Smart man.
Mason took a deep breath in an evident bid for control before crossing the room to me. He stepped close, and the intoxicating smell of him was enough to deflate some of my temper. He cupped my face in his palms and looked down at me imploringly. “Ellie, you are the most important thing in this world to me. I love you more than I ever thought I could love another human being, and the thought of something happening to you absolutely guts me. Please, for me, let’s just be extra cautious until we catch that asshole. Then, you control what happens after. You hold all the cards, baby. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
I looked up at the obvious worry in his brown eyes and nodded my consent. I wouldn’t be so selfish as to put myself at risk, not when I had so much to live for.
He visibly relaxed, pressing his forehead to mine. “Thank you, baby.”
“You’re welcome,” I replied, wrapping my arms around him and nuzzling into his chest. “Your family is a little intense,” I whispered after a beat.
He raised a knowing brow. “So is yours.”
I looked up at him with a grin. “Touché.”
“Now, what do you say we let Gunner get back to work and we go for a swim?” he bargained, swatting at my backside.
“Sounds good,” I agreed as I swatted him right back. Afterall, the man did have the most amazing ass.
* * *
The sun was setting after a day spent by the pool. Emmie and I had chatted like old friends for most of the day, while Jill baked up a storm and Gunner and Cal remained inside, likely working on finding Brian. Mason had joined us for a bit before joining his father and Gunner.
When Emmie went inside to shower, I remained outside, sitting by the edge of the pool, wrapped in a towel, admiring the view of the mountain as it lost the sun.
“You doin’ alright?” Cal surprised me by asking as he sat on the edge of one of the poolside chaises. I hadn’t even heard him approach. We hadn’t spoken much, but it was clear in the way he doted on his wife and spoke to his children that despite his intimidating presence, Cal Jackson was a loving man.
“As well as can be expected, I suppose.” I shrugged.
“Better than most, I’d say,” he countered firmly.
I looked at him, surprised by the praise. “Thank you, I’m trying. I just hate feeling like a burden,” I surprised myself by admitting.
“All my kids are different,” he shared, his hand stroking over the gray whiskers at his chin, “but one thing they all have in common is that they need strong partners. Partners who will call them out on their bullshit, who will be in their corner no matter what. Partners who will care for them and possibly more importantly, allow themselves to be cared for. Mason has always had a huge heart, and I can guarantee that taking care of you isn’t a burden but more likely the honor of his life.” I furiously blinked back tears as he continued. “For so much of his life, he was completely dedicated to football, with a singular focus that we both respected and worried about,” he admitted. “It seemed to be at the cost of everything else. Hell, he moved into this monstrosity without even paying attention,” he muttered, gesturing to the house behind us. “But with you, you give him new purpose, you challenge him in an entirely different way. He has a new spark we haven’t seen before, and we’re grateful to you for it.”
“It’s me that should be grateful,” I argued.
He eyed me intently. “Exactly my point. Now, you want to go inside? My wife’s cooked enough to feed us for a month.”
I nodded, rising to stand. “She does like to cook, doesn’t she?”
“She does. It’s one of her ways of showing love,” he explained, his tone full of affection for his wife.
“She really loves you then.” I laughed.
He winked. “Get ready.”
And suddenly, I realized that I was ready to be part of the loyal, incredibly loving, albeit slightly overwhelming Jackson family.
More than ready.
Chapter 16
ELLIE
“Are you sure you won’t go back with us?” Jill fretted the next morning. After a call from home that morning, Gunner had announced they should head back to Hawthorne. I assumed something to do with the MC but didn’t ask for details.
“We’re fine, Ma,” Mason assured her, pulling her into his side and giving her a loving squeeze. “You can’t just put your life on hold while we sort the shit with Turner. Plus, we all know you really came down to set eyes on my girl.” He grinned.
Emmie rolled her eyes. “Well, duh.”
