Page 28 of Cruel Embers
“Yep,The Lion King. It’s a Disney compilation, nothing but the best, right, buddy?” Nathan calls out.
I love that he brings Jacob into the conversation. I look over my shoulder to see his little feet moving as he plays with the toy in his lap.
“Best,” Jacob replies.
Shaking my head, I stare back out of the windscreen.
“Where to, Tink?”
“Huh?”
He laughs. “Which Costco, the one at Wembley or Chingford?”
I shake my head. “Oh yeah, Wembley.”
“You got it.”
And then Nathan starts humming before slipping into song. His eyes keep flicking to mine and then back to the road. I find myself nodding and tapping my feet along to the beat.
“Come on. I know you know the words. Feel free to back me up at any point,” he says.
I laugh. “Or you can back me up.”
I break out into song and can’t stop the smile on my face as Jacob claps excitedly in the back of the car.
“Looks like you just found yourself your number two fan.”
Pausing my rendition of “Let It Go”, I hook my thumb over my shoulder. “Okay, so if he’s my number two, who is my number one?” I ask.
His eyes fix on me for a beat.
“Me.”
Well, damn.
ChapterFifteen
NATHAN
My eyes return to the road. The shock that crossed her face was quickly replaced with the most tantalising blush I’ve seen. I grip the steering wheel tighter.Do not go there, Nathan. She’s your friend, don’t fuck it up.
Thankfully, she slips back into song, and I let out a low breath, joining her in the chorus along with Jacob’s mumbling and giggling. Every time I check the rear-view mirror, I see how he watches Violet in awe. Yeah, I don’t blame you, buddy. The purple streaks in her hair, the smoky eyes, and the dark lip colour. I have no idea if she wears foundation because she has a sprinkle of freckles that cover her cheeks.
And even if she did, it wouldn’t matter. Of course, she’s stunning, but her beauty is more than what you see on the surface. I’ve noticed how she is with Lottie.
Not that I watch her or anything, that would just be creepy.
“Here we are,” I say, stating the obvious and getting out of the car and going to unbuckle Jacob before slipping on his coat.
When Violet comes up beside me, I take her in. How does that ensemble look so damn sexy?
“You okay?” she asks.
I manoeuvre Jacob to my other hip and close the car door. “Yeah, did you not bring a coat?” I ask.
She wraps her arms around her middle. “No, I forgot.” She looks over my shoulder.
Holding up my finger, I pop my boot, pull up the luggage compartment, retrieve a small winter coat, and hold it out to her.
