hazel eyes. His dark green polo shirt is making his eye color go to the greener side. The top two buttons are undone, and some chest hair is poking out. His beard is cut short to his face, which goes perfectly with his light curly brown hair. He always has it combed back and tucked behind his ears. It doesn’t touch his shoulders, but it’s close. He’s average in weight and height. He’s a mix of Clark Kent and Harry Potter. Nerdy mixed with sexy.

I throw his ‘friend’ comment out of my head and smile. “So, what do you wanna do tonight? We are celebrating after all,” I say in a voice a little sexier than intended.

“What do you have in mind?” he says, finishing his drink.

I take his glass and set it on the coffee table. I straddle him and run my fingers through his soft hair. I love long hair on a sexy man. He puts his hands on my hips and I take that as my cue to make a bigger move. I kiss him.

His tongue is warm. It tastes like cigarettes and bourbon. It’s mesmerizing. I feel that tingling in my belly and my arousal starts to seep out onto my panties. I move his hand so he can feel what he’s doing to my body, but he breaks the kiss and moves his hand away.

I’m surprised.

“What’s wrong?” I say grinding a little on him. He’s hard. That’s why I’m lost.

“You sure you want this? What if he comes back?”

“I wouldn’t have initiated this if I wasn’t sure. He won’t come back.”

“I just didn’t think we’d move this fast.”

“Are you not interested?” I ask, getting off him.

He runs his hand through his hair. “Look, Jenna. I really like you. I just don’t want to rush into anything you might not be able to handle.”

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t want to compete with your ex.”

“There’s no competition. He’s my ex for a reason. I’m not understanding why we’re having this conversation. I mean, we’re adults. We can have sex without drama.”

“If I wasn’t coming over. Would you have let him stay?”

“No. I’m actually mind blown that he remembered where I live. He never comes here.”

“He came to see you and not his kids. Doesn’t seem like he’s over you.”

“He’s not. I am a pretty good catch.” I wink at him.

He laughs nervously. “Maybe I should go. I don’t want to regret staying.”

Now I have an attitude. “I can guarantee you’ll regret leaving. Do what you feel is necessary, Davis.”

“Don’t be upset with me, Jenna. I want more than just sex,” he says, getting up.

“Thanks for the drink, Davis.” I get up and open the door for him.

He stops in front of me, puts his hands in my hair and kisses me.

There’s aggression to this one.

He pulls away. “I’ll see you soon, Jenna.”

I slam the door closed after him and take the bottle of bourbon to my room. This will not ruin my good day. I take my hair down and get cozy on my bed.

I’m in the middle of chugging from the bottle when I see movement in my hallway. It’s dark in my room and I can’t see who it is.

“Why didn’t you lock the door?”

“Slipped my mind. Did you forget something, Davis?” I get up and attempt to walk.

Before I can leave the room, he grabs my hair with both hands and forces my head back.

I’m looking up at him and he grips my hair tighter. I can feel strands being forced against their will, from my scalp. The look in his eyes is something I’ve never seen before. He looks mad and horny. It’s scary as hell.

He pulls my head, close to his face. “Get on your knees, Jenna.”

I don’t know why, but I do it. Not that I really have a choice as he pushes me down. I stare at him as both knees reach the carpet. He let’s go with one of his hands and undoes his jeans. I move my eyes as he reveals an amazing dick. Not too long, but it makes up in girth.

He repositions his hands in my hair. It hurts, and I don’t like it, but I don’t have time to protest. He bumps the head of his penis against my mouth and I open wide for him. He rams himself into my mouth with a force that is uncomfortable to my jaw. He’s so thick, I can’t help the scraping of my teeth on him. He pulls himself out of my mouth and yanks up on my hair so I stand. I don’t think I like where this is headed. I’ve never been treated like this before.

“Can we stop, please?” I say, holding back tears.

He lets go of my hair and takes a couple of steps back. “I told you I didn’t want to regret staying.”

“I don’t want you to go. I’ve just never had someone be so mean like this.”

“Do you want me?” he asks, moving back to me.

“Did you hear what I said?”

“I heard you. Answer my question, Jenna.”

I’m shaking. If I say yes, does this give him permission to abuse me? If I say no will he leave and never talk to me again?

“Yes, I want you.”

“Then I’ll teach you. You will learn to love what I have to give.”

Holy shit! I’m scared now but I really need sex.

“Okay,” I try to say with confidence.

He smiles. “Take your clothes off. Get on the bed, on your hands and knees. Spread those knees wide.”

I slowly peel my clothes off and follow his directions when I’m on the bed. I turn around when I think I’m in the right position and look at Davis. He stares at me with a wide grin. He sits next to me and takes off his socks and shoes. He then stands and takes off his pants, folds them and sets them at the edge of my bed. He does the same with his shirt.

“What’s the point of this, Davis?”

He smacks my ass hard and I flinch. I start to get up and he pushes me down. I hear the ripping of a wrapper, and he gets on the bed behind me. He bends onto my back and I feel his warm breath on my ear. “Be a good girl and Daddy will make you feel good.”

This is weird, but I don’t say anything. I feel the tip of his dick at my wet hole and without warning, he slams into me. I thought I had been fucked before, but I was wrong. The weight he’s pushing onto my back is extremely uncomfortable and I think he senses it and repositions his hands to my hips. That does the trick. I instantly feel the build within my body.

This is rough fucking as I know it and my moans are loud and high pitched. He flips me onto my back, straddles my chest and slides the condom off. He grips his dick and strokes himself fast, then cums on my chest and face. When he catches his breath, he lays next to me and kisses my forehead.

    “That’s it?”

He laughs. “That wasn’t enough for you?”

“Would’ve been nice to finish.” I get up to clean this mess off me. I wet a towel and wipe myself off. What an awful way to have sex.

Women like this shit?

I look up and see Davis standing in the doorway. He tosses the condom in the toilet and flushes. He has to see my frustration. He’d be a complete douche if he didn’t.

“I take it you’ve never had an experience like that?” he says, in a mocking tone.

I throw the towel in the sink and turn to him. “Are you kidding me? I went along with whatever the hell that was because I thought you liked me. Clearly I’m a dumbass.”

“I do like you, Jenna. I like rough sex. I thought you would too.”

“I’m not a toy. I’m a person with feelings.”

“Never said you were a toy. Keep an open mind and I will take you places you’ve only dreamed of.”

“Sex isn’t supposed to be complicated. It’s supposed to be enjoyed by both people. If I wanted pointless sex, I’d call Scott.”

He raises an eyebrow and quickly drops it. “I’m sorry. I got into it too fast.”

“Are you gonna make it up to me, or should I just do it myself?”

“Why don’t you come back to bed and find out.” He turns and hops back on the bed.

Who is this guy? I most certainly pegged him wrong. He likes a version of sex I’ve only read about. How comfortable can I be with this? I really like him, but can I get into this kind of bedroom play?

I turn off the bathroom light and crawl over him to the other side of the bed. He rolls over and kisses me with a sensual passion. He’s confusing the hell out of me.

He pushes me onto my back and kisses down the middle of my body. When he gets below my belly, I open my legs for him and he doesn’t waste a moment. He sucks my clit into his mouth and bites it.

My body tenses from the sudden pinch. He brings his finger to my hole and swirls it around my opening. He pushes one of my legs back and I grip the sheets with anticipation. It’s been so long since a man made me orgasm, but my excitement is short lived when he jams one of his fingers all the way in my ass.

“Davis, what the fuck?”

He starts to wiggle his finger and sucks hard on my clit. What the fuck is happening?

“Oh! sweet Jesus. I’m cumming!”

After my shaking body starts to relax, he pulls his finger out and lays next to me.

“Better?” he says, cocky.

“I’ve never had my ass fingered before.”

“There’s a magnificent G-spot in the anus.”

“I see. Have you ever done anal? I mean you take it, not give it?”

He chuckles. “I have. It’s very satisfying when done right.”

“Do girls have long enough fingers to get all the way in there?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

I sit up on my elbow facing him. “You’ve had sex with a guy?”

“Only my boyfriend.”

A laugh escapes. “You’re too funny. Seriously?”

“I’m serious. We’ve been together two years.”

“So, you’re gay?”

“Hardly. I’ve never been attracted to a man until I met him.”

“I don’t believe in cheating. I wish I would’ve known this before.”

“I would never cheat on someone I love. It was his idea for me to come over.”

This is a joke and I don’t hold back the hysterical laughter, but he doesn’t join in.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Would you like to see him?”

I don’t care, but I humor him. “Sure, why not?”

He sits up and pulls his phone from his folded jeans and lays back down.

He’s scrolling through his phone then turns it to show me. I take a moment, then look.

I know the stunned look that must be on my face screams volumes. It’s Cade. The cop.

“Well, what do you think?”

“I don’t know. Why would he want you to hang out with me if you’re together?”

“Look. I’m not supposed to tell you this yet. We want you. You don’t have to decide tonight. We should go out just the three of us and go from there.”

I know I should be turned off by this, but I’m the exact opposite. I roll over and fall asleep not saying another word.

When my alarm goes off at four-thirty. I have to reach over a sleeping Davis to turn it off. Why is he still here if he has a boyfriend?

I’m getting ready in the bathroom when I hear Davis’ phone ring. I stand in front of my mirror in shock when I hear Cade’s voice. It appears that everything Davis said was true.

It’s real, or it’s one really good scam.

Chapter 2

Cade

WHAT the hell is going on? He should have been home, or at least called me by now. I’ve been pacing the floor in our bedroom for hours contemplating on calling him or going over to Jenna’s apartment. I hope he stuck to our plan. Get to know her, win her over and then introduce the idea of the three of us together.

I can’t wait any more. I snatch my phone off of the bed with more force than needed and I have to calm myself before I hit send.

“Hey, you. You’re on speaker.”

“Why are you announcing I’m on speaker? Doesn’t matter. Where are you?”

“I’m at Jenna’s.”

“Why am I on speaker then?”

“I told her.”

“Davis! That’s not what you went there for. We agreed we would tell her together. I need to go.” I hang up on him and continue pacing.

What the hell is he thinking? No woman in her right mind will hop into a relationship with two men like this. I try not to imagine what happened between the two of them and dress in my weekend get up. Sweat pants and a hoodie. It only takes me ten minutes to drive to the café. I make it a habit to be consistent. In my line of work, there is no consistency. You can get a call at any time and it doesn’t matter if you’re busy with something else.

I met Davis at Ashes Café three years ago. He was sitting outside, and he caught my attention. I had just taken a job with the Redondo Beach police department, which moved me from Santa Barbara.

I had gotten word from one of my God-sisters that RBPD was ready to introduce a new unit. One that makes the most seasoned officer cringe. I am the head of the Crimes Against Innocence unit. The name sums it up. We deal with some of the most unimaginable cases involving children under the age of eighteen. Luckily, Redondo is a quiet place and there aren’t too many of these cases popping up, and being with Davis has eased my intense nights alone.

I only experimented with my sexuality in college. I was in a fraternity and it got wild most days out of the week. It was the first time I had sex with a man. I never thought I’d like it, but I did. I thought I had left it all behind me after I graduated. I married a nice girl I met my junior year, but I was everything but a model husband. I had many women in many beds during that time.

That all changed that day at the café.

I knew I needed to introduce myself to the attractive man sitting outside. I envisioned how it would go until I walked inside and saw the most beautiful woman in front of me. She greeted me warmly and she knew that I was new in the café. She introduced herself as Jenna. How was it possible to have an instant attraction to two people at the same time? I made the decision to get to know Davis first since he wasn’t busy at that moment. He was surprised when I asked to sit with him, but he didn’t reject me. We talked for hours and laughed at ourselves when Jenna came to our table and announced they were closing for the day. They seemed to know each other and I took it as an opportunity to ask questions about her without sounding like a creep. He told me she was the owner. She was single. She had two kids. I wasn’t sure if I would ever want a woman with kids, but I knew it was different from the first time we locked eyes.

I made my move on Davis a few months after we met. We went out to a bar and ended up at my place. He was uneasy after I kissed him because we were both in another relationship. I didn’t care, and once my mouth wrapped around that thick, juicy cock, he changed his mind. After that night I did everything in my power to sweep him off his feet and it worked. I filed for divorce and he broke up with his long-time girlfriend. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Davis, but he had a surprise for me and I was completely committed once he showed me. He had a son and I fell in love with the little boy within minutes of meeting him; and Davis moved in with me a few weeks later. Two years ago we made it official by buying a house together. Our first night in our new home I confessed that I had a thing for Jenna, and to my surprise he said he did, too. That’s when my mind went to work on a plan to get Jenna in between us in our bed. Not for a night, but for the rest of our lives. I dreamt explicitly of what we would do to her body to give her the greatest pleasure, but the only problem I came across was Davis’ needs in bed. He craves control and he won’t back down from that. It took me a while to get used to sharing control in bed. I was used to being the alpha who always took control.

I’ll admit it. It’s nice to be submissive sometimes.

I park in the only available spot on the street in front of the café and hope Jenna is here. I haven’t seen her in two weeks and I’m bothered by it. Not that her staff isn’t great. They’re not Jenna. I walk up to the front entrance and look inside. My stomach does a few flips and I have to close my eyes to steady myself. She’s here. I open the door and the bell makes her turn around.

“Welcome to Ashes. Good morning, Cade.”

“Good morning, Jenna. It’s nice to see you.”

“It’s nice to see you too. Sitting outside?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be right out with coffee.”

Her smile blows me away. I go outside and sit at my usual table. The same table Davis sits at every day of the week. I make myself comfortable. She comes out a minute or so later with a pot of coffee and a mug. I notice while she’s pouring the coffee, her hand shakes.

“Are you okay, hun?”

She looks at me and smiles. “Of course. Why?”

“You’re shaking.”

She sets the pot down and takes a seat. “So, it’s true? You and Davis?”

“It is. What did he say to you?”

“That you’re in a relationship and you want me to be in it too.”

“We do. I know this is strange. I would probably be freaked out by something like this too. I think it can work.”

“This is weird. I mean, a couple is always only two people. Even open relationships are still only two people at once.”

“Three people together is not unheard of. There’s a big community who live this lifestyle.”

“How do you know this?”

“Research. There are retreats and huge conventions around the world. Once the three of us come to a perfect understanding, it will fall into place sexually. I promise our first time together will be memorable in all the right ways.”

“Maybe I’m getting ahead here. Didn’t you send Davis to have sex with me last night?”

I don’t show my disappointment. He wasn’t supposed to get physical with her.

“You’re both consenting adults. I guess I will have to give you my best performance to top what you had last night.” I give a little wink.

She hunches forward in her chair. “It all sounds great. It really does. I don’t know if you know this, but I come from a well-known family and I can’t bring something like this into their world. Reputations and all that.”

I nod, but this pisses me off. “You care more about your family’s reputation than your happiness?”

“Happiness? You’re very sure of yourself and I respect that. I have two kids to think about. Having two men in my life openly is not something I want for them to be around.”

“But you’ll bring a man you’ve only had contact with at this very table, into your home and have sex with him?”

The softness in her eyes disappears and is replaced by anger. She gets up. “How dare you! What I do in my home is none of your Goddamn business. You and your boyfriend enjoy your lives.” She starts to walk away and turns back to me. “Don’t worry I’ll save you the trouble and tell Davis myself. Charity will be out to take care of you. Have a good day, Cade.”

She walks away, and I feel like an asshole. She rejected me, and it doesn’t sit well.

I call Davis.

“Hey, babe.” He sounds energized.

“I fucked it up. I’m sorry.”

“What happened?”

“She was talking about her family’s reputation and not having it around her kids. I snapped and said something I didn’t mean.”

“She just texted me. She doesn’t want anything to do with us. God damnit, Cade. You knew this would be a sensitive buy in. What if we can’t get her to want us?”

“Don’t put this all on me. You weren’t supposed to have sex with her.”

“I know. I couldn’t hold back. I guess we both scared her off.”

“We’ll convince her, just give her some time, so we can regroup and try again. I saw it in her eyes. She’s interested but scared. We need to make her feel safe. Waitress is coming I’ll call you later. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I place my order and go to work in my mind. We need to show Jenna what she’s worth. She needs to know how irreplaceable she is. I get my greed from my father. I have to get what I want at any cost and I don’t stop until I’m satisfied. I’ve never been rejected even when the other person was scared or nervous, and I’m not sure if I’m able to chase.

Why did Davis fuck her?

Chapter 3

Jenna

I storm into my office and slam the door. I can’t believe the nerve of that guy! I texted Davis and washed my hands of this crap. I’m sitting at my desk with my head in my hands when I hear a knock on the door.

“WHAT?”

The door opens. I don’t look to see who it is.

“Jenna, is everything alright?” Nico.

I turn in my chair and rush into his arms. I never hold back with Nico and I cry.

He closes the door and holds me.

“It’s so fucked up, Nic.”

“What happened?”

“Davis and Cade are together.”

He pushes me back by my shoulders.

His lower jaw nearly touching the floor. “What kind of shit is that? Why would Davis have sex with you?”

“They want some, like, threesome thing with me.”

“Holy shit! That’s major, Jen.”

“I know, and Scott came over and Davis showed up right after. What a mind fuck.”

“Scott bailed on the kids then showed up for you. He’s such a dick.”

“You’re preaching to the choir. I still wanna know what he wanted.”

“To fuck, probably.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

“Dry your pretty eyes. Everything will be okay. Your someone is out there and you’ll find him. I promise. If all else fails I’m always available,” he says, with a grin.

“You’re too much. Thank you for listening.”

“I’ll always listen to you. You’re my girl.” He kisses my forehead and walks out.

I need to know why Scott showed up last night. I get my emotions under control and sit at my desk.

I grab my phone and dial his number.

“What, Jenna?”

“Why did you come over last night?”

“Does it matter? I’m sure you had fun.”

“Don’t be like that, Scott. Just answer the question.”

“I wanted to throw out the idea of us moving back in together. Obviously, that’s not happening.”

“So now, all of a sudden, after five years you wanna be a dad again?”

“All of a sudden? Our kids are and have always been my priority. I’m trying to get my career up and running for us.”

I laugh. “You’re so full of yourself. You left us to party. This career is an excuse to be an absentee father. MY children are old enough to see through your crap.”

“Whatever you say. Did you fuck that guy?”

“And if I did?”

“Fuckin’ nasty.”

“But it’s okay that you fuck who you want all the time? I didn’t call you to argue.”

“Then why did you call me?”

“You know why. I hate fighting with you.”

“I hate fighting with you too. Are you and that guy a thing? Don’t lie, Bean.”

“No, we’re not. It was a mistake.”

“You did fuck him. That hurts me.” He says in that pitiful voice I fall for.

He always knows how to get to me. “I’m sorry, Scotty.”

“I’m coming over when you get off. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted guests.”

He hangs up and I start shaking.

Do I really want him to come over? This won’t end well, and I know in my soul, it’s a bigger mistake than my night with Davis.

My phone buzzes.

It’s a text from Davis.

I read it and I’m floored.

I’m sorry Cade was abrasive towards you. He’s not like that at all. Please don’t punish us for his reaction to your logical thinking. Let us show you how amazing this can be. You’re the most beautiful and intelligent woman we have ever met. I understand why you hesitate. I can understand the negative media that might be geared towards your family. I promise you it will be worth it. I promise you we will always give 100% to you and the kids. Give us a chance. No rush. Take all the time you need. We’ll be here with open arms when you’re ready.

Fuck! This just got more complicated.

Chapter 4

Cade

MY breakfast was cold by the time my frustration was at a level I could manage. I know I’m blunt and I know that Jenna is sensitive, but fuck. I want so bad to be pissed at Davis, but I can’t. I’m only mad because I wanted to be the first to sink my cock into Jenna. I thought sending my boyfriend in to butter her up because he’s better with words than I am. I’m a cop, or even worse, I’m an O’Shea. We’re not known to keep our words sugary. Another curse from my father.

I sip my coffee and think about what it would have been like if I stayed in my hometown. Indio is a two hour drive east of Redondo Beach. It’s full of empty promises, hopelessness, and the Soulless Ryders MC. A club my father was a part of for most of his adult life. Me and my younger brothers, Justin and Jason, were expected to be members and carry the imaginary torch that my father was to pass on. I feel bad for leaving my mom and sister, but it was something I needed to do to follow my own path. I’m the oldest of four. James O’Shea Junior is a name that doesn’t fly under the radar, so before I left, I legally changed my first name to Cade. Cade was the name of the first dick I had in college. Weird, right? Made sense to me.

I’m pulled from my past by the buzzing of my phone. It’s Davis.

“Hey.”

“Babe, she wants to meet up. When should I say?”

“Really? Now! We should meet now.”

“Wait. Slow down. The café closes at two. Get home and we’ll make dinner. I’ll tell her five, but you need to be on your best behavior, Cade.”

“I will. Five o’clock.”

I hang up and get myself together. This is why I leave the rational shit to Davis. I can only imagine what he said to her to talk her off the ledge. I’m grateful for him and his ease that settles a room. I pay my bill and use my ride home to figure out how I’ll keep my ass in check around Jenna. Only problem. We can’t cook for shit and Jenna owns a restaurant. If we don’t send her running for the hills with our relationship proposal, our meal will.

Chapter 5

Jenna

I relented and texted Davis back. The least I can do is nothing when it comes to them, but I felt like I owed it to hear them out. How bad could one sit down be? I’m gathering my things to get the hell home to get ready when my phone rings on my desk.

I see Davis’ goofy smile on the screen.

“Hello?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s been one hell of a day.”

“I’m sorry for that. We want to host a dinner for you tonight. Let’s say at five? Is that okay?”

“Yeah that’s fine. Where?”

“Our house. I’ll send you the address. Are you sure you’re okay? You can tell me.”

“I just have a lot of distractions right now.”

“Are we a distraction?”

“I hope not. I’m going home to relax for a bit. I’ll see you at five.”

“Jenna?”

“Yeah.”

“I hope you realize how perfect you are. I don’t ever want you to feel like you can’t talk to me freely. Is this something that has to do with Scott?”

“I really don’t wanna talk about him. I appreciate you trying.”

