Rules of Desire: Protecting Erin(23)
“It sounds like Cole, Sloane, and Brett have made a big impression on Sammy.”
Marissa shifted restlessly, rubbing her arms. “Sammy, your snack is ready. Theresa’s waiting for you. Mr. Sloane is going to be here in a little while to take both of you for ice cream—if you finish your lunch.”
“Yay!” With his truck in hand, Sammy raced out of the room.
Once he left, Marissa sighed. “I’m just afraid that Sammy will get too attached to them.”
Hating to see her so nervous, Jared kept his voice low and even. “Is that such a bad thing?
“Yes. I’m not going to let them take over my troubles. I’d better get back out front.” Turning abruptly, she disappeared, but Jared would swear he saw tears shimmering in her eyes.
Hearing footsteps coming down the hallway, Jared sent a text to Cole instead of calling, not wanting his conversation overheard.
Getting to his feet, he went to the crib to check on William, unsurprised when Erin appeared at his side.
She reached for him again, seeming relieved when he didn’t pull away. “Jared, we need to talk.”
Something in her tone sent a chill up his spine. “We will, but not here. Call me when you’re ready to come home. I think it’s only fair to warn you that if this is about you leaving, you’re going to have a hell of a fight on your hands.”
Erin gasped. “Jared! I’m not going anywhere.”
“On that, we agree.”
Chapter Eight
Stunned, Erin watched Jared walk out, and only her sister’s appearance in the doorway kept her from following him.
Frowning, Rachel watched Jared until he was out of sight before turning to Erin. “Okay. Talk. What the hell’s going on between you and Jared? Does this have anything to do with that lawyer showing up?”
“Yeah.” After checking on William again, Erin bent to pick up toys, tossing them into the large basket on the side of the sofa. “Ace showed up at the house a little while ago. He wants to know why Wes Cramer is still in town.”
Rachel blinked. “He is?” Rubbing her chin, she met Erin’s gaze. “Good question. Why is he still here? Why the hell did he come, Erin?”
“I have no idea.”
“Bullshit.” Rachel rushed to her side, plopping onto the sofa next to her. “Was there something between you and Wes Cramer?”
“Of course not!” Erin jumped to her feet, irritated that everyone around her seemed to think she and Wes had a past. “He’s staying at the hotel.”
Rachel smiled sympathetically. “Which has Jared, Duncan, and Reese twisted.”
“Yeah.” Sucking in a shaky breath, Erin suddenly found herself blinking back tears. “I hate this. I hate feeling so disconnected from them.”
Erin rose, glancing toward the hallway. “Watch William for me. I’m going to the hotel. I need to find out what the hell Wes is up to.”
* * * *
Sitting on the porch, Duncan tapped his fingers as he waited for Jared to come home. He didn’t like the implications of Erin keeping Wes Cramer from them, but the thought of Stark threatening her fired his blood.
Thinking about her secrecy about Cramer and the attorney’s sudden appearance in Desire made his blood run cold.
If she had a past with the other man and missed the city enough to go with him, Duncan would do anything to stop her.
The thought of tying her to their bed appealed to him the most.
Ace started down the steps, donning his hat against the bright sun. “I’m going back to check in at the office, and if any information comes in about Stark, I’ll call. I’m also having Talia do a background check on Cramer. After that, I’m going to stop at the hotel and see if I can find out a little more about Cramer’s intentions. We have some other strangers in town watching him. Feds. They’re gonna meet me and tell me what the hell’s going on.”
“Feds watching him? I don’t like anything about this.” Duncan glanced up as Reese came out the front door, the concern in his eyes telling Duncan that his brother had heard. “When Jared gets back, we’re going to go pay Cramer a visit ourselves.” Grinning, he rubbed his hands in anticipation. “We’ll probably get there before you do.”
Nodding, Ace slid on his sunglasses. “Don’t cause any trouble and watch out for strangers.”
Raising a brow, Duncan allowed a small smile. “I won’t do anything you wouldn’t do if some strange man came to town and grabbed at Hope, trying to convince her to go away with him.”
Ace’s features hardened at the mention of his beloved wife, a muscle working in his jaw. Looking up at the sky, he took a deep breath before looking at Duncan again. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I won’t be long at the office. Please don’t do anything I’m gonna have to arrest you for.”