Just One Night (The Kingston Family 1)

A few silent seconds ticked by as her mother clearly gathered her thoughts. “Has he tried to reach you?”

She nodded. “When I first left. Then I silenced my phone. And now it’s turned off.”

“Okay, good. Because you need time to think. How about I give you some clothes to change into, you wash up and get a good night’s sleep? We can talk again in the morning. Sound good?”

“Yeah. It does.” Jordan didn’t think she’d get much shut-eye, but she needed to be alone and process everything that had happened tonight.

Her mom rose from her seat and Jordan did the same. Walking around, her mother wrapped her arms around Jordan and pulled her close. Her scent was familiar and comforting, and she knew she’d done the right thing by coming home.

* * *

Linc didn’t sleep. Not well, at least. The only good news he’d had since Jordan walked out on him was a one-line text letting him know she was fine. That was all she’d said. I’m fine. She’d ignored everything he’d texted after, asking where she was and if they could talk, and his calls still went to voicemail. But he took comfort in the knowledge she’d thought to let him know she was safe. That meant no matter how big an ass he’d been, deep down she knew he’d worry about her.

Although he had no intention of letting a day pass without seeing her, whether she was at her parents’ house or not, he had one stop to make first.

He felt like driving himself and headed to his mother’s house for a serious conversation. After opening the gate and parking, he rang the bell, and since she’d been expecting him, his mother answered. They’d been out late last night, and she wasn’t dressed up nor did she have on a full face of makeup, but she was still beautiful.

They settled in the large kitchen, which had recently been remodeled, with stainless steel appliances, white granite counters, and state-of-the-art … everything.

She offered him something to eat but he declined. He’d eaten at home.

They sat on barstools at the center island, and he leaned an elbow on the granite. He wasn’t sure how to approach the subject. Until he and Jordan talked, he had no intention of telling his mother she was pregnant. He hoped his sisters had kept the news to themselves.

“So you told me last night we needed to talk. What is it?” his mother asked.

“How do you feel about Jordan?” he asked, diving right in.

She tipped her head, confusion in her expression. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

He let out a groan. “Okay, there’s no easy way to ask this. Chloe mentioned to me that Jordan isn’t one of us. That people in our so-called social circle consider her the maid’s daughter and … they look down on her.”

He wasn’t asking his mother these questions because he needed her approval before making things right with Jordan. Rather, he was asking because he wanted to counter any argument Jordan herself might have about them being together and having a future.

He knew he was getting ahead of himself. First he needed her to forgive him for his reaction to their big news. But Linc was a man who prepared for all situations before taking a leap. Another reason her pregnancy had been such a shock. He’d never considered the possibility.

He glanced at his mother, who looked like a woman trying to formulate her answer, and his stomach churned. Not for himself but because he wanted to be able to tell Jordan she’d be welcome in his family.

His mother clasped her hands together on the counter and blew out a long breath. “Are you asking how I feel or how other people feel?”

Was she hesitating to answer or was she really confused? Linc wasn’t certain.

“I don’t give a shit how the outside world thinks. I do, however, care about Jordan being treated with respect by everyone. And frankly I think this conversation is ridiculous in today’s world, but I believe Chloe when she tells me that’s how some people feel.”

His mother nodded. “Unfortunately, there are people who come from money and think they’re better than others. Your father being one of those people.”

“Yes. He hated Jordan being a big part of my life.” And the fact that his father had been rude to her had put up yet another barrier between them.

His mother glanced down at her perfectly manicured nails before meeting his gaze. “But if you’re asking how I feel, I’ve always liked Jordan. I think she’s a lovely young woman who has been a good friend to you.”

“She’s more than a friend.” He kept his eyes on his mother, wanting to gauge her reaction.

She blinked. “Oh. Oh! Well, that’s a surprise. I guess I should have been paying more attention, because I had no idea!” Sudden awareness lit her expression. “And that’s why you want to know how I feel about her.”