“I mean it. As much as I don’t care for the guy, he’s part of your life and he’ll be part of ours. Don’t let him sucker you back into that unstable life just because he’s jealous.”

I laugh. “That’s what he’s trying to do. It’s hard. He was my first everything and he’s the father of my kids. I want so badly for them to have their family.”

“If you put your cards on the table, we’ll give them that family.”

“I can’t say I’ll be down for this, Davis. I just don’t want to live with the what if.”

“Okay. Time will tell, I guess. I’ll text you the address. See you soon.”

“Okay, bye.”

He’s so good with forming sentences. I sometimes wonder if he only says what people want to hear or if he’s really that good. I have enough time to unwind so I push the thoughts of Cade and Davis to the dark part of my brain and leave the Café. The quiet of my home will prepare me to keep an open mind.

I drop my stuff just inside the front door to my apartment and the quiet deceives me. What the hell am I doing? Am I really giving this a shot? I’m so scared. How can I manage two men when I could never keep one happy?

I call Scott.

“I’ll be over at four, Bean.”

“Come over now. I need to get my mind right.”

“Your mind right? Who are you?”

“Come over now or forget it.”

“Fine.” He hangs up.

If I can get around the Scott train, I can get past anything. I put the bottle of wine back in the fridge and sit on the couch. I need all my senses for this. Scott knows me better than I do and he can usually weasel his way into my head and my bed. I kick off my wedges, sit back, close my eyes and allow my mind to wander to two gorgeous men satisfying my every wish. Even though I come from a prominent family and I’ve never wanted for anything material, I’ve only ever wanted a true love. I’m not like my family. I don’t crave fame or recognition from the community. I want happiness for my babies. I’m thirty. Not old by any means. At the same time, I’m not getting any younger. If Scott can’t convince me, I will dive head first into this abnormal offer. Davis and Cade have met the kids and they seemed to like them.

I hear the door close and my eyes fly open. It’s Scott and he’s holding a white rose. My favorite flower. I knew he wouldn’t make this easy. I scan his demeanor and start with his head. His long straight blonde hair is tied back in a pony tail. It’s one of my favorite things about him. His eyes are bloodshot and that makes the blue look almost green. I can tell he hasn’t slept. The tattoos start on his neck and work all the down to his feet. The man even has a penis tat. He has two nose rings and both nipples pierced. You can see the barbells through his tight t-shirt. His pants are just as tight. He should never be ashamed of the size his penis is. I think he wears the overly tight skinny jeans to show off the bulge. I’ve always loved how tall and big he was. His 6’7’’ against my small frame is comforting.

I shake my head. “You got here fast.”

He comes and sits next to me. “I heard now or never.”

“Not even close to what I said.”

He chuckles. “Who was that guy?”

“It doesn’t matter. What is this talk about us moving back in together?”

“Second album is almost done. We signed a forty-city tour.”

“That’s great. How many shows in each city?”

“Three for the most part. It’s happening, Bean.”

“I’m truly happy for you. The kids will be excited, too.”

“It’s time you guys left this dump. I got a new place in Hollywood Hills. It’s big and has a great view.”

The realization of Scott hits me hard. It makes my heart stop. He doesn’t care about anyone but his own person.

“How can you afford a place in Hollywood Hills? You haven’t paid child support in almost a year.”

“I’ve been saving to get us a nice place. I got it now we can be together.”

“We like it here. Hollywood Hills isn’t the best place for us. It’s flashy, Scott. Don’t you ever get tired of the flashy bullshit?”

“No way. We deserve the best. We can take the kids around the world on tour. All expenses paid. Crazy after parties for me and you. This is the dream, Jenna.”

“This is your dream, Scotty. I’m happy for you and I’ll always be your biggest fan, but we need stability. Someone who will be home for dinner every night. Someone who will come to every school function. Someone who picks them up from school. Someone who willingly spends their weekends with them. As much as I’ll always love you, we need to stop pretending.”

“It’s that guy, isn’t it?”

“No. This is me.”

He nods and laughs. “You’ll come back. Nobody will ever make you feel the way I do.”

“You may be right. Have a good night, Scott.”

“When did you start hating me?”

“I’ve never hated you, Scott. I don’t like or agree with how you go about things.”

“Through my dream of being a musician. I wanted to give us the life we deserved. Away from here.”

“Do you realize that if our parents didn’t have money, I would be on welfare and the kids would be in public school? The café would’ve been closed by now. You knew I was saving for a new restaurant. We talked about how the bar inside would have its own separate theme and you’d take care of it.”

“I fucked up with that. I shouldn’t have taken the money without talking to you first. The studio came with a good deal. I couldn’t say no.”

“Selfish. You could have asked your parents for the money, but instead you took our future away.”

“I did ask my parents for the money. They cut me off a long time ago, Bean. They weren’t too happy with me being in a band or being a bartender. I can’t get to my inheritance from my grandparents without Dave and Celeste’s permission.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t know. I’m always the asshole.”

“You are an asshole. I just want you to focus more on being there for the kids. They’re growing up so fast. You’ll regret it later.”

“I already do.” He kisses my cheek, gets up and drops the rose on the couch next to me.

I try not to pay attention to his sad face, and after he slams the door, I lay back on the couch.

That’s the most Scott has opened up to me in years. I check my phone for the time. Almost three, so I call my brother. He’s never told any of my secrets and I need some good advice.

“Beany baby.”

“Jake! I’m dying.”

“You should have called nine-one-one.”

“Shut up. I completely broke it off with Scott.”

“You’re dying now?”

“Not because of that. I have a secret.”

“Are Mom and Dad going to disown you?”

“Yeah. Probably won’t ever say my name again.”

“Oh shit! I’m sitting.”

“I told you about Davis and the hot guy, Cade. Well. They’re in a relationship and want me to be part of it.”

Silence.

“Jacob?”

“They want you to be their sex whore?”

“Um… I don’t think so. I think they want me to be their girlfriend or something.”

“Threesome? It’s not the weirdest thing that you’ve ever said to me. What do they do for a living?”

“Davis is an English lit professor and Cade is a cop.”

“Now that’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever said to me. What an odd coupling. How concrete are you on this?”

“I don’t know. I’m in the give it a chance step.”

“Jesus, Jenna. This isn’t the smartest game plan. You know how Mom and Dad are. Jillian is stuck up as fuck. Are you sure about this?”

“I don’t know. I just wanna see.”

“Think about the kids, Bean. I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks booger.” I hang up before he tries to talk me out of it.

I fall into a dreamless sleep, and the vibration of my phone startles me. I have a text from Davis and it’s four-thirty. I throw my hair up in a messy bun. I don’t want them thinking I got cute just for them. I slip into my flip flops and take another look at the address. It’s two blocks from here. Homes so large they’re considered estates. How do a cop and a professor afford something like that? I have taken notice of the designer suits Cade wears. Even his sweat suits are expensive.

I snatch my purse off the coffee table and head out. I sit in my car for ten minutes, arguing with myself.

I scream.

“That felt pretty good.”

There are only six traffic signals between my apartment and their house and I hit every damn red light. This has to be a sign of some sort. I slow down when I turn onto their street, so I can see the numbers on the houses. Luckily, the house is the third I see and park on the street. It’s go time.

I’m standing at the front door and a thought pops in my head. I didn’t bring anything. My mother would be so pissed if she knew I came to a dinner empty handed.

The door opens, and I clam up. I’m looking at my eye level and I don’t see anyone. I look down and see the cutest little boy. He’s smiling at me.

“Hi! I’m Bryce.”

“Hello, Bryce. I’m Jenna.” I look around to see the numbers on this house.

“DADDY! JENNA’S HERE.”

I’m frozen. Even after I see Davis, I can’t move.

“Are you okay?” He says matching my horrified gaze.

“Whose kid is that?”

“He’s mine. Come in, dinner’s almost ready.”

I don’t budge. Davis takes a step out and grabs my hand. If it wasn’t for his assistance, I would still be outside looking like a complete idiot. Davis leads me into the kitchen. I close my eyes and take in the smells. Food porn is my favorite.

I open my eyes and let out the most ridiculous laugh I have ever heard. The three sets of eyes, fixated on me, made me lose track of my brain. I regain my life and smile at them.

“It smells great in here.”

“We know how important food is to you. I hope you aren’t as critical about the store bought pasta.” Davis says, handing me a glass of wine.

“Lasagna?” I say trying to take the tiniest sip from my glass.

“Wow. You knew just from smelling?” Cade says, looking from Davis, back to me.

I nod, then burst into hysterical giggles.

“What’s funny, Jenna?” Bryce says joining in on the laughter.

I point to the pre-made lasagna box sticking out of their trash can.

Cade walks over, pushes the box completely into the trash, and turns to me. “Sorry, Jenna. We don’t cook very well, and we wanted to impress you.”

The genuine look in those blue eyes, makes a small puddle in my panties.

“The fact that you cooked anything at all is impressive. Most people ask me to cook, so they won’t be judged. I have to admit. I’m not the greatest cook either.”

Cade smiles. “We have a modest one, here.”

“Not really. I’m telling you the truth. You’ll see.” I wink at him and sit next to Bryce at the island in the middle of the spacious kitchen.

The little boy crawls onto my lap. “What’s your favorite day?”

“I don’t have a favorite day. They’re all good in their own ways.”

He’s not convinced. “What’s your favorite color? Me and Cade like green. Daddy likes red.”

“I like blue. Like the color of Cade’s eyes. My son Asher likes green and my daughter Abby loves pink. Her whole room is pink with glitter.”

Bryce makes a face. “I don’t like girls, they smell bad.”

This makes me laugh. “Do you think I smell bad?”

He sniffs me. “You’re okay. All the other girls smell bad.”

Davis lifts Bryce off of me and sets him on the floor. “That’s enough for now, little man. Go play for a bit. Daddy and Cade need to have grown up talk with Jenna.”

He gives me a pouty face before he runs out of the room.

“How old is he?” I ask, sipping my wine.

“Just turned five. He’s a handful,” Davis says, sitting next to me.

Cade sits on the opposite side of the island. He’s penetrating my being with those eyes. I can’t help but to get lost in his stare.

“I miss my kids being that small,” I say, not breaking the lock we have on each other.

Fortunately for me, the timer to the oven starts beeping. Both men rush to the oven and manage to serve each plate without making a mess.

Cade goes to grab Bryce and I help Davis get the plates into the formal dining room. I watch in amusement how Bryce inhales his food and talks at the same time. If I didn’t have kids who once did the same thing, I’d question it. Now I’m wondering why Davis never told me about him?

We finish up and now the three of us are watching Bryce run wild in the backyard.

“How do you like the house, Jenna?” Cade says with that same look he had in the kitchen.

“It’s beautiful from what I’ve seen. Forgive me, but how do you guys afford this place?”

“Got a killer deal. It was in foreclosure. The bank practically gave it to us.”

Before I have the chance to brace myself, the little boy jumps from a full speed run, onto my lap.

“Bryce Christopher! What have we told you about that?” Davis says in a stern dad voice.

I laugh. “It’s okay. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a kid happy enough to jump on me.”

“Jenna! Where are your kids?”

“They took a little trip with their Grandma and Grandpa.”

“Is their Daddy your husband?”

I choke on the little bit of spittle in my mouth. “No, he’s not my husband or boyfriend.”

“That’s like my Mommy and Daddy. They don’t like each other.”

“Bryce!” Davis says, with a tone of warning.

“What, Daddy? It’s for real.” He turns back to me and cups his hand over my ear. “My daddy and Cade think you’re pretty.”

I cup his little ear and whisper, “I think they’re pretty too.”

He pulls away and laughs. “Jenna, you’re funny.” He jumps down and runs back into the yard.

I’m smiling as I turn to look at the two men next to me.

They have the same look on their face, but I’m not sure what the look is.

“What?”

“What did he say?” Davis says with concern.

“That’s a little secret between me and Bryce. Why didn’t you tell me you had a son?”

“You never asked if I had kids. I figured you didn’t care.”

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I mean, it’s a nice surprise. I don’t know if it was the right time to meet him though.”

“What do you mean?”

“Is it smart for me to meet him this early?”

Cade snorts. “We met your kids years ago.”

I return his snort. “They were helping at the café. You weren’t in our home.”

My attention is captured by Davis. He’s furiously typing on his phone.

He looks up at Cade. “She’s done early. She’ll be here in a few minutes.” He gets up from his chair and wrangles up Bryce.

The little boy wiggles until his dad sets him down.

He runs to Cade and hugs him. “Bye, Cade. Get all the bad guys.” He comes and stands in front of me. “Bye, Jenna. See you next time.”

Before I have a chance to say goodbye. I hear a woman’s voice coming from the side of the house.

“Davis, I told you I was pulling up. This is absolutely unacceptable.” She locks eyes with me. “Who the fuck is she? Why is she here with my son?”

I stand and extend my hand. “I’m Jenna. It’s nice to meet you.”

She looks at my hand, then back up to my face. “You can go fuck yourself.”

“You’re a vile little wench. I see not everyone is raised with manners.”

“Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?”

I extend my hand again with a smile. “Jenna Hunter-Westin.”

Her eyes go wide. She definitely didn’t mean for me to see that look of horror. She turns. “Bryce, baby, let’s go.”

Bryce takes her hand and they walk the same way she came in.

I turn slowly and see both Cade and Davis smiling. I sit back down in my chair. “She’s a keeper.” I blurt out before my brain censors my mouth.

“I think you made a lasting impression on her.” Davis says, tapping his fingers on the arm of his chair.

“She looks familiar. Who is she?”

“Amelia Davenport. Her fa--”

“Did you just say Davenport? As in Harry Davenport? She’s his daughter?”

“Yeah. You know him?”

“Remember the older investor I was willing to dabble into prostitution for? TA-DA! That was him.”

“Fuck! You already signed, right?”

“No, Davis, I haven’t. The one time I name drop.” I stand and start to pace.

Cade stops me. “There is a good possibility she doesn’t know about her old man’s business ventures.”

“True, but she now knows who I am. Our parents run in the same circle.”

“Already worried that Mommy and Daddy will find out you were with us?”

“I could care less about that. If she does know about my meeting with her dad, she’ll probably convince him in some way to not invest.” I turn to Davis. “How well do you get along with him?”

“He fucking hates me.”

I double over like someone punched me in the stomach. “I need to lay down.”

Cade picks me up and Davis opens the door for us. He lays me on the couch and I keep my eyes closed until the wave of nausea subsides. I feel a hand on my stomach and another on my leg. I can’t lie. It’s comforting.

“Are you okay?” Davis asks, breaking the silence.

“I think so. That was a sheer freak out.” I open my eyes and sit up.

Without warning Cade takes my head into his hands and kisses me. His lips are soft and when my tongue touches his, he gently pushes me back down on the couch, comfortably resting his weight on top of me. I run my fingertips under his shirt and his body is smooth to the touch. I feel another set of lips on my neck and my every muscle in my body tenses. Cade raises his head with a stoic look.

Davis appears in my line of sight. “Jenna, what’s wrong?”

I push them away from me and stand up. “I need to go.”

Cade grabs me and pulls me into his chest, and Davis put his arms around us from behind.

I feel his lips against my ear. “Don’t be afraid of us. We'll never hurt you. Just let us show you how wonderful you can feel.”

“I don’t doubt that you can satisfy my needs, but what happens after sex?”

“We begin our lives together.”

“Why me?”

Cade lifts my chin with his fingers. “You’re the most beautiful woman we’ve ever seen. That’s why.”

“It’s not that simple. There’s so much more to a relationship with only two people. How do we even go out in public together? Aren’t you worried about people's criticism? People around here aren’t the most inviting to things outside their realm.”

“Why the hell do you care so much about what other people think? If I can remind you, I’m putting my career on the line. So is Davis.”

“Then why are you so adamant on this? I wouldn’t want you to lose your jobs over fucking two different people,” I say in the most diva tone I can muster.

“You’re unbelievable. Davis, this was a bad idea,” Cade says, walking out of the room.

I turn around to look at Davis. “What’s your take on this craziness?”

He shakes his head. “You’re incredibly rude, Jenna. We brought you into our home and you bring all of this negativity with you.”

“I’m rude? You guys thought up some college boy fantasy and expected me to drop my panties.”

“Dropping your panties is one part. You should be thrilled that two men would want to include you in their lives.”

I’m offended. “Why should I be thrilled? Because I’m not paper thin like most females around here?”

He puts his hands up in an act of surrender. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Sure, it isn't. Thanks for dinner. Give Cade my best.”

I walk as fast I can away from Davis. He catches up and grabs my arm with enough force to spin my body.

“You can’t run away every time something doesn’t go the way you plan. It’s not a game, this is life. We won’t always jump up your ass when you act like a spoiled princess.”

I laugh. “You are so charming. I’m taking my fat, spoiled, princess ass far away from you.”

“Your loss, Jenna. I have nothing else to say about this. Good luck finding a real relationship with your attitude.”

“Good luck trying to hide your homosexual relationship from the world.” I shake my pointer finger at him. “I get it now. You need a woman for show. How dare you try and manipulate me in that way.”

“You’re wrong about us and our intentions. If you can’t see that; I really misjudged your character.”

That hurts, but I’m too stubborn to admit I might be wrong. So, I do what I always do. I stand there like a moron with a blank stare.

Cade walks up next to Davis. “So, you think we'd go through all this trouble to make you a spectacle for an imaginary audience?”

I cross my arms over my chest and try to appear mad. “That’s how your boyfriend made it seem. I will not be made to look like a fool.”

“You surely don’t need help in that department.”

Davis shakes his head and lifts a hand. “Why don’t we separate for tonight and try this again tomorrow?”

“After all of the insults, you think I want to do this again?”

Cade looks from him, back to me. He stands within inches of my body. “You’re trying to make us believe one thing with your body language. I see right through you, Jenna. You’re scared. We’re scared too. We can be vulnerable together.”

He leans into me and our lips meet again. I’m so confused.

Cade was a jerk this morning, now they’re both jerks tonight. I was a jerk too, but I'll keep that to myself. If they want me, they have to work hard for me.

In my confused state of mind, I pull away from Cade and wrap my arms around Davis. He’s looking down at me so I give him a small peck and I bite his lower lip. A low growl vibrates his torso and I’m flooded with sexy thoughts. I know they think they have me and they’re dead wrong.

Without saying a word, I turn on my heel, grab my purse and walk out their front door. I walk slow, waiting for them to come after me; when I get to my car I look at their house. The light that was on in front is now turned off. I get in the car and drive home in my own awkward silence.

When I’m safely in my apartment. I let my thoughts roam free. I thought walking out put me in charge. There are two of them, against one of me. Probably okay to say, they won’t be asking me over again. Probably won’t even talk to me again. How do I always manage to screw things up? I get in bed and before I retire myself into dreamland the thought of Harry Davenport crosses my mind.

“SHIT!” I don’t wallow long.

The knock on my door makes me smile. Maybe they aren’t mad at me, so I hurry to the door, put my “mad” face back on and open the door slowly.

We lock eyes.

“Hi,” he says, leaning on the door frame.

“Hi.”

My night just went from bad to what the fuck.

Chapter 6

Cade

“SHE left,” Davis says, closing the living room blinds.

“Why would she leave? That makes no damn sense. She kissed both of us.”

“Maybe you kissing her freaked her out.”

“Excuse me for wanting a little piece of what you had. You laid with her all night, while I sat here alone.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t control myself. What should we do? She seemed pissed.”

“It’s all an act. We should go over there and show her we’re serious.”

“What if she slams the door in our faces?”

“I don’t think she will. Let’s go before we change our minds,” I say, grabbing my keys.

The short car ride over is insane. I don’t want to scare her away. I park my car in a visitor’s spot and we get out.

Davis stops me. “How did you know where she lived?

“You told me.”

He follows me to her door and we stand side by side in front of her door. He hesitates so I knock, and it feels like we’re waiting for hours then the dead bolt unlatches and the door opens. The surprise on her face is priceless, but my smile fades when I see movement behind her. I recognize him. It’s Scott and he’s fucking shirtless.

He walks up behind her with a grin. “Can I help you?”

Davis steps in front of me before I attack. “Thought he was your ex for a reason,” he says with the same tone he speaks to Bryce with.

“It’s not like that. He spilled shit on his shirt. It’s just an awful coincidence that you showed up now.”

Scott laughs. “Close the door, Bean. Let’s finish what we started.”

She rolls her beautiful brown eyes. “Shut up, Scott.” She pushes him back and closes the door as she steps out.

“We came over to apologize, but it seems that you’re already occupied. You left an hour ago,” I say with my hands balled into fist.

“It’s really not like that. It looks bad, I know.”

I lean in and kiss her cheek. “I never in a million lifetimes would have thought you were a disgusting whore. Davis, lets go before we catch something.”

The pure sadness that washed over her body when I said that breaks my heart.

She runs up to us and grabs our arms.

“That was so uncalled for, Cade. I did not deserve such nastiness.”

I rip my arm away. “We could’ve given you so much and you choose to hop into bed with him.”

“I didn’t hop into anything with him. I just slept with Davis last night and kissed both of you today. On the contrary to what you believe, I am far from a whore.”

“Doesn’t look that way.”

“Fine! You don’t have to believe me. I apologize for being an ass earlier. Now I wash my hands clean. Good evening, gentlemen.” She turns and runs back to her apartment.

I stand there for a minute until I realize Davis is already in the car.

I get in and slam the door. He’s staring daggers into the side of my face. “Why would you talk to her like that?”

“Davis, you’re not bothered by that?”

“I am, but everything she’s told me about him, doesn’t make me think she’s sleeping with him.”

“Then let’s sit here and see how long it takes for him to leave.”

I check the time on my phone. It’s a little past ten. We’re both on our phones when I hear loud voices. I see Jenna and Scott walking towards the car. He’s still shirtless but he’s holding what looks like a shirt in his hand. The windows are tinted and its dark, but my window is down almost half way. Hopefully, they don’t see me.

Scott stops at her request right in front of the car and he turns to her. “You really have no common sense, Jenna Louise. How do you think your family is gonna see you after they find out?”

“You better not say anything. I mean it.”

