His mother pouted, but from the resignation in her eyes, she accepted that she’d been effectively shut down. “I’m not finished putting away groceries.”
Chase laughed, steering her to the door with Eric following close behind. “I don’t mind handling things. Besides, you need your rest.”
“So do you after the day you’ve had. You and that poor girl. And Samson!” She said the old man’s name as if his situation had just registered.
Considering all she had on her mind—her son’s safety and a new woman in town to attack—Chase understood her mental lapse. His mother was the most gentle, caring soul around, and despite Samson’s often belligerent attitude, Raina liked him. She even brought him sandwiches for lunch when he hung out in the gazebo across from Norman’s. Not that the old man seemed to appreciate her, but Raina treated him like a friend.
She stopped midway to the door and turned to Chase. “How is poor Samson? Any word?” Her eyes were huge, her concern so obvious and genuine it nearly broke his heart.
“I’d like to know that myself,” Sloane said, walking out of the bathroom.
She wore a pair of dark denim jeans combined with a cropped long-sleeved white shirt emblazoned with a pair of shimmering glitter-covered gold lips on the front. Her burnished hair curled around her shoulders. He hadn’t realized how curly her hair really was or how sexy she’d look fresh from a shower.
From his mother’s eager and excited expression, she’d found a new female face with which she hoped to entice Chase. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t need his mother’s prodding on this one.
Sloane already interested him plenty.
CHAPTER SIX
I’m sorry, but there’s been no news on Samson,” Chase said to Sloane. “If there had been, Rick would have called.”
“Oh.”
Raina Chandler stared at the beautiful girl who’d just walked out of her son’s bathroom.
Disappointment flickered over her face at Chase’s news, making Raina wonder what her connection was to the reclusive and often elusive Samson. “Are you and Samson—”
Chase stepped forward in a protective stance. “Do not ask her questions, Mother,” he said, warning her with his tone.
And upon hearing those unexpected words, Raina decided to heed his request and back off. At least for now. A protective streak was a common trait for all her sons. But Chase only exhibited it toward Raina and, more lately, his sisters-in-law. That he’d step in for a woman he’d just met spoke volumes, and Raina’s heart began to soar with the knowledge that she’d hit the jackpot and her last son might finally be falling in love.
Actually, from the expression on Chase’s face when he gazed at the girl, he was the one who’d hit the jackpot. “I think introductions are in order,” Raina said, changing the subject to please her son.
His shoulders eased, the tension gone from his stance. “Sloane, I’d like you to meet my mother, Raina Chandler. Unfortunately, she was just leaving. Weren’t you, Mom?”
Aah, so he wants to be alone with Sloane. This afternoon, which had started out with a scare thanks to the explosion and had caused genuine heart palpitations for Raina, had taken an unexpected sunny turn.
Before Raina could greet Sloane properly, Chase continued. “And this is her friend, the town’s best doctor, Eric Fallon.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Fallon.” Sloane shook Eric’s hand, then turned her attention to Raina. “And you, Mrs. Chandler.” With a genuine smile, she grasped Raina’s hand next for a brief shake.
As Sloane pulled a strand of hair off her cheek, Raina noticed her damp curls fell to her shoulders, while shorter pieces touched her face. For a brief minute, Raina had a flash of déjà vu. The girl looked familiar, but she couldn’t figure out why.
“A pleasure to meet you too.” Raina stared into Sloane’s wide green eyes, taking in the obvious intelligence there.
Good. Chase would need a woman capable of smart breakfast conversation, something more solid than How does this eyeshadow look, dear? Sloane could most definitely provide that.
Her gaze darted between Raina and Chase. “I don’t see a strong family resemblance,”
Sloane mused.
“That’s because Chase looks like his father.” Raina smiled, appreciating the chance to recall her beloved husband.
“While Rick looks like you.” Sloane crossed her arms over her chest and nodded, sure of her conclusion. “Well, regardless of who they favor, your sons are handsome men, Mrs.
Chandler.”
“Thank you. Would it be too presumptuous of me to say I agree?” Raina laughed.
“Of course not.” Eric placed an arm around her shoulders and she welcomed the warm, secure feeling he provided. “Raina wouldn’t be Raina if she wasn’t extolling the virtues of her sons. Especially her last unmarried one,” Eric said wryly.
“You have to admit, he knows you well, Mother.” Chase raised an eyebrow, daring her to disagree.
“Oh pooh. Both of you need to back off. I’m old and frail.”
At that, Chase and Eric burst into disbelieving laughter. Raina wished she were joking, but lately, she was growing short of breath while doing activities she used to enjoy. She’d even cut back on her sneaky treadmill runs. She wondered if it was God’s way of telling her that her charade had gone on too long. But since after a brief rest, she’d return to feeling normal, she ignored the problem. Surely it would pass.
Those around her continued to laugh and Eric squeezed her tight. Chase was correct. Eric knew her too darned well. He was aware of her charade and vehemently disapproved, yet he understood her reasons and accepted her without reservation. Though she adored Eric and he’d given her a future, she’d never completely forget the past. How could she, when John had blessed her with three handsome, wonderful sons?
Something Sloane had obviously noticed too. But Raina felt certain she had eyes only for Chase. In fact, she kept meeting his gaze frequently, and each time she did, the heat in the room would soar another notch.
Oh, to be young. Raina stifled a happy laugh. “You do realize that by complimenting my sons, you’ve found the right way to charm me?”
Chase shot Raina an annoyed look. “Mother, leave her alone. She isn’t working her wiles on you. She’s just being polite.” He placed his hand on the doorknob. “You have to understand,” he said to Sloane. “She’s been trying to marry off all three of her sons and now that I’m the only one left, she’s turned shameless.”