“Yes.” She dropped her hand, and her breath released in weariness. “And protect Kevin.”
In the end, Kevin had gotten badly hurt anyway. He’d been neglected by the only parent he knew—and now that parent was gone. But Tonya wasn’t, and she’d make a better life for him.
Jesse badly wanted to help her with that. “I’m glad he has you.”
She took his right hand in both of hers. “Then surely you understand that I can’t...can’t push him aside to get involved with you right now.”
A dozen replies came to mind, ways to convince her, to win her over.
He settled on being blunt. “I just got here. Don’t piss me off, okay?”
Frowning, she dropped her gaze. “I didn’t—”
“Number one, we’re already involved. Denying it won’t make it go away because I’m not budging.” He smoothed her hair again. “And besides, I’m not the only one feeling it.”
Lashes lifting, she stared into his eyes.
No reply was admission enough for him.
“Number two.” He cupped his hand around her nape and resisted the urge to kiss her instead of talking. Given the subject wasn’t an easy one, kissing would be a lot easier.
But ultimately, that wouldn’t get him anywhere.
“Do you honestly think I’d expect you to do anything that’d bring more grief on that kid?”
She searched his face. “No.”
He gave in and kissed her forehead. “Good. So stop shoving me away. Let me help.”
“You are so stubborn.”
“Look who’s talking.”
She covered her face, but still he heard the strained laugh.
“Number three,” he whispered, pleased that he’d lightened her mood just a little, “you don’t have to choose. Give me a chance to show you that I can help without getting in the way.”
Still hiding behind her hands, she laughed again. “You distract me.”
Far as he was concerned, she could use some distractions. Encircling her narrow wrists, he pulled down her hands and gave her another quick kiss, this one on her smiling mouth, then, securing her hand in his, led the way through her house.
As a Realtor, Tonya had found the perfect property. She lived in one side of the old house that had been turned into a duplex and rented the other half to Merrily—the woman now very involved with his best friend, Brick.
Brick, aptly named given his hard head, had introduced him to Tonya without realizing just how complicated things would become. He had Jesse’s gratitude all the same.
He could handle complications; it was Tonya cutting him out that he couldn’t handle.
With Merrily next door, so too was Brick, which gave Jesse plenty of excuses to be nearby...if Tonya didn’t see reason. But hopefully his plan would work out for all involved and Tonya would invite him to stick close.
The house had a lot of character that, as a carpenter, he especially admired. But the fact that it was divided into two living spaces meant limited room to grow and add a kid. He knew she had a second bedroom, but she’d mostly used it for her office.
Now that she’d cleared everything out so Kevin would have a bedroom, where had she relocated her work space?
Thinking ahead, it was possible Merrily would be moving out once she and Brick married, something they were currently planning. At that point, it would be easy for him to turn the house back into a single dwelling—if that’s what Tonya wanted.
But maybe she needed the income from the rental, in which case he could probably convert the attic into a cozy office for her. He’d have to ask Brick about their plans. If they did move, they’d need a place with a yard for Merrily’s two dogs and three cats.
It was from Merrily and her menagerie that Jesse had gotten his inspiration for how to help. Well, from her and from fate.
When they entered the kitchen they found Kevin slouched in his seat, his knees pointing outward, big feet hooked around the chair legs, his head propped on a fist. Only one bite had been taken from his sandwich.
Tonya’s smile quickly faded. She became brisk and determined. “Jesse, would you like a sandwich?”
“Sure.” He steered her away from the cabinet and to her seat. “But you go ahead and get started. I’m a big boy. I can make it myself.”
Brows flinching with doubt, Kevin eyed him and the bread he pulled from the bag.
Jesse kept a smile on his face as he arranged a pile of meat and cheese. “I stopped by for a favor.”
As if expecting something awful, Kevin turned his gaze away and drew up his shoulders again.
How many times had he had to do that? Hunker down and prepare for the worst?
Of course, Tonya noted Kevin’s skewed perception of the world where any favor asked by a man was a bad thing. On top of drugs, had her sister indulged too many men? Maybe men who’d had little patience for having an adolescent underfoot?
Jesse held his anger in check. Any sign of it from him would only discomfit Kevin more.
Apparently Tonya felt the same since she forced a smile. “Sure, Jesse. What can I do for you?”
“Well, that’s the thing. It’ll involve Kevin too.”
Kevin’s head popped up and he stared at Jesse as if totally taken by surprise.
At least he’d gotten an honest reaction other than that awful emotional distance that usually shrouded the kid like a black cloud.
Tonya was liable to smack him, but damn it, he had to try. After setting his plate on the table, he turned to the boy and was struck by his expression.
Had no one ever before included him?
Jesse geared himself for arguments or outright refusal, even as he considered ways to convince him. “I know it’ll be a big job, Kevin, but before you say no, let me show you, okay?”
Put on the spot, Kevin scowled, then nodded. “Okay.”
“Great. I need to run out to my truck, but I’ll be right back.” Nodding at the sandwich on Kevin’s plate, he said, “Wolf that down while you have the chance.”
Tonya tipped her head, confused. He squeezed her shoulder on his way out.
Feeling a little more optimistic now that he had something to do, a way to proceed, a plan, Jesse strode through the house and out the front door. Sunshine blinded him. It was a beautiful day—a clear sky, a slight breeze and low humidity. His truck sat beneath a huge tree that offered plenty of shade, and he’d left the windows open, but still, he was anxious as he opened the passenger door and retrieved his package.
Inside the large carrier, the lazy cat stretched awake and gave him a rumbling purr.
Poking a finger inside, he stroked the cat’s head. “How you doing in there, Love? Okay?”
She rubbed her furry little face along the sides of the carrier as if seeking more attention.
“Soon now. Let’s go.”
When he turned, both Tonya and Kevin stood at the door watching him. Gaze zeroed in on the carrier, Kevin popped the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth.
Huh. Well, if nothing else, he’d gotten the boy to eat.
Tonya pushed the door open and stepped out. “What in the world?”
“Good luck,” Jesse whispered to the cat. “Be your charming best, okay?”