Page 30 of Enough

Jaden’s gaze burned through hers. “That can be arranged.”

The two watched each other for a long moment. “I can’t stay, unfortunately, my mom’s home alone.”

“She doesn’t have to be. Like I said before, that can be arranged.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “You never know, she may like it over here and never want to leave.”

Claudia’s chest was doing something funny to her now. What exactly was he implying? Claudia cleared her throat. “Are you suggesting we go over to my house and pick up my mother?”

“And bring her back here. I’ll cook her dinner; she’ll relax, get comfortable and never want to leave.”

Claudia exhaled a deep breath. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.”

“I can be pretty resourceful you know.” Jaden offered her a charming smile. “Besides, she wants to meet me, right?”

“I don’t mean to interrupt this chatter, but I’ll be going, Mr. Rose.”

Jaden cocked a brow at Norma. “Since when do you call me, Mr. Rose?

Norma pursed her lips. “Don’t start; you sound like your father.”

Norma opened her door, and Jaden jumped out moving swiftly to offer her a helping hand.

“Thank you,” Norma said.

Jaden folded his arm through Norma’s, and they strolled to her Ford Explorer. Opening the driver side door, Jaden helped Norma into her car. Once she’d gotten comfortable in the seat, he reached over and buckled her belt.

Norma rolled her eyes. “Mr. Rose, I’m capable of buckling my seatbelt. I’ve been taking care of you and your siblings since you were all in diapers, I think I can manage a seatbelt.”

Jaden chuckled, knowing no matter how he responded it wouldn’t make a difference. “Doesn’t matter, we’re old enough to take care of you now.” He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Drive safely and call me once you arrive at home.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Rose.”

Jaden threw her a glare and Norma covered her mouth and laughed. Jaden stepped back and closed the door watching as Norma pulled off.

“She adores you, you know.”

Jaden rotated around to Claudia reaching out to pull her in by her waist. “I want you to stay.” With his lips, Jaden’s kiss traveled across her forehead one after the other. Claudia closed her eyes and exhaled, reveling in his caresses.

“I want you to stay,” he whispered again between kisses.

Claudia wanted to stay, too, but her obligations wouldn’t allow her the satisfaction. As if he’d read her thoughts, Jaden pulled back to look at her. “Your mother can stay as well. We’ll take care of her.”

Claudia’s heart fluttered and confusion set in.

“Why?” She watched him inquisitively.

“You know why.”

Claudia thought back to the night in Puerto Rico. She couldn’t deny their instant connection, but Claudia didn’t believe that they’d get so close that she’d have a hard time moving on when someone else found his interest. Already, the emotions that warmed and rippled through her whenever they were together was frightening enough. It was a bad idea. She couldn’t. In the end, it would be a disaster.

But still, she relented. “I’ll tell you what, let’s go see what she says. My mother’s mood swings can be hot and cold sometimes. So, it really just depends on if she wants to be bothered.”

Jaden laughed. “She’ll want to be bothered.”

Claudia arched a brow. “How can you be so sure?”

“She’ll be happy to meet me.”

Claudia couldn’t deny that.

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