AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Only when I’m pissed. I don’t say that, though. “Sometimes it’s been known to snow even in summer.”
“Hm, I think I need to re-think my wardrobe for the summer. Sundresses by day, sweaters by night.”
With me, you won’t be cold. Riotous images of Val in a skirt and envisioning what could be underneath it play in my head. Perhaps I need to take seriously that “be outside and meditate” thing that Jack advised me to do.
“Here we are.” The skeleton key that I would give her is somewhere in my laboratory. My biometrics are still keyed to the panel on the door plate. I’ll need to have hers updated into the security system.
The thought of guiding her hand through the biometric scans makes me growl in anticipation. When she looks at me in concern, I cover up the sound with a few coughs.
I linger at the threshold, giving Val space to look around.
I try to see the cottage through her eyes. It must be a style she fancies, else the house wouldn’t have formed it in this way.
Val has her hands on her hips. “I mean, honestly. Everything about this place is straight out of my dreams.” The stars in her eyes melt me. “Even with the weird events of this evening, I’m excited to get started.”
“As am I.” I'm grateful that I still had my work apron on to cover just exactly how excited I am.
“Oh no!” she gasps suddenly.
I’m on guard immediately, listening for threats.
“I completely forgot to give the sheriff my car keys! In case he’s able to drive it in for me.” Val pats her coat down, then digs into her pockets. She retrieves her cluster of keys.
Worry lines furrow her brows. I’m compelled to brush them smooth, but resist. “It’s at the motel. I just realized that I don’t have a way of picking it up.”
“Would you mind so terribly giving these to Vane and asking him to drive it here for me? Assuming you’re still going to talk to him?”
I take the keys from her. “Of course I don’t mind. I’m sure he’s made arrangements for your vehicle, but I’ll confirm your wish that it be delivered here.”
“Thank you so much. I owe you one.”
I scour my recent memory to understand what barter or exchange was implied that she feels she owes me anything. “Owe me one? What is owed, exactly?”
“It’s an expression. Like your good deed deserves to be repaid.”
I am unsettled by this phrase. “You are never obligated to repay me for anything I do for you. My actions are given freely, and I hope yours are as well. I wish there to be no obligation between us.”
Val is silent, her lips pressed into a thin line, her expression guarded.
Oh no. Too late do I realize that I may have upset her. My tone of voice is often too rough. Jack never lets me forget it.
I don’t breathe until Val nods. “Thank you.” An expression of relief smoothes out the last hints of worries from her face. “You remind me there’s a lot of potential lost in translation moments for us in the future. I’ll remember to be more mindful of my words.”
Clearing my throat, I nod to acknowledge her words. “Good night.”
I leave as quickly as I can so I don’t say anything else so stupid.
Vane waits for me in his truck. He ends his call and gives me his attention. “How is she?”
“Surprisingly calm. Tired, but not overly fearful.” I hand him Val’s keys. “She bade me ask that you bring her car to the property,”
Vane takes the keys. “I planned on hauling it down on one of my wreckers, but this is helpful.”
I suddenly wish to learn how to drive cars. First, I will need to create one to accomodate my size. Perhaps leaving the estate would feel less daunting if I were inside a large vehicle.
Like a tank.
“What happened at the motel?”