He laughs. “Oh! I’m telling them, and my parents. If you want that life, I will fight for custody of the kids. Shouldn’t be hard to win, considering their mother is so willing to open her legs for multiple men; and when I find out who they are, I’ll be paying them a little visit.”

“Please don’t do this, Scott. I didn’t tell you to upset you.”

“Don’t start with your shit. You made your bed, now you can lie in it.” He turns and walks out of sight.

“What do we do, Cade?” Davis asks without Jenna hearing.

We watch her go back into her apartment.

“When he pulls out, we’ll go.”

I see headlights in my rearview. The car pulls up behind us and someone gets out. Scott walks up to my open window. “Can I help you?” I ask, in a mocking tone.

Scott doesn’t like this. “You think you can waltz in and take over Jenna’s life? She’s mine and if you know what’s good for you, you’d run off with your tail between your legs.” He looks at Davis. “By the way, she said your dick wasn’t shit.”

I grip the steering wheel to control my anger. “You think your rich boy bullshit has an effect on either one of us? I don’t care if you know who I am. My name is Cade O’Shea. I’m a detective with Redondo P.D. Good luck trying to use Mommy and Daddy’s money against a police officer.”

Scott’s smile gets bigger. “You clearly don’t know what money can buy. It would be a shame if Mommy and Daddy’s money made its way into the Chief of Police’s pocket.” He taps the top of the car and walks away.

We sit in silence until he drives off.

“He took down my license plate number. I’m sure he’ll find a way to file a complaint.”

“Why did you tell him who you were?” Davis asks with concern.

“He would’ve found out eventually. Don’t worry, babe. Money only gets you so far. Didn’t you say he owes Jenna a bunch of child support?”

“Yeah. She said he owes a lot.”

“He wants to play. We can play.”

Instead of going back to Jenna. I drive us home, and once we’re inside I use Davis’ phone to call Jenna. I know she won’t answer for me after my harsh tongue lashing.

“Hello?”

“It’s Cade. I need you to listen carefully. Pack a bag and get over here. We are not letting you out of our sight with a maniac like Scott loose.”

“What are you talking about? Scott would never hurt me.”

“I didn’t say he would. You coming over here is for his well-being, not yours.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I can’t do this with you guys. Find another girl.”

She hangs up and I toss Davis his phone. I stomp to our bedroom and slam the door. Maybe we need to reevaluate this relationship with Jenna.

I’m sitting on the bed in my boxers when Davis comes in. “I’m sorry, babe.”

He sits next to me and rubs the back of my neck. “I’m sorry too. We can be happy without her.”

“I know, but do we want that?”

“She’ll go back to that asshole before she ever gives us a real chance. Now that she knows Amelia is Bryce’s mom. I don’t know how that will go.”

I shift my body and take his head into my hands. “I love you. If you don’t want this, I don’t want this.”

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he gets undressed and we get into bed. He’s lays on my chest and I run my fingers through his hair. I’m almost into the full realm of sleep when I hear the doorbell. We both jump up and I walk ahead of Davis to the door, feeling hopeful now.

Chapter 7

Jenna

WHO the hell do these assholes think they are? Scott thinks he can control me? Cade thinks he can call me a whore and get away with it? Davis… Davis hasn’t done anything wrong. Doesn’t matter, he’s guilty by association.

I look out my front door to see if they left and the car is gone. I saw them as I chased down Scott. I know he saw them too. I semi told Scott that I wanted to be with Davis. He assumed that Cade was involved in this. I don’t doubt for one second, that he’ll tell our parents about it. Scott is childishly petty when he doesn’t get what he wants. I need to get Scott cooled off.

“Yeah?”

“Scotty. We really need to talk.”

“Why are you crying, Jenna?”

“My heart is broken. Why can’t you let me go?”

He lets out a heavy sigh. “I know you’re not over me. I get it, you wanna see what else is out there. I haven’t been the best for you in the last few years, but God-damm-it, don’t throw us away for that.”

“I’m not throwing anything away. Just let me figure this out.”

“So, you want those assholes?”

“Why are you saying it plurally?”

“I saw both of their faces. Why would two guys need to come to your place?”

“It’s complicated. Please don’t do anything that will hurt me.”

“Anything I do is not meant to hurt you. I will tell you one thing. That fuckhead Cade has a whole lot coming his way.”

“How do you know his name?”

“He was scared. He told me.”

I don’t believe Cade would ever be scared of Scott.

“Well, there. Mission accomplished. Now can you leave it alone?”

“You go that way, Jenna Louise, you will be sorry.”

“Don’t threaten me, Scott. I have way more on you than you’ll ever have on me.”

“That’s how you wanna play this? Fuck you, Jenna.”

He hangs up and I wipe my tears. He won’t treat me this way. He left us!

I need to talk to someone in my family, so I call my mom.

“Jenna, what’s wrong sweetheart?”

“Mommy, it’s Scott.”

“What the hell did he do now?”

“I met someone and he’s threatening me. He’s saying, he’s gonna take the kids.”

“That’s preposterous. He’s a drug addict. We’ll call the lawyer Monday morning.”

“Mommy?”

“Yes, Bean.”

“I’ve met two people.”

“You need to figure out, who you want. You can’t be parading around with two different men.”

“I don’t know if it works that way.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s kinda like a threesome.”

“Oh, Jenna. That is not safe. How long have you been doing this?”

“Technically, I haven’t started. I’ve known both of them for years.”

“I am trying to stay unbiased here. Is Scott one of them?”

“No way.”

“Do you actually want to ruin your reputation to play with two men?”

“It’s not playing, Mom. This is a serious thing. I need advice from my mom not the celebrity chef.” The tears flow at a rapid speed.

“You call me this late at night and expect me to reason with this behavior? I do not condone this, Jenna. You are a grown woman, you make your decision, but you think about this young lady. You have made very reckless decisions in your past. Your father and I have stood by you. You do this, we will not have any contact with you. I will call you Monday and you will tell me. Goodnight, Jenna.”

“Goodnight.”

I drop my phone along with my body onto the floor in the living room. What am I doing? My parents have only been proud of me when I opened the café. I’ve disappointed them with every other choice I’ve made. Do I sacrifice my family, or do I sacrifice my potential happiness? If I choose Davis and Cade and it doesn’t work out, will my parents take me back? On the other hand, if it works with Davis and Cade, will my parents come around eventually? I know my kids and it will be weird for them at first, but I know they’ll love Bryce. I know they’ll love the two men who want me.

I force my body to get up and I grab everything I need for an overnight trip. I make sure everything is locked up and try to reason with myself on the short drive to my destination. I leave my belongings in the car and walk up to the front door. I stand there for a few minutes like an idiot then ring the doorbell. I hear it chime on the other end of the door and a light comes on from inside the house. The locks are unlatched and the door opens. When I meet his eyes the tears let themselves loose.

Cade pulls me inside and Davis wraps his arms around me from behind.

“What happened, Jenna? Did that piece of shit go back?” Cade asks, kissing my forehead.

“No. I didn’t know what to do.”

Cade picks me up and I wrap myself around him. I rest my forehead on his shoulder and I think I feel safe. He gently lays me on a bed and after they’re on each side of me, Cade covers the three of us. Davis gently strokes my cheek while Cade does the same on the other side, and I feel a weird wave roll through my lower limbs. Both of them touching me sends a shockwave from my toes, up to my head. I close my eyes.

I feel Davis’ mouth on my ear. “Tell us what’s wrong, baby.”

“I’m so confused. Scott said, he’ll take the kids. My Mom said they’ll basically never talk to me again. What if my kids feel that way? I don’t wanna be hurt anymore. I’m a good person, I don’t ever hurt people.”

They squeeze in tight. If I wasn’t feeling this way, I would feel smothered. I have two arms under my head and neck, and the other two are criss crossed over my stomach.

“We don’t have to rush this. We don’t have to tell the kids until we all know for sure. You told your Mom?” Davis asks, kissing my head.

“I needed to talk to someone. I thought she would be different.”

Cade rests his forehead on mine. “Can I tell you a secret?” he asks, in a whisper.

“Of course.”

“When I told my parents about Davis, they went crazy. My own father wished AIDS on me. I haven’t spoken to him in two years. If that’s what happens with your family, it doesn’t get easier, but I could never imagine doing things any different.”

Now it makes sense why he said the things he did. He’s already been there, done that.

I turn to Davis. “What about you? What’s your secret?”

He chuckles. “My parents wanted me away from Amelia so bad, they accepted Cade immediately. My dad was a little distant at first, but he came around once he realized him and Cade had so many annoying similarities.”

Cade lifts his head. “Hey! We have similar interests. They’re not annoying.”

This makes me giggle. “What about your mom, Davis?”

“Both of my moms are overprotective. They wouldn’t give their blessing until they were sure Cade was nothing like Amelia.”

“Your moms are together?”

“Yeah. Surprising?”

“Nothing surprises me anymore. There’s nothing wrong with two women or two men being in love.”

Cade moves my head to look at him. “Is it wrong for two men to love one woman or vice versa?”

“I don’t judge anyone on how they live their lives, as long as they’re happy. I’m scared and when I get scared, I turn into a real pain in the ass.”

“We’ll keep that in mind,” Cade whispers with his lips almost touching mine.

He kisses with a smooth gentleness. He takes his time and I really enjoy it. I pull away a little and he follows. I cup my hand under his chin and rest my fingers on his cheek. He opens his eyes and, for the first time, I see him. There’s a lot of pain behind those midnight blue eyes. I need to show him as much tender love and care as I want him to show me.

I smile at him and turn my head to look to Davis and he has sex oozing from his entire body.

It’s turning me on and he doesn’t wait for me. He kisses me with that urgency he did in my apartment. I feel fingertips under my shirt, tickling their way up my torso. My body stiffens when the fingers reach the underwire of my bra. Both of them must feel the sudden shift in my body; I open my eyes and they’re staring at me.

“I’m sorry. This is happening so fast.”

“I don’t want you to think I’m a dick for saying this, but you initiated it,” Cade says with caution in his tone.

“I’m sorry, I don’t want you to think I’m playing games. It felt right to kiss you guys.”

The smile on Cade’s face makes me happy. “If it feels good, my love, don’t hold back. You never have to second guess what you do with us. Trust me, we’re dudes. We will never say no to sex.”

Davis laughs. “That’s a true story.”

I want to ask a specific question, but I’m nervous. I’ve never seen two men together before. I suck it up and spit it out. “When do all three of us do things at the same time? I’m not one to like being the center of attention.”

Davis bites my jaw and I squeal. “You need to get used to being the center of attention. We’re gonna be all over you every opportunity we get.”

“I’ve never been the main focus for anyone before.”

Davis grabs my face under my chin and forces me to look at him.

Cade flicks his nose. “Too aggressive, babe.”

Davis looks at me and kisses my forehead. “I’m sorry, Jenna. I can be a little rough sometimes.”

“It’s okay. I’m quickly noticing the differences in the both of you.”

“What have you noticed?” Davis says with an amused look on his handsome face.

“Well. You are the nerdy one, that is a complete freak in bed.” I turn to Cade. “And you are a badass on the outside, complete sweetie pie on the inside.”

Cade smiles and kisses the tip of my nose. “That’s a good observation. Let me ask you something?”

“Sure, anything.”

“Are you willing to give us a chance?”

“I think so. I can’t answer for sure yet. I’ve only been with two, I mean three, men sexually.”

The look of astonishment on Cade’s face, makes me second guess my response.

“Wow, Jenna. That’s amazing. I promise you, I’ll never do you wrong or make a fool of you. I’m so honored that you’d even be willing to kiss me.”

I smile, and the tears follow.

Davis rests his head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I took you the way I did. I honestly thought with your personality, you were more experienced. I don’t mean that in a bad way, baby. I promise to be more patient and not assume you’re okay with anything I try to do with you.”

Their words make me so happy. Scott has never said anything like this to me and I was with him, on and off, since I was fourteen.

“I really appreciate both of you. I want to learn what makes you both happy. It might take me some time, though.”

“Take all the time you need, baby. If you want to get to know us better one on one. We’re okay with that. Whatever you need.”

My mind bursts with all the possibilities.

“Can we sleep on all this?”

They don’t answer me with words. They engulf me with their limbs and natural body heat.

I fall into a peaceful sleep.

***

I hear an alarm and my eyes shoot open like a bullet leaving a pistol.

I see Cade reaching for his phone. He turns it off and looks at me. “Sorry, hun.”

“What time is it?”

“Quarter to five.”

“Oh shit. I need to get my stuff from my car and get ready.”

“I’ll get it and grab you a towel.”

I hop up, trying not to wake Davis. I’ve known him for close to ten years, and he’s not an early bird. I know this is gross to confess, but I don’t want Cade to walk in on me peeing, so I pee in the shower. Not a huge deal. People do it all the time. Kinda like peeing in the ocean or a pool. I smell the body washes as I enjoy the hot water. I pick the one that smells like Cade. I love the way he smells. The hot water feels like a thin slice of paradise. I turn it off and push the shower door open. I’m a little embarrassed when I see Cade standing outside the shower, holding a towel.

I try to cover my dripping wet body. “Hi.”

He smiles. “Hi. You’re unbelievably beautiful, Jenna.”

I step out and grab the towel. “Thank you.”

“Do you mind turning the shower back on?”

I reach back in and turn the water on. When I turn back, I instantly feel the extra moisture joining the shower water that’s dripping slowly down my legs.

“Wow.” I whisper.

He doesn’t have one visual flaw. I am introduced to all the tattoos that cover his body. I didn’t pay them any attention last night.

He stands before me and kisses my lips softly. “Thank you, precious.”

We smile at each other as he steps into the shower.

My flirty demeanor falls flat when I see the tattoos on his back. Two of them stand out like a bright light shining in your eyes. I make a mental note, but don’t say anything. I hurry to get dressed and slap a little makeup on. I put everything back into my overnight bag. Davis is still sound asleep. There’s a small pad of paper and a pen on the nightstand, so I write him a note and kiss his cheek.

I grab my keys from the bed and head for my car. Once I’m in, I start searching for my phone charger. I stop to retrace my memory from the night before. My purse is on my passenger seat and I know I stuffed it under the seat. Cade went through my car.

I plug in my phone and check the notifications. There aren’t any, which is strange. Just in case, I look at my calls and text messages. There are six calls from Scott and my voicemail was called fifteen minutes ago. This makes my blood pressure sky high, but before I get the chance to go back inside, Cade knocks on my window.

I start my car and roll the window down. “What’s up, Cade?”

“You left without saying goodbye. Can I hitch a ride with you? I’ll jog back.”

“Sure.”

He gets in and stares at me. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“Why did you go through my personal things?”

“What makes you think I did that?”

“Stop it, Cade. I know you did.”

He rests his head back on the seat, with his eyes open. “I wanted to see how much contact you have with your ex.”

“And? What did the voicemails say?”

“I don’t care to talk about it.”

I look at him with the meanest look I can scramble. “How dare you go through my stuff and have the audacity to act like you’re some kind of victim?”

He turns his head and outmatches my stare. He’s inflicting fear with just his eyes.

“He loves you and he can’t wait for you to move in with him.”

A laugh jumps out of me. “Typical Scott. I am not moving in with him and neither are my kids. You should seriously be ashamed of yourself for going behind my back.”

“I need to know you’re not a mistake, Jenna. I’m starting to think you are.”

“Then get out of my car, Cade. I don’t have time to play games with you.”

He leans over and kisses my lips. “I’m sorry. I should’ve asked you. I don’t trust that guy. Give me permission and I’ll see to it he doesn’t bother you again.”

“What, like kill him?”

He grins. “No.”

This man is truly frightening. His outer appearance is very inviting, but what lingers within is something I need to find out. I wonder if Davis knows? I throw it all out the window and drive the both of us to my café in silence.

I park in my spot and sit there. I need to get what I saw in the bathroom off my chest, or I won’t function properly.

“The big tattoos on your back? Why do you have them?”

“Family name and I lost a bet.”

I look over at him to gauge his eyes. Seems like he’s telling the truth.

“I didn’t know your last name was O’Shea. And why the hell would you take a bet like that?”

“Are you sure you want the answer?”

“Cade, stop screwing with me. I can find out. Remember, I have money.”

“I lost a bet to my own father.”

“Your father had that kind of thing tattooed on you? Some father.”

“Don’t ever speak negatively about him, Jenna. I won’t stand for it.”

“He disowned you for being with Davis, and you won’t let me make a comment?”

“That’s right. Don’t push it.” He opens the car door. “Thank you for the ride, sweetheart.” He gets out and gently closes the door.

I watch him through my rearview mirror until he’s out of my sight. I hustle up and get into the café.

I drop everything onto my desk and check my phone.

Now I understand why he got out abruptly. It’s almost six-ten. I jump up when I hear Nico and pull him into the office. Once the door is closed, I tell him about everything that happened.

He rubs the back of his neck. “Your life is like a weird TV show.”

“Yeah it’s becoming unreal. Do you think you can find some stuff out for me? You know, like, through your connections?”

“Not a chance, Jen. I told you, I don’t fuck with my family like that anymore.”

“Please, Nico? Just one name and it’s connection to the other thing.”

He rolls his eyes. “Fine. It won’t be free. You can pay me back.”

“Yay! Thank you.” I say as I write three words on a Post-it.

I hand it to Nico and he starts to walk out.

He stops and turns quickly. “Why do you wanna know about this?”

“I saw something. I wanna know the connection.”

“These aren’t people that you just find information about. Do you not know who these people are?” he asks, pointing to the words under the last name.

“Of course I’ve heard of the gang. My dad prosecuted a good amount of them.”

“Not a gang, Jenna. Very powerful people. I’ll get what I can and let you know.”

I nod, and he leaves. Nico seems to know exactly what I’m asking for. The true question is, why does Cade have it etched on his body?

I do all my paperwork for the week and finish up our supply lists for tomorrow.

My phone starts ringing. I smile to see it’s Scott’s mom.

“Hi Mom. How’s Big Bear?”

“We’re headed home. Me and Dad are pooped. Scott volunteered to take the kids home. Is that alright with you?”

“Of course, he needs to spend time with them anyway. Thanks for taking them, talk soon.”

She hangs up and my stress level rises. Now I have to face Scott again.

Chapter 8

Cade

I drink my coffee and eat breakfast slowly. When I’m sure Jenna won’t be coming out to see me, I leave. I’m halfway home when I make a call from the phone I keep for emergencies. Something I learned from my father.

I’m happy when I hear the voice of my closest contact.

“You must want something?”

“Hi to you too, brat. I do want something.”

“What is it?”

“Look up a name for me? I don’t want it on my books.”

“What bullshit did you get yourself into?”

“Nothing yet. Scott Lane, from Manhattan Beach.”

“Scott Lane? I know that name.”

“Supposedly, he’s in a band.”

“YES! Limited Discrepancy. They played Coachella a few years ago. Denny listens to them. Why do you want shit on him?”

“He’s becoming a problem for me.”

“He making moves on that tight assed man of yours?”

“If he did, he’d be dead.”

“Okay, okay. Give me an hour. I’ll call Serg.”

“Thanks, Baby.”

Now it’s a waiting game. I really hope Jenna doesn’t start doing any digging of her own, before I can find something out on Scott.

I get home and check on Davis. He’s still asleep. It’s Sunday. He usually sleeps until noon if Bryce isn’t here.

I lock myself in my small office and look through a couple case files. I don’t care about this right now, but I need a distraction. I lay my head back against my chair and close my eyes. I think about my family. I miss my mom and younger siblings.

I moved to Santa Barbara for college. I didn’t want to follow in my father’s footsteps and once I came to the conclusion that I wouldn’t be anything close to what my father is, I decided being on the right side of the law was better for me. One good thing about being around criminals your whole life. You always know someone who can make your true identity non-existent. I changed my first name and started over. I was close to my father until I told him about Davis. I lied to Davis and Jenna when I said my father didn’t accept it. I used my relationship with Davis as a way out. Even my ex-wife doesn’t have the slightest idea where I came from. I worked hard to build my life and I won’t let a piece of shit like Scott Lane ruin it.

My burner phone chirps. I open my eyes and check it.

The text says: Call me!

I dial and wait.

“Dude, you sure you wanna fuck with this kid?”

“Very sure.”

“David Lane the third. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. Oil tycoon. Seems it’s been passed down. His wife Celeste comes from a long line of bankers. Couldn’t find much on her. Scott David Lane is an only child. Went to all the fancy schools and all that shit. Has two kids with a chick named Jenna Louise Hunter-Westin. She’s the daughter of Lee Westin, sister of Jillian Westin. Bad news. Her old man put a lot of brothers away over the years. Her sister is trying to shut down the L.A chapter.”

“Why didn’t I make that connection? Fuck! I need to be more worried about Jenna.”

“Why would you need to worry about her? Are you fucking her too?”

I laugh. “Not yet.”

“Fucking whore. Be careful, Jimmy.”

“I told you not to call me that.”

“My apologies. Cade is so rich sounding.”

“Thanks. Love you, Baby.”

“Love you too.”

Don’t worry. I didn’t call her ‘baby’ because I’m with her. She’s the only family that I have left. She’s not a rat and she keeps me up to date on everything going on at home.

I need to keep my head above water with Jenna. I hope I can keep my cool with her.

Chapter 9

Jenna

I wait for Nico to tell me Cade left, before I help up front. It’s another busy day and I hang out for a while after most of the staff is gone. Nico is getting his paperwork done and I’m hoping he was able to get some info on the stuff I gave him, but I give up waiting and gather my things.

I see him in the kitchen and I stand in the doorway.

“I’m going home, Nic. Need anything?”

He looks up. “No, I’m good. I’ll lock up.” He pulls a paper out of his pocket. “This is what you asked for. Not sure why you want it, or if I wanna know,” he says, handing me the paper.

“Maybe one day I’ll tell you.” I kiss his cheek and head out the back door.

I get my car started and look at the paper. The last name is closely associated with a motorcycle gang called the Soulless Ryders. Cade said his father made him get the tattoo. Doesn’t make sense. I need to figure out a good way to present this to him.

