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“Isn’t it?” Savouring the blissful turn up of her lips, I give her thigh a light squeeze. I have no clue what she’s doing to me, but I don’t want it to stop. I like this feeling, it’s like nothing else exists outside of her. There’s only ever her and nothing else matters.
With her hair parted in two long braids on either side of her head, the blonde looks a little pink with the red from the leather reflecting on it.
“I love it here. It’s where all my best memories were made.” It’s why I brought Cassie here, no matter what happens, she’ll be a part of those memories. I’m ready to tie her up and keep her my prisoner at the thought of her being nothing but a memory.
“Come on, then.” Slapping her thigh playfully, I take a breath to steady my fist like heart. Although her giggles ease the discomfort in my chest, the thought doesn’t fade. “Pre-warning—my nan can get a little excitable, so…”
The cottage door opens, and Matilda Winthrop stands in its place with her hands on her hips and a wide grin on her face.
“I’m going to apologise in advance for the headache she’ll probably give you with all her jabbering and just so you know, we can leave whenever you want.” Taking my cap off, I run my fingers through my hair before slapping it back on.
“I’m sure she can’t be any worse than my grandmother when she gets going.”
“I don’t know, she’s very hands on.”
“Leo?”
“Cass…”
“I like hands on.” Smiling she flicks the tongue of my cap before I get out of the car. After letting Toby out, I round to her side, opening her door as I greet my grandmother, “Hello, old bag!”
“Hello, little shit.” She sings back with a raucous laugh and then turns to coo over Toby, “How’s my big boy? Are we leaving Nanny’s flowerbeds alone today? Yes. Yes we are, my little bear.”
“Jesus fucking Ch
rist, anyone would think the dog is an actual child.”
There’s nothing little about that dog, he’s half her height on all fours, and she’s not exactly the short and stout type. Nan has always been tall and willowy, your typical ballerina stereotype.
“That’s how you greet your grandmother?” Cassie takes my hand as I reach to help her out of the car.
“Yeah, she’s not the fancy type.” Wrapping my arm around her, I lock the car and guide her towards the house.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming. I thought you’d be in the city being Mr. Big Boots.” Kissing my jaw, she palms my face before stepping back and giving Cassie the once over. “Hello, dear.”
“Hello.” The smile on Cassie’s face does nothing to disguise the nervous quiver of her voice, and that’s enough to make my heart melt and my arm pull her tighter to me.
“Nan, this is Cassie. Cassie, my nan, Matilda.”
“Everyone calls me Tillie, or Nan.” Reaching out, Nan thumbs the end of one of Cassie’s braids. She’s half in love with her already, and I can’t blame her because it’s really impossible not to get caught up in her.
Giving me the look that tells me she’s proud of me, her hand rubs the curve of Cassie’s shoulder, and it’s all the assurance I need to let me know she approves. “Come on in, I have some of those apple crumble tarts you like in the oven.”
Starting for the kitchen she looks back at us to make sure we’re following. My mouth salivates at the tart smell of apples mingling in the air with the sweetness of vanilla and warmth of cinnamon.
“Don’t worry about your shoes, we’re going out the back.”
“Okay.” Leaning into me, her head rests on my shoulder. “She’s nice.”
“Don’t be nervous.” I press a kiss to the top of her head as I lead her into the huge kitchen. The duck egg blue and ivory colours with the warm wood looks as homey and welcoming as always.
The old slate grey, tall dresser is lined with an array of trinkets and a photo of Kit and I. My heart falls to the pit of my stomach as I take it in, our young smiles and laughter filled eyes.
“I woke up this morning with your brother on my mind. I tried calling him, but he’s probably busy, so I got to baking. I was going to take the tarts to the shelter in town later, but you’re here!” She sounds so gleeful that she might burst, and guilt threatens to floor me. “How is he and your mother? I’ve called her a hundred times the last couple of days and she hasn’t called back once. I’ve had this horrible feeling in my chest, and I’ve been so worried, but you’re here…”
The relief in her voice makes me cringe. It doesn’t escape me that she assumes everything is okay because of my presence. And when Cassie looks at me, she furrows her brow in question.
“Would you like a drink?” Nan asks her. “Tea? Coffee? Water? Is it too early for wine? It’s got to be time for wine somewhere…”
