Page 20 of Guardian

Jackson’s face showed surprise and delight when we both turned up to get him. He looked back and forth between us and seemed to come to some kind of understanding of the situation. His grin said he was fine with whatever was happening.

All he said was, “Where’s my ice cream, Mom? Yours is all over your shirt, so don’t tell me you didn’t have one.”

The cold shower settled my cock down once I made it home, but only temporarily. The sight of Jemma in leggings and a soft, clinging sweater undid what the icy blast had done as it popped back into my brain. Fuck, I wanted Jemma so bad.

Chapter 10

I regretted allowing Jacksonto see me with Sweet so soon after that fateful kiss. I knew I was glowing, and the pheromones were wafting off me in droves. Then again, I tried not to hide too much from my son. Secrets were his father’s downfall, not mine.

Jackson bombarded me with dozens of questions that evening. I answered as truthfully as I knew how, though I wasn’t as sure about my own mindset as I should have been. Yes, I wanted Sweet, as any woman with eyes would.

But I was terrified and wary over who and what he was. He was a dangerous man living in a terrifying world of shady dealings. I knew he’d done illegal things, some far worse than I cared to think about. Yet, in my heart, I knew he was a good man. It was all so damn confusing.

“Well, do you like him, Mom?” Jackson probed.

“He’s growing on me. After all, he came to our aid when your dad went nuts, and he’s teaching us to protect ourselves. Why wouldn’t I like him?”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I’m not a baby. I’m asking if you like him the way a girl likes a guy, you know for kissing and stuff?” he asked.

I sighed. My nino was getting all grown up. His questions were very to the point.

“I might. Well, actually, yes I do. I’m a little confused about it.”

“Why? If you like him and he likes you, what’s the problem? Ask him to be your boyfriend. The girls at school do it to us guys all the time. I’ve said no three times this year. I prefer my girls to be older,” Jackson boldly stated.

Shocked, my mouth fell open, and I couldn’t speak.

“Don’t act surprised, Mom. I bet you were asked out when you were my age. Grandpa and Grandma probably would have freaked, but I know it must have happened. Doesn’t Sweet think you’re pretty? Maybe, I’ll ask him.”

“Don’t you dare! If he thinks so, then he’ll tell me. Don’t bother him with these kinds of questions. And you’re too young for a girlfriend, especially one who’s older than you. Where did you learn all this?” I asked.

“Oh, please!” he said while rolling his eyes. “I watch television, listen to songs, and you gave me ‘the talk’ two years ago. How can I not know about all this stuff? Linda was kissing Greg in the hallway just last week. They got detention, but it was probably worth it.”

I closed my eyes and prayed for intervention, or at least some patience to deal with my son. I wasn’t ready for this anymore than I was ready to admit I wanted Sweet in my bed.

“Come on! Don’t wait for Sweet to ask you for a date. He won’t because he thinks you’re freaked out by him. He still thinks his tattoos give you nightmares. You’ve got to ask him out instead.It’s okay for the woman to ask. The Bachelor show says so. That’s how Linda got Greg.”

“I don’t like to put myself in that type of situation, Jackson. It would hurt to be turned down. My ego couldn’t take it,” I admitted.

“He’s not gonna say no, Mom. You’re pretty, even I know that. I saw the way he looked at you today. He likes you, too. It’s how Amy looks at me, which I hate because she irritates me. But you like each other, so that’s different. You can do it. I believe in you,” my sweet boy explained.

“Fine, I’ll do it,” I nervously replied. “It means you’ll need a babysitter, though. And don’t try to argue your way out of it. After what your dad did I won’t leave you alone at night.”

He groaned, but answered, “Okay. Old Mrs. Gruber can come over. She’ll play rummy with me, then fall asleep so I can watch my shows. I can deal with that. Call Sweet right now.”

I knew I’d lose my courage if I didn’t, so I made the call.

“What’s wrong?” Sweet answered.

“Nothing, unless you turn me down. Would you care to go to the movies with me on Saturday? I’ll even let you choose the show, and I’ll buy the popcorn. Or do guys like you do movies?” I suddenly wondered.

“We’re normal human beings, Jemma. I like a good movie now and then, and when you add in a beautiful woman who can resist? It’ll have to be an early evening show. I have to be at the bar by ten before the crowd gets too drunk and rowdy. Will that be okay?”

I let out the breath I was holding and said, “It’s perfect. Jackson’s babysitter will appreciate getting off before midnight. She’s old and a little cranky.”

“Poor kid,” Sweet replied, making me laugh.

Sweet showed up on his motorcycle. I offered the use of my car, regretting that the bike made me feel intimidated. He had a good laugh at my expense when he took a look at the car I drove.

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