I get home a little after four and I hope Scott feeds the kids. I don’t feel like adulting anymore today. I sit down with a bottle of wine and open my laptop. I search the last name ‘O’Shea’ and the Soulless Ryders. The only link between the two is from a man named James “Jimbo” O’Shea Senior. He was a high-ranking member of the gang in the Desert. I try to look up pictures with no luck. I search for family members, and all I find is this Jimbo guy is married with four children. None named Cade. I write down all the names and search Facebook. I get a hit on the name Trisha O’Shea from Indio. She doesn’t look like Cade, until I look closer at her profile picture. She has the same dark blue eyes. I laugh it off. There’s no way Cade could be a cop and be related to these people.

I shut down my laptop and call Scott to see what’s going on.

“Hey, Bean.”

“Hey, Scotty. Are you feeding the kids?”

“They want me to pick up food. I’ll grab you something. We need to talk.” He sounds sad.

“About what?”

“We’ll talk when we get home.”

I dismiss his words and hang up. He’s just gonna keep on trying. I contemplate calling Cade and just asking him. It can go one of two ways. He confirms or denies. Either way. I won’t know what the truth is.

I’m halfway through my second bottle when I hear the most comforting sounds. My kids are arguing. I run to the door and swing it open.

Abby wraps her arms around me. “I missed you. We had so much fun. Asher made out with a girl.” She doesn’t stick around and I hear a door slam behind me.

I look at my son.

He has a guilty look on his face. He’s not trying to be obvious, but I know my boy.

“Made out with a girl, huh?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t know what she’s talking about.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Do we need another talk about sex?”

“No, Mom. Can we talk about this later?” He hugs me. “When Dad isn’t around?” he whispers in my ear.

I smile and kiss his cheek. “You can eat in your room. Take your sister hers. I need to talk to your Dad.”

Scott walks past me and sets the bags of food on the dinner table. Asher takes what he needs and walks down the hall. Scott sits at the table and doesn’t acknowledge me. I sit on the chair next to him and he puts food in front of me.

I take his hand and he looks at me. “Found out some shit about your boyfriend.”

“Come on, Scott. Please stop.”

“You’ll be happy to know he checks out. He’s a good fuckin’ guy.”

“What do you mean?”

“The only thing I can find against this guy, is he cheated on his ex-wife with the guy he came over here with. I’m happy for you, Bean. You finally found your prince charming. Even the other guy is a saint.”

I’m buzzed, and I get very emotional when I’m almost drunk. I sit on his lap and rest my forehead on his.

“You know I’ll always love you. I just need time to figure out what I really want. Can you do that for me? Without getting jealous and acting crazy?”

“No promises. You’re my best friend, Jenna. I don’t wanna lose you. I’m sorry for everything. I’m sorry for being a selfish asshole.”

I kiss his nose. “I forgave you a long time ago.”

He reaches into his pocket and hands me a fat envelope.

“It’s the child support money I owe you. You don’t have to claim it. I’ll go through the lawyer to pay that separately. Payment plus interest.”

I hug him. “Thank you, Scotty. This will help so much. Tuition is going up in the fall. Asher’s going to that engineer camp next month. I can give him some spending money.”

“Why do you always act like you’re broke?”

“I don’t. You know I don’t want our kids to be snobby. They need to know responsibility. Money is tight, because I’m putting money away for the kids and some extra for the new restaurant.”

He perks up. “New restaurant?”

“I think I found an investor. Hopefully it works out.”

“That’s great. We should celebrate.”

“Your cheap ass beer is still in the fridge.”

He laughs, and I get up. I take my seat and he brings over four cans of beer.

We eat and drink with no issues. These are the times that I enjoy being around Scott. He tells me about the upcoming tour and one of the guys in the band is getting married. After a while I’m pretty shit faced.

I slowly sip my beer when there’s a knock on my door. I’m too drunk to react and Scott beats me to it. I can’t stand, so I pull the door all the way open from my chair.

It’s Cade. He looks at me with those eyes. Scott extends his long arm towards Cade.

Cade looks from his hand to his face.

Scott looks over at me and looks back to Cade. “Look, man. I apologize for being a prick last night. I’m over protective of her that’s all.”

Cade grins. “So, you do have a brain that’s useful. You don’t need to worry about her anymore, Mister Lane. I got it from here. Take care of your responsibilities and we won’t have any problems.”

Scott matches his grin. “Don’t worry about my responsibilities, Mister O’Shea?”

Cade nods with a smirk and I know this pisses Scott off.

Scott looks at me. “I’ll say bye to the kids. I’ll pick them up after school tomorrow.” He walks down the hall.

“Well, okay then. Happy day!” I say clapping.

“You’re drunk, sweetheart.” Cade says not moving away from the door.

“Wine and shitty beer does that. What are you doing here? Where’s Davis?”

“I came to check on you. Davis is at home.”

Before I can say anything, Scott walks up behind me and kisses my cheek. “I’ll pick them up tomorrow and they can stay at my place. Don’t argue. I’ll have them to school on time.”

“Sure.” I think I’m talking normal, but I’m sure I’m slurring a little.

Cade closes the door after Scott walks out and sits next to me.

“Is it okay that I’m here with the kids?”

“You’ve met them before. No big deal. I doubt they’ll even come out for the rest of the night.”

“He only came to drop off the kids?”

“Yeah. He apologized for how he treated you. I guess you check out.”

“And what did you find?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know someone tried to access information on me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Cade.”

“Who looked me up?”

“Scott did, silly man.”

He stares me down with those eyes. “You sure, Jenna?”

“Pretty sure.”

He leans over and kisses me. “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”

“I don’t have any reason to lie.”

“Prove it.”

“How do I prove it?”

“Call Nico.”

I’m taken back by this. “Why would I call Nico?”

“Who tried looking me up?”

“I did. I needed to know.”

He chuckles. “Satisfied now?”

“I'm content that you’re a cop. If there’s anything else I should know, then tell me.”

“There's nothing else. Are you ready to let us show you how great it can be?”

“I don’t know yet, Cade.”

“We haven’t shown you enough to at least consider it?”

“It’s been three days, Cade. You need to learn about patience.”

“I am patient. I don’t want to be dicked around.”

“Nobody is doing that. This is new for me. Give it time.”

“Why are you really hesitating? What else did Scott tell you?” he says with those eyes.

“I’m not hesitating, I’m making sure and Scott didn’t tell me anything besides you’re a good guy, and so is Davis.”

“This relationship won’t work unless we’re honest, Jenna.”

“Can you be completely honest with me, Cade?”

He sits up straight. “I’m nothing but honest.”

I know he’s not honest about something, so I play my cards in another game.

“Okay I was thinking. I know you said you were close to your father until he found out about Davis. Now you have me. You can introduce me to your family. All will be right in the O’Shea family.”

He smiles. “That’s a really good idea. We should run it by Davis first. I don’t want him to feel left out.”

“Why do you have that tattoo on your back?” Crap! Not the question I meant to ask.

“I told you, my love. I lost a bet and my father had me get it.”

“This is a dumb question, but you do know who the Soulless Ryders are, right?”

“I’m in law enforcement, so yes, I do,” he says, sarcastically.

“Just doesn’t make sense. O’Shea is a well-known name in the gang.”

He grunts. “Not a gang, Jenna. The Ryders are a club.”

Got him!

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to disrespect your family.”

He grabs my upper arms and pulls me to him. This sudden movement makes me nauseous. I don’t have control over the vomit that comes spraying from my throat. I’m trying to stop it, but I can’t. Cade doesn’t move. He takes all of it, and when I’m done, he picks me up and takes me into my bathroom. I’m mortified!

He starts up the shower. “Do you have a washer and dryer in here?”

I nod. “On the patio. I’m so sorry, Cade.”

“If this isn’t bonding 101, I don’t know what is. Cleaning supplies under the sink in the kitchen? Where are your towels?”

“Yeah. Towels are in the hall closet. I’ll do it. Don’t worry about it.”

“Get in the shower I’ll clean up.” He turns and walks out.

I don’t understand how he can be calm with all that vomit on him. I quickly take off my clothes and get into the shower. Wine and shitty beer do not mix apparently.

I get out and find some fresh clothes on the toilet and after I dress, I carefully take my disgusting clothes out to the wash. Cade is standing in front of the washer with a towel wrapped around his goodies. I feel another round of nausea hitting when I try to concentrate so I look away.

“Thank you.” I say, trying to relieve the sick feeling.

“You’re welcome. I need to use your bathroom.”

“Help yourself.”

He kisses my forehead and walks back inside. I close my eyes and rest my head against the door frame.

“Mom?”

My eyes fly open. “What’s wrong, Ash?”

“Wanted to ask you that. Why is Cade here?”

“We were just talking.”

“Did you barf?”

“Let this be a lesson to you, young man.”

“It’s a good lesson, Mom. I won’t be sitting in that chair again.” He smiles at me.

I smile the best that I can. “Not the right lesson. Cade has to stay until his clothes are ready. Is that okay?”

“Mom, if you like him, it’s cool. You don’t have to ask us for permission to have a boyfriend. Better him than Dad.”

“Really? You’re that sure about your dad?”

“It’s cool that he’s a rockstar, but he sucks at being a dad. It’s more important to him to hang out with girls after a show than to be with us. It’s not cool that he makes you feel bad all the time.”

I’m still drunk, so my emotions take over. I start crying. “I’m sorry I didn’t choose a better dad for you and your sister. You’re a smart kid, I just wanted you guys to have both parents.”

My son wraps his arms around me. He may only be thirteen, but he’s already so much taller than I am. I take a brief moment to look at him. He has a lot of Scott’s traits, but he looks like me. He keeps it short, because he thinks he’ll look like his father if he grows it any longer. Good thing being in private school requires short-cropped hair for boys. His eyes are a lighter shade of blue, like my mom’s. He’s 5’11 already. He’s not much of a sports player, but he is on the school’s water polo team. I call him skinny buff. He hates it.

I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest.

“It’s okay if you go on dates and all that stuff, Mom. You have to be happy too. I mean, you should have like, sex and stuff too.”

I push him off of me. “Nope, nope, nope, nope. No way. We are not talking about this. Go to your room.”

He laughs and goes back inside. There’s a small stool in my laundry room and I take a seat to help level me out. What in the hell just happened? My kid told me I need to have sex.

I lean my aching body against the dryer when Cade becomes visible in my view.

“He’s a good kid.”

“Yes, he is. I couldn’t have wished for a better son.”

“He’s over his father’s bullshit?”

“I think we all are. Scott isn’t a bad person. He just doesn’t think.”

“I don’t understand how a man could not want to take care of his family. Especially a family like yours.”

“Did your father take care of you?”

He nods. “I don’t wanna talk about him. You and Asher remind me of the relationship I had with my mom.”

“Tell me about her?”

He’s thinking, but he’s smiling. “She never puts up with bullshit, and she never sugar coats anything. She’s always been a hard worker. She’s an ER nurse, I don’t know how she does it. All I’ve ever wanted was to make them proud of me.”

“Look at your accomplishments, they’d be crazy not to be proud of you. You have siblings?”

“I’m the oldest. Two brothers and a sister.”

“Are you close?”

“We used to be. We all have different lives now. My sister is the only one who hung around with my parents.”

“At least you were close growing up. I’m jealous of that. I’m so much younger than my brother and sister. It was almost like being an only child. I have a super fake relationship with my sister. I didn’t get close to my brother until I was out of high school. I’m my parents least ideal child. Got pregnant too young, did again right after. Opening the café made my mother somewhat happy, but I’m not a chef and I don’t make a billion dollars a year.” I sadly let out a laugh.

Cade kneels in front of me. “I never thought rich people had real problems.”

“Because they hide behind their money and their relationships with other money. It’s a little harder to be reckless with all the media outlets nowadays. Nobody cares as long as they get invited to a party or two.”

“How are you so down to earth? You’re a Westin. You could be splurging somewhere tropical with the kids. Not living in this place.”

“Then I’d be just like all of them, and I’d be with Scott, not having you clean up my vomit.”

He laughs. “Good point.”

The washer sings its goodnight, and Cade moves our clothes into the dryer.

“Tell me more about your family?”

“Let’s get back inside,” he says, walking by me.

I follow him into my room and we sit on the bed.

“Why don’t you wanna talk about your family?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just hard for me.”

I pull him into me and he rests his gorgeous head on my shoulder.

“I’m here for you. You can tell me anything, Cade. I’m on your side; don’t be afraid.”

He lifts his head and I see that pain in his beautiful dark blue eyes. Then a thought comes flooding my brain. Those eyes I saw in that picture on Facebook. They are in fact identical.

He sees my shift. “What’s wrong, Jenna?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. You look so sad.”

Nice cover Jenna! I high five myself in my head.

He looks like he buys it. “I haven’t felt like this way towards a woman in a long time.”
“I’m sorry if I’m overwhelming you. I do want to give us a try, but I need to know everything, Cade.”

“I can’t. You don’t want everything. It’s too much.”

“If you wanna be with me, you have to give me everything or it will never work.”

“Why are you pushing so hard, Jenna? Just let some shit go.”

“When the dryer is done, you need to go. Thank you so much for taking care of me tonight, Cade.” I get up and leave him in my room.

I find my phone on the table. I’m sure Cade went through it, so I’m not in a hurry to try and recover what he deleted. I open it up while it rests on the table.

A couple of missed calls from Davis and a text.

I smile as I read it.

Hey beautiful. Cade said you were having a rough night. Are you okay?

Davis really is a nice guy. I wonder if he knows the truth about Cade and his past.

I’m fine handsome. Just re living that one year of college lol

We all do that sometimes. If you need me, I’m a phone call away.

Thanks.

I take a seat on a non-vomit chair and think. I watch Cade as he goes out to check on the laundry. What is so wrong about his past that he can’t share any of it with me? I should let it go, but for some reason I can’t. There’s something there and I may not need to know, but I sure as hell want to.

Cade comes back in clothed. He’s holding the rest in a ball up against his stomach.

“Want me to put this on your bed?” he asks, walking to my room.

This irritates me, so I get up and follow him.

I close my bedroom door. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing, Jenna. You look a little better. I can go now.”

“If that’s what you want. Leaving now doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.”

“I’m not on any hook. I never will be. You don’t determine what I have to say and what I don’t. I’ve been honest with you, don’t push it.”

“What is there to push, if you’re being honest?”

The flash in his eyes is subtle, but I see it and smile.

His eyes turn angry. “Don’t do it, Jenna. You’ll only get yourself hurt.”

He walks past me faster than my eyes can keep up with and by the time I’m caught up, my front door is slamming. Men sure love to slam doors to this place.

I see both of my kid’s doors open.

I see Abby peek her head out. She looks towards the front door then over at me.

“Mom, what was that?”

“Nothing, Abs. Everything is fine.”

“Is Dad mad?”

“No. It’s okay, just go back in your room.”

She rolls her eyes and closes her door.

I turn my attention to my son. He has a lopsided grin.

“Did you turn him down, Mom?”

“Asher Scott! I told you we are not talking about that. Bye!”

He laughs as he closes his door. He’s so lucky I love him.

I text Nico and let him know I’m taking the day off and after he responds, I put my phone on silent and get comfortable in my bed.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Chapter 10

Cade

I forced myself to get up this morning. I kissed Davis goodbye and started on my usual routine. I’m dressed in my suit just in case there’s a call. When we’re not working an open case, we get more days off during the week. The department spent a lot of money on this unit so we’re ‘on-call’ most of the time. Redondo isn’t a high crime city. Especially against children. It’s fine with me. I did my research before I applied, and I was excited when they said we were all on a well-paid salary. I get paid to do absolutely nothing and I’m the head of the unit. If I don’t feel like doing anything, I have three men and one woman to do all the work.

I wave to the hostess inside the café and I take my regular seat outside.

She comes out with coffee. “Good morning, Cade.”

“Good morning, Charity. Jenna here this morning?”

“No, she’s off today.”

“Oh. Is everything alright?”

“I don’t know. I’m just the hostess. Jenna and Nico tell me what to do and I do it.”

I nod with a half-smile. “I’ll have the usual.”

She walks off, swishing her small hips from one side to another.

I shake my head. Some bitches think they can capture any man’s attention with a flirtatious walk. Try again, little girl.

I’m sipping my coffee when the front door opens. It’s Nico that brings out my food. He sets everything on the table. “Need anything else?”

“Actually, yes. Have a seat.”

He sits with an unreadable face. This fascinates me. I can usually get the jump on anyone before they even realize they’ve given themselves away. I learned that from my Godfather, Ant.

“What do you want, Cade?” his voice is calm.

“Where’s Jenna?”

“Not here. Why?”

“I know she told you about me and Davis. We’re kinda like family now.”

He throws his head back and laughs. “You’ll never be my family; and she did tell me about you. From one guy with a shady past, to another. Let her go before she gets hurt. If anything happens to her, I’ll know it’s because of you.”

“You’d suspect me over her worthless ex?”

“Scott’s an arrogant selfish asshole, but he’d never hurt her physically. Neither would anyone associated with him. You on the other hand…”

“What is it that you think you know about me?”

“Like I said, from one shady past to another. She gets hurt, you’ll see a whole different side of me. Have a good day, Detective.” He gets up and walks slowly into the café.

“It’s Lieutenant,” I say as he walks back inside.

That guy has a serious case of little man syndrome. Looks like I need to add another name to the list.

I make that call.

“Sweet baby Jesus. What now?”

“One more name.”

“What do I get? I have to explain to Serg why and I have to pray he doesn’t tell Ant.”

“I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“You’re uber annoying. What’s the name?”

“Dominic Reyes. From the flag he hangs in his car. He’s Colombian.”

“I’ll call you later.”

She hangs up and pay my bill.

Jenna should be taking the kids to school soon. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Jenna, she never locks her patio door and her neighbors are too stupid to pay attention to someone who doesn’t live in the complex. When she’s in a hurry, which are most days, she forgets to lock her front door. Asher is the one who runs back a few minutes later to finish the job. I’ve gotten her routine down. She’s like me, a creature of habit. It’s her two kids that I can’t lock down. That’s due to the inconsistency of their dead-beat father. I’ve ran into the kids on a few occasions coming from the back of their apartment. Abigail never pays attention, but Asher does. I’ll bet my year’s salary that he only thinks I’m having a secret fling with his mom.

***

I pull into the spot I always park in when I go to Jenna’s. Both of her kids have a club that they’re involved with that requires them in school three days a week an hour before the start time of eight-fifteen. She always drops them off at seven.

I watch her front door and right on time, Abigail comes storming out in the direction of where Jenna parks at the back of the complex. Asher walks out a minute later and waits at the front door. He’s looking in the general direction of where I’m parked. I’m blown away when the kid waves. He puts his arm down as Jenna walks out. She closes the door and they walk away. I sit and wait for one of two things. Her car to drive past me, or Asher coming back to lock up. I don’t have to wait long. Asher re appears and locks the door. He puts his key back in his pocket and turns in my direction and starts walking towards me.

Fuck! I’m nervous. I roll my window all the way down and he rests his arms on my door.

“You don’t have to sit in your car every day. You can come in like a normal person.”

“Thanks, pal.”

“Does my mom know you go in when she’s not home?”

“Why haven’t you told your mom that you’ve seen me around when she’s not home?”

“Everyone is allowed a secret. You creeping around is better than having my dad here. Take it easy, Cade.” He smiles as he jogs away.

I like that boy. Almost makes me feel a certain way about my intentions. Maybe I can make it work with Jenna. I watch in my rearview mirror as her car leaves the parking lot.

I take my time walking to the back of her apartment. I hop over her wall and make my easy entrance inside. I’ve done this many times over the past few years. I always thought I’d find something useful. Never any luck. Today is different though. She knows something, and I know Jenna writes everything down. I start with her laptop and Asher’s birthday in the password box.

I check her history. Google search on O’Shea/Soulless Ryders. Obviously, I do have both tatted on my back. She clicked on a link, so I take her lead. Doesn’t say much. It does give the first name of my father. I move on to the next search in her history. Facebook search for O’Shea in the city of Indio.

I click on the next one. My heart starts racing. She looked up the profile for my sister. I look to see if she tried to make contact and she didn’t. Not that Trisha would tell her shit, but it makes me feel better that Jenna didn’t pry.

I’m shutting down her laptop when her door opens.

Jenna looks at me in shock. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“It’s not what it looks like. Let me explain.”

“You better start doing something. You broke into my home. Cop or not, I’ll have your ass arrested.”

“We don’t need to go that far, honey. Come sit with me. I’ll explain.”

She closes her front door and stands there. “Cade. Get to the explaining part or I’m calling nine-one-one.”

“Okay. I came to see if you found out something. Something about me.”

“You broke in for that? You’re hiding some real good shit then.”

“I’m not. I just don’t want you snooping around and getting the wrong information.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“That’s the truth.”

She pulls her phone from her back pocket. “Then you can tell your friends that when they come to take you in.”

I put my hands up. “Okay. There are some things that I’m not comfortable with talking about. Give me time and when I can trust that you’re all in, I’ll tell you.”

She laughs. “You’re full of shit if you think I believe any of this. You’ve been up my ass about Scott and you have to trust me with something you’re not comfortable with?”

“I need to go, Jenna. I’m sorry for coming in without consent.” I try to walk past her.

She puts her hand on my chest. “Nope! Sit your ass down, Cade.”

Her eyes mean business. It’s making the rocket booster come alive. I’m a guy, I can’t control what my dick does.

I sit on the couch and she sits on the coffee table.

“I’m sorry, Jenna. I’m scared. I came here for a better life; Davis has given me so much and I know having you will complete it all.”

“Knock it off with your sweet bit. I know because you’re a cop, you think that you control everything, but you don’t. I have something for you. I learned a lot from my parents. The number one thing my father taught me is understanding people. Knowing when they’re being honest and when they’re not. You’re not being honest. If you don’t wanna tell me now that’s fine, but you will tell me before I commit to you.”

“I promise I’ll tell you everything, my love. I will. Just not now.”

“Fine. Get out, and if I catch you in here again, I will call nine-one-one.”

I nod and walk out with as much dignity as possible. She didn’t leave me much.

I drive home cursing myself. It’s still early and I pray Davis is still asleep. I don’t want to deal with his shit right now. His new job doesn’t start until the fall semester, so he’s home every day. Doesn’t leave much time for me to handle what I need.

