Edward Unconditionally Common Powers 3 (27 page)

“Did you call your mother?”

“Oh shit!” Edward sat up, dug out his cell phone, and punched in the number.

“Mother?”

“Edward. I'm at the airport in Houston getting a rental car. I should be there in two hours.”

“Don't hurry, Mother. Meemaw died early this morning. I'm so sorry.”

There was a long silence; then her voice came back. “I see.” He could hear her breathing. “Where are you staying?”

“I have a room at a motel off the I-10, but I have the key to Meemaw's house in town. Do you want to stay there?”

“Yes. That would be fine.”

“Call me when you get to town, and I'll meet you there and let you in.”

“All right.” She hung up without another word.

“That doesn't give you much time for some rest. Let me take the key to her, baby,” Jack offered.

“I'll see. While the idea of not dealing with my mother is tempting, I wouldn't want to inflict her on you.”

“We'll have to meet at some point. After all, I'm her son's lover.” Jack grinned and heat shot right through Edward's body.

“I like the way that sounds. However, I think I like ‘partner’ better. It's much more permanent.” Edward raised an eyebrow as he waited for Jack's response.

“Partner it is.” He winked. “How's this? Good morning, Mrs. Beauregard. I'm Jack Whittaker, your son's partner.”

“That should throw her for a loop.” Edward laughed. He closed his eyes, and before he knew it, they were at Jack's place.

They got out. Edward, with Jack's help, made it to the bed. Jack's bed. He crawled under the covers, inhaled Jack's wonderful scent, and promptly passed out.

Jack sat in his truck outside Olivia's house, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. Edward's mother should arrive at any time. Jack had left Edward sleeping when she'd called, and Jack had told her that he'd meet her and driven right over.

A white Cadillac Escalade pulled into the driveway and parked. Jack gave a whistle.

Why would he expect anything else? The Beauregards had money, he knew that, he just never expected such a display of wealth. The door opened and a woman slid out of the driver's side. She was petite, dressed in stylish pants and jacket, with perfectly styled dark hair.

Jack got out of his pickup truck and walked over to her, his hand extended.

“Mrs. Beauregard? I'm Jack Whittaker. I spoke to you on the phone.”

“Hello, Mr. Whittaker.” She took his hand in her graceful, well-manicured hand. “Where's my son?” Deep brown eyes took him in. Jack could see where Edward's looks came from, except his nose. Edward's nose wasn't turned up like hers.

“Edward is resting. He's been through a lot.”

“Well, yes. I suppose so.” It didn't sound as if she believed Jack.

“He was at the hospital all night with Olivia. I'm very sorry for your loss.” Jack used his best diplomatic tone of voice, the one he used to soothe the ruffled feathers of important people.

“I got here as soon as I could. Edward didn't give me much warning.” She patted her hair, as if a strand of it were out of place.

“He didn't have much warning. He found Olivia collapsed, called the EMS, and they took her to the hospital.” Jack shrugged.

“Did you know my mother, Mr. Whittaker?” She eyed him.

“Sure did. Everyone knew Olivia.” Jack smiled.

“I was just wondering what connection you have to my son and Olivia.”

“Well.” Jack took a deep breath, then let it out. Here it was, the first hurdle. “I'm seeing your son, ma'am.”

“What?” She blinked and took a small step back. “Seeing Edward? What are you taking about?”

“You do know your son is gay?” Jack chuckled.

“You're gay?” Her eyebrows almost hit her hairline as her sharp gaze raked over him.

He hadn't meant to shock her, but if he intended on telling people, he'd have to get used to it, he supposed. Starting with people like Brian and Edward's mother was like riding a bike with training wheels. He'd have to work damn hard at falling off.

“Yes, I am, ma'am,” he drawled, laying the accent on thick.

“My word.” She stared at him. “You're older than Edward's usual fling.”

“Yes. But I'm not a
fling
.” Jack tried to keep the growl out of his voice.

“Nonsense.” She waved her hand, dismissing him. “Flings are all Edward does. All he's capable of.”

“Not anymore, ma'am.” He shook his head, trying to stay civil. He was not going to argue with her about it.

She gave a very unladylike snort. “Edward changes lovers the way I change shoes. Don't say I didn't warn you.”

