Page 18 of Burning Embers
“Sit,” he says, pointing to the stool. I do as he says, and he pulls one up so he’s sitting opposite, his knees brushing mine. “Talk.”
I look up and shake my head. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” I say in answer. And then a fresh wave of tears assaults me.
“Okay…then start with why you can’t stop crying.” He leans forward and strokes away the hair that’s stuck to my temple. I’m not an ugly crier per se, but I always end up sweaty and puffy.
There is something about the way he’s staring at me… It makes me want to confide in him. So, I do. I tell him all about Marcus and his plans to move to Dubai with no consideration for Molly whatsoever.
Chapter Thirteen
OLLY
I listen to her as she tells me about the bombshell her ex dropped on her when she was dropping off Molly. What an inconsiderate bastard. Even I can see what a dick move that would be. “Is it set in stone?”
She shakes her head, trying to sniff back her tears. Her vulnerability at this moment softens her in a way rarely seen, and maybe I’m an arsehole—because I find it quite endearing. “So, you still have time to sort it all out?”
“Maybe,” she replies. Standing, she crosses her arms like she’s cold. Her sweatshirt took the brunt of the milk, and now she’s only wearing a thin t-shirt.
“Here,” I unzip my hoody and slip it off, passing it to her.
“Thank you.”
I watch as she pulls her arms through and have to keep my groan at bay while she rolls up the sleeves, looking positively sexy in my clothes. Thankfully, my phone rings the opening line of Bohemian Rhapsody, and Rachel raises an eyebrow with a smile.
“Hi, ya,” I say when I answer. I look back to Rachel, an idea popping in my head, and I can’t hold back my smile. “I’m bringing someone over for lunch,” I tell my mum. I laugh. “Yeah, she is,” I reply before saying bye and disconnecting the call.
Rachel turns to grab her bag. “I can get home from here. Thanks again, Olly, I appreciate…well, everything,” she says.
I shake my head. “You busy?” I ask.
“Nope.” She fidgets on the spot.
“Good, because you’re coming to my parents’ for lunch.”
She backs away from me, looking down at herself. “Umm, no way, I don’t think so.”
“Why? You said you weren’t busy.”
Her cheeks heat. “I look a mess, and I probably smell like gone-off milk,” she declares. I can’t hide my laugh as I step into her personal space and lean in. Her breath catches. “What are you doing?” she whispers.
“Seeing if you smell.” Swatting my arm, she pushes my chest, and I step back. “Come on, don’t make me let my mum down.” I give her what I hope is my best pouty face, which always works on Mum. “You smell fine, honest. And remember, I did do you a favour—it’s only fair you reciprocate.”
Her jaw drops. “Are you bribing me?”
“No, more like coercion.” I take her by the shoulder. “Rachel, we’re friends. Come on, you know you enjoy spending time with me.” All I know is I’m not ready to let her go just yet, and I think she needs cheering up.
“Fine, but only because you got me out of a tight spot.”
I wink and head for the door, glancing over my shoulder. “Hurry up then, slowpoke.”
Rachel
We pull up outside a lovely, detached house. The front garden is full of wildflowers on one side and rose bushes on the other, and I scan them as we trail a path winding up to the front door. He uses his key and ushers me inside, his warm palm on the small of my back.
We walk through the hallway and into a big open kitchen, and I wonder if he designed this, too. "These are my parents for all intent and purposes," Olly says waving between us. "This is Rachel."
His mum walks straight over and pulls me in for a hug, I freeze. "Sorry, love, we're huggers. I'm Lily, and this is Joshua." He reaches for my hand and shakes it as Lily steps away.
"They're my foster parents, in case you're confused," Olly drawls. My cheeks begin to burn, and I want to elbow him in the ribs. Joshua is dark, with hazel eyes, and Lily is light blonde—not bleach, but naturally so—with porcelain skin. I don't know how I found myself standing in Olly's parents’ home. This is so surreal.