I park in the garage and hang my keys on the wall by the front door. I take off my jacket and as I’m hanging it on its appropriate hook, I see movement. I turn and see a pissed off Davis. I must have woken him up. He hates being pulled out of his much-needed sleep.

“Hey, babe. I didn’t mean to wake you,” I say, trying to kiss him.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? You broke into Jenna’s?”

I take a deep breath and put my hands on my hips. “I went in to surprise her. She had a shitty night.”

“She said you were on her laptop.”

“I was attempting to change her desktop icon. That’s it.”

“She’s really fuckin pissed. She asked me if I knew anything about your family.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I told her everything I knew until you guys stopped talking.”

“Okay. Was she happy with that?”

“I don’t know. What’s happening, Cade?”

I reach for him again and he doesn’t stop me this time.

“Nothing is happening. Jenna is fishing for something that doesn’t exist. It’s like she’s trying to find a reason to not be with us.”

He looks up into my eyes. “I’m getting that impression too. Maybe we should stop for a while. Let things cool down.”

“That’s a good idea. You tell her, I don’t think she’ll be pleased to hear from me. As a matter of fact. Just end it, we don’t need her.”

“Now you don’t want her?”

“Wanting her and needing her are different. Call it quits, Davis.”

I follow Davis into our bedroom and I watch him type out a message.

After he hits send, we wipe Jenna out of our minds with a day full of sex and drinking.

We’re both spent as we lay in each other’s arms that night.

I’m fine with letting Jenna go. With her out of our lives, means she shouldn’t have any more reasons to dig into my past.

Chapter 11

Jenna

Three months since the text breakup

IT feels like it’s been forever since I got the text from Davis. I did text him back with no response. I never tried to reach out to Cade. Thankfully, I don’t see him every morning that he comes to the café. Davis is different. I catch a glimpse of him almost every day he’s there. I want to talk to him so badly. I know if I break that now, I’ll fall right back into their scheme and I don’t need any more drama. In just those few days of a ‘relationship’ with them, I had more drama than five years with Scott.

Speaking of Scott.

He’s been dropping off the kids and picking them up from school every day. They’ve only been back in school for a couple of weeks, but I’ll take it. He’s leaving on tour in a couple of months and he asked if we could do stuff as a family on the weekends. I said no at first, but he made it clear it was a co-parenting thing. To show the kids we can get along even though we aren’t together. I’ll admit, it’s been fun for all of us. Asher confessed to me that he had seen Cade on many occasions at our apartment. The last time being the day I caught Cade inside. My son didn’t think anything bad until I told him, Cade was inside. He thought I just had a boyfriend. I wondered how many times he was in there without me knowing. Very stalker-like behavior. I’m in the habit now when the kids aren’t home I lock everything up. Even if I’m just running to the mailbox or trash. Nico has been trying to get me on some dating app he uses even though I keep telling him it’s a waste of time. I’ve noticed that he’s been acting strange. Nico has never been so willing to help me date someone else.

I hurry out of the café to meet up with Scott at the kid’s’ school. He has a fun weekend planned for the three of them and I wanna see them before they go.

I pull up behind his car that’s parked in front of the school and hop into his passenger seat.

Scott looks up from his phone with a smile. “You look happy.”

“I’m in a weird mood. My mother wants to have dinner tonight.”

“I’m so jealous of you right now, Bean.”

“Shut up! What time are you bringing the kids home one Sunday?”

“After dinner.”

I hear the bell ring. Me and Scott get out and lean against the passenger side of the hood. I see my son first. Abby always takes her sweet ass time.

Asher comes over and hugs me. “Miss you already.”

“I miss you too, buddy. Where’s your sister?”

“Talking to her annoying friends.” He turns and fist bumps Scott. “Shotgun.”

I laugh as my son gets in the passenger seat. I see my daughter and am filling my lungs with enough air to yell.

Scott beats me to it.

“ABIGAIL! LET’S GO!”

She looks disgusted and rolls her eyes. She hugs her friends and strolls at a snail’s pace to the car.

She hugs me. “Love you, Mommy.”

“Love you too, princess.”

She bubbles right up and jumps into her father’s arms. “Hi Daddy, I missed you.”

Scott kisses her cheek and sets her down.

She makes a noise of displeasure when she sees her brother is already in the front seat. Asher crosses his eyes and waves to his little sister as she gets in the backseat.

“So, Sunday night then?” I ask with a smile.

He nods and gives me a hug.

I wait for them to pull away before I get in my car, and I have enough time to go home and get glamorous. My mother caught word that I signed on the new restaurant and she insisted that we talk about it over dinner. That translates to her giving me unwarranted criticism, so I have to make sure my appearance is on point to give her one less thing to rip me a new one over.

I checked the mirror a hundred times before I left my apartment. This is as good as it gets, and I regret agreeing to dinner when I pull up to the valet line of the swanky Hollywood goldmine called Fifty-Fives. This place is my mother’s baby. It’s her second highest grossing restaurant under the one in London.

When I’m the third car in line, a young guy runs over to my door and opens it.

“Miss Westin, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were driving yourself.”

He lends a hand, so I can get out and I look at his name tag.

“Toby, no need for apologies. I’m not insane like Marcia.”

He laughs and quickly stops.

I walk around the car to the front door where another young man opens it for me. “Good evening, Miss Westin. Mrs. Hunter-Westin is waiting.”

“Of course, she is. Lead the way, Antonio.”

His smile is from ear to ear. Probably thinks I already knew his name.

I check out the place as Antonio walks me to my waiting mother and I make a mental note of seeing the executive chef on my way out. It’s Friday night, I know he’s micromanaging his kitchen.

Remember the chef who left me for that restaurant in Hollywood? Well, his name is Brent Dorsey and he came here. I will admit that I was upset that my mother would offer him a job, especially behind my back, but after the dust settled I was happy for Brent. He’s a hard worker and he deserves the pay he gets now. I surely couldn’t afford to pay him that at the café. I also want to rub it in his face a little that I’m opening that place that he ‘couldn’t wait forever for’.

Antonio stops in front of the table and I kiss my mother on the cheek. She gives me a once over, and when she’s satisfied with the way I look, she smiles back.

“You’re late, Jenna Bean.”

“Forgive me. I underestimated the traffic.”

I didn’t underestimate anything. I’m twenty minutes early, but I know better than to argue with her majesty.

“I ordered for us. That is the negative to being late.”

I laugh to myself. “Did you call me out for dinner just to ridicule me? I know it’s been a while since the last time.”

“Watch your tone, young lady.”

I sit up straight and splash on my best smile. “Is this better?”

“Much. Now tell me how everything is going.”

“It’s good. Scott has stepped up. Tour starts just after Thanksgiving. Café is busier than ever. New place should be ready for business by late winter. I’m shooting for the end of January.”

“And those men?”

“I told you, Mom. I haven’t had any contact with them. I don’t even talk to them when they come to the café.”

She nods. “Are you seeing anyone?”

“No. I don’t have time for a relationship.”

“One of the men your father plays golf with has a remarkable son. I’ll pass your phone number to him.”

“By golly, however will I repay you?” I say, putting a hand to my heart.

She laughs. “You get your wit from your father, so I won’t be upset this time. It’s one date, Jenna.”

“First off, how old is he? You’re always trying to set me up with guys older than Jake.”

“I believe he’s thirty-eight. Defense attorney to the stars. No kids, never been married.”

“Sounds decent. What does he look like?”

She picks up her phone and puts her glasses at the tip of her small nose. This makes me giggle a little too loud.

She looks up over her glasses. “What is so funny?”

“You look like an old lady when you wear your glasses like that.”

She raises an eyebrow and looks down at her phone. When she takes them off I know she found what she’s looking for. She hands me her phone and I take a close, careful look. He’s not bad looking. He most certainly looks like a lawyer. They all look the same. Kind of like all cops look the same. I usually only give my second glances to the blonde haired, blue eyed types, but that hasn’t seemed to work out for me. This guy has the tall dark and handsome thing going for him.

“Well? Very good looking, don’t you think?”

“He is. I’d like to see how he dresses.”

“Like every lawyer does, Jenna Bean. Sophisticated. From what I hear, he hasn’t had much luck in finding Ms. Right. and he doesn’t mind a woman with children.” She puts her glasses back in place.

I give her time to do whatever she’s doing.

“He looks familiar, what’s his name?”

“Alexander Ackerman. Remember now?” she says with a smile.

“Sure do. His dad sits on the board for the children’s hospital in LA.”

She winks at me. “I sent him your phone number. Your father says when he mentioned you to Alexander, he got a bit excited.”

I fake a body shiver. “Oh goody!”

We both laugh as our drinks arrive. Two martinis. I’m not much of a martini drinker, but what the hell.

We eat in a comfortable silence and, during dessert, she starts her million questions about the new restaurant. I answer as honestly as I can without giving her too much, and she seems content with that. We’re happily distracted when one of her staff members stops by the table to have a chat with her. I don’t care to listen to the ass kissing, so I check my phone.

A voicemail from a number I don’t recognize and a text matching that same number.

I choose the text

Good evening Miss Westin. My name is Alex. Your mother so kindly passed your number to me. I’d like to set up a meeting.

A meeting? Typical lawyer lingo. I look at my mother, who is enthralled by the praises she’s receiving.

I respond to the text before I change my mind.

Hi Alex. I’m glad you contacted me. What and when do you have in mind?

What are you doing tonight?

I’m in Hollywood at the current moment. Finishing up dinner with my mother.

Perfect. I’ve already had dinner myself. How about drinks? A little something to break the ice.

Sounds good. Where would you like to meet?

There is a quiet bar near me. I live in the hills. I can send a car for you.

Send me the address. I’m driving tonight. Nine okay?

Nine is fantastic. I can’t wait to see you.

Likewise.

The next text is the address with a winky, kiss face. The bar has a non-bar name. COASTAL BAY. I put it into my maps and it’s a ten-minute drive from here. It’s eight now, so that gives me enough time to finish with the queen and talk to Brent. I put my phone away and look up at my mother, who has a curious smile on her face.

“Something interesting, I presume.”

“It was Alex. He thanks you for my number, we set up a date.”

She starts to glow. “Oh, Jenna Bean, that’s great. When?”

“At nine.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Nearby?”

“Yes, why?”

“It’s a long drive home. A date this late is only for drinks.”

“If I consume more than my share I will stay at a hotel for the night. I promise.”

“Or you could stay with him.”

“Mom! Stop it!”

She laughs amusingly. “He is not the type of man you let slip away. Eventually you will have to offer more than conversation and your pretty smile.”

“I’ll remember that, thanks.”

“I’m not saying to engage in sexual acts with him tonight. Give him a reason to call you tomorrow. I do recommend fornicating with him tonight.”

I know by her laugh, I am beet red. Even at thirty, she finds a way to embarrass me.

“Do you have conversations like this with Jillian?”

“There’s no need. Your sister opens her legs to anything with money.”

“Maybe one day she’ll open her legs to the right one.”

“She’s forty-four. I gave up on her a long time ago in that department. Good thing she’s established in her line of work.”

“That’s comforting. Is it safe to say I’m not just your baby, I’m your favorite?”

“You are in fact my favorite daughter.”

“Yeah, yeah. Everyone knows Jake’s your favorite.”

She smiles and we get ready for her to make her grand exit.

I walk my mother out to her waiting car. After the eightieth compliment to her, I walk back into the restaurant and head for the kitchen. Halfway from the last table to the kitchen doors, I hear Brent yelling. He’s really found his voice here; he never yelled at the café. I suppose it is different in a place like this. I slowly walk through the double doors and take in the sight. It’s a beautiful kitchen; I haven’t been in here since my mother remodeled it.

Brent is expediting with his back to me. There are at least twenty people back here and nobody glances my way. I walk up behind him and pinch his butt.

He turns with the most disgusted face. When he sees me his expression softens.

“Hey you!” he says, picking me up into a hug.

I don’t answer until he puts me down. “Hi. This place is rockin’. I didn’t realize how fuckin’ loud you were.”

He chuckles. “Standards. You know Marcia.”

“Yes, I do. I wanted to say congratulations. I never got to before.”

“Let’s go talk somewhere quiet.”

I follow him after he yells out some orders. He opens the door to an office. Brent sits on the edge of the desk and motions for me to sit in the chair, directly in front of him.

“Congrats. I know we ended on bad terms, but I wanted to let you know I’m not sour. It was a lot to take in.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry I left like that. She laidd the pressure on and I had to make the decision within hours of the offer. I couldn’t pass it up. This is my dream, Jenna.”

“I know. I wasn’t mad that you came here. I was mad how you told me.”

“Asshole move. I still care about you.” he says, kneeling in front of me.

“I’ll always care about you, Brent. We have a lot of amazing memories together.”

He leans in and closes his eyes. I push him back.

He opens his eyes. “Like that?”

“I haven’t spoken one word to you in a year. One conversation doesn’t mean you get me back.”

“Still at Scott’s beck and call?”

“Not even close. If you want any of that stuff with me again, we need to reestablish our friendship.”

He nods and takes his seat on the desk. “You look beautiful tonight. I don’t have nights off. Let’s do brunch next week.”

“That sounds good. I can rub my new restaurant all in your face.”

“The one I couldn’t hold my breath for?” he says, with a grin.

“That’s the one.”

“I can’t wait to hear about it. I’ll call you Monday.”

I stand and hug him. “If you haven’t called me by ten, I’m breaking your front door down.”

He laughs, and I again follow him out.

He stops at the kitchen and turns to me. “I’m really proud of you, Jenna. I’m sorry I couldn’t wait.”

“That’s the past. Talk to you Monday.”

He casually salutes and walks back into the kitchen. I haven’t even taken a step and he’s already yelling.

I’m waiting for my car when I feel my phone vibrating. I hesitate at the number, then remember I haven’t saved Alex’s contact information.

“Hello?”

“Jenna, I wanted to make sure you weren’t standing me up?”

“I’m not. I’m waiting for my car to come around. I’m at Fifty-Fives.”

“Perfect. That’s only a few miles away. I’ll wait outside for you.”

“The anticipation is killing me.”

“Was that sarcasm?”

“No, did it sound like sarcasm?”

“I’ve heard you’re a joker, much like your father.”

“Oh! Yeah well. You’ll soon learn the difference between my sarcasm and seriousness. My car is here.”

“Very good. I’ll be waiting.”

I hang up and get into my car. I connect my phone to my car and bring up the maps. When it’s ready, I take off.

I pull into the small driveway and follow the sign to park in the back.

This place is really called Coastal Bay. Most of the small lot is filled and I manage to park under the most light that’s available. When I open the door, I regret taking out my collection of shoes that were in my trunk. The lot is gravel and my stilettos are not going to like this. I walk carefully to the front of the building, but nobody is out front but the door man. He nods and opens the door for me. I stop in the doorway that connects to the bar and look around for my date. He’s not here.

Not a good first impression, dude, I think as I pull out my phone. The main door opens behind me and I step to the side to make room for the person coming in.

“Jenna?”

I turn and he’s more beautiful in person. “Alex?”

He touches my arm. “I’m so sorry. You got here fast.”

“You weren’t here yet?”

“No, I called a taxi after I talked to you. I thought I’d beat you here,” he says, with a nervous laugh.

“No worries. We’re both here now, let’s enjoy the night.”

“I agree. Shall we?” he says, holding out an arm for me.

We walk into the little bar and he’s right, even with people in here it’s quiet. He pulls out a chair for me and I thank him as I sit, and a pretty server wearing next to nothing comes to take our order. When she walks away, I have to get a question off my chest.

“I need to know something before we move forward.”

“What’s that?”

“What did my parents tell you about me?”

He laughs. “I’m not a theatre goer, so I didn’t listen to much of what your mother said. Lee gave me basics. You have two children, own a restaurant, have a knack for picking the wrong guy. The thing that caught my attention the most, he said you will never let a man decide who you are, or the way you’re going.”

“Why did that catch your attention?”

“To be in your thirties in Los Angeles these days, it’s standard to date women who are entrepreneurs and single moms. Most will tell you how awful their previous relationships are and how he held them back. They claim to be independent, but always seem to become dependent on my income. I’m here with you tonight because you don’t want my money.”

“Damn right about that. If I had my drink, I’d toast to those words.”

“Why are you here with me, Jenna?”

“I have everything I could want. My kids are taken care of and healthy. My café runs itself at this point. I will be opening a dinner spot soon, but I want to share all these amazing experiences with someone other than my family.”

“Let me ask you this. Are you opposed to a prenup?”

I’m thrown off. Thank goodness the waitress comes with our drinks. It gives me time to think. When she walks away, I mentally say ‘fuck it’ to the straw in my whiskey sour and down the whole drink. I drain all the liquid with my arm in the air trying to grab our waitresses’ attention.

I slam the glass down on the table as she comes back.

She looks from my glass back to me a few times. “Would you like another?”

“We’re celebrating tonight. How about another for the both of us, and two shots? Dealers choice.”

She smiles and walks away.

I’m trying not to make eye contact with Alex. I can feel his eyes though. My mother would be so embarrassed if she found out what I’m about to do. I reach across the small table and grab Alex’s vodka soda. After I make quick work of it, I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and burp.

The waitress comes back and sets the drinks down. “Did you want to start a tab?”

Alex pulls out his wallet from his back pocket and hands over a card. She looks at it and walks away happy.

I raise the small shot glass. “To a fun night.” I take the shot before he says anything.

Uh-oh, that was tequila. I tally the drinks. My mother only drinks gin martinis. That makes four different liquors already. Looks like it’s a black out kind of night.

I down my drink and shyly smile at Alex. As if he can read my mind, he lifts his glass, so I can’t reach it.

“Did my question push you to that, or is this how you like to drink? I’m okay with either.”

“Your question was the reason for that. I felt a little too sober to answer. I do like to drink though.”

“You are very unique to the type that runs within our group.”

“I’m not in that group. I’m sure it’s fun, I just don’t see the point.”

“I agree. It does get pretentious and repetitive. However, it can have some comedic value.”

“Are you always so PC?”

He repositions himself in his chair. “No, I’m trying to make a good impression.”

I can’t help the hysterics that leave me. This makes everyone in the bar turn and look in our direction.

I raise a hand. “I’m sorry everyone.”

That’s enough for them. They all turn back to what they were doing.

“You have a contagious laugh, Jenna.”

“Thanks. Going back to making a good impression. I laughed because I downed four drinks and a shot within five minutes. Hard to beat that first impression.”

It’s his turn to laugh and apologize to the other bar patrons. As he’s calming himself, an older gentleman approaches our table.

He looks directly at Alex. “Mister Ackerman. We do appreciate your business. Your guest is new here, can we explain our rules to the young lady?”

“Forgive us. We’re enjoying each other’s company,” Alex says, waving a hand.

“We are very pleased to hear that. I would appreciate it if you can relay our standards to your date,” the older man says, giving me the side eye.

I know what this asshole is implying. He thinks I’ve been hired for the evening.

I extend my hand. “I’m sorry, sir. We haven’t been properly introduced. Jenna Hunter-Westin. You are?”

He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “Miss Westin, I’m the manager, Bernard Colley. My apologies for the disturbance. Please enjoy your evening on the house.” He walks away with zero cool in his steps.

“Teach him to think I’m some cheap hooker. Which brings me to my next question. Do you bring all your escorts here?”

He rubs his chin. “I’ve never brought an escort to any establishment.”

“You keep it classy. Hotel rooms only?”

“You’re very forward, Jenna. I find that to be an attractive quality in a woman. I must correct you and try to not sound pompous. I don’t need to pay a woman to satisfy my desires.”

“You don’t need to, but do you?”

“No. I can assure you I foolishly spend my money on other things.”

I like him. Many men at his level would have dismissed me already. He’s either into me, or desperate.

We both agree since we’re drinking on the house, we order as many rounds as I can take. I really can’t stand myself when I get to this point. I can’t hold back and things usually go wrong.

“So back to your prenup question. If there wasn’t a prenup, people would be suspicious,” I say, after a shot.

“I believe people would be suspicious if one of us was not as fortunate as the other.”

“True. Are you asking because you already wanna marry me?”

He pauses with his glass to his lips. He sets the glass down. “I just like to get that out of the way. Now I know where you stand.” He smiles and lifts his glass again.

He seems to know when I’m done drinking and asks the waitress to bring back his card. He pulls what look like a few large bills from his wallet and hands them to the pretty, busty girl.

Alex helps me up and I’m surprised that I can still walk in these impossible heels.

We stop in the back where I parked, and Alex pulls me to him. He’s doing something on his phone.

“What’s up? My car is right there.”

“I texted my driver. He’s getting a ride over here and he’ll drive us to my house. There’s no way you’re getting behind the wheel.”

“That’s very responsible of you. Taking me home to meet Mommy already?”

He laughs. “Maybe she’ll have some pie or a lecture on staying out too late.”

“You get the sarcasm. Didn’t take you long.”

He pulls me all the way to him as he leans against the building behind to steady the both of us. I relax as he lowers his head, kissing me. His technique is methodical. He’s either a hopeless romantic, or a sociopath.

He breaks our seal when a car drives up next to us.

“My driver’s here. Where are your keys?”

I hand him my purse and he finds my keys and tosses them to the other man. Alex helps me to not break an ankle as we walk to my car. We both get in the backseat where his driver already has my car ready to go. As he drives out of the parking lot, I look out the window and notice there is only one other car in the parking lot. We were the last ones in the bar, so it must be an employee’s. As we pass the front of it. I see someone is in the driver’s seat. I try and clear my drunk haze that’s affecting my eye sight and watch the car until the driver leaves the parking lot.

Alex rubs my back. “Everything alright?”

I sit properly in my seat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Do employees usually park in that parking lot?”

“No, I believe they have a designated area. Why?”

“There was a man sitting in that car.”

“Probably sobering up. Should we go back and check on him?”

I shake my head. “No, he’s a big boy. The mom in me always tries to run the show.”

“You’re a good person, Jenna.”

“I’ll remember you said that.” I look at the clock on my dash. Almost three in the morning.

My mind goes back to the man in the car. Even shitfaced, I recognized the car, but there’s no way it was him. It’s been months and there’s no way he’d know where I was. I laugh the idea off, and I’m going to enjoy the rest of my drunken night with the man next to me.

