Absolute Trust - Jeana E. Mann Page 0,62

aside her blanket and storms into the darkness. I start to go after her, but Cash tightens his grip on my knee.

“I’ll go talk to her,” Gage says. The shouting causes Lucy to leap off my lap. She lands in the grass with a startled squeak.

“Is something going on with them?” I twist around to face Cash.

“Beats me.” He raises both hands in the air. “Would it be so bad if there was?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” I throw the blanket off of us and stand. “He’s a player. She doesn’t need that right now.”

He grabs my biceps, holding me gently in front of him. His voice lowers. “He knows how much you love her. He’d never hurt someone you care about. He also knows that I’d kick his ass if he got out of line.”

I stare into his eyes. His brown irises reflect the dancing flames of the fire. The longer I look, the better I feel. “Okay. You’re right.”

He pulls me into his chest, circling his arms around my waist. “I’ve got your back, baby girl, and so does Gage. I promise.”

I rest my chin on his chest and smile. “Damn right, you do.” I tighten my arms around his neck. “And you’re going to start by drawing one of your awesome baths for me.”

“Only if I get to join you.” He chuckles and drops a kiss on the tip of my nose.

Twenty-Four

Jagger

At the end of the week, Mr. Mercer moves from the nursing home to Cash’s mother-in-law suite. Together, Em and I redecorate the room to suit his taste. Gage stocks the refrigerator with food. Although I hope Mr. Mercer will eat the majority of his meals with us, I want him to have options to dine in. It’s nice having him so close.

“This is just wonderful,” he exclaims once he’s settled. With an exaggerated sigh of contentment, he eases into the leather recliner and props his feet up. “I can sit here and watch TV, and I can see the lake at the same time. Amazing. I feel like a king.” His positivity reminds me to look for the silver lining in the darkest of moments. He’s lost everything—his home, his business, his wife, and his health—but he still manages to smile.

“If you need anything at all, you let us know.” Cash pats Mr. Mercer on the shoulder.

“You just take care of our girl. That’s all I ask.” Mr. Mercer points the remote at the TV.

“You can count on it,” Cash replies.

“We’ll see you at supper, right?” I ask, bending to give the old man a kiss on the head.

“I think I’ll stay in tonight and enjoy my new home. I haven’t had a moment to myself in months.” A huge smile illuminates his face. “Gage brought over some mac and cheese and fried chicken.” He waves a gnarled hand through the air. “Go on. Get out of here. Leave an old man in peace.”

“All right. See you tomorrow.” My heart is ready to explode with happiness as we walk back to the house. Cash links his pinky through mine. The scent of freshly cut grass hovers in the air.

Inside the house, I notice his duffel bag at the bottom of the stairs. My stomach flips. “Where are you going?”

“Chicago.” He gives my hand a squeeze. “Wanna come?”

“I can’t. I’ve got too much going on here.” I cling to his fingers. Panic tightens my chest. I like having Cash close where I can keep an eye on him. The threat of the FBI continues to loom over our daily activities.

“I thought you’d say that.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, strokes my cheek, and brushes the tip of his nose against mine. “Athena’s going with me. Unless you want her to stay here with you.”

“Very funny.”

“You trust me, right?” He whispers the question against my temple.

“Yes. Please be careful.” I don’t ask about his business, because I know he won’t tell me. We walk to the door together.

“Always.” His parting hug brings moisture to my eyes. “Get some of the guys to help you move your stuff in here, if you wanna stay. I think we should make this thing permanent between us, don’t you?”

We haven’t spoken about moving our relationship forward, but I’m ready. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here. “Are you sure?”

“Baby girl, I’ve been sure for a long time. I’m just waiting on you to catch up.” His light kiss stirs my emotions. The simple act carries infinite affection and tenderness.

“I’m