Yet Sloane was still quiet. She still didn’t seem pleased that he’d interfered and he felt compelled to explain. Which surprised him. He’d always made decisions first and explained himself to no one. As the head of the family and the paper, he’d never had to justify a decision.
But he didn’t want this woman to think he’d steamrolled over her needs and desires. Her feelings were important to him. “I just felt better paving the way,” he said, uncomfortable and gripping the steering wheel harder as he spoke.
Sloane nodded. “And now that you have, I can handle it,” she said once more.
Her placating tone set his nerves on edge. He hated sounding like a worried parent, when all he really was, was a concerned lover. Besides, older habits died hard and he couldn’t help wanting to look out for her. “And don’t leave here until I get back,” he added.
“Yes, sir.” She saluted him again.
He winced. “Am I really that bad?” he asked.
She chuckled, her light laugh allowing him to release much of his emotional tension.
“Let’s just say it’s a good thing for you I like my men assertive.” Her voice dropped, taking on a husky quality he couldn’t misinterpret.
One hand on the wheel, he leaned closer. “We’ll discuss your penchant for dominant men when we get home later.”
“Promises, promises.” She reached for the door handle, then turned back to brush a kiss over his lips before getting out of the truck.
She adjusted the turtleneck sweater she’d worn and walked up his mother’s front lawn, her hips swaying, her mood good despite everything going on around her. He admired her spunk. Chase figured the two women would get along fine. He gripped the steering wheel harder, knowing that thought ought to worry him much more than it did.
Once Sloane safely entered his mother’s house, Chase pulled back onto the street and turned around, heading out of town. Now that he knew the potential for danger, he’d promised himself he wouldn’t leave Sloane alone. With both women together and not out looking for trouble, he could rest easy. Unless he counted Raina as trouble, he thought wryly. But he was certain Sloane could handle anything his mother tossed her way and would return question for question, giving as good as she got.
In the meantime, he planned to make good use of his time alone. He couldn’t stop thinking of Cindy’s expression after seeing him with Sloane and he intended to head into Harrington to officially end a relationship that was already long over. Then he planned to do some journalistic digging on Sloane’s grandfather, Senator Jack Ford, and his past with the elusive Samson Humphrey.
Sloane waited in the family room while Raina made them tea. She walked from bookshelf to bookshelf, examining the photos of Chase and his brothers as young boys, studying their progression to grown men. They’d been adorable children and even more handsome adults. And when Raina had her way, they’d have gorgeous families of their own. In Roman and Charlotte’s case, that day wasn’t far off since Chase had told her Roman’s wife was pregnant, due next month. Having met Rick’s wife, Kendall, Sloane had no doubt the good-looking couple would also have beautiful babies.
But Chase’s children could be the most incredible of all, and the vision was all too clear in her mind. Blue-eyed, black-haired imps. But reality intruded painfully. He’d already decided against the notion. Too bad, she thought, her stomach fluttering with warmth and an unexpected sorrow.
Her gaze drifted to the photos and that sadness inside her grew stronger each time she caught sight of Chase. With each passing year, his expression grew ever more serious.
He’d borne so much on his broad shoulders, more than any teenager should have to bear.
But he’d held up well and his family had benefited from his sense of duty and caring.
“Like what you see?” Raina asked, walking into the room with two white mugs filled with liquid. “Those photos are like a time-line. I can’t tell you how often I look at them just because they make me smile.” She held out one cup.
“Thanks.” Sloane accepted her drink, the ceramic mug warm in her hands. “You have every reason to smile.” She glanced at her hostess.
Sloane had met Raina only once, but she noticed that today her coloring seemed off, her pallor too gray beneath the makeup. Commenting would be rude, but Sloane was worried.
“You raised three incredible boys,” Sloane said, refocusing on their conversation.
“They’re men now.” Raina shook her head as if unable to believe. “Time does fly. Two of them are even married.” She grinned, obviously pleased.
“I met your daughter-in-law Kendall,” Sloane said.
“Isn’t she wonderful? Her aunt Crystal was one of my closest friends.”
“Really?”
Raina nodded. “Crystal passed away recently and Kendall moved back here to take care of her things. Her sister, Hannah, followed, and they’re both living here now. Hannah’s a handful to raise, but Kendall and Rick deal well with her.” Raina’s tone showed her pride. “She’s got fortitude and speaks her mind. Exactly what I want in a granddaughter.”
“Because she’s just like you.” Sloane laughed.
“But of course.” Raina crossed the room, walking over to the long couch. “I hope you don’t mind but I’m a little tired, so let’s sit.” She settled herself onto the couch and motioned for Sloane to join her on the chair across from a large cocktail table.
She placed her glass on a waiting coaster and sat down. “I hope I get to meet Hannah while I’m here.”
“Just how long are you planning to stay?” Raina asked with no amount of shame.
“Are you asking to be polite or because you want to know how long you have to matchmake?” Sloane asked, chuckling.
“Shame on Chase. Has he been telling tales about his mother?”
“None that aren’t true,” Sloane assured her. “Actually, I’m not sure how long I’ll stay.
I’m on a mission of sorts. I suppose it depends on how long it takes me to accomplish it.”
She took a sip of the tea while Raina did too.
“I love a good mystery, but in this case, let’s just be honest with each other. Chase called this morning and as I’m sure you realize, I know your secret.”
Sloane nodded. “And it really does make things easier on me, not having to explain.”
Though she’d given Chase a hard time for taking control, she appreciated him smoothing things over.