“Did she fake being knocked up?”
“Jules,” I warned.
“What? Women do that. Especially when a guy has money like you do. Please tell me you had her sign a prenup.”
I hadn’t. The thought had barely crossed my mind. Because I trusted Anna. I’d grown to know her character over the years, and there wasn’t anyone I respected more. “She’s not pregnant. Her sister died, so we’re taking custody of Anna’s niece and nephew.”
“Mason…” Juliette let my name hang. “Your heart is too good. You get suckered into helping all sorts of people that you shouldn’t. How do you know she’s not taking advantage of the situation?”
Because Anna would never take advantage of anyone. I knew now that it was because people had betrayed her in the worst way, abandoning her when she’d needed them the most. “She’s not like that.”
“You don’t see it, Mase. You always see the best in people.”
“I see their potential. But I also see the truth. You know that.” I wasn’t blind to the darkness in our world. I’d seen too much of it up close and personal.
“Are you sure her sister even died? I wouldn’t be surprised if this was some con.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear reflexively. I had to see if it was still my sister I was talking to. “Anna and these kids just lost the person they love the most. I can’t believe you’d say that.”
She was quiet again. “I’m sorry for them. But I care aboutyoumost. Someone has to look out for you when you won’t protect yourself.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Jules had always had a fierce streak. It was impossible for her to hold her tongue any time she thought I was being wronged. And she had never once thought a woman I’d dated was good enough for me. “I’m perfectly capable of defending myself. And once you meet Anna, you’ll see there’s nothing to worry about.” I could only hope.
“Anna. That name is familiar…”
I’d told Juliette plenty about the shelter, and I was sure the woman who ran it had slipped into our conversations. “She’s the head of Hope House.”
Jules made a humming sound in the back of her throat.
“She’s spent her entire career helping people who need it.”
“People can put on a convincing act.”
I sighed. I couldn’t deny that people had tried to take advantage of me before, and Jules had dealt with more than one friend trying to make a move on me behind her back, but it didn’t warrant this kind of response. “Promise me you’ll try to keep an open mind.”
“Only if you promisemeyou’ll watch your back.”
I grimaced at the grass. She might take more convincing than I’d hoped.
13
Anna
A flickerof movement caught my attention as the door to the back patio opened. Mason stepped inside, shooting the kids and me a smile. But something about his grin rang false to me. A flicker of alarm ran up my spine.
“This is my favorite part, Mase. Come watch,” Lyla urged.
He strode over to the stove. “Can’t miss your favorite part.”
I studied his face. Beneath the easy expression were lines of concern. All I could wonder was if he’d heard from Keisha or someone else. “Everything okay?”
Mason’s eyes darted to mine. “Yup.” I didn’t look away. He shook his head, true amusement curving his mouth. “I swear, there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll fill you in later.”
Lyla pushed the platter of diced chicken and veggies. “Come on.”
I ruffled her hair. “Impatient, are we?”
She grinned up at me. “I’m a growing girl. I need my fajitas.”
