Page 109 of Rescuer
She thought for a moment. “I need to go home and talk with my mom. Even though she left Blaine, this is going to shock her. I don’t know what kind of relationship I can build with her. After so many years, I feel like I hardly know her.”
“You’re going to try.” It wasn’t a question.
“I will. I think I’ll regret it if I don’t. She is my mom. I also want to get to know my brother and sister, and maybe even my real father.”
“What about your master’s degree?”
She shrugged. “If I can, I’m going to finish it. Now that this is over, hopefully, the school will reinstate me. I really need my job.”
“Dylan will miss you if you aren’t his teacher this year.”
Mia bit her lip. “What do you think will happen to Reggie? He said he was coerced into selling. And he did help the police. Will that count for anything?”
Jackson’s hand tightened on hers. “It might get him an easier sentence. But honestly, I can’t see him not doing time in juvie. At least until he’s eighteen. People died from taking these drugs, although I don’t know if Reggie personally sold to any of the victims.”
“How will Dylan handle that?” Mia asked. Her heart hurt for both kids.
“It’ll be hard. But he’s strong.”
She brushed against his side. “He’ll have you. That will help.”
Jackson opened his truck door for her to climb in. After the week they’d had, it seemed like a dream that she was going home. Her mom and Gus would be there too.
As Jackson drove, they spoke quietly, both tentative about breaking the mood. She invited him to come in.
He shook his head. “I can’t. I’m filthy. I need to shower before I head to see Dylan. I know he’s fine, but he took quite a beating.”
She didn’t pressure him or ask to go with him. He needed time alone with his brother. They had time now. She’d see him soon.
He opened her door for her, then held her hand and walked her to the front door. “I’ll call you when I get home.”
She moved closer, enjoying the warmth emanating from him. “I’ll hold you to it. I’m anxious to know Dylan is recovering.”
He eased closer, kissing her softly. When his arms scooped her closer, she hummed deep in her throat.
“Ah-hmm.” Her mother’s voice interrupted them.
Mia slowly backed away from him, gazing distractedly at the door. “What?”
Her mom and Gus both stood there, beaming at them.
Mia groaned, and her head fell forward, thumping against Jackson’s chest. “I’ll never hear the end of this.”
“In that case, there’s no need to be shy.” He winked at the two women grinning at them.
“What?”
Jackson leaned in and kissed her again.
Mia laughed, then melted into the kiss, sliding her arms around his neck, ignoring her mom and Gus cheering them on.
Later that night, she sat at the dinner table, gazing into space.
“Mia, are you planning on eating?” her mom asked. “That chicken will be cold soon.”
Gus snickered. “I think someone’s got her head full of a certain paramedic.”
“Do you blame her? He’s handsome. And you saw that kiss! My cooking didn’t sizzle as much as that.”
