Page 16 of Ignited Heat

Last night, I followed my instincts, and I got the best kiss I've ever had in my entire life. What was supposed to be a friendly kiss turned into a fiery, passionate war between our mouths and tongues. I could feel the heat emanating from Jason's body even though he kept his hands on my face. But the best part was how I saw his demeanor change. I think he wants me as much as I want him. All I have to do now is convince him that we can be good together. Because after that kiss, I'm not letting him go.

Today, I had to spend most of the day alone because Jason had to go get groceries and check in at work. The owners of the nightclub have been extremely generous with their understanding of my situation. A part of me is glad to have these moments because I have to fight that fear that comes whenever I'm left alone. It's like a panic attack that eats at me little by little. But when I know Jason will be back by a certain hour, I can handle the episodes with more finesse than if he just left and didn't prepare me beforehand.

In the distance, I hear Jason's motorcycle, but I also hear a car. I go to the window and peek out, recognizing Carlos' car. There are two people inside. I wonder who he brought with him, probably Mama. I go to the bathroom to check how I look. Some of the bruises look worse than they did a couple of days ago. I wish I could hide them somehow, but they know how badly I was beaten. There'll be no surprises there.

I open the door while they get out of the car. Carlos is carrying a whole lot of food. I'm glad. I'm sort of done with sandwiches, even if it's Jason who makes them. I need some comfort food, and Mama knows exactly what I like. I go to her and offer her my good arm for a hug. She's very careful with me and then smiles and touches my face tenderly.

Mama Lee is one of the best people I know. She took me in and saw the loneliness and anguish inside me, and immediately started working to heal them. It's no surprise that after only a few weeks with them, I begged her and her husband to adopt me. But she and Papa also gave me a huge family with my brothers.

"Mama, it's so good to see you."

"You too, baby."

"Come on in. I want to see what you and Carlos brought me."

I wave at Carlos but pull my mother inside the house. I sit her down in one of the living room chairs, and I almost tear up at all the feelings that are bursting inside my chest. The Lee family is close, and I miss that closeness.

"Are you in pain, Cassie?"

"A lot less than I was, but I'm still sore all over. It'll take time, Mama. How's Papa?"

"Hounding the police officers that have your case so that they find Solis quickly and you can come home."

"Jason is looking, too,” I say. “If he hasn't found him, I doubt the police can."

"How are you and Jason getting along?"

"He's been really good to me, Mama."

"How good?"

"Mama! Shh."

Jason chooses that moment to enter the house and bring in the groceries. He looks absolutely edible in his jeans and leather jacket. For a moment, I am lost in thought, and then I feel a hand on my knee.

"Cassie, come back to me."

"Sorry, Mama."

She leans in and whispers. "Don't worry. I see the appeal, but be careful." Then she looks toward Carlos and Jason and says to them. "You two, get dinner ready. My daughter and I are starving."

Carlos jumps to follow Mama's orders and Jason starts helping him as well. In less than fifteen minutes, a wonderful Chinese meal is sitting on the table and we start eating heartily. Mama immediately notices Jason's proficiency with chopsticks.

"That's a new development, Mr. Harris."

"Call me Jason, please. And, yes, Cassie taught me. She's an amazing teacher."

"My daughter is amazing, Jason. Are you treating her well?"

"Mama!" Both Carlos and I shout.

"It's a mother's prerogative to make sure her daughter is taken care of. I know Carlos speaks highly of you, Jason, but I only have one daughter, and I don't know you that well."

"I'll always do everything in my power to take care and protect Cassie, Mrs. Lee."

My mother nods and thankfully stops scrutinizing Jason. My face is probably red as a tomato from the embarrassment. When we finish our meal, the men clean up and leave to talk on the back porch. Mama and I stay in the living room, but when I move to turn on the TV, Mama holds my hand.

"Cassie, maybe you should come home."

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