Free Lockdown by Cher Carson

be a man his little boy could be proud of, but giving into impulses that could potentially hurt someone his son adored wasn’t the way to earn Jared’s respect.
    “Son of a bitch,” he muttered as he sat on the edge of the tub.
    “Hey,” Jessica said quietly, pushing the door open. “I’m gonna head out now.” She was already dressed and clutching her purse and car keys in her hand.
    “What? Why?” Shit, he’d really messed this up. “You don’t have to leave. I just needed a second to…”
    She smiled, but it never quite reached her eyes. “We’ve known each other a long time. I know how you’re feeling without being told. I saw you look at Jared’s picture. You feel guilty about what we did.”
    “Jess, I…” He would never regret making love to her, even though he knew it could never happen again.
    “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.” She set her purse on her shoulder. “I’ll see you later, okay?”
    “Jess, wait…”
    She turned around, looking him in the eye. “Don’t you think I’ve been waiting for you long enough, Jake?”

 
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
    Jessica walked into the kitchen the following afternoon just in time to hear Tucker tell their mother that he’d invited a friend to Sunday dinner.
    Lorna smiled and patted his cheek. “You know your friends are always welcome here, honey.” She laughed. “But if you’re referring to Jake, that’s hardly a surprise. He has a standing invitation. Heck, he’s one of the family. It wouldn’t be the same without him.”
    Jessica’s stomach clenched at the mention of his name. No, nothing would be the same without Jake, but she’d have to adjust.
    “Yeah, Jake will be here, but I’m talking about Phil.”
    “Oh, he’s more than welcome.” She wiped her damp hands on the front of her apron. “The more, the merrier, I always say.”
    Jessica glared at her brother. She knew what he was up to, and it wasn’t going to work. “Tucker, I…” The doorbell rang before she could issue the warning.
    “Hey, that must be Phil now.” He checked his watch. “Look at that, right on time.” He winked at Jessica. “You got to love a guy who’s punctual.”
    No, she didn’t. Her brother’s pathetic matchmaking would inevitably backfire and he would be the one to look foolish, not her.
    Her mother, obviously sensing her bad mood, pointed a finger at her. “He’s a guest in our home, and I expect you to be polite.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” she muttered, lifting a handful of grapes off a glass platter.
    Tucker led Phil into the kitchen as they chatted about some football game.
    Jessica took a moment to observe Phil. He really was cute, in a boy next door kind of way. He had cropped sandy blond hair, green eyes, and a swimmer’s physique. He was polite, kind, and painfully boring. She forced a smile when she caught him looking at her out of the corner of his eye.
    “I think I’ll see if Dad needs a hand with the grill,” Tucker said, winking at her.
    “Real subtle,” she whispered as he brushed past her. She was going to kill her over-protective big brother once she got him alone.
    Phil handed Lorna a bottle of wine. “I hope white wine will work with dinner?”
    “It’s perfect, thank you.” She brushed a kiss across his cheek. “It’s so nice to see you, Phil. How are your folks? I haven’t seen them in town in quite a while.”
    “They’re good, thanks. Dad had that hip replacement surgery a while back, so Mom’s been stuck at home waiting on him. He’s as grumpy as a bear, but the doctor said it won’t be long before he’s up and around again.”
    Lorna smiled. “That’s good. Excuse me; I have to finish setting the table.” She turned to Jessica. “Honey, get Phil something to drink, will you?”
    “Sure.” Their house was always full of people, especially Sunday afternoon, so she was used to playing hostess. It would be nice when she moved into her own place and could decide when and if she