Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(52)

Carson held up the books he’d chosen, and, as he’d expected, she nodded. She was a soft touch when it came to books. But just handing out money without a reason? Not a chance. She wouldn’t fall for something like Brandon was pulling.

She sure hadn’t when he was five. Imitating another kid, he’d thrown a screaming fit in a grocery store to score some candy. He hadn’t gotten any candy. Mom’d leaned against the counter and told everyone who walked by what he was doing and why. Every adult thought she was a great mom. Jeez, one group of old ladies had even applauded her—and told him he was a bad boy. He’d been the one who was embarrassed. And he hadn’t gotten to go shopping with her for a whole month afterward.

He handed her the books. “Thanks, Mom.”

“That’s your mom?” Brandon looked at the women. “Since you two know each other, is it okay if Carson comes over after school?”

Visit Brandon? Carson would’ve bounced on his toes, only that wouldn’t be cool. “Mom?”

“Ah…”

Brandon’s mother smiled. “I don’t have a job, so I’m home when Brandon is out of school. Carson would be very welcome.”

“All right.” Mom nodded. “Have fun then.”

“Awesome.” Brandon held out his fist.

Grinning, Carson fist-bumped him. Yes!


Josie watched the two boys swagger out, all arms and legs, like ungainly puppies. “When did he get to be that tall?” she muttered.

Cecily laughed. “I know. I have to buy Brandon a whole new wardrobe every few months.”

“And shoes.” Josie sighed. “Shoes are the worst.” One of the presents under the Christmas tree held the new soccer shoes Carson wanted. Just in time, it turned out, since the middle school soccer season started in January.

“Here, let me give you our address.” Cecily scrawled on a piece of notepaper, then pulled out her phone. “What’s your phone number?”

Josie recited it and received a text. “Got it.” Wasn’t it funny how quickly smartphones had been incorporated into the making friends ritual?

She eyed Cecily. Nicely dressed, well educated, polite. “Can I assume no drugs, no alcohol, guns are locked up, and the boys aren’t left with anyone I haven’t met?”

Cecily’s eyes widened before she laughed. “You did all that in one breath. Amazing. But it’s all good. No drugs. I have a bottle of wine in the fridge, but children don’t get any. I don’t own any guns.”

Josie waited.

The woman’s gaze dropped. “I’m the only one at our house. My husband and I divorced not long ago. You know the cliché—the CEO finds himself a younger, prettier wife? He did.”

“Oh. Oh, no.” What could she say? An “I’m sorry” wasn’t suitable, since, obviously, the woman was better off without the jerk. “Divorces are rough.”

Fiddling with the receipts on the table, Cecily shrugged. “At least I received a hefty settlement—mostly so he could get everything finalized quickly. His chickie gave birth a week later.”

“How awful.”

Cecily’s glare was hot enough to scorch the receipts. “He seems very happy with his wife and new son over in St. Petersburg. He could have weekends with Brandon, but he doesn’t bother, even though St. Pete’s only an hour or so away.”

“Poor Brandon. That must be a blow.”

“His father’s such an asshole.” Cecily pushed the papers away. “When I called him about him neglecting his firstborn, the dumbass said I’d ruined Brandon. That I’d turned him into a sissy, a coward, and a wimp who only fights on the computer.”

Josie stared. “That’s unbelievably harsh.”

“Isn’t it? But my bastard ex was a football star in college and served as a Marine. He expected Brandon to be a chip off the old block. Made him take karate and everything.” Cecily shook her head. “But…when we were talking, Brandon was on the other line. He heard his father call him those names.”

“Oh no.” Josie knew too well the mother’s pain. She closed her eyes for a moment, remembering the hurt in Carson’s voice when he’d shared what his father had said. Yet nothing could be done. No matter how much a parent wanted to spare their children, the world held a wealth of disillusionment and heartache. “I’m so sorry.”

“Brandon took it hard—not that he talks about his feelings with his mother.” She gave Josie a rueful smile. “Going from elementary to middle school’s made his life even worse, what with the changes and losing friends.”

“Carson’s having the same problems.”

“Well, let’s hope they both adjust.” Cecily smiled at an approaching teenager. “Did you find everything you wanted?”

Still thinking about Cecily’s husband, Josie let out a breath. When his son wasn’t what he wanted, he’d dumped poor Brandon like so much garbage. Like her father had done. Like Everett had done with Carson.

Men were sure difficult.

She sighed. Despite her resolve to keep her life simple, she’d complicated everything by doing that scene with Holt. But, okay, she was human and female—and he was appallingly sexy and appealing—and dominant. She’d loved everything he’d done to her last weekend. Sheesh, the mere memory could arouse her.