Somebody's Lover: The Jackson Brothers, Book 1

to meet Brian’s teacher or Jamey’s? Lord.
    “Bri’s a good boy. He’ll be fine.”
    Brian. “Yeah. He’s going to be fine.”
    “Jace taking them out sometimes really helps,” Evelyn added.
    Her heart stuttered, then slammed in her chest. “Yeah. Jace has been great.” Her mouth dried up, and she couldn’t look at Evelyn. Why did her mother-in-law bring Jace up now?
    The boys bounced over to her, and she ruffled each head. “Kiss Nana and Grand-pa goodbye.”
    Arthur gave them each his usual bear hug.
    “Thanks for having them. We’ll see you on Sunday.”
    The kids scampered out to the car.
    “That’s a pretty dress, Taylor,” Evelyn called.
    Taylor looked over her shoulder. Evelyn smiled. Not her usual big smile, a small one. Almost sad.
    “Thanks.” It was all Taylor could think of to say.
    First that bit about Jace and the boys, then a comment on her dress.
    Liars and sneaks. They always came to a bad end.

    * * * * *

    On Saturday, she took the boys hiking in the county park.
    “Am I still in trouble at school, Mom?”
    “No, Brian. Why would you think that?” Taylor swung out the stick she’d found along the path, pushing up the short hill while Jamey scampered ahead looking for arrowheads.
    “If I’m not in trouble, why’d you have to meet my teacher?”
    Lord. She was a bad, bad mother. She hadn’t told him the lie, couldn’t bear repeating it, but obviously Evelyn had mentioned where she was going.
    “It was a checkup. You weren’t worried, were you?” She put her hand on his head as they walked. “I’m sorry, Bri.”
    “Was it Mr. Henderson?”
    “Yes.” For a split second, she couldn’t remember a single name. Henderson was as good as any.
    “But I saw Mr. Henderson at school on Friday. Nana said he was out of town, and that’s why you had to meet him so late.”
    Brian wasn’t questioning her or doubting her. But he was a brooder. And he’d been brooding over what his teacher was going to tell her about him. She’d been very foolish. And selfish.
    She bent down, taking her son’s arms. “He said you were a wonderful student. He wanted me to know how proud of you he is.”
    He blinked sad, brown eyes. Sometimes her little guy seemed much older and much younger than his ten years. “Truth?”
    “I wouldn’t lie about a thing like that, Bri. Not ever.” She was filled with lies and ached with guilt. “Give me a hug,” she whispered, almost crying when his arms went around her neck.
    Then suddenly all better, like little boys could be in the blink of an eye, he rushed after his brother.
    Taylor told herself the lies were over. But she couldn’t stop the rush of warmth that came with a sudden image of Jace.

    * * * * *

    Later in the afternoon, Jace stopped by to take the boys out for pizza. They’d climbed all over him like monkeys, and he appeared to enjoy every minute of it. She’d always appreciated how good he was with the boys. They missed their dad, but Jace did a good job filling the void. Today, her heart ached watching them. She wanted to beg to go along, but it was a guy thing. Moms weren’t allowed. That had never bothered her before.
    After all the activity, the boys had tumbled into bed almost as soon as they got home. Jace hadn’t even come inside, simply watched them from his truck as they barreled into the house, then he drove away. They hadn’t exchanged a word about last night.
    She went to bed at midnight, but sleep wouldn’t come. Had Jace gone to Saddle-n-Spurs after he dropped off the boys? Had he met a woman, taken her home?
    She was going crazy in the dark. She had to stop thinking about him. Rolling over, she tucked the pillow beneath her cheek. A dog barked in a neighbor’s yard. A car passed in the street. She rolled again, this time lying flat on her back.
    When she closed her eyes, the soft breeze through the window caressed her face like Jace’s fingers. She kicked the covers off and imagined his touch between her legs. Oh God.
    The digital clock flipped to twelve-thirty. The portable phone lay on the night table. She grabbed it and hugged it to her chest. She wouldn’t call. It was over. It had to be over.
    She’d called him a hundred times. For this and that. She’d never worried or hesitated before. Before, she didn’t carry the memory of him inside her.
    She’d promised herself she wouldn’t make love with him again. She’d promised she wouldn’t lie to her boys. And now she was in danger of breaking that