Burn (Steel Brothers Saga 5)

Then who the fuck had been sending me texts? It had never occurred to me to actually call the number because I thought it was Brooke. I certainly didn’t want to lead her on. I was still hesitant to call. Now this was getting kind of creepy.

“Who the hell could have an area code in Iowa?” I asked.

“It’s possible my mom has another phone,” Jade said. “But I’ve only ever seen her use one.”

“Maybe she has a phone hidden somewhere,” Marj said.

“With my mother, anything is possible. I’ll search her things.”

“You don’t have to do that,” I said. “I don’t want you to violate her privacy or anything.”

“All right, if you’re sure you don’t want me to,” Jade said.

“Let me please call this number first. I’ve never tried it because I just assumed it was Brooke and I didn’t want to lead her on at all.” I left the kitchen and walked out to the living room, sitting down on the satin brocade couch. I dialed the number and put the phone to my ear.

It rang. A ringback tone. Classic rock.

But no answer and no voice mail message.

I went back into the kitchen and told them what had happened. “When I researched the number online, all I could find was that it was an Iowa area code.”

“We could put Mills and Johnson on it,” Talon suggested.

I shook my head. “No. I want them concentrating on what they’re doing for you and for Melanie. Those are much larger issues. Once all that is settled, maybe I’ll have them try to uncover the identity of my phone stalker.” I let out a laugh. I wasn’t nervous, exactly, just slightly on edge. If Brooke Bailey wasn’t my phone stalker, who could it be?

Melanie yawned. “Jonah, we should probably get going.” She turned to Talon and Jade. “Was there anything else you guys needed?”

“No, I think we’re good,” Talon said.

“Thanks so much for dinner,” Melanie said, looking at Marj. “It was delicious.”

“No problem,” Marj said. “You’re welcome here at our table anytime. I hope you know that.”

Melanie blushed adorably. “That’s nice of you to say.”

“After what you’ve done for our family?” Marj came forward and gave her a hug. “Seriously. Anytime.”

I smiled at my sister. I was so grateful to her for welcoming Melanie to the house. Talon and Jade already had, but this was Marjorie’s house too.

“And Jonah,” Jade added, “I’m really sorry about my mother. I’ll tell her that you’re involved with someone.”

“No, don’t embarrass her. Besides, I think she knows.”

Melanie was still blushing. She was so beautiful. But right now she was embarrassed, so I needed to get her out of there.

“To echo Melanie,” I said. “Thanks to all of you for dinner.”

“Good night, Doc. I’ll give you a call about the session.”

She nodded.

I took her hand, and we left.

* * *

Once we got back to my house, I let Lucy out and then turned to Melanie. “I don’t suppose you want to go for a dip in the hot tub?”

She blushed again. “I don’t think so. Somehow I just know someone will interrupt us.”