Free Wayward Hearts by Susan Anne Mason Page A

it had wreaked on her relationship with her family and on the rest of her life. Through it all, Jason had never condemned her for her foolhardy actions—never once told her how stupid she’d been. He’d remained her staunchest defender.
    He pulled her closer as if their bones could melt together, offering her his solace and strength. On an inhale, she became acutely conscious of that strength, the band of steel his muscled arms formed around her. His lips in her hair, whispering words of comfort.
    In that moment of awareness, something changed between them. Jason’s lips moved to her cheek, then slowly downward, inch by silky inch, until they neared her mouth.
    Her breath tangled in her lungs. He hesitated for a fraction of a second before he touched his lips gently to hers, as if experimenting to see how she’d react. Her body began to hum, like a thread of electricity moved through her. She strained to press her mouth more firmly to his.
    Somewhere through the haze of grief, passion sparked. Reaching up, she entwined her arms around his neck, plunging her fingers into the thick mass of his hair. She kissed him back with a fervor long held in check—years of repressed longing bubbling forth. His hands moved up her back. She thought she heard him groan, and then, as quickly as it had started, he pulled his mouth away.
    She stared at him, dazed. His eyes appeared black, the pupils almost fully dilated.
    He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
    “I’m glad you did,” she whispered. She wanted to tell him how long she’d dreamed of his kiss, imagined the feel of his arms around her. The words hovered on her lips, but she hesitated.
    His eyes burned with untold emotion. He raised one finger and brushed the remaining moisture from her cheek. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
    When he pulled his body away from hers, the cool air whooshed in to form a barrier between them. She trembled for a moment, wishing they could stay locked together forever.
    What a crazy, impossible thought.
    When she didn’t move, he took her by the hand and led her back to the truck.
    With the warmth of Jason’s kiss still on her lips, Maxi knew with absolute certainty her world would never be the same again.
     
     
     
     

9
     
    Shep danced circles around her as soon as Maxi stepped into the Hanleys’ living room. His tail waved madly back and forth as he jumped, trying to lick her face. Instead, she bent to hug his neck.
    “Hey, buddy. I’m glad you’re OK.”
    Silly tears formed once again, and she pushed them back. What was wrong with her? She hardly ever cried.
    Peg came out from the kitchen to wrap her in a tight hug. “I’m so sorry about your house, honey.”
    In the comfort of Peg’s ample arms, Maxi breathed a great sigh. Here with this woman’s unconditional love and support, Maxi could believe everything would be OK.
    Peg pulled back to smooth a hand over her cheek. “I thank God you weren’t hurt. You must have some amazing guardian angels watching out for you, girl.”
    Maxi frowned. She didn’t see it that way at all. Instead, it seemed like she was cursed.
    “How else do you think my boy arrived right in the nick of time to save you?” Peg raised one ginger eyebrow above her bifocals. “You believe what you want. I know the angels were looking out for you.”
    Peg put her arm around Maxi’s shoulders and steered her into the kitchen where a big pot of some great smelling food simmered. Maxi hadn’t really eaten since the previous day. She was ravenous.
    “Sit down. I’ll get you some stew. Jason can join us when he gets back.”
    Peg had sent him to get milk and bread at the corner store. Maxi was glad for a few moments without him to allow her system to settle. Jason obviously regretted their kiss. He hadn’t been able to look her in the eye since. She gave an inward sigh. It would be better if they both forgot it had ever happened. Especially since they’d be living under