A flicker of fear ran through Jack. Edward had mentioned he'd had lovers. What if his mother was right? What if he'd outed himself over a fling? Jack's stomach did a slow barrel roll, but he pushed the seeds of doubt she'd planted away.

She held out her hand. “The key, please.”

Jack put it in her hand. “Edward says it opens the front and back doors.”

“Thank you.” She turned and went up the steps. “Oh. Tell Edward I want to see him as soon as possible. We have plans to make.”

Edward had been summoned, and Jack had been given his orders and dismissed.

Christ, no wonder Edward didn't want him to meet her. She was a dragon, and Jack just bet she could breathe fire when she was riled up. He'd have to wear asbestos underwear to deal with her again.

Shaking his head, Jack got into his truck and watched as she opened the door and went inside. He pulled away from the house, unable to help the smile on his face. Edward waited for him at home. Asleep in Jack's bed.

His house was now a home.

“If my mother thinks she's going to run the funeral the way
she
wants it and not the way Olivia wanted it, she's mistaken.” Edward paced back and forth across Jack's bedroom with Winston at his heels.

The fact that Edward wore only a pair of black boxer briefs completely distracted Jack from the conversation. The way they hugged Edward's thighs, the material cupped Edward's package and showed off his tight ass, just made Jack's mouth water.

And the younger man's bare chest? Christ, Jack wanted to suck on those pink nipples, run his tongue over Edward's abs, delve into his navel. Jack sighed. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

“Baby, you don't know what she's got planned. Why don't you wait and hear what she has to say, then go ballistic?” Jack tried to be the voice of reason, but Edward was not having it.

“I don't have to wait, I know.” He stopped and faced Jack, who had sat on the edge of the bed to wake Edward up with a kiss. After telling Edward his mother's message, Edward had leaped out of bed and began pacing and ranting.

Winston sat too.

“Well, you know her better than I do, of course. I just met the woman.” Jack shrugged. “But she is Olivia's daughter, and she should have some say in the plans.”

Edward couldn't argue with that. He just rolled his eyes.

Woof.

“See?” Jack pointed at the dog. “Even Winston thinks you should cut her some slack. Both of you are upset over this. Her mother and your grandmother just died. Emotions are going to be high.”

“Don't you start on me too, Winston.” Edward glared at the dog, then sighed. “Thank you for running interference, by the way. Did you really tell her you were my lover?” Edward fell to his knees in front of Jack and sat. Winston trotted over to them and inserted himself between the lovers and stretched out, waiting to be petted.

“I did. She didn't believe I was gay.” Jack chuckled.

“You don't look it.” Edward grinned. “Face it. You had everyone here fooled.”

“Yeah, well.” Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “She also didn't believe I wasn't one of your ‘flings,’ as she put it. She said you weren't capable of sustaining a long-term relationship.” He searched Edward's eyes for the truth.

Edward winced. “It's true that I've never been very successful with my relationships. You should know that. In fact, most of them have crashed and burned. However, it wasn't because I didn't want them to work. It's always been my heart that got broken.” He stared down at his hands resting on his knees. “I always pick the wrong men.”

Jack reached out, cupped Edward's chin, and leaned down to place a soft kiss on Edward's full lips. “Until now.”

“Until now,” Edward repeated, eyes still closed.

Woof.

“It's okay, buddy. You're going to have to get used to me kissing your daddy.” Jack reached out and scratched the little bulldog behind the ears.

“I don't think his daddy will ever get used to it.” Edward looked up at Jack from under impossibly long, thick lashes, and Jack's dick went rock hard.

“Now, why'd you have to go and do that, baby?”

Edward laughed. “Me? What did I do?”

Jack rolled his eyes, gave Edward a kiss, and stood. “Tease. Get dressed, and I'll take you to see your mother. I need to speak with the mayor.”

“The mayor?” Edward got to his feet and took Jack's hand.

“Yeah. He should hear it from me, instead of at the coffee shop.”

“Will it be bad?” Edward nibbled on Jack's knuckles, not helping his erection go down at all.

“Not as bad as your meeting with dear old Mom.” Jack pulled his hand away. Any more attention from Edward, and he'd throw Edward on the bed and fuck him, and right now, that sounded like the best thing they could do, or at least the most fun.

