Free Promises Unbroken: A Hot Paranormal Shifter Romance (Hidden Hills Shifter Book 5) by Vella Day Page B

placed a comforting hand on her back and led her out. Conflicting emotions swirled inside her. She’d lived her life by the old saying: Actions spoke louder than words. So why was she so hesitant to accept Jackson as her mate? No one had treated her better, and the fact her cheetah wanted him worse than anything, should tell her he was the one for her.
    Logic convinced her that if he had any plans to leave, he wouldn’t have offered to pay such an exorbitant sum to help a woman he didn’t know. In the coming days, Selena needed to rethink every preconceived notion she’d ever held about men.
    Jackson led her over to a chair in the waiting room where two other people were seated. Wanting to take her mind off her issues, she asked. “Where were you tonight?”
    “With two hookers. I was going to arrest them, but then decided why not have a little three way and look the other way.”
    Her heart sunk to her stomach until she realized he was kidding. She punched him hard in the arm and one of the two women across the room gasped. “You did not,” she whispered.
    Jackson grinned. “Gotcha, didn’t I?”
    “You’re a jerk.” She sank back into her seat. His cute antics had helped boost her spirits for another minute. Then reality descended again.
    Her mom could be bedridden for weeks or even months and she’d need help with her daily chores. Even if Selena slept on the living room sofa and took care of her, what would happen if she needed help between three and midnight when Selena was at work?
    Jackson rubbed her hand. “What are you frowning about? I was only trying to lighten the load.”
    “I appreciate it.”
    “Just so you know, I was helping Cord with a case.”
    “I figured.” She glanced over at him. “I’m worried about my mom.”
    “I get it. I really do. It’s going to be tough. I’ll be happy to help in any way.”
    “I appreciate that, but you’ve done enough.” She squeezed his hand to let him know her level of sincerity. They might have made love twice, but that didn’t mean she was ready to let him into her life completely—yet.
    For what seemed like hours, they chatted. Jackson appeared to accept that she wasn’t ready to discuss the future, so they talked about stupid and mundane things, and for that she’d always be indebted to him—more than she already was.
    Finally, Dr. Divine came in, a facemask slung around her neck. Both Selena and Jackson jumped up. “How is she?” Selena asked.
    “Good. The reconstruction was more extensive that I’d thought, but given her age, she should be walking a lot better in a few months.”
    The relief and joy filled her. “Can I see her?”
    “She’s still sedated. Go home and rest. I’ll call you when she’s awake.”
    Exhaustion had taken a strong hold on her body. “Thank you for everything.”
    “My pleasure.”
    Jackson clasped her hand. “I live less than two miles from here. You can rest there for a bit.”
    She wanted to say again than he’d done enough, but knowing him, he’d insist on staying with her to make sure she was okay. “Thank you, but I’m driving myself. I want to be able to come back as soon as my mom wakes.”
    He dragged a hand down her cheek and all sorts of erotic sensations coursed through her—sensations she didn’t need. Right now, Selena’s focus had to be on her mom’s health.
    “I understand,” he said. He followed her out to her car and made sure she was good to drive before heading to his vehicle.
    While she waited for him to lead the way, the image of the pain on her mother’s face would forever be burned in her mind. Thank goodness her mom had been able to get ahold of her. The whole idea of her having broken her leg and lying there helpless turned her stomach.
    Think of the positive . Mom would finally get the life she deserved, in part because of Jackson.
    His taillights glowed in the parking lot and she followed behind him. It came as no surprise when he headed to a nice part of town. She