Chapter 12

Jenna

I wake up in a comfy bed with a hangover. Surprisingly, I remember last night and it’s nothing to write home about. We kissed and he fell asleep. I roll over and Alex is still asleep, so I get up to use his bathroom. Before we got into bed he set out a toothbrush and towels for me. I brush my teeth in the shower to save time. When I’m done, I grab the towel and see Alex at the sink brushing his teeth. I cover myself before he looks over.

“Good morning.”

He finishes his oral hygiene and smiles at me. “Good morning. How did you sleep?”

“Slept myself into a hangover.”

He chuckles. “Do you have plans today?”

“No. What do you have in mind?”

“Lay in bed, order some food.”

“Sounds like a winner.”

“You decide on what you want and I’ll join you in bed after a shower.”

I kiss his cheek before leaving him in the bathroom. Last night I was coherent enough to remember the change of comfy clothes in my trunk. I dress in the sweats and oversized t-shirt then get back into bed. I grab my phone from the nightstand. Six text messages. I would have been excited, but I don’t recognize the number. I tap the thread and am truly shocked by what I see.

Pictures of me and Alex at the bar, us kissing outside and some of us on his balcony before we went to bed.

I read the message.

DID YOU THINK YOU COULD HIDE WHAT YOU ARE JENNA? FILTHY DISGRACEFUL WHORE! EVERYONE WILL KNOW SOON

I sit and think about anything or anyone odd last night, but I come up empty. Then I remember the car. I could have sworn it was Cade’s, but he wouldn’t do something like this. They broke it off with me. I’d blame Scott if he wasn’t away for the weekend with the kids. I don’t think I’ve pissed anyone off lately. I hear the shower turn off. Do I tell him? He’s a great guy, good way to make him look for his next date with someone else. I put my phone back on the nightstand and try to act normal.

Alex comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. He has an amazing body for a thirty-something lawyer. How does he find the time to work out? His abs aren’t completely defined, but you can still lick the outline of each one. He has a large tattoo on his left ribcage. Looks like a poem or a scripture of some sort. It isn’t in English.

“Now that is a sight,” I say with my best forced smile.

He drops the towel and gets in bed.

“Did something happen?”

“No, why?”

“Jenna. I’m a lawyer. I know when someone isn’t being truthful.”

I get my phone and hand it to him. “Go ahead, counselor.”

He scrolls. “Do you have enemies? Disgruntled ex?”

“No enemies. My only ex is Scott, the father of my kids. We’ve been getting along, he told me the other day he went on a date. I don’t think it would be him.”

“How about a business partner?”

“I just signed onto my new restaurant with an investor. No weirdness.”

“Anyone you may have dated that you ended the relationship with, and they didn’t like it?”

“I haven’t ended any.” I take a deep breath. “A few months ago, two guys that frequent the café told me they wanted a relationship with me. Things didn’t work out, but they ended it with me.”

“How long did this go on?”

“I shit you not. Three fuckin’ days.”

“Were you intimate with them?”

“One of them. If you’re gonna investigate this, he wouldn’t be the one to focus on. I caught the other one in my apartment the day they ended it.”

He turns and grabs his phone. “What’s his name, Jenna?”

“Cade O’Shea. He’s a cop.”

He lays his phone down and rubs his eyes. “With?”

“Redondo Beach.”

“Police officers are protected. If this is him, he hasn’t done anything illegal. We both know the law from all angles. If this was a criminal, we can do the proper docs and secure a protective order. There’s no protective order that will be signed against a cop unless there is some type of proven physical violence. Think about it and when you’re sure, I’ll get you the right representation.”

“It’s probably nothing.”

He pulls my body to his. “This isn’t nothing. Don’t worry, it’ll be okay.”

“You’re in the pictures too. You think this is one of your disgruntled exes?”

“I am in those pictures. How one of them would get access to your number that quickly, would be astounding.”

“So, it couldn’t be?”

“Very well could be anyone. If it was one of my exes, more than likely they would have sent me the pictures.”

“Women are catty as hell, Alex. It makes sense to send them to me and call me a whore, to scare me off.”

“Could also work the other way. Send you the pictures, calling you a whore. Makes it seem like you’re unfaithful to scare me away.”

“You are such a lawyer. Have to argue everything.”

“It’s what I do. You’re safe with me. If anyone wants to come close to this house, they need permission from the resident. We call in all visitors. They’re checked at the front gate.”

“That makes me feel better.”

I’m admiring his big brown eyes when his phone vibrates on the bed in between us. He takes a look and hands his phone to me. I thought I was surprised by the first set of pictures. Things just went from weird to what the hell. After Alex’s driver brought us to his house. We got drinks from the bar in his game room and enjoyed our time out on his balcony connected to his master bedroom on the second floor.

“There’s a video,” he says, irritated.

I hit play and sit straight up, dropping the phone. “I thought you said nobody could get in?”

“All visitors have to be called in. Even guests in the cars with residents have to show identification.”

“Where there’s a will there’s a way. Someone recorded us sleeping. Sleeping, Alex. Is there a way to find out who came in last night?”

“Yes. I can talk to the guard. It’s okay, Jenna. I will take care of you. We have the pictures and the video. That’s some of the best evidence. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. I’ll get the log of all visitors last night and early this morning.”

“This is so scary. I’ve never been through anything like this before.”

“With your father being who he is, nothing crazy ever happened with you?”

“I mean, yeah, but not like this. Nothing that involved me directly.”

“I promise you, Jenna. I won’t let anything happen to you. We’ll find this person and they will pay for their actions.”

Alex gets out of bed and starts making calls. I’m sitting in disbelief when my phone vibrates. Oh, God no more. I look and it’s Scott.

“Scotty. I ha-”

“Shut up, Jenna. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“What?”

“Why the hell would you send our son pictures of you and some guy?”

I feel like I just got punched in the stomach. “Scott, I didn’t send anything. I need to tell you something.”

“He’s fucking upset, Jenna! That’s not what he needs to see.”

“I agree. Scott, I didn’t send anything to Ash. I swear! You know I’d never do that.”

“Then the mother fucker you were with last night did. This shit came from your number.”

The tears are winning the fight. Alex sits next to me and I put the call on speaker.

“Scotty, please listen. You’ve seen the pictures. You obviously know who I was with. Someone took pictures of us and came into his house and took a video while we were asleep. That asshole must’ve sent Ash the pictures then. We’re trying to figure it out.”

“Jesus Christ, Bean. I’m sorry. I know you’d never do something like that to our kids. Who did it?”

“I don’t know.”

“Shit. Did you call the cops?”

“Not yet. We’re trying to gather more.”

“Come to my house. I’ll feel much better if we’re all together.”

“I’ll finish up here and head over.” I hang up and turn to Alex.

He tucks a chunk of hair behind my ear. “The guard is getting the footage ready for me. He said not one cop came through last night. I need to save everything that was sent to you, so I can get it out to my team. I’ll make a guess that the phone used is prepaid or the number is from one of those texting apps.”

“Can’t track that. Will you come with me to Scott’s?”

“I need to stay here. I have a private contact that’s on his way to check for prints.”

I nod and get up to gather my things.

One night with this guy and this happens. I’d be an idiot if I thought it was a coincidence. Why didn’t I go home after dinner with my mom?

“I’ll forward you everything. I’m so sorry for this, Alex.”

“This isn’t your fault and, for the record. I still like you. A stalker, even one with the audacity like this, isn’t going to make me run away.”

I smile. “I like you too. I’ll call you with anything useful from Scott. This bastard involved my son. How depraved can someone be to do that to a thirteen-year-old?”
“This world is full of people and things that cannot be explained. We think differently than the scum out there. Let me know when you get to his house.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

The doorbell rings.

He kisses me softly on the cheek and walks out of the room. I forward everything to Alex and find my keys on the desk in the corner of the room. I wave to Alex when I get to the front door and he excuses himself from the few people I assume will be dusting for prints.

He walks me out and I start my car to roll the window down.

Alex rests his arms inside the door frame. “Be careful. We don’t know where this guy is. Let me know when you get there, and you guys are safe.”

“I will.”

He watches me as I back out of his driveway. I wave, and he walks back inside.

I stop at the guard shack and a younger guy comes out. “Can I help you ma’am?” he says resting his hands on the roof of my car.

“Yes. forgive me. Were you the one on duty last night?”

“Yes ma’am. I logged in your license plate and driver’s license.”

“Okay great. If I showed you a picture, could you tell me if you’ve seen them?”

He nods.

I scroll through my phone and find the one picture I have of Cade. I took it without him knowing, just before Davis broke it off. I zoom in a little and hand the guard my phone.

He’s studying the picture and hands the phone back. “No ma’am. I’ve never seen him before.”

“Are you sure? Do you need to see it again?”

“No ma’am. I’ve never seen this man before. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been more help.”

“No worries. Have a good day.” I drive away, scared. I guess I would’ve felt better if it was Cade acting like a jealous boyfriend. I could make a call and stop all of this.

Scott lives close to Alex’s. I’ve only been to his new place once and he didn’t lie when he told me it had an incredible view. I pull up to his gate and reach with all my length to push a button on the small keypad. The gate opens and I park in front of his house. I’m halfway out of the car when Abby comes running out and pulls me out the rest of the way.

“Mom, hurry!”

I hustle in the house and when I get inside Scott appears with a look of serious distress.

“What’s wrong?”

“Dad’s in the hospital.”

“Oh my god. Is he okay?”

“He was rushed to the hospital. He’s severely dehydrated. They’re watching him closely.”

“I’m so sorry, Scotty.”

Asher rushes to me and my heart breaks seeing the distress in his blue eyes. “Who sent me those pictures, Mom?”

“I don’t know, buddy. We’ll figure it out. Can I see them?”

He takes his phone out his back pocket and I take it to the living room and get comfortable on the couch. I open the thread that says Mommy and my blood pressure sky rockets. This son of a bitch wrote a message to my son. I calm myself to read the message.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE PRESENT THAT I’VE SENT YOU. NOW YOU SEE WHY YOUR MOTHER LEAVES YOU IN CHARGE. SHE WOULD RATHER BE A WHORE THAN BE A GOOD PARENT TO YOU AND ABIGAIL. WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOUR PISS POOR FATHER LEAVES TO PURSUE THE ART OF BEING A DEAD BEAT? YOU NEED TO BE IN A HOME THAT IS NOT DISGUSTING. CALL ME ANYTIME AND I WILL HELP YOU.

I look through the pictures and they’re different than the ones sent to me. I forward them to my phone and delete everything from Asher’s.

Scott comes and sits next to me. “Fucked up, right?”

“Yeah. We don’t need to do this right now. Your mom needs us.”

“You know her. She just wants to have Dad rest. She wants us there when he gets sent home.”

“We’ll definitely be there. You know I’m always here for you, right?”

“I know. You always have been. You’re with Alex Ackerman?”

“I don’t know. We only went out for drinks. Seems weird that our first night together this happens.”

“Whoever it is, do you blame him? You’re a nice piece of ass, Bean.”

We smile at each other.

“I love you, Scotty.”

“I love you, Bean. We can do this together.”

“We will do this together. Would you stay with us at my place?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I would ask for them to stay here, but it’s too far from their school. I figure with one of us there all the time it should be smooth.”

“Okay. You’re bumping up Camilla at the new restaurant, right?”

“Absolutely. Why are you asking?”

“I’ve been seeing her.”

I smile. “Really? You know she won’t put up with your shit the way I did.”

“Oh, I know. I didn’t wanna tell you. I thought you’d be mad.”

“Not at all. It’s comforting to know that you have someone good in your life and she loves the kids.”

My words are all lies. I feel a strong wave of jealousy. What is happening? I hope he didn’t notice.

Scott smiles at me. “Yeah she does. She wants more though.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“I’m barely good with the relationship with you and we have two kids.”

“Time will tell. Don’t rush into anything if you’re not ready.” I glance at Asher’s phone. “The message said to call. Ash should call.”

“No, Bean.”

“If it’s okay, I want Alex here. We can record the call. Maybe we’ll know the voice.”

“You think this asshole is that stupid?”

“Probably not but, it’s worth a try.”

“Alright, let’s do it. I talked to Nico about Cade and he found out some information.”

“Like what?”

“Cade’s old man was some big shot in the Soulless Ryders. Apparently he only has contact with one person from his old neighborhood. A Cecilia O’Shea.”

“Is she his ex-wife?”

“I don’t think so. Nico said her maiden name was Lozano.”

“Whoa, Daddy was the lead in a case with some cartel guy named Ceasar Lozano.”

“That’s his niece. There’s some rumor that she runs that cartel now.”

“Why are you telling me this? Do you think she has something to do with the pictures?”

“I don’t think so, Bean, but she might be able to find who is doing it.”

“If she’s a criminal we shouldn’t involve her.”

“I thought I’d tell you.”

“Did you get a number for her?”

“Yeah. You wanna call her?”

“Why not? More than likely the cops won’t do anything. Let me call Alex first.”

I go into the next room to call Alex.

“Did you make it?”

“I’m sorry. It’s been a real shit show here. Find anything?”

“Nothing. I did get the footage. Security said you showed him a picture?”

“He said he didn’t recognize the picture.”

“How about I come to you? We should watch it together since you know what he looks like.”

“Okay. I’ll text you the address.”

I hang up and send the address. I turn and see my son. I open my arms and he rushes over to hug me.

“The message said to call anytime. Maybe I should call.”

“Not yet. The guy in the pictures is Alex Ackerman. He’s on his way here.”

“So, he’s like your boyfriend?”

“Not quite. Being a grown up is really dumb and complicated.”

“I know, Mom. Adults like to have sex. You don’t have to treat me like a baby.”

I don’t know what to say. When did my little boy become this grown?

“I hate that you’re growing up. Why can’t you stay my little baby boy?”

He scrunches his cute face. “I’m pretty much a man.”

Before I can respond, Scott comes in

“It’s the front gate.”

I follow Scott to the kitchen where there’s a single camera mounted into the wall and there’s a car at his gate.

“Can you talk to the person?”

He pushes a button on the wall. “YEAH!”

I see a head come out a little.

“I’m Alex. Jenna gave me the address.”

I nudge Scott and he pushes another button on the wall. The gate opens and the car drives in. I rush out to greet him and Scott walks ahead of me. The trunk opens, and Alex gets out of the driver’s seat.

“Hey, man. Scott Lane,” he says, holding out his hand.

He takes Scott’s hand. “Alex Ackerman. Thank you for letting me come over. Big fan of yours.”

“Thank you, and no problem. We need to handle this shit.”

“I agree, Scott. Let’s get to the bottom of this.”

Alex takes out a box from his trunk and closes it. Scott takes the box and goes inside.

I hug Alex. “Thank you for coming over.”

“I made some calls with the information you sent. In my professional opinion, this is a personal contact of yours”

“I thought about that too.”

“Let’s watch the video.”

He follows me in to two kids waiting inside the front door.

Oh boy!

“Hey guys. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Alex,” he says extending his hand to Asher.

Asher shakes his hand. “If you hurt my mom I’ll kick your ass.”

“Asher!” I’m mortified.

“Jenna, it’s alright. You love your mother and I respect that.”

They seem satisfied and pass Scott to go into the living room.

Alex turns to Scott. “There’s a car parked the wrong way in front of your neighbor’s house. There’s a man and woman sitting inside. They saw me, and it didn’t seem to rattle them. Do you have security here?”

“Yeah. Did you get the make and model?”

“Yes, and a license plate number,” he says, taking a paper from his pocket, handing it to Scott.

Scott looks at it and motions for Alex to follow him and I hurry to catch up. We go into Scott’s office.

“This plate is familiar.” He rummages through some stuff on the desk. “I wrote Cade’s plate number down one night at Jenna’s.” He finds what he’s looking for and hands it to Alex.

Alex nods. “It’s a match. O’Shea is the last name? Why the hell would he be parked outside your house?”

I step forward. “Does the name ring a bell?”

“Not Cade. The only O’Shea I’ve heard of is a man named Jimbo. My first year with the firm I was on a team that represented some members of the Soulless Ryders, Jimbo was one of them.”

“Who’s Cecilia Lozano?” I say wringing my shaking hands.

“You don’t know who she is? Nobody can prove it. She’s the queen pin of the Palacio de Cristal cartel from Mexico. She’s Big Ant Lozano’s daughter.”

Oh, my goodness. These are bad people and Cade is with them.

“Her name changed to O’Shea,” I say, nervously.

“She’s married to an O’Shea. I can’t think of his name off the top of my head.”

“My dad tried a case with some other DAs. It was huge in So Cal. I remember my dad saying how many assholes they were putting away.”

“I remember that, too. I was in college then. It was an FBI raid. They had an undercover for many years in their desert chapter. After that, there were many indictments for other members. Baby Lozano is a menace. She isn’t haggard looking. She’s beautiful and intelligent. Blends in and many people like her, but that’s on the outside. She’s a cold-hearted bitch who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Problem is, nobody can get close enough to prove she’s evil. I have some colleagues that have tried. Want to guess where they are now?”

“Obviously, living without a conviction.”

“Jenna, they’re dead.”

“Oh, my goodness. How do you know so much about her?”

“I’ve spoken to her on the phone. She threatened my life.”

“Wow. Can’t you make a deal with her? Have your colleagues drop the cases or whatever so she can find out who’s stalking us?”

“She wouldn’t help me.”

“What are we supposed to do then?”

“Let’s watch the footage and go from there.”

I look over at Scott and he doesn’t look impressed. “We can watch it in the living room. This way.”

We follow him to the living room and he kicks the kids out.

Alex hands over a DVD to Scott. “I want both of you to keep an open mind. Look for anything out of the ordinary. Look for anything too ordinary.”

I nod, and Scott sits next to me.

Alex starts the footage and it’s time stamped at the same time I was leaving Fifty-Fives.

“Why are we watching from here? Shouldn’t we look at the time when we got to your house?”

“Jenna, this person, whoever it is, was watching us at the bar. There is a good possibility they aren’t working alone. One of us was followed. Our plans were last minute. So, what we really need to figure out, is which one of us is the target.” Alex sits next to me and rests his hand on my thigh. “They have your son’s number, so I have to assume this is related to you.”

Scott clears his throat in frustration and starts the DVD. He hands the remote to Alex.

There are three simultaneous camera angles. Wide angle facing the street, the exit and the entrance where the guard checks ID and plates.

Alex points to the screen. “I should be leaving right about now.”

My hands are shaking as I wait to see the car pull out. I keep looking at the time.

Then I see headlights going out. It’s a taxi.

“Is that you?” I say with my jaw clenched.

“Yeah. If someone was following me, they should pull out right after.”

The taxi is stopped at the exit. Then it makes a left onto the dark street. To my horror, there isn’t a car behind him. In fact there isn’t another car that exits for another twenty minutes. The guys decide to get as much information on that car just in case. They’re looking frame by frame and I notice something.

“Wait! Go back. Stop as the car starts to turn,” I yell.

Alex goes back and pauses it. “What are we looking at, Jenna?”

“That big ass sticker. The car is a newer model Audi, and that sticker says Chico State University Alumni.”

I only expected Scott to react. But when I see Alex also react. I get nervous.

“Good eye, Jenna. Let’s fast forward and see if the car comes back.”

“I saw that expression you were trying to hide. You know whose car that is, don’t you?”

Alex lowers his head. “It’s Jillian’s.”

Scott can feel my anger and cuts in. “What the fuck was Jenna’s sister doing at your house?”

“She wasn’t with me.”

“Alex, why would my sister coincidently show up on camera right after you leave to meet me? Just be honest.”

“I had a brief relationship with her.”

This day gets more interesting by the minute. I’m so happy I didn’t sleep with him.

“And you thought it would be a grand idea to start a relationship with me?”

“Lee showed me a picture of your family, one of the first times I golfed with him. I complimented on your beauty and he told me you weren’t interested in anything at that time. I met Jillian at a conference. Both of our reputations preceded us and we began talking. We shared notes on a case I was on that involved a high ranked member of the Soulless Ryders.”

“And?” I say irritated.

“She convinced me after we got back into my hotel room to turn everything over to her office so the member could be prosecuted, so I did.”

“Who was the guy?”

“Carter Hansen. Dodger was his street name. He was the Vice President of the club.”

“In LA?”

“No. The whole club.”

“So, after Jillian spread her legs all night for you, you just gave everything to her? Isn’t that a client confidentiality breach? I’m surprised you’re still allowed to practice law.”

“It wasn’t the sex that convinced me.”

“When did it start and end?”

He’s thinking. “I met her three years ago. She showed serious signs of co-dependency and I ended it over a year ago. We weren’t together that often.”

“One time is plenty for me. I am so happy we didn’t have sex.”

“You guys didn’t have sex?” Scott says with a smirk.

“Shut up, Scott. Let’s get back to this so we can be done.”

We settle back in to the footage.

“That car! Stop,” Scott says pointing at the car on the screen.

Alex pulls out his phone. “Gerald, Alex Ackerman. Need another favor. One-fourteen. I need the plate number and name of a guest.”

He makes a writing motion and I get up to find a pen and paper. I get what I need from Scott’s office and give it to Alex. He jots something down and hands it to me, but I can’t look.

Scott leans into me and whispers. “Bean look at the name.”

I shake my head and he pushes my face to look. I knew the car as soon as Scott pointed it out. I didn’t want to believe it.

Alex hangs up the phone and looks at me. “Do you know who this is?”

I nod and try not to let my emotions take over my rationality. At this point, there isn’t much left.

“He’s the manager of my café.”

“This could be a coincidence, Jenna. Let’s keep watching.” Alex re starts the footage.

Nico’s car goes through and I keep my eyes on it until it’s gone.

I try not to cry as I watch Alex fast forward and pause for only two more cars. Then, what seems like a lifetime later, I see my car.

While my car is being checked in, I notice a car pull over almost out of sight of the camera facing the street. It makes a U-turn and speeds out of view. My car goes through and not even thirty seconds later, the silver Audi pulls up. There’s no reason for Jillian or Nico to be in the Hollywood Hills, in the exact place I was. This isn’t a coincidence.

“Let’s see when they left,” I say, trying to sound less than frantic.

