Yours Seductively

Chapter 6.2 (Part 1)

   Jane knew where Tyler lived, of course, though she hadn't actually been there. As small as Honoria was, it hadn't been hard to discreetly find out which house he'd moved into. Tom said very little during the walk home, but he didn't try to resist again. He and Jane spotted Tyler's car in the driveway at the same time.

   "Uh-oh. Daddy's home."

   Jane tightened her hand reassuringly around the child's suddenly cold fingers. "Mrs. Barns probably called him. We'd better let him know you're all right, okay?"

   "He's gonna be mad," Tom predicted glumly.

   "Yes. He probably will be. But he'll get over it...if you promise never to do anything like this again."

   The front door opened before Tom could answer. Wearing a grim expression and carrying his daughter on his hip, Tyler came out of the house, followed by a distraught-looking middle-aged woman. Jane could almost feel the panic emanating from them. "Tyler."

   He turned, spotted her, then dropped his gaze to Tom. The expression that crossed his face brought a lump to Jane's throat. He recovered quickly, but not before she saw the full, weak-kneed extent of his relief at seeing his son safe.

   "Tom." He stepped swiftly toward them. "Where have you been?"

   "I went to the pool to see Jane," the boy muttered.

   "Without asking anyone? Without telling anyone you were leaving?"

   Tom hung his head even lower.

   "Tom!" Amy squealed, waving a chubby hand at her brother.

   "How did he know you were at the pool?" Tyler asked, turning to Jane. "Have you two talked?"

   Something in his voice made her frown. "No, of course not. He just took a chance at finding me there—and, fortunately, I was."

   "Go up to your room, Tom. I'll be in to talk to you soon."

   Tom looked up at his father in protest, his hand tightening around Jane's. "But I want to show Jane my—"

   "You'd better kind your dad, Tommy," she murmured quickly. "I don't think he's in a mood to argue with you."

   "Definitely not." Tyler jerked his chin toward the house. "Your room, Tom."

   Jane has to bite her lip to keep from suggesting to Tyler that he might go a little easier on the boy. Tom looked so small and sad as he trudged into the house. But it was none of her business, she reminded herself. What Tom has done was very wrong, and it was important that he learn never to do anything like that again. And, besides, she knew very well that what Tyler really wanted to do was snatch the boy into his arms and hold on to him.

   "I'll take any in, if you like, Mr. Hamilton," the nanny offered, looking nervously at her stern employer.

   Tyler nodded and handed over the always-cheerful tot. "I'll be in shortly, Mrs. Barns. I'd like to talk to you.

   Jane watched her swallow. "Yes, Sir."