Wrapping her arms around my neck, she holds me tightly and whispers, “Thank you.”
When I pull back, I lift my hands and frame her face. “I’m arranging private security for you. Until they arrive, I think you should stay in the hotel with me.”
Surprise flickers in her eyes before she glances up at Carter, who I momentarily forgot about.
“There are two rooms in the penthouse,” I quickly add when Carter glances between Jamie and me.
“Oh, good,” he states. “Then you won’t mind if I stay a couple of days.”
Fuck.
Carter locks eyes with me, and I see the warning clear as daylight, then his voice rumbles low, “You better not think of screwing my sister-in-law.”
“Carter!” Jamie exclaims.
Well, it’s a little late for that.
Getting up, I square my shoulders. “Carter, if something were to happen between Jamie and me, it wouldn’t be a mere fling.”
He lifts his chin, his eyes boring into mine. “Outside.”
“Carter, stop!” Jamie gasps.
I place my hand on her shoulder and give her a comforting squeeze. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle this. Get some more rest.”
“Like hell,” she snaps. “If you’re going to talk about me, you’re doing it right here.”
“Fine,” Carter growls and coming to stand in front of me, he asks, “Are you interested in Jamie?”
It’s a simple question for which I don’t have a clear answer. “With everything that’s happening right now, it’s hard to think of romance, Carter.” He clenches his jaw, and not wanting this to escalate, I answer honestly, “Jamie is amazing, beautiful, smart, and funny. Of course, I’m interested in her, but right now, it’s the last thing on my mind. Once she’s safe, we can talk again.”
Carter takes a deep breath, calming down a little.
Wanting to ease his mind some more, I add, “I take a relationship seriously, so if I were to ever start one with Jamie, it would be for the long haul.”
“Well, that’s good to know,” Jamie says drily. “Can we turn down the testosterone levels now? You’re both making my headache worse.”
Carter shakes his head, and a hopeless look flashes over his face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get aggressive. It’s just…”
“I understand. I feel frustrated, as well.” I give him an encouraging smile, then I offer, “If you’re sticking around for a couple of days, we could stay at my family home.”
“That would be great. Della and the kids can join us for the weekend.”
“Do I get a say?” Jamie asks, glaring at both of us.
“Of course,” Carter smiles at her. “Do you want to pack your things and come back to New York or…”
Before he can finish the sentence, Jamie interrupts with, “Nope. I’m good with visiting Julian’s family home.”
“Then it’s settled.” Grabbing my phone from next to the bed, I tuck it in my inner pocket.
“Where are you going?” Jamie asks, her eyes resting intensely on me.
“I’m just going to check in with Mason. I’ll be back in thirty minutes.” Leaning over her, I press a kiss to her forehead, then nod my head at Carter before I leave the room.
Well, that went better than I anticipated.Chapter 19JamieStanding by the window in the living room, I watch as Mr. Reyes, Julian, and Carter talk with the security guards Julian brought in for my protection.
“There are always two of you by her side, unless Mr. Hayes or myself is with her,” Julian instructs.
Mr. Reyes, Julian’s father, walks to where I’m standing. “Would you like to take a walk with me, Miss Truman?”
A smile stretches across my face. “I’d like that very much.”
Resting my arm in the crook of his, we walk out of the house. The grounds surrounding the mansion are gorgeous.
“You have a beautiful home,” I compliment him.
“Thank you, dear.” We walk toward a bench under an old oak tree, and once we’re seated, Mr. Reyes says, “I hope Julian has been treating you well.”
“He has. I’m extremely grateful for his support.”
Mr. Reyes turns his eyes to me, and for a while, he just stares. “How are you really doing?”
“I’d be lying if I said I’m not scared,” I admit.
“You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like.” He gives me a warm smile, and hearing the kindness in his voice suddenly makes me want to cry. “Would it be preposterous of an old man to offer you a comforting hug?”
I shake my head as my chin starts to tremble.
Mr. Reyes opens his arms, and I don’t need a second invitation. Resting my head on his shoulder, his arms form bands of security around me. For a moment, I feel safe, and it seems as if nothing can harm me.
Having never known my father, I wonder if he would’ve been as caring as Mr. Reyes. He looks like an older version of his sons, his shoulders square with pride, and his eyes sharp with intelligence.