Somebody to Hold (Tyler Jamison #2) - April Wilson Page 0,79
move on. Ian needs me to be strong. “I was expecting it.”
“I know, but still—it has to be devastating.”
I gaze up into his eyes and am held captive by the fierce love I see in them. “Choosing to find Layla was the easiest decision I’ve ever made, Ian. There was never any doubt.”
Ian lowers his mouth to mine, his lips soft and gentle as he kisses me.
* * *
The next morning, I carry Ian’s luggage out to my car. I’ll drive him to the penthouse, then leave my car in the parking garage. Shane will give me a ride to the jail. The only thing I’ll be bringing with me is my identification and the clothes on my back. And those things will be taken away from me during intake, while I’m processed as I join the ranks of Chicago’s convicted criminals.
Ian exits the townhouse, locks the door behind him, and jogs down the steps to the driveway. I glance up at him as I’m putting his luggage in the trunk and marvel at how young he looks. Sometimes I forget he’s still in his twenties.
“Ready?” I ask him.
He nods as he opens the front passenger door. “Will I be able to talk to you while you’re in the slammer?” he asks. “Can you make phone calls?”
I’m glad to hear him in a better frame of mind this morning. “Yes, I’ll have phone privileges. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
After we arrive at Shane’s apartment building, I escort Ian up to the penthouse. When the elevator doors slide open, Beth is waiting for us in the foyer, along with Luke, who’s standing beside her, holding his mama’s hand.
As soon as we step out of the elevator, Luke walks straight over to Ian and asks to be picked up. Beth wraps her arms around me and holds me for a long while, saying nothing but communicating everything.
I pull back and gaze down into her blue-green eyes, which are so like mine. “I’ll be fine,” I tell her. “I’m long overdue for a vacation.” Then I tip my head to Ian, who’s tickling a squealing Luke, and lower my voice. “Take good care of him.”
She nods. “We will.”
Shane, Sam, and Cooper join us in the foyer, all of them stoic.
“Are you ready?” Shane asks me.
I nod. Then I pull Ian into my arms and hold him tight. I swear I can feel his heart beating against my chest, and mine against his. A knot forms in my throat, and I swallow hard. I’m not bothered by the thought of spending a few nights in jail. I just hate leaving him.
“I’ll see you soon,” I murmur against his temple. Then I kiss him, taking a moment to savor his scent and take comfort from it. The memory is going to have to last me for a while.
Ian’s arms tighten around my waist. “Be good so they’ll let you out early.”
“Yeah,” Cooper says. “Don’t start any food fights and no brawling.”
“I’ll do my best,” I say, grinning because I know Ian will be fine here. They’ll keep him occupied.
Sam laughs as he picks up Ian’s luggage. “And whatever you do, don’t join a prison gang or get a tattoo.”
“Don’t you dare get a tattoo without me,” Ian says, looking truly affronted.
Laughing, I kiss Ian. “I promise I won’t. Now behave yourself.”
And then, after saying our goodbyes, Shane and I step into the elevator. My gaze remains locked on Ian until the doors close.
* * *
It’s weird being on this side of the prisoner intake process. As soon as I report to the jail, I’m quickly ushered into a private room. A guard takes my driver’s license and hands me a uniform—khaki slacks and a matching short-sleeved shirt. I change out of my street clothes, put on the uniform, and wait.
I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve put behind bars over the years. Now it’s my turn.
I go through the motions of intake, paying very little attention to what’s happening. Part of my brain has shut down, and the other part is focused on Ian. I know he’ll be fine. Beth will mother him, and Sam will keep him busy. Luke will entertain him, and Cooper will make sure he’s well fed. And Shane will watch over all of them.
Before long I’m taken to what will be my accommodations for the next few days at least. I have a single cell, with one twin bunk affixed to the wall, a sink, a