Page 38 of Storm's Deliverance

Drix stands straight and nod. “All good.”

Mom presses a kiss to my cheek. “You want some lunch?” she asks. “Who burnt my favourite pan?!” she yells.

“That’s my queue to leave,” Drix says, fighting back a smile.

“I will see you out.” I chuckle, following him.

I stand at the door as he turns on the front step to face me. “Your mom is going to hunt me for ruining her pan, isn’t she?” He laughs.

I nod. “Most definitely. You should look at changing your identity,” I tease. His grin deepens, revealing the deep dimple on his right cheek.

He steps closer, his hand cautiously reaching out to cup my cheek, as if he’s waiting for me to flinch away. I don’t. I see the relief in his eyes when I don’t. He leans in closer, and I hold my breath, thinking he’s about to kiss me. I’m unsure if I want him to or not. No, of course not. It’s too soon.

But it’s Drix.

He pauses, as if contemplating his choice before diverting and pressing his lips to my cheek. He swiftly steps back, and my face feels cold at the loss of his touch. “Good to have some of you back, BB.” He winks before making his way down the steps to his bike.

Exhaling a slow and steady breath, I close the door and walk back towards the kitchen to take the blame for her beloved pan. My steps falter when I see both Mom and Dad stood therewatching. Mom’s grinning like the Cheshire cat, while Dad looks torn between being happy and wanting to commit murder.

I frown at them. “Can I help you?” I ask, arching a brow.

Mom shakes her head. “Nope,” she murmurs, shaking her head back and forth.