Scott’s focus was so firmly on Jackson and what he was preparing himself to do that he was a half beat late in his reaction. When he jumped up, one of his feet caught a notebook that already hit the floor. It slid out from under him and Scott landed with a heavy thud.
With a dark blush, Scott got to his feet, brushing himself off and just praying that he wasn’t clumsy enough to also have broken something in the Whittemore home.
But Jackson’s parents didn’t seem to notice, despite the obvious recognition that Mr. Whittemore had of him as one of the group that had kidnapped his son. Not one of his prouder moments, even if it was done with the very best of intentions.
Scott stared in return as the man seemed to size him up before looking at Jackson. It was a relief when that stare was finally off of him. Thought he would have gladly traded that for the way that Jackson told him to go and shoved the books into his hands. That was an entirely different type of discomfort.
The blush on the alpha’s cheeks darkened again at Mrs. Whittemore’s offer and he glanced over at Jackson curiously. When Jackson refused to even glance in his direction, he took the hint with ease and decided it best to get out while there was still some trace of his pride left.
“I appreciate it, Mrs. Whittemore, really, but we were just finishing up. I should probably take Mom some dinner and make sure she isn’t just trying to survive on coffee, anyway. Next time, though.” Scott replied politely, shuffling as quickly as he could towards the door.
Jackson can’t believe Scott just tripped onto the floor. If he weren’t in such a rush to see him out the door, he would have really laid into him about it, but as it is he sees his mother, about to insist on his staying for dinner and knows he needs to act fast.
“Yeah, we were just wrapping up.” Jackson says in a hurry to speak before her. “And we’ve got that away trip tomorrow morning so I’m sure we don’t want to impose when he has plans with his family...and uh, besides, I already ate not to long ago.
That part is a blatant lie, but he’d rather go to be starving than risk even an inkling of a chance of having dinner with Scott and his parents. Especially after what just almost sort of might have happened.
“Oh well, next time is just as well then.” Mrs. Whittemore says politely. “Do say hello to your mother for us.”
“Yup, he totally will.” Jackson says, not giving Scott a chance to answer and tugging him to the door.
