Page 46 of Off Limits (Alpha Billionaire)

She said some platitudes and, “I hope you consider coming back and staying with us again,” when she handed me the receipt.

I doubted that would happen. Maybe if Max wanted to go swimming again, we could try, or check into another hotel. Or just go swimming at the country club if it was warm enough.

It was well past dinner time when we got home. Max didn’t complain that his pizza was cold, and I didn’t insist that he change out of his swimsuit before he ate.

My insides were churning with worry for Jessica. I wanted to get out there and look for her, but I also had a four-year-old to take care of.

After I got him fed and changed into his pajamas, I carried him down to my mother’s rooms.

“I need your help,” I said as I walked in.

“Of course, dear, whatever you need,” Mother said.

“We are not watching the boy. He has a nanny for that,” Clara said before I had a chance to explain.

“Possibly not,” I said in a flat tone.

“Oh, no, has something happened between you two?” Mother asked.

“I knew she wasn’t any good. I didn’t want to say anything, but she?—”

“Then don’t say anything,” I snapped. “Nothing between us,” I said, returning my attention to Mother. “There's been a complication between an old boyfriend of hers and a business deal I was working on. She had to go with him to work something out. I have to go and pick her up.” I spoke slowly, carefully. I didn’t want to re-traumatize Max, and I didn’t want to overly worry Mother.

“Well, where is she, then?” Clara asked.

I glared at her. “She is not here, and that’s all you need to be concerned with.”

“How hard can it be to watch Max for the evening?” Mother asked Clara.

“I can’t be running all over the house checking on him, trying to put him to bed when you might need me down here,” Clara complained.

“You don’t have to put him to bed. He can fall asleep on the couch down here. Look, I know I promised you wouldn’t have to watch him again, but this is kind of a situation I’m stuck in, and I need your help.” I stated my case and hoped logic and reason would sway them.

“Of course Max can stay with me. We’ll watch a movie, and he’ll probably be fast asleep in no time,” Mother said before Clara had a chance to complain again.

“I just don’t see how I have to make up for the slack caused by your hiring that woman when she isn’t doing her job,” Clara said and then harrumphed.

“Clara, you are an integral part of keeping this family functional. I am well aware that your job description does not include my son. But tonight, I am asking for your assistance in this matter. Trust me, I don’t want to be in this situation either. It’s not exactly anything that I or Jessica had control over.”

Clara rolled her eyes and finally nodded in assent.

“Thank you. Be good for Nana and Clara,” I said right before I left.

With Max in caring hands, I needed to go and find Jessica. I didn’t even know where to start.

After I left, I got into my car and began driving. I had no idea where I was going or how I would find her, but I needed to do something.

At some point, I realized I was simply driving around in circles. I pulled over and closed my eyes. I wasn’t thinking clearly, rationally. I was reacting poorly to the situation at hand.

I was figuratively spinning my wheels when I had tools. I just needed to use them. I tried Jessica’s phone again. Maybe something had changed and she could answer it. Nothing.

I tried Ryan’s number. The call connected, and I thought I heard someone say ‘welcome’ in the background before Ryan’s voice filled the speakers.

“It took you long enough to call me,” he said. “I’m surprised you haven’t been blowing up my phone this whole time.”

“Is Jessica still with you? Is she safe?” I asked.

“What kind of a monster do you think I am?”

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