“Bobby is an asshole, but he isn’t one to do something like that.”
He sighs heavily, like he’s annoyed I won’t get on the same page. “We both know he’s in it for himself. Money talks with him.”
“Maybe…” I’m not sure what to think. But one thing’s for certain; I don’t trust Bobby anymore, and once trust is gone, you can never regain it.
I look at her contraption in awe. While I pretended to help James with his homework, Nikki was outside, connecting an old car battery she picked up for her turbine.
Seeing it working brought a smile to all our faces. The simple act of creating something with your own hands is one I admire.
“Wish I could do something like that.” I watch the breeze push the turbine and all the cables and wires connected to the battery.
Her frown is cute as she takes in her masterpiece. “We need to test it…”
“How do we do that?” James asks exactly what I was thinking.
“I need a power inverter.”
“Where do we get one of those?” I question, and she looks at me with a sad smile.
“We don’t.” Her shoulders slump. “They cost a lot, and I don’t think I will find one of those on the noticeboard here in Whispers.” She starts packing up her tools, the experiment now apparently over.
“Bummer.” James looks as disappointed as I feel.
“So that’s it? You built this and are just going to stop now?” It’s like finishing a movie at the climax and not getting the end scenes that bring it all together.
“That’s it.” She throws her tools into her small toolbox and cleans up the area.
“But that can’t be it.” I have no idea how she can be so calm.
She shrugs. “Unless you know anyone who has an inverter.”
“I’m going inside.” Her brother is clearly not interested, now that the final piece of the puzzle isn’t here.
“You’re a tease…” I look at her with a sigh.
“How so?” She’s disappointed I can see it, even if it’s not at the surface. But there’s also humor in her eyes; she doesn’t take these things too seriously.
“Because you sold me on a dream and are not delivering…” I murmur as she steps toward me, her hair pinned back but strands coming loose, looking like my answer to everything. Wanting to touch her, wanting to have her close, in my arms, I reach out for her immediately. If I thought one night with this woman was going to put her out of my mind, I was wrong. Very wrong. I want to spend every night with her.
“Your dream was to have electricity?” With lifted eyebrows, a grin pulls at her pretty lips.
“My dream is already turning into reality.… here in Whispers, hanging out with my dream girl… watching her make something from nothing.”
She blushes, and I peck her forehead, reveling in her presence, loving spending time with her.
“Come on. Let’s go for a walk. I need to step out my frustrations,” I tell her, and she laughs. When I hear her little snort, I grin wide. Taking her hand, I lead her away from the cottage, this area so quiet and secure, like our own slice of hideaway heaven.
“It’s so pretty out here.” She gazes around, taking in the tranquil chirping of the birds and the rustle of the leaves on the large trees.
“I haven’t worked out if it’s beautiful or somewhere to hide a body.”
Giving me an amused look, she asks, “A body?”
“These dense trees look like a serial killer forest. Even Tanner thinks so.” I squeeze her hand.
“I can see that. I choose to go with something beautiful, though.”
I’ve noticed that about her. No matter what gets thrown her way, she always has a silver lining.