Alex fast forwards until we see Jillian’s car pull out. It’s much easier to spot since the sun is now up. Less than a minute later, Nico leaves. The time stamp on the screen is five-twenty am. I look at my phone and see I received the first set of pictures at six-twelve. I was in the shower just after seven-thirty, but what makes me almost pass out is the time the messages were sent to my son. seven-forty-one. When I got out of the shower, Alex was brushing his teeth. Unless this person was still in the house, Alex sent the messages to Asher. I keep my mouth shut and think it’s time I make that call to Cade. If he’s watching me, he may be able to shine some light on what the hell is going on.

Chapter 13

Cade

“PLEASE explain to me again, why I had to bring my ass all the way out here?”

I look at my closest relative sitting in the passenger seat. “I told you. I need a set of fresh eyes. She went home with Alexander Ackerman.”

“You need to let this go, dude. She’s on the enemy’s side. Why else would they keep ending up in the same places? Besides, you can do better.”

“Shut up. Keep your eyes peeled.”

“For what? This is rich bitch land. Nothing happened last night, and nothing will happen today. If it makes you feel better, I’ll leave Roberto. You really shouldn’t get your panties in a wad over Ackerman or that cunt Jillian Westin. They’ll be handled. Now, let’s go get fucked up, but not too fucked up. I have shit to do.”

“No. We stay here for a bit, then we’ll go to her apartment and check it out.”

“Why are you so cock bent on this chick?”

“Because I know things. I have feelings for her and her kids.”

“Cue the world’s smallest orchestra. So touching. Since when do you give a fuck about anyone but yourself?”

“She’s different, Baby. She wasn’t cut from the same cloth as her family.”

“Correction, Einstein. She was totally cut from the same cloth as her family. That’s kinda how it works. Hey! You know that one thing I wasn’t given? That shit called patience. Yeah! I’m so over this.”

One thing about my God-sister is she isn’t lying when she says she has no patience. I start my car and pull out. We’re stuck in the midmorning traffic and the silence is unbearable.

“So, did Denny really file?”

“Yup. It appears that my stories never add up. It’s all a cluster fuck. Two days after I miscarried I got the paperwork.”

“Jesus, you really fucked up.”

“Thanks, asshole. I’m reminded every day on that. Look, if you really care about this broad, I’ll help you.”

I look over at my passenger. “Wow! Thee Cecilia Marie Lozano is putting someone else before herself? What an honor.”

“Shut up, fuckhead. The faster I help you, the faster I can go home. Unlike you, there are people who actually like me.”

I flip her off and she laughs.

I can be myself with Baby. I can drop the act and just be me. I can let loose and not worry about the consequences. I need a more solid plan and Baby is good at executing a plan and making it seem like it accidently happened. Let’s hope bringing her in isn’t a mistake.

Chapter 14

Jenna

I leave Alex and Scott in the living room and go find my kids.

They’re upstairs in the ‘movie’ room. The TV isn’t on and they’re both on their phones.

“Hey guys.”

They look at me. They’re sitting on opposite ends of the long couch and I sit in the middle.

“What’s up, Mom? Did you figure out who’s doing this?” Abby says, crawling over and resting her head on my lap.

“That’s what I came up here for. Has there been anyone else you’ve seen hanging around the apartment? Anyone you would let in without thinking twice?”

Asher sits next me. “Like who?”

“Anyone. A person or persons, that can come in at any time. Someone we all trust.”

“Like family?”

“Maybe. Think back as far as you can. Anyone that comes to mind, write it down. Doesn’t matter if you think it’s dumb.”

“Mom, we’re not babies. Just tell us.”

I go against my gut. “Okay. Aunt Jillian or Nico?”

Abby sits up fast. “Aunt Jill never comes over. Nico always calls me, but he doesn’t come over.”

Asher cuts in. “That’s not entirely true. Nico has come over, but it was to check on us. He’s hung out here a couple of times with Dad.”

I try to mask my astonishment. Nico hates Scott. Or at least that’s how he’s always portrayed it.

“Anything else you guys can think of?”

I can almost see the light bulb go off in my son’s head.

“This morning a girl came up to us. Dad always forgets to get the mail. She asked if our dad was home, and I told her she could come back later because he was on an important call.”

“What did she look like?”

“Hot!”

“Asher Scott!”

“She had a lot of tattoos and really big boobs.”

“For the love of God, Asher. Anything useful?”

“Sorry, Mom. She had a lot of tattoos, and she was hot.”

“Okay. Abs did you see her?”

My daughter smirks. “See Mom, he isn’t always the reliable one. She’s probably the same height as you or shorter. She had dark brown hair and it was curly. She didn’t look like she lived around here. Ash is right. She did have really big boobies. I do remember one of her tattoos, it was colorful and really pretty on her arm. Matthew and Sophia. There was another name, but I couldn’t make it out. Maybe Holly? After I pushed your drooling son out of the way. She gave me a phone number.”

“Where is it?”

“I put it in my backpack.”

“Abigail! Go get the number.”

“Geesh, I’ll go get it.” She rolls her eyes and takes her sweet time getting up.

I turn my attention back to my son. “Drooling, huh?”

He looks down with embarrassment. “Sorry, Mom. She was really pretty and nice.”

Those words strike me like a lightning bolt. Alex said beautiful and smart.

I get up and run back to the living room. Both men stop and look at me with wide eyes.

“What does Baby Lozano look like?”

Alex picks up his phone. “I can get a driver’s license picture.”

Scott stands and takes me into his arms. “You look spooked,” he whispers in my ear.

I get on my tip toes to reach his ear. “If my guess is right. She was here this morning.”

He squeezes tighter. “How?”

“They were getting the mail.”

“Alright. Here we go.” Alex says turning his phone to us.

I take it and rush back upstairs. Abby has rejoined her brother and they wasted no time getting back on their phones. I hold Alex’s phone in the direction of my kids.

“Okay guys. Take a look. Hurry up before they get in here.”

They both move forward and with no hesitation. They nod.

“Yeah that’s her. Who is she?” Asher asks, sitting back on the couch.

I look over as Scott and Alex appear in the doorway. I turn the phone and look at the picture.

I’m confused. I know her, but not by the name on the ID. I take a seat on the floor and let all the slides of memory play through my mind. I wish at this moment I can recall the name she gave me.

Abby sits next to me and whispers. “Here’s the number.” She hands me a folded paper.

My confusion turns into anger. Who the hell does this woman think she is?

“Abigail, go get my phone. Hurry up.”

My tone must scare my daughter. I’ve never seen her move so fast.

“Jenna, what is it?” Alex says kneeling next to me.

Scott sits at the edge of the couch. Something isn’t right about this.

“I know her. Up until about a year ago, she came into the café every day. During the week she always had a pretty little girl with her. Weekends, she came in with a family. The man who I assume was her husband came by sometimes in a military uniform.”

Alex runs his hand across the back of his neck. “If I remember correctly, there are two Lozano sisters. Do you remember anything about her?”

“She had the same attitude everyone else around here does. Sat very comfortable on the throne. She was a bitch, is what I’m saying.”

“Let me look into this,” Alex says, taking his phone and stepping out of the room.

Abby comes in and tosses my phone on my lap.

I don’t waste any time. I dial the number on the piece of paper and wait.

“Hello?” the soft voice says.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Feisty! I like it. If kids weren’t involved, I’d be super offended with your words. Let me make this clear. I am not the one you wanna cross.”

“What’s your pitiful excuse for engaging with my children?”

“Doing a favor for a friend. I’m not your enemy yet, Jenna, despite what your boyfriend says about me. Actually, you should probably believe everything he says about me. Since he knows me. I’ll let that sink in. Am I on speaker?”

“No.”

“Good. Get your poker face on sweetheart. I’m about to drop a bomb on you. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Coincidence, that you spend just a few short hours with a man and BOOM! Your life is turned upside down. Such a shame when a pretty rich girl finds herself in a pickle.”

“What’s the point?”

“Ask Alex who called in his guests. You know the ones who were in his house.”

“This doesn’t make any sense. You’re full of shit!”

“That is the one thing I am not full of at the moment. If you want to be a cunt and question everything I say, you’re on your own. Good luck, bitch.”

She hangs up.

Scott knows something is up and he turns his attention to Alex. “Hey, man. We need to go. No offense. It’s family business.”

Alex looks up from his phone. “You think that’s a good idea right now?”

“We’re getting no closer and we have family business, as I said.”

“Alright, I’ll head home and let you know if anything else comes up.”

I turn to my kids. “Go get your stuff ready. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Now it’s time to ask the lawyer some questions.

“Tell me, Alex. How is it that my sister and closest friend enters your community multiple times, the same night we meet?”

“I don’t know, Jenna. Let me refresh your memory. I was violated right along with you. Whatever that sociopath told you, is her way of gaining your trust. That’s what they do, Jenna.”

I need to keep calm and do what my father taught me as a little girl. He taught me how to cross examine. Here goes nothing.

“What sociopath?”

“Your phone call.”

“How did you know who I was talking to?”

He looks directly in my eyes. “I could hear you talking.”

“Again, how did you know who I was talking to? Answer the question, counselor.”

He pauses then smiles. “You don’t have to be innocent to beat a conviction. Remember that.”

What is he talking about?

“Stop it, Alex. Why did you want to meet last night?”

“Why am I on trial, Jenna? I was with you all night.”

“I just need answers.”

“So do I.”

“We do have family business. I’ll walk you out.”

Alex says goodbye to Scott and the kids. I wait until he’s gone before I think of a plan. I need a meeting with this Baby, person. She might actually be the only one to help me.

Chapter 15

Jenna

IT’S taking a lot to not call my sister and Nico. How is it possible that they both showed up to the same place at almost the same time as I did? I take a chance and call my mother.

“You’re up late, Bean. How did it go?”

“I’ve been up for hours. It went okay, until I woke up this morning.”

“Jenna, don’t push him away. He’s good for you.”

“I think there’s a real conspiracy coming to play. I trust that you actually love me, and you wouldn’t set me up for something awful.”

“What are you talking about, young lady?”

“Get Dad and put me on speaker. Wait! Is anyone at your house?”

“No. Just me and your father.”

“Okay, get Dad and hit speaker.”

I can hear her move around and then I hear her talking to my dad. I hear them clearly and I know it’s on speaker.

“Okay, Jenna. What is this about?” my mother asks in her perturbed voice.

“Someone came into Alex’s house last night and recorded us sleeping. They sent me the video. This same person sent Asher a bunch of inappropriate pictures of us from my phone.”

“Did you ask Scott?”

“Mom, I’m with Scott. Something isn’t right. Why did you want me to go out with Alex so badly?”

“We both wanted you to see him, Bean. He asked about you numerous times at the golf course,” my dad says in his calm voice.

“He asked about me? I thought you brought me up to him?”

“No. He started joining the group three times a week, about two months ago. He asked about you. I told your Mother and she insisted you two be set up.”

“Did you know he was with Jillian?”

“I wasn’t aware.”

“Anyway. How often do guys join your little golf crew and ask about me? Especially men around half your age.”

“Jenna, I golf with his father. It isn’t strange for one of our kids to join. Your brother plays from time to time.”

“What about Jillian? Has she ever golfed with Alex present?”

“Maybe once. Why?”

“After we got the video, Alex got some footage from the guard. Jillian was seen leaving in a hurry after Alex’s cab. Nico showed up at Alex’s house an hour or so before we did. Jill came back moments after we got there.”

I can hear papers ruffling. My father is putting down his newspaper. “Where are you now, Jenna?”

“At Scott’s. We’re going to my place.”

“No, you are not. You bring yourself and the children here, at once. This is not up for negotiation, Jenna Louise.”

My father means business when he uses my middle name.

“Daddy, Scott’s coming with us. I don’t care how you feel about him. He’s in this with us.”

“So be it. We will see you in no more than one hour.”

The call ends.

I face Scott and he’s staring at me.

“Let’s go. He gave us an hour. You might wanna pack a bag.”

He nods and goes upstairs.

I go into the living room to sit with my kids. They both come and sit to either side of me. They rest their beautiful heads on my shoulders.

“Are you scared, Mommy?” Abby asks in her little doll voice.

“More concerned than scared. I don’t like that you two are involved.”

“Why would Aunt Jillian do something like this?”

“I can’t place blame on her yet. Just seems way too convenient.”

“Do you think Grammy and Papa can help?”

“We’ll find out, princess.”

We sit in silence until Scott comes down and tells us he’s ready.

He locks up his house and I throw him my keys.

He gives me an awkward look and I know just what it means. I drive a Kia Optima. Not exactly made for a man Scott’s size.

Scott’s stalling. “We just go to your parents? What if they do what they always do when there’s a conflict with your sister?”

“Shit! I didn’t think of that. Why didn’t you stop me?”

“By the time I knew who the hell you were talking to, you were singing like a canary.”

“Great. Let’s hope they took it more serious than usual.”

Scott laughs. “Lee and Marcia taking you serious is like my parents bragging about my choice of being a musician. Not happening, Bean.”

“You’re right. Let’s drive by their house. If Jill’s car is there, we just go to my place.”

He seems to be okay with that and we leave.

I’m trying to pay attention to the stupid videos my daughter is showing me, but I can’t focus. The conversation I had with that Baby woman is bothering me. If she isn’t involved somehow, how would she know about someone being in Alex’s house? And why did she want me to ask him who signed the guests in?

“SCOTT!”

He jumps. “What? Don’t do that.”

“Sorry. We need to go Alex’s.”

“Why?”

“I want to ask the guard in person who checked in Jillian and Nico. Alex said all visitors are called in by a resident. If we get that name, maybe we can figure this out. Let me drive.”

He pulls over and we switch. I feel like a detective on an important case. My adrenaline is high, and I feel like I could fly.

I pull in front of the guard shack and park in between the entrance and exit.

I get out of the car and casually walk over. The same guy is there.

He takes a step out. “Welcome back, ma’am. What can I do for you?”

“Gerald, right?”

He looks at me weird. “My name is Bobby, ma’am. Gerald is my supervisor.”

“Oh! I’m terribly sorry, Bobby. Please forgive me. I heard Alex Ackerman call here and talk to a Gerald.”

“I’m the only one here. That Ackerman guy you were with doesn’t talk to me, or any other guard. Last night was the first time he was somewhat nice to me. It’s Gerald’s only day off, so we aren’t supposed to bother him.”

“So, you didn’t give Mister Ackerman footage from last night?”

He shakes his head slowly. “No ma’am. I could lose my job for that.”

“Well. Maybe Alex called Gerald directly. I won’t take up too much of your time, Bobby. I know I sound kooky, but can I ask you something?”

He smiles. “Sure.”

“There were two guests that arrived at one-something this morning and the other was around three-something. Bobby, can you tell me who called them in?”

He’s thinking hard about this. “I could get in real trouble for this.”

“I understand. It’s really important.”

“I don’t know.”

“If you tell me. I won’t bother you again.”

He takes a moment, then goes into the little shack. He comes out with a clip board. “Both guests were called in by the same person. Paul Ackerman.”

“You said Paul Ackerman?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Did he call in any other guests last night? Or this morning?”

He’s looking. He taps the back of his hand on the clipboard. “Wait a minute. Your last name is Westin. What is going on, ma’am? I think I need to call this in.”

“Hold on a sec, Bobby. Was anything reported to you about a disturbance at Alex Ackerman’s house?”

“No ma’am. You seem like a nice lady. I really can’t lose my job. Let me give you the number to my supervisor. He can help you.”

“Okay, great. Thank you for answering my questions.”

He turns in a weird angle and writes something down on a piece of paper on the backside of the clipboard. He hands it to me. “He should be able to help you. Have a nice day, Miss Westin.”

“Hey Bobby? One more question.”

“Okay.”

“Why would Paul Ackerman call in guests and not Alex?”

“Because Alex doesn’t live here. His dad does.”

“Oh! Thanks again, Bobby.” I hope back in the car, hand Scott the paper and drive towards the freeway.

“Uh, Mom? Someone’s calling me from a number I don’t have saved.” Asher says, scared.

“Act normal, put it on speaker.”

He nods and taps his phone. “Hello?”

“Asher. You’re a good dude for taking my call.”

The voice sounds young.

“Who is this?”

“A friend. I need you to do me a favor. You have to convince your mom not to go anywhere near her parent’s’ house. It’s a bad idea.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Ian. You can trust Baby, she won’t hurt you.”

“Aww man, he hung up.”

I fondle with my phone. I have to call this Baby woman back.

“Well, well. Thank you, queen Jenna, for taking time out of your day to call a commoner such as myself. What do you want?”

“I apologize for earlier. My kids are involved and I’m an overprotective mother.”

“You’re forgiven for that part. I’m also an overprotective mother.”

I remember the names Abby said that were tattooed on her arm.

“Matthew and Sophia, right?”

“I would call you clever, but I saw your girl human eyeballin’ my ink. Why are you calling? And I do have to warn you, I have no patience.”

“How do you know Alex?”

“You mean the dirty, double crossing lawyer?”

“He’s a defense attorney, how is he a double crosser?”

“Okay, I’ll throw you a bone. Then you can relay it to that hot piece of baby daddy ass that you have. Obviously, Ackerman told you a little history about me. My father is the president of Soulless Ryders. A couple years ago, Alex made a deal with the VP, when he didn’t get the extra money he wanted. He turned evidence over to the district attorney’s office. Guess who the DA was? Ding ding, we have a winner. It was your fucking cunt sister.”

“So, he put a criminal away. That’s what lawyers do.”

“Bitch! Now is not a good time for you to run your mouth. I will put a fucking bullet in your head.”

I know she’s not bluffing. I can hear it in her voice. She’s scary.

“I’m sorry. You have to understand, I grew up with a lawyer dad. His side is all I know.”

“I know everything about your daddy. You should’ve been taking notes, little Bean. If you had, you wouldn’t be in the predicament you’re in.”

She called me Bean.

“I suppose you’re right. May I ask a question?”

“No. Do you want my help or not? I really do not have the time to play with you rich spoiled cocksuckers.”

“Yes, I want your help.”

“Stay away from your family. I will send you an address. When you get there, you will meet a man named Alejandro. You and your kids will be safe with him. I’ll be in touch.”

She hangs up.

“What did she say?” Scott asks.

“She sending an address. She said to stay away from my family and to trust some guy named Alejandro. I’m scared, Scotty. She called me Bean.”

“How the hell would she know that?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never dealt with anything like this before.”

“She’s the only one who seems straight up.”

“I want to ask her about Cade.”

Scott looks at me with an infuriating glare. “Enough with that shit, Jenna!”

“If he’s linked to this Baby woman, they come from the same place. I should call him.”

“No. Let’s go to the address she gave and wait it out.”

I get the address to plug it into my maps. I stop when I actually look at it. This is in my neighborhood. I close the app and Scott stares at me.

“The address is at the end of my block. It’s one of the houses on the other side of the street.” I say in disbelief.

“Fuck. Let’s go then.”

We get off the freeway and my mind begins to wander what lays ahead for us. I park across the street from the house and we scope out the place. No cars in the driveway and the curtains are open.

I call this Baby woman.

“I thought I told you, I’d be in contact. What do you want?”

“We’re at the house. My kids are involved. Do not fuck with me!”

She laughs. “You’re cute. When it’s all over, I’ll give you the option. Would you like to die in front of your kids or shall I send them a video?”

“What the fuck is wrong with you? This is not how a woman should be behaving.”

“You’re one to fucking talk! Just because you’re mommy and daddy are rich, doesn’t make you better than me. I know all there is to know about you. You’re the fuck up of the family. The one load your mom wishes she would’ve taken up the ass. Go the fuck inside and fucking wait until your number is called. BYE!”

I hang up and look at Scott.

“Damn. She doesn’t hold back, does she?”

I shake my head.

Asher moves in between the front seats. “We should do what she says, Mom. Maybe I can call Ian back.”

I turn to him. “You little genius.”

He smiles and happily taps on his phone.

“Hello?”

“Ian? This is Asher.”

“I know it’s you. What’s up?”

“Can you tell me something?”

“Sure.”

“Who is Baby?”

“She’s my aunt and she’s awesome. Why?”

“She told my mom that we need to go to some house. Some guy named Alejandro is there.”

“No doubt, kid. You’ll be fine there I promise. Just tell your mom and dad not to piss off my Auntie. She’s a little sensitive right now. We’ll be meeting sooner than later.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“No problem. Take care of your sister.” He hangs up.

“So, I guess we go in now?” Asher says, already opening the door.

“Asher Scott! Get your ass back in here. We are the adults. We decide when we go,” I say, trying to sound authoritative.

“Come on, Mom. The faster we go in. the faster we might get answers. That’s what you want, right?”

Little brat is right!

“Fine. Let’s go.”

As we get out of the car, I start to think about one encounter with my sister, and it sends my mind spiraling into a place I do not like.

Chapter 16

Cade

“I don’t think they’ll go, Baby.”

“They’ll go. Rich assholes always shrivel up like old balls when they’re scared.”

“Shit is really bad right now. We need a plan.”

“The plan is, get your bitch safe and deal with the problem. I’m trying my best to keep everyone out of this. I’m going out on a limb here, Cade. I have enough shit to deal with at home.”

“I know. I’m sorry to pull you away from all of that. You want me to call Denny?”

“No way, dude. There’s no going back now. I fucked up. I let my own shit, get in the way of my only true love. I don’t know how I let it get to this point.”

I sit next to her and put my arm around her. “What happened?”

“I told one too many stories I couldn’t keep up with. Not to mention, I made a comment about Dodger not being around for Matthew.”

“That’s low.”

“Yeah, I know it was low. Sometimes I wish I would’ve been born to another family. I wish all the time I wasn’t like Ant.”

“Don’t say that, Baby. If you were born to any other family, you wouldn’t have had a chance to be with Dennyson. I get not wanting to be like Ant. I wish all the time I wasn’t like Jimbo. It’s how it is though, we can’t change that.”

“Come home, it’ll be amazeballs.”

“After all this shit, I might. I wish I could be there for Trish right now.”

“Trish is alone right now. She won’t tell Kyle he’s the father.”

I jerk my head towards my God-sister. “What?”

“Oh! You didn’t know?”

