Read Online Super Nova by Jayne Rylon - Free Book Online Page B

plenty more Hot Rods where mine came from. Feel free to take a pair home with you. Less hassle around here.”
    Mustang may have teased, but her shrewd gaze flicked between Nola and Kaige. She smiled as she nuzzled into Alanso’s chest. “You remember my future husband.”
    “Of course, how could I forget a handsome devil like him?” Nola nodded as he murmured something in Spanish. She didn’t understand his words, but the tone was enough to leave her gooey inside. “And you must be Tom London.”
    Nola didn’t wait to be introduced. Instead, she stuck out her hand.
    “I’m so pleased to meet you.” His mouth curved up slightly as he measured her. It’d been a long time since Nola had craved someone’s approval as badly as this man’s. From everything she’d read about him last night, he deserved every bit of the reverence and respect she saw in Kaige’s eyes when he looked at the guy who’d become his de facto father.
    It was no surprise to find Mr. London lounging around the shop, since he’d opened the pumping station himself when he was younger than his sons were now. Today’s visit couldn’t be an accident, though, not right when she had been expected.
    The guy kept a close eye on his extended family. But why would he consider her a threat?
    She was sure he did when it took a full fifteen seconds at least—which felt like an eternity under his intense stare—for his smile to turn sincere and his eyes to warm. After peeking up toward Kaige and finding the guy grinning right back, Tom used the grip he still had on her hand to tug her inward and give her a hug.
    “Thanks for keeping these kids in line.” He patted her back.
    “I’m glad to be working with the Hot Rods.” She didn’t have to fake her enthusiasm as she did sometimes with the corporations she optimized. At least here a large part of the profits went to fund charitable work at the community center. A cause she could wholeheartedly support. “And honestly, it’s an honor. I appreciate your work with the London Center. You’re truly an inspiration.”
    “Well, look at that.” Kaige slapped his surrogate dad on the back. “I haven’t seen you blush in…ever, actually.”
    “Shut it, kid.” Tom mock-glared, then added, “And don’t forget the ten bucks you owe me for losing our bet.”
    Alanso laughed, his arm still slung around Sally as Nova paid up for something she was sure she didn’t want to know about. What a family. It made Nola’s heart ache to see the support system they’d constructed. Sure, she had Amber, but sometimes it felt like it was the two of them against the world since their mom hadn’t always been in fighting form.
    Not that they’d crumble beneath those odds.
    “Aw, Tom, you’re so sweet.” Sally added fuel to the fire.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. It’s just that my sister and I had to use the services at the center ourselves. Awhile ago. Obviously. I’ll never forget how grateful we were for a few hot meals and a place to take a shower that winter we lived in our mother’s car.” Nola cleared her throat. She tried to keep her fingers still against her skirt as she joked, “It’s hell washing your hair in a mall sink all the time. Worse when you only get half-finished because the security guards catch on and chase you away before you can rinse out the shampoo. Running with that junk in your eyes isn’t pretty. The center staff always had open arms.”
    Kaige must have noticed her discomfort. He immediately claimed one of her hands and knitted his fingers with hers. He squeezed gently, starting up with that maddening rub of his thumb again. Only this time it soothed her as she hoped he’d intended.
    “The gift of my wife’s work keeps improving people’s lives, even though it’s been so long since she left us.” Tom’s expression nearly broke Nola’s heart. Mrs. London had to have died fifteen years ago by now, and yet he spoke of her with such love, Nola knew