Page 119 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

“He stayed over last night, but in the living room! I think I must have had too much to drink over dinner and passed out. Luckily, Ken was the perfect gentleman. He brought me home and slept on the sofa, just in case I needed him.”

Jane could just hear a low male voice speaking to Clare. Her friend laughed at whatever it was he said. “Of course I’m singing your praises to my friend. How many men would have done what you did last night? Come and say hi to Jane.”

Seconds later, she came back on the line to her, laughing even more. “He won’t. He’s too shy to speak to a celebrity.”

“I’m not a celebrity. I’m no one.”

“Then why are you all over my television? I think you need to get used to this new fame of yours.”

The chime of the doorbell interrupted their conversation, followed by Loki’s excited barking as he ran off to greet whoever it was that had arrived. “I’ve got to go, there’s someone at the door and Logan’s still in the shower.”

“Just remember to only listen to the opinions of people you actually care about. Talk later!”

The sound of approaching heels coincided with the arrival of Logan, returning from the shower with only a towel wrapped around himself. Kitty had brought in their guest, but it wasn’t any of Logan’s team as Jane had suspected it would be.

Instead, the petite brunette who stood before them carrying Loki in her arms bore more than a striking resemblance to Logan. She had his eyes and lips, though that’s where their looks converged. Her curves had extra padding now, though she was as lovely now as she must have been in her younger years. The only sign of her advancing age were the silver streaks in her hair that she did nothing to disguise. Wearing a simple but classy twinset number, she oozed a quiet grace.

Logan’s eyes had gone as round as his mouth.

“Mom! What’re you doing here?”

She kissed both of his stunned cheeks, an amused if annoyed smile on her lips.

“Well, I thought I’d come and meet this new woman in my son’s life, particularly as he seems to have neglected to mention her himself. There is nothing quite like finding out these things in your morning newspaper.”

Jane felt the sting of her words, even though she was sure the woman hadn’t meant anything by it. She knew how close Logan was to his mother, so why hadn’t he mentioned her at all? What did that mean?

Unaware of the turmoil his mother’s words had caused, Logan shrugged helplessly. “It’s just been one thing after another.”

The look she gave him said what she thought about that. She lowered gracefully into a chair as Loki flopped against her, laying his head on her lap, apparently so in love that Jane was taken aback.

Traitor.

“Can I get you something to drink, Miss. Stanton? Maybe a light breakfast?” Kitty asked.

“It’s Delia, Kitty. I’ve told you a million times before, have I not?”

“Yes, Miss. Delia,” Kitty replied, bowing her head.

“And no thank you, I can just help myself if I’m hungry.”

“Yes, Miss. Delia,” Kitty echoed again before making a discreet exit.

“This is Jane. Jane, my mom.” Logan finally had enough wits about him to introduce them to one another.

“Delia, yes. Nice to meet you,” Jane took the hand that was offered to her, cringing inwardly at her lack of clothing. What a way to meet his mother!

“And you, Dear. Would you like a moment to put some clothes on? I can entertain myself with this little angel while you’re gone.”

She scratched Loki behind the ears, sending the puppy squirming. He shoved his head against her hand, unable to have enough of her attention.

“Thank you. I’ll be right back.”

Jane returned moments later with her hair brushed and loose, wearing a simple gypsy skirt and a sleeveless shirt. The woman had already seen her in next-to-nothing. It seemed ridiculous to dress up in anything more.

It could have been her imagination, but there seemed a tiny look of approval in Delia’s eyes when she saw her outfit.

Logan had also pulled on a pair of those lounge pants he favored, but he remained topless, torso still damp and gleaming.

---