Page 41 of Deserving Maisy
Well, he wasn’t doing that again. He’d do whatever it took to protect his wife, even if it was from her own flesh and blood.
Determined to do what was right this time, Jack waited for Maisy to finish getting ready so he could walk her downstairs to start their day.
CHAPTER TEN
Breakfast was a disaster. Maisy was more aware than ever of Jack’s growing suspicions. He didn’t like Jason, with good reason. Her brother was acting more smug and superior by the day, and when Jack said something about how he was looking forward to their picnic in the park, Jason had snorted under his breath.
If looks could kill, Jason would’ve been a dead man. Lately, neither man was hiding his disdain for the other, and it made for a very tense living situation.
When Jason finally got up from the table and left—after sending Maisy a not-very-hidden warning glare—Jack turned to her and said, “We’re done.”
“What? But you love Paige’s biscuits and gravy.”
“I’m not staying here another week. I know he’s your brother, and you love him, but I can’t do it.”
“I’m sorry he’s been…gruff lately,” Maisy said desperately, already thinking about how her brother had told her in no uncertain terms that if she left before the three months was up, she’d regret it.
“Gruff? Maisy, he’s an abusive asshole. I don’t care what he says to me, I’ve heard worse, but I can’t stand him treatingyouthe way he does. I can’t understand why you’ve stayed here for as long as you have.”
Honestly, Maisy wasn’t sure either. No, that wasn’t true. At first, it was because she was a minor. Then, she was drugged to the gills, unable to take care of herself. She also had no money, thanks to Jason. No way to take care of herself elsewhere. She had no education beyond a GED, had never lived on her own, had no idea if she could make it in the “real world.”
All that…and she was terrified of her brother.
“Look at me,Stellina.”
Turning, Maisy stared at the man who’d become the center of her world in such a short period of time.
“I’m not going to let him hurt you. I know this is hard for you. When your parents died, he was your rock. If he hadn’t stepped in, you would’ve gone into foster care, been ripped from this house and everything you knew. You’re grateful for him, and he’s done a lot of good things for you. But you aren’t fifteen anymore. And you havemeto look after you. Trust me, hon. I’m not going to let you down. I might not remember the man I used to be, but I know down to my toes that I can provide for you. Protect you.”
Maisy knew that too. She had no idea who this man was, but she had no doubt that whoever his people were, they were the luckiest people on the planet. “How…where will we go?”
“I’m not sure. But I’m actually meeting with a guy this morning about that job I mentioned a few days ago, the one on a ranch? It’s not ideal, but it’ll bring in some much-needed cash so we don’t have to rely on your brotheranymore. And…he mentioned something about a small cabin on the property that’s available.”
“What do you know about leading tours? About horses?”
“Honestly? Nothing. But I’ll figure it out. And the thought of being out on that beautiful property, living a simple life…it appeals more than I thought possible. I won’t go back to my bounty hunting job, and not because I have no recollection of what it takes to evenbea bounty hunter. I don’t want to do anything that will take me away from you for long stretches of time. This guy has assured me that the tours are mostly during the day, with only a few overnights. I messed up before, sent you back to this house alone. It’s not happening again.”
Maisy’s eyes watered.
“Don’t cry, hon. What is it thatyouwant to do?”
“Me?” she asked with a sniff.
“Yeah. I don’t want you to be bored while I’m off fixing shit and schmoozing with the ranch guests.”
Maisy shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Sure you do. What do you like?”
“Reading. Animals. Flowers. Kids.”
An emotion Maisy couldn’t read flashed over Jack’s face. “Right, so maybe we can foster animals for a shelter, get them used to living in a house before finding them homes. Or you can learn how to arrange flowers and work for a florist. Or we can talk to the ranch owner about you helping with the kids who show up with their parents. And if none of those things spark your interest, you can sit on our porch and read books, surrounded by the hundreds of flowers you planted, with our loyal mutt Randy by your side and our baby strapped to your chest.”
“Jack,” Maisy whispered, completely overwhelmed.
“The truth is, I don’t give a shit what you do,Stellina. I just want to come home to your beautiful smile and know that you’re happy.”
She wanted that too. More than he’d ever know. But it was a dream. Like trying to catch hold of the fog. It was right there in front of her face, but impossible to grab.
