Guarding His Children

Chapter Eight

The next morning, as Brittany dressed in her original bedroom at the safe house, she tried to decide how best to tell Jason that continuing to guard Keeley and Kendyl wasn't a good idea. Too many emotions were getting in the way. While Kendyl and Keeley got ready for school, Brittany would find a way to tell Jason …what? How could she walk away after praying with the child last night? Talking to her until she went to sleep?

No, she would stay until after the tour was over , then reassess the situation. She wouldn't be thrown together with him much during the day when he was at work. Only at nights and then she would just have to make sure that Debbie and the girls  were around a lot.

The scent of bacon frying drew Brittany to the kitchen, prepared to see Debbie fixing breakfast. But Jason pulled a plate from the microwave with sizzling bacon on it. Brittany's stomach rumbled its hunger.

"Where's your mom ?"

"I decided to let her sleep in."

"What time do the girls have to be at school?"

"Not for another hour, so you all will have time to enjoy my attempt at making breakfast."

Brittany moved closer, watching him crack some eggs and scramble them in a bowl. "Do you cook a lot?"

"Sometimes I do. Last year Mom was sick with the flu, and I managed to run the household without everything falling apart. Why? You want to volunteer?"

"No, I think you're doing fine. Better than what I could do, which is a bowl of cold cereal and a glass of orange juice."

"I couldn't believe there was food here. Your boss thinks of everything."

"She doesn't want us going to the store if we don't have to. The less we leave the house, the better."

As Jason stirred his eggs in the frying pan, he slanted her a look. "Should the girls go to school?"

"Have you informed the principal and teachers about what's happening?"

"Not yet, but I thought I would go with you all today then head to the office."

The warmth in his expression accelerated her heartbeat. She took a step back, thinking more space between them would help. It didn't. Focus on the job. "Have you called the police about a guard?"

"Yes, and my friend said he would be here at eight. It's Officer Brentwood. I have his cell number."

"Why not call him and have him meet you at the office? I'll drop you there after we take the girls to school and you talk with the principal and teachers." Why had she offered to be in the same car with him? Would she ever learn? Obviously not where  Jason was concerned. No wonder she'd left town ten years ago. She would have had a hard time avoiding him in Macon, if she had stayed after high school.

"Are you sure? You don't have to feel you need to babysit me, too."

No, I'm not sure. "It makes sense. I'll be taking Kendyl and Keeley . Since Officer Brentwood will have his own car, he can bring you home tonight."

Jason covered the few feet between them. "I appreciate all you're doing. I know this can't be easy. But I need to have someone I trust with the girls." His eyes locked on hers and bore into her heart. "I trust you."

Brittany's legs seemed to turn to liquid. She clutched the back of a chair nearby.

"I always have." His voice softened.

"Then why didn't you trust me when my father gave me an ultimatum?"