Page 26 of Cruel Embers
Tinker Bell: As tempting as the offer is, no, but thanks *eyeroll emoji* I do, however, need to go to Costco, and I was wondering if you might be up for driving. I want to get some bits for the shower.
Okay, that’s good. Her reaction could have been worse. I mean, it was a bit much even for me, but now, for some reason, I have a vision of her in the shower naked, water cascading over her body. I need to stop that. We’re friends. Yeah, friends.
Me: Your chariot awaits, Tink. Just tell me where and when to pick you up?
Tinker Bell: My place, at 12.30.
Me: See you then x
ChapterFourteen
VIOLET
I’m just pulling on my jumper dress when my intercom sounds. I barely manage to get my head through the hole as I make my way to pick up the handset.
“Hello,” I say, my voice muffled.
“Your chariot awaits, my lady.”
Pulling the dress down over my neck, I blow my hair out of my eyes.
“Early, I like it. Come on up.”
I press the button, open the door, and then go back to my room to pull on a thick pair of tights.
“Hello,” Nathan calls out, his knuckle sounding on the front door.
“Come in. I’ll be out in just a sec.”
Fanning my face, I walk out into the hallway. “Fuck, I almost suffocated myself with my dress,” I say, walking into my living room.
“Fuck,” repeats a toddler. The words don’t match his innocent face.
“Sugar,” I say, my eyes widening.
Nathan tries to hide his laugh.
“Jacob, this is Violet. Violet, Jacob.”
I wave awkwardly, a little taken aback by an unexpected visitor.
“Ethan’s nephew, right?”
Nathan nods, gripping the back of his neck, smiling. “I hope you don’t mind him coming along for our shopping trip. Henry and Meg were meant to be back this morning, but they got stuck in a traffic jam and seeing as I looked after him last night, here we are.”
I point my finger at him. “You babysat?”
He rolls his eyes. “Why is that so surprising?”
Hmm, I put my hand on my hip. It’s not surprising at all.
“Pretty.” I glance down as Jacob smiles up at me.
“Smooth little guy, I see you take after your…” I look back at Nathan and tilt my head. “What does that make you?”
“First cousins once removed, but he’s like a nephew, so, Uncle Nathan.”
His cheeks flush. Wow, this is too cute.