With a huge, loud sigh, Edward headed for the closet.

“But after I see Mother, I get to say I told you so.”

Edward always wanted the last word.

Jack sat in a chair and waited for Bill to get off the phone. He looked around the mayor's office and wondered if this was the last time he'd ever see it. He knew Bill couldn't fire him for being gay, but what if he asked for Jack's resignation, what would Jack do then?

Go without a fight? Stay? Jack knew that a good working relationship between the mayor and the chief of police made everyone's life easier and made things move smoother. He couldn't imagine the hell his life would be if they were at odds.

Bill hung up the phone and smiled at Jack. “What's so important, Jack?”

“Thanks for making time for me, Bill.”

Bill nodded his encouragement.

Jack took a deep breath. “I wanted you to hear this from me, not passed along like some gossip.”

Bill stiffened. “Is something wrong?”

“Not wrong. Well, you might think it's wrong, but for me, it's about as right as it gets.”

“Are you resigning, Jack? What the hell?” Bill leaned back, bracing himself on the arms of his big leather chair.

“No. I'm trying to tell you that I'm gay.” Jack waited for Bill's reaction.

Bill's body slumped into the chair as if all the air in him had escaped. “Shit, Jack.”

“I know it comes as a shock to you, but it's time I admitted it.”

“Gay?” Bill rubbed his hand over his face. “Gay.” His gaze searched Jack's, and he shook his head. “Well, you certainly fooled me and everybody in this town.”

“I know. Fooled myself most of the time. Spring Lake isn't exactly ‘gay friendly.'”

Bill sat up. “I'd like to think we're at least fair. You've proved yourself time and again in the last four years as chief of police, and for over ten years before that as one of the finest cops this town has ever seen. Obviously, being gay had little to do with your ability to do your job.”

“Thank you, Bill. That means a lot to me.” Jack nodded. “I know that's the official stand, that's what you have to say to be legal.” He looked up into Bill's eyes. “But what about you and me? We've been friends a long time, and I value your friendship. Are
we
all right?”

“That may be the official stand, Jack, but I hope you know me better than to think I'd just spout some politically correct crap at you and think something else. If I have a problem with it, I'll tell you straight up.”

“That's why I came here first.”

“Relax. I'm fine with it. Just wish you'd told me sooner.” Bill rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about the time I tried to hook you up with my cousin.”

Jack chuckled. “That was years ago, man. She was a nice lady.”

“She married a rancher on the other side of San Antonio.” Bill laughed. “So, what brought about this confession?” His eyes narrowed. Bill had always been as sharp as a tack.

“I've got someone in my life that I'm not going to be able to hide.” That was an understatement. Edward's light couldn't hide under a bushel basket.

“I'm glad to hear that. It's not my business, but does this mean you're in love?”

“Yeah, I guess it does. Remember the little bulldog?”

“Winston?”

“Yep. Edward is Winston's owner.”

“Wow. Olivia's grandson? Didn't you just meet?”

“Last week. I know it's fast, but... ”

Bill held up his hand to stop Jack. “Don't explain to me. I remember the first time I saw Caroline. I knew right then and there I was going to ask her to marry me.”

“Well, I can't marry him. It's not legal in Texas and probably never will be. Not in my lifetime, at least.” Jack shrugged. “If he'll have me, I mean to live with him here in Spring Lake.”

“Have you asked him?”

“No.” Jack shook his head. “But I thought you'd better know about it so you wouldn't get blindsided. So you could decide what to do. About me.” Jack looked into Bill's eyes.

“There's nothing to do.”

“But what about the city council? They may not see it the same way.”

“Let me handle them, Jack. We'll deal with it, if it comes up. Okay?”

“Okay.” Jack stood and held out his hand.

Bill stood and shook it. “I'm glad for you, Jack. Don't really know what to say... congratulations? Best wishes?”

“Don't say anything, man. I'm just grateful for your understanding and support.”

“You got it. Now, when do I get to meet him?”

“At Olivia's funeral. He's making the arrangements with his mother right now.”

“I'm sure I'll like him.”

“He's... ” Jack hesitated, on the verge of warning Bill about Edward.

“He's what?”

“Wonderful. Gorgeous. A flirt and a tease, and I'm so fucking in love with him I can't believe it.”