Page 26 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
“Norman’s is hardly gourmet,” Raina countered. “And it’s not like you to be surly.”
“When you’re meddling, it sure as hell is,” he muttered.
“Shh.” Raina placed a finger over her lips. “Maybe she doesn’t like foulmouthed men.” She glanced around, finally looking for his guest. “Where is she, anyway?”
“Cleaning up.” He gestured toward the bathroom in the back hall. “And she’s had a rough day. I doubt she’s in the mood for company.”
Eric’s deep laugh echoed in the room. “I think he’s asking you to leave, Raina dear.” He grasped her elbow gently.
“Us,” Raina said. “He’s asking us to leave.”
“He knows I have one foot out the door already, while you’re angling to stay.”
His mother pouted, but from the resignation in her eyes, she accepted that she’d been effectively shut down. “I’m not finished putting away groceries.”
Chase laughed, steering her to the door with Eric following close behind. “I don’t mind handling things. Besides, you need your rest.”
“So do you after the day you’ve had. You and that poor girl. And Samson!” She said the old man’s name as if his situation had just registered.
Considering all she had on her mind—her son’s safety and a new woman in town to attack—Chase understood her mental lapse. His mother was the most gentle, caring soul around, and despite Samson’s often belligerent attitude, Raina liked him. She even brought him sandwiches for lunch when he hung out in the gazebo across from Norman’s. Not that the old man seemed to appreciate her, but Raina treated him like a friend.
She stopped midway to the door and turned to Chase. “How is poor Samson? Any word?” Her eyes were huge, her concern so obvious and genuine it nearly broke his heart.
“I’d like to know that myself,” Sloane said, walking out of the bathroom.
She wore a pair of dark denim jeans combined with a cropped long-sleeved white shirt emblazoned with a pair of shimmering glitter-covered gold lips on the front. Her burnished hair curled around her shoulders. He hadn’t realized how curly her hair really was or how sexy she’d look fresh from a shower.
From his mother’s eager and excited expression, she’d found a new female face with which she hoped to entice Chase. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t need his mother’s prodding on this one.
Sloane already interested him plenty.
Chapter Six
Raina Chandler stared at the beautiful girl who’d just walked out of her son’s bathroom in surprise.
“I’m sorry, but there’s been no news on Samson,” Chase said to Sloane. “If there had been, Rick would have called.”
“Oh.”
Disappointment flickered over her face at Chase’s news, making Raina wonder what her connection was to the reclusive and often elusive Samson. “Are you and Samson—”
Chase stepped forward in a protective stance. “Do not ask her questions, Mother,” he said, warning her with his tone.
And upon hearing those unexpected words, Raina decided to heed his request and back off. At least for now. A protective streak was a common trait for all her sons. But Chase only exhibited it toward Raina and, more lately, his sisters-in-law. That he’d step in for a woman he’d just met spoke volumes, and Raina’s heart began to soar with the knowledge that she’d hit the jackpot and her last son might finally be falling in love.
Actually, from the expression on Chase’s face when he gazed at the girl, he was the one who’d hit the jackpot. “I think introductions are in order,” Raina said, changing the subject to please her son.
His shoulders eased, the tension gone from his stance. “Sloane, I’d like you to meet my mother, Raina Chandler. Unfortunately, she was just leaving. Weren’t you, Mom?”
Aah, so he wants to be alone with Sloane. This afternoon, which had started out with a scare thanks to the explosion and had caused genuine heart palpitations for Raina, had taken an unexpected sunny turn.
Before Raina could greet Sloane properly, Chase continued. “And this is her friend, the town’s best doctor, Eric Fallon.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Fallon.” Sloane shook Eric’s hand, then turned her attention to Raina. “And you, Mrs. Chandler.” With a genuine smile, she grasped Raina’s hand next for a brief shake.
As Sloane pulled a strand of hair off her cheek, Raina noticed her damp curls fell to her shoulders, while shorter pieces touched her face. For a brief minute, Raina had a flash of déjà vu. The girl looked familiar, but she couldn’t figure out why.
“A pleasure to meet you too.” Raina stared into Sloane’s wide green eyes, taking in the obvious intelligence there.
Good. Chase would need a woman capable of smart breakfast conversation, something more solid than How does this eyeshadow look, dear? Sloane could most definitely provide that.
Her gaze darted between Raina and Chase. “I don’t see a strong family resemblance,” Sloane mused.
“That’s because Chase looks like his father.” Raina smiled, appreciating the chance to recall her beloved husband.