“Kyle. Like, Kyle Pederson?”

“Uh-huh. Sorry, dude. And get this shit. Luke is Andrew Pederson’s kid.”

I laugh. “Fuck! That sucks. He’s way too hot to be his kid.”

“Heard that shit. Stay away from my man, bitch. I will fuck you up.”

We laugh together. It’s been so long since we’ve had one of these talks. We used to do this all the time until I left Indio.

Baby’s phone vibrates.

“I’ll be nice and let you listen. Yeah?”

“All four accounted for, boss. You didn’t tell me how big this mother fucker was.”

“He’s pretty though, huh?”

“She’s pretty. What do you want me to do?”

“Sit tight. We’ll be there soon. Any word on the targets?”

“The sister is at the parent’s house. Ackerman is still at home.”

“Good. Be there in a few. Call the team, tell them to meet at the house now.”

“You got it, boss.”

She puts her phone away.

“When did you become such a badass?”

She smiles. “When I needed to. Don’t worry, I got you.”

Chapter 17

Jenna

CAMILLA called me and said Nico quit. Had I not known his involvement in this drama, I would’ve been heart broken. I go into another room and the man Alejandro follows me.

I turn to him. “You don’t need to be up my ass.”

“You sure, mamacita?”

“Very sure, papi.” I say, annoyed.

His eyes scream sex. “Be careful with your references, mami.”

“Fine. I need to make a call.”

“Who are you calling?”

“The guy who was running my café when I’m not there.”

“Nico Reyes?”

“Yeah. You know him?”

“He’s one of the assholes on the list.”

“How well do you know Baby?”

“Better than anyone. She’s my boss.”

I plop my ass on the tiled, kitchen floor. “I don’t understand, what I did to deserve this. I’ve always treated people with respect. I’ve done my best to make everyone feel wanted.”

He sits next to me. “This is all new to you, I understand that. Put your trust in Baby. She won’t let anything happen to you, but you will have to return the favor.”

“That makes sense. I still wanna call Nico.”

“So, call him. Let’s go outside.”

He helps me up and I look into his eyes. This guy is very good looking. I follow him to the backyard.

“Eleven years I trusted him. Why would he do this?”

“Sometimes the people we trust the most are our worst enemies. You need to put your guard up and screen everyone you come into contact with.”

“My dad has told me that. I’m just a sucker for anyone who pays attention to me.”

“I’m paying attention to you. That mean I have a chance?”

“What?”

He laughs. “We’ll see how it goes, mamacita. Make that call. I’ll be right here.”

I have to keep telling myself, he’s a bad guy, but he’s just so mesmerizing.

FUCK!

I dial Nico’s number and wait.

“Jenna.”

“You quit on me, Nic? What’s going on?”

“I love you so much. I got myself into some shit I can’t get out of. I’m sorry, Bean.”

“What did you do?”

“I can’t get into it. Just get somewhere safe.”

A painful laugh comes out. “What the fuck did you do?”

“I can’t say much. Do not trust anyone you knew before today.”

“I’m with Scott.”

“He’s fine. Your brother too.”

Alejandro ends the call. “That was interesting.”

“Why did you hang up on him?.”

“You need to learn when you’re being played.”

“What the fuck is going on?”

I spin around to put a face to the familiar voice. Whoa! My son wasn’t lying, she is hot!

Alejandro turns to her. “She’s in love with me, boss.”

“You’re impossible, Alejandro. Jenna, nice to meet you.”

She extends a hand and I take it.

“Nice to meet you too. Baby?”

“That’s me. Why are you out here?”

“Um, yeah. I needed to make a call.”

“No calls, Jenna.” She sizes me up. “You are a cute little bitch.”

I stand up straight. “So are you.”

“Be careful with yourself. We’re hungry animals and we will fuck the dog shit out of you.”

She says it with a smile. She has a beautiful smile. How can someone so beautiful be a monster?

“What’s the plan?”

Her face turns serious. “I made a promise. You and your family will be protected as long as you stay put and follow directions.”

“Can you tell me what’s going on?”

“The short story? Your sister is a royal cunt. Don’t be stupid and you’ll be fine.”

Jesus Christ. The more I look at her, the more I’m attracted to her. I think she sees this. She raises both of her eyebrows with a smirk.

“What?” I ask, with a small voice.

“You are one confused, little girl. Do you jump at everything that talks to you?”

“Not everything that talks to me. Maybe, almost, everything that shows interest.”

“Have I shown interest? You look like you wanna eat me until there’s nothing left.”

I’m embarrassed.

“Sorry.”

“You should be. Get your shit together, Jenna. I’m trying to keep your ass out of some real fucked up shit.” She turns and walks inside.

Alejandro has an intrigued look on his face. “You’ve been bitten by the Baby bug. Don’t feel bad, everyone falls for her.”

“I can see why. She’s really attractive.”

He shrugs. “Let’s get back inside. The team is here.”

“The team?”

He doesn’t answer and pushes me lightly back inside.

There are men everywhere and something catches my attention. My son is sitting with two younger guys.

I make my presence known and Scott looks at me. “What’s wrong, Bean?”

I don’t look at him. “What is going on in here?” I ask, looking at the three boys on the couch.

Asher smiles. “Mom, this is Ian and Harley.”

“Wonderful.”

Baby motions for me to follow her and we go into a bedroom.

“Listen, Jenna. You and the hot piece of ass can sit back and relax. My team will handle this shit; the less you know the better.”

“Why are you really helping us?”

“I promised Cade. We’re family.”

“You’re a mom, what would you do in this situation?”

“I would walk to the deepest depths of hell to make sure my kids were safe, but I’m me and you’re you, so stay put and do what I tell you.”

“I wish I had your type of confidence.”

“When you grow up the way I did, it’s not confidence, it’s life.”

“Just because I grew up the way I did doesn’t make me a bad person. Same for you.”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m here to do a job and once it’s done we will never see each other again.”

“I think we’ll be friends. We can teach each other a lot.”

“This is why I can’t stand bitches. Get your ass out there and don’t do anything that’ll make me kill you.”

“You’re pretty bad ass. What’s your story?”

“I don’t have a story.”

“Oh, come on, please?”

“You want my story, Jenna? Here you go.” She stares at me then nods. “Was that good?”

“You didn’t say anything.”

“I know. Let’s go on a field trip.”

“Where are we going?”

“To finish this shit, so I can get the fuck away from you.”

“Admit it, we’re friends.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night. Let’s go.”

I’m happy. The coolest person I know is Scott, now I have Baby.

I follow her out to a car and she drives to my parent’s’ house.

“Um… Why are we here?”

“To finish this, Jenna. Now get out and be a big girl.”

I’m hesitant, but I follow Baby to the front door. I have my hand on the doorknob when it flies open. My brother pushes me back as he joins us outside.

He looks at Baby then back at me. “What’s going on, Beany?”

“Your sister has a bug up her ass.”

“She’s saying some outlandish shit. She’s saying your extorting money from your investor, and you spent the night with Alex Ackerman because he paid you. Apparently, that’s how you make extra money.”

“That’s a bunch of bullshit.”

“Ackerman confirmed, now Mom and Dad are losing it. It doesn’t help that you didn’t show up. She has a phony subpoena. Says she is set to testify against you in some case.”

“Wow. She’s really committed to this.”

My brother is looking at Baby. He extends his hand. “Jake Westin.”

She shakes his hand. “Baby Lozano.”

“Lozano? How the hell are you two together?”

“Crazy little thing called fate. It’s nice to meet you, Jake. Are we going in? I don’t have all day to play with you people.”

Jake opens the door and we follow him into the formal dining room. My parents are sitting at the table and my mother is crying. Jillian sits across from them with her arms crossed. I can’t see her face, but I can tell she’s annoyed. I take a seat next to her and she looks irritated to see me.

“So, you thought your words would win you a case outside of the courtroom? You are a real slimy creature, Jillian. You probably would have won, but you involved my son.”

“Jenna, what is going on here?” my father asks, still consoling my mother.

“I’m so happy you asked, Daddy. Jillian, for some reason, has it out to get me. I figured out that she wants my cut of the inheritance once you two are gone. She’s using the both of you to write me out of the will.”

“That’s insane, Jenna,” Jillian says, trying to sound convincing.

“We had a chat about it the last time you were drunk. You said I pissed you off and that it would be sad if Mom and Dad took away all their money.”

I know my father is listening, but he’s staring at the woman standing behind me.

“Why are you in my home, Miss Lozano?”

“It’s been a long time, Mister Westin. Believe it or not, I’m here to help Jenna. I know what it’s like to have a cunt for a sister and she doesn’t deserve to have her name thrown into the mud.”

Jillian turns to face Baby. “What right do you have coming here, speaking about me like this? You are less than a trashy wetback. A criminal like the rest of your family.”

“You got me there, but I’ll have you know, I have a team building a pretty damn good case against you and all your associates. You thought your money and little lawyer friends would buy you a ticket to the promise land. I’m here to tell you it didn’t work.”

Jillian laughs. “Your team of criminals will be stopped.”

Baby returns the laugh. “I would hardly call Director Steve Cantrell a criminal. I also wouldn’t want to leave out Carter Hansen. You remember him, right? The one you promised to help? Dodger was good enough to leave some incriminating evidence behind against you and Alex Ackerman. Unfortunately, you involved his old man, and he’ll have to pay as well.”

My father stands and looks at my sister. “Jillian Rose! I suggest you start speaking.”

“She’s crazy, Daddy. You know who she is. She lies until someone believes her.”

Baby sits at the head of the table. She’s doing something on her phone. Then we hear it ring.

“Cantrell.”

“Hello, Mister Director. I was calling to check on the progress of that case.”

“We’re wrapping it up. As long as everyone is set to testify, it’s an open and shut case.”

“Fabulous. I’m here with the Westins.”

“All I can say is if Jillian Westin turns herself in I can work out a plea deal with the only honest DA left.”

“And the Ackermans?”

“Same applies. Anything else I can do for you?”

“No, you’ve been a great help.”

She ends the call and sits back in her chair with a big smile on her face.

My sister is fidgety in her seat. “This is ludicrous. You can’t let her come in here and slander my name this way.”

“Jillian. You have a way out of your childish mistakes. I can call Cantrell and tell him to stop his case. The choice is yours. Unless you want to challenge the FBI.” Baby appears to be making another call.

Jillian takes a deep breath and rests her elbows on the table. “I am not admitting guilt. What do you want?”

“Resign.”

“Resign? You’re insane. I have worked over twenty years to get where I am. I will not allow some thug to come in and ruin it.”

“Last chance. Resign and all this will go away, and you do not have to further shame your father’s name.”

“She resigns and this stays quiet?” my father asks, sitting back down.

“Absolutely. Where I come from, word is bond. There won’t be any embarrassing media coverage. All of you can go back to living your rich ass lifestyles.”

“Daddy why, are we negotiating with this terrorist? Do I need to remind you again who she is?”

“OH! SHUT UP, JILLIAN!” my mother yells, slamming her hands down on the table. “You are a disgrace to this family. You resign at once. After that we will have no further contact with you. Get out of my home.”

My sister gets up from the table and quietly leaves.

I look at my parents. “Nothing she said was true. You know that, right?”

“Yes, Bean. It’s unfortunate to admit. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to use my power to get Jillian out of something,” my father says, turning to Baby. “Thank you for helping our daughter.”

She nods. “I do nothing unless I personally benefit from it.” She stands. “It was nice to see all of you. Jenna, take care.”

Just like that, she’s gone.

I turn to my parents and they start telling me everything Jillian said.

I showed them everything I had, and they insisted that we were safe.

They assured me Jillian would obey them.

Chapter 18

Cade

I’M starting to lose my patience. Baby and Jenna have been gone a long time. There is something I need to do and I use this time to distract myself.

I step out front and make a call. I should’ve done this a long damn time ago.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Dad.”

“Boy, finally came to your senses?”

“I’m an O’Shea. We don’t have much sense.”

He chuckles. “Ain’t that the truth. Everything alright?”

“It is now. I was wondering if it was alright with you and Mom, maybe I can finally introduce you to Davis?”

“We would love to meet Davis. Are you sure you want to put your reputation on the line to make that visit?”

“Fuck yeah. I miss my family. I thought being someone else would fulfil some fantasy that I pictured in my head. Like Baby always says, you either play the hand you’re dealt, or fold. I’m not ready to fold.”

“Real sweet bullshit, son. Call your mother and set it up with her. I love you.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

My father hasn’t spoken those words to me in almost twenty years.

“You finally grew a pair and called, huh?”

I spin around and see Baby with a big smile. “Where’s Jenna?”

“At her parent’s house. Problem solved. Can I go home now? I miss my babies.”

I hug my God-sister. “Thank you for helping out. I know it seemed like a waste of time.”

“It most definitely was. I deal with real life bullshit. Rich, spoiled assholes are something I will leave for you, from here on out.” She smiles and we walk inside.

She says two words to her men, and as quickly as they came, they were gone. All she said was ‘let’s go’. Incredible the power she has over these people.

I probably won’t get the opportunity to talk to Jenna any time soon, so I let Scott know everything was taken care of and it was safe to take the kids home. They’ve all had one hell of a day, but they managed to hold it together.

After everyone is gone, I head home. I know Davis will be pissed, but I’m sure he’ll understand once I tell him it was to help Jenna. I should come clean about everything I’ve been doing the last few months. I don’t regret tailing Jenna especially because of the events leading to today.

I get home as the sun sets and it’s dreadfully quiet in our house. I doubt he’s asleep, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I am surprised to see an empty bedroom. I walk around the house and check the backyard, but he isn’t there. Last place I look is the garage and his car is gone. Maybe he went out for food, or he’s still at school.

I call him in the hopes that he’s not pissed.

The number you have dialed has been disconnected

I call again and get the same prompt. Disconnected? What the fuck? I text him and the message gets kicked back with an undelivered error.

I go into the kitchen and see a sheet of paper on the island. A letter in a quiet house is never a good sign.

CADE,

I’VE TRIED FOR MONTHS TO RECONNECT WITH YOU AND TODAY WAS THE LAST STRAW. I KNOW YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING JENNA AROUND IN THE HOPE THAT YOU COULD GET HER BACK. WAS I EVER A PART OF THAT PLAN? YOU CAN KEEP THE HOUSE OR SELL IT, I DON’T CARE. DON’T TRY TO CONTACT ME. IT’S OVER. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, BUT I DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS. TAKE CARE

DAVIS

I must’ve read the note a hundred times and it made less sense each time. He left me and I’m not sure if it’s the shock value or I’m genuinely relieved. He was right by saying I followed Jenna in hopes to get her back. I realized after we broke it off that it wasn’t what I wanted. I still wanted Jenna, but I was unsure about Davis. I did love him and I would have done anything for him until Jenna was in the mix.

I decide right then, sitting in the kitchen, that I will make it right with my family, then stop at nothing to make Jenna my woman.

Chapter 19

Jenna

I got a text from Scott saying they were going to my apartment. I took a little longer than I intended with my parents. I thought everything that happened today only happened in the movies. One thing is for sure, I owe Cade a huge thank you. He really had my back and I accused him of being the bad guy.

I texted Baby and thanked her for all her help. She reminded me again that we are still not going to be friends. We will. I won’t push too hard, though.

I pull into my parking spot and rush inside. I open my front door to the smell of food.

I am surprised when I only see Scott in the kitchen.

He looks over at me and smiles. “Sloppy joes okay?”

“Absolutely. I’m starving. What are the kids doing?”

“In Ash’s room. Face-timing that kid Harley.”

“Okay. Today was a real turd bomb.”

“It was. I’m happy it’s over now,” he says, pulling me into him for a hug.

I push him back. “I’m disgusting. Let me clean up before we have any physical contact.”

He laughs as I leave him in the kitchen.

I open my son’s door and peek in. “Hey guys.”

They both look at me and wave. They look happy, so I leave them to their new friend to go bathe

The hot water feels good. I can’t remember the last time I had a relaxing bath. I hold out until the water changes temperatures to get out. I find the comfiest set of pajamas and sit on my bed. I see my phone is on the charger. Scott is being helpful. There’s a little blinking light on my phone. It’s telling me I have a message of some sort. I get a little excited, it might be my new friend. Eventually, Baby will admit we are in fact friends. I saw it in her eyes and she wasn’t appalled by me.

I swipe my phone open and hit on the notifications. I have four text messages from Alex.

Why aren’t you here? It’s getting late. I know who was in my house.

Jenna. I’ve been trying to call you. You need to let me know that you’re alright.

Jenna. It wasn’t your sister or your friend. Please call me.

I went to Scott’s. Please tell me where you are? 

I jump up and dart for the kitchen and the kids are eating at the dinner table.

“Food’s up,” Asher says, stuffing his face.

I smile at him and face his father.

Scott’s look of happiness fades. “What’s wrong?”

I hand him my phone and walk back into my room, with him right behind me.

“After everything that happened today, why would he wait this long to contact me?”

“He’s playing you, Jenna. We know Jillian and Nico were there. We know Cade was watching you and he never went in Alex’s house.”

“I just wanna know what he’s gonna say.”

He hands me my phone. “Then find out, Bean. If it’ll make you feel better.”

I don’t want Alex to hear the nervousness in my voice, so I reply with a text.

We’re all fine. We found out some very interesting things today. Who was in your house?

“Do you think he knows that we know?” I ask wrapping my arms around his hard midsection.

“He has to. Did you tell anyone about the guard?”

“Shit! No, I forgot.”

“Okay, Jenna. Enough with the guard.”

“Seems like there could be more. Maybe I should let Cade know.”

“Hurry up. You need to get food in your belly.”

I dial Cade and wait.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

“The guard at Alex’s gave me the number for the supervisor that Alex had been talking to. I forgot to mention it.”

“What the fuck?”

“Yeah. Sorry.”

“Send me the number I’ll look into it. More than likely if Ackerman was talking to this guy, he’s on payroll.”

“Probably.”

“Jenna, I have some other stuff to deal with right now. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything is A-okay.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”

He doesn’t even say goodbye.

“All is well now. Let’s go eat,” Scott says, holding out a hand for me to grab.

I put my phone back on the charger and follow him out. The kids have already finished and are back in their rooms. The two of us sit in comfortable silence while we eat. I never thought a sloppy joe could taste so heavenly.

Scott goes out to his car while I clean up the kitchen. I saw him carry in a bag. I guess he’s actually staying the night.

We say goodnight to the kids and now we’re lying side by side on my bed. We both aren’t very comfortable. We haven’t shared a bed like this since we were together. He’s in just his boxer briefs and it’s very tempting for me to move the blankets out of my way to look at his body.

I roll over onto my left elbow and stare at him. “Do you use condoms?”

He turns his head. “That came out of nowhere.”

“Answer the question.”

“Yes, Bean, every time.”

“That makes me feel better.”

“And you?”

“Of course.”

“Do you wanna have more kids?”

“Sometimes. Then I remember how awesome it is to have older kids around.”

He rolls over and our faces are almost touching.

“I love you, Jenna.”

“I love you too. How many women have you had sex with?”

“I can’t answer that. The number is high.”

“You’ve been busy.”

He chuckles. “It was fun in the beginning. You were the only one I had been with before that.”

“Really? Some rockstar you are.”

“Oh yeah?”

I don’t feel bad being with Scott like this. He’s my first love. I can admit it now. I never got over him. I just occupied my time since he’s been gone. I only spent the night with Brent a handful of times in a two-year span, and obviously, the one time with Davis.

“Scotty?”

“Yeah?”

“If we do get back together. How will it work when you’re on tour? With all the girls and stuff?”

“I never cheated on you before, Bean. I wouldn’t start now.”

“Yeah, but there is so much temptation.”

“You think there wasn’t temptation when I was bartending?”

“That’s different. You came home every night. You think you can go that long without sex?”

“That’s when you send me sexy videos to jack off to.”

I giggle. “You’re too much.”

He looks up at me with a big smile on his face. “And what are you gonna do with me gone? Since you’re a hot commodity and all.”

“Maybe I’ll get me a boyfriend to keep me company.”

He bites my cheek and I push his face away. I turn to get off the bed and that’s when I see someone standing in the doorway. Scott sits up and turns on the lamp next to him.

It’s Asher. He looks distraught. I rush to him and pull him to me.

“What’s wrong, pal?” Scott asks, walking up to us.

“Cade called me. He was really upset. He said Davis left.”

“Why would he call you?”

“He told me to tell you because he couldn’t.”

“I’ll handle Cade from here, you go back to bed.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, buddy.”

We get back into bed and I can’t help to feel for Cade. Him and Davis seemed to be in love, the real kind of love. Goes to show that some things aren’t meant to be.

I turn to Scott. “I think I may have found that boyfriend while you’re gone. You know Davis told me that Cade has a crush on you.”

“He’s not the worst choice. He’s nice to look at.”

I don’t know how to react. “Um…”

“What’s wrong, Bean?”

“I wasn’t expecting that response.”

“I’m not ashamed to admit when another man is good looking.”

“Are you saying that you’d have a threesome with another guy?”

“I’ve done shit with dudes before. It was fun.”

“Wow, Scotty. You’re full of surprises. We’ll talk about this in the morning.”

“I love you, Bean.”

“I love you too, Scotty.”

What a beautiful ending to the worst day of my life. I never thought my sister was that hung up on money that she would concoct such a devious plan to get me excluded from our parent’s will. Thinking of everything that went down it was all juvenile and not worth all the attention it received. I make a mental note to invite Cade over in the morning and introduce the threesome idea. After the brief what if with him and Davis, it made me put serious thought into having a relationship with two men. I guess I was hesitant because Davis wasn’t meant to be the third. Cade and Scott are the future, if they’re both willing to put up with me. Maybe I can ask Baby what she thinks. Whether she likes it or not, I am not going away.

I see a bright future full of love and endless orgasms from two men that will stop at nothing to make me happy.

I’m a lucky girl.

To Be Continued…

About the author

RAYNE Matthews was born in the Desert of Southern California, and now resides in Los Angeles, with her husband, four children, two dogs, and a maniacal cat. After the "zoo" is closed each night, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and writing stories that make people question her sanity.

Find her on Facebook and Instagram!