Page 54 of Mine to Protect

“It has nothing to do with the house and everything to do with the fact that you don’t think you deserve what it represents because you still don’t believe you deserve Steve.”

Rebecca opened her mouth but, instead of saying anything, finished her mimosa and then poured another glass.

Without the juice.

“I see why my Rhett’s been all turned around about you for the last five years.” Rebecca sighed.

“He told you about me?”

“No. And I had to practically beat it out of Emmett about two years ago when we found out that Krista was pregnant, and it didn’t faze Rhett in the least. That’s when I knew another woman had stolen his heart.” Rebecca bent her knees and rolled to her side. “I liked Krista at first, but when she and Rhett broke up the first time, and I saw the devastation in my son’s eyes, I was worried. It got worse when she kept coming and going and fucking with his head. I tried to intervene—something my boys hate. After that, Rhett refused to talk to me about any girl he dated.” Rebecca reached out with her free hand and touched Shelby’s wrist. “Though he doesn’t really date much. Breaks my heart.”

Shelby swallowed. This was going deep. And fast. And she wasn’t ready.

But she’d been warned. She was a big girl, and the bottom line was that she had real feelings for Rhett. Ones she wanted to explore, which meant more of this and not just from his mother.

He had six brothers and a father.

“I can tell Rhett cares for you,” Rebecca said. “I also know he spent a lot of time working on himself after he met you.”

“He told me that.” Shelby took a big gulp of courage. “When we met, neither of us was in a position to be in a relationship.”

“You’re right about Rhett. He was in a very bad headspace back then. But I saw how he looked at you the other day at the hotel. And I saw how you were with each other when I picked you up. It’s obvious that the two of you care for each other a great deal. Rhett is a good man. He loves deeply. I can tell you do, too. I haven’t always been right about the women in my boy’s life, but I think I’m right when I say you’re good for him, and he’s the right one for you.”

Tears burned in Shelby’s eyes. She’d been fantasizing about that for years. She’d played out different ways of how they could meet again and fall in love.

And now, it was happening.

It was almost too good to be true.

The only thing standing in their way was this dark cloud of whatever was going on with her brother.

“I’m falling really hard for Rhett, and it’s scary as hell.”

“It always is when it feels like it’s fast and coming at you like a freight train.”

“That’s a good way to describe it.”

“Not to mention everything else that’s going on.” Rebecca set her glass down and took Shelby’s hand. “Rhett and I often butt heads when our cases cross paths. We’re trying to work together as best we can on this one. I know he’s talking with your brother now, and I’m giving him space with that because I have no reason not to.”

“I’m hoping he talks Chris into coming back to his place. I wish that—”

“I can’t tell you everything. That would be irresponsible of me, so please understand that I’ve told you everything that I can about the case.”

“I know you have, and I appreciate that,” Shelby said. “I just wish my brother would have trusted me.”

“Oh, sweetheart. It’s not about that. It’s about protecting you. And while Rhett might be more truthful than your brother, it’s a different dynamic.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but you don’t understand. My entire life has been about taking care of Chris. I’ve been there for him since we were babies. And to be fair, he’s never really been there for me until after he got clean and sober. Even during the first year, he didn’t get how much I did or how often I worried. I know that I went too far sometimes, but still, I’m a big girl, and I deserve the truth.”

Rebecca picked up the champagne bottle and refilled both their flutes. “I’m not saying you don’t. But because I know some things about this, I can tell you that Chris did the right thing by keeping you in the dark and bringing you to Rhett. Where he’s making a mistake is not letting my department do their jobs. I’m hoping this meeting will help show Chris that I’m going to make sure you, Jackie, and him are protected.”

“Rhett can be persuasive.”

“He and my eldest son, Seth, have that trait the most. They get it from their father. I always thought Rhett would have been a good lawyer. Of course, I wanted him to be a cop. He landed in the middle.” Rebecca leaned forward. “I pretend I’m angry that Miles is working for him, but I’m not. I’m also insanely proud of Miles for standing up to me and opening his own business. He’s one smart cookie.”

“And handsome,” Shelby teased.

“He’s single, too. As is Emmerson. So if you know any single ladies, I trust your judgment.”

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