Page 102 of Darkened Promises

I allow myself to fall into the feel of him, the languid, indulgent strokes just as warm as he is.

Reluctantly, I pull back, and my lips curve up into a smile when his mouth tries to follow mine.

Fingers trailing across his pout, I shake my head. “I need to try to come up with an idea for Noah. I can’t fail even more as a girlfriend.”

“You never fail as a girlfriend,” he argues, his mouth moving beneath my fingers as he scowls.

“Yes, but that’s not how I feel. I want to do something nice for him, but I don’t have much time.” I huff, worrying my lip between my teeth. I’ve no clue what he’d even want, and I want it to mean something.

I squeal as the room spins. My head hits the pillow, and Max settles on top of me.

“Fine. I accept the request for my assistance to plan the best surprise, and I love that you suggested all the kisses I want as payment. It’s very generous of you.” He winks, then darts in and places a sloppy, wet kiss on my neck before blowing a raspberry that has me laughing and shoving him away.

FIFTY-ONE

NATE

“Did you find anything? Did a fuse blow?”

Inside I grumble, irritated by the hovering and the questions. Out loud, I try to project the customer service bullshit I’m supposed to.

“Nothing wrong with the fuses. I’ll check the outside light.”

Disconnecting the MFT, I slip my boots back on and step out the customer’s front door. As this job was close to home, I’d taken it on rather than allocate it to one of my team. But I’m struggling more than usual to put the effort in and talk.

Bulb removed, I inspect it and note the issue.

“Anything?” the elderly woman asks, her lips pinched as she hovers again.

I hate these types of customers. Even though I get it, the nervous worry almost fizzles inside her. I just wish she would worry farther away so I can breathe.

“No water’s got in. Just looks like the bulb melted. Makes it easier, as I only need to replace it.”

The fine lines in her face crease more as she frowns. “That’s it? All the lights tripped because of the bulb melting? Is that a really bad thing?”

I shake my head at…Clare? Clara? “No, it’s all good. I’ll check if I have a replacement in the van. If not, you can order one and easily fit it. Or I can order one and come by to fit it.”

“Oh, okay.” She nods.

I head down her front path back to my van. A few minutes of rummaging, and I find a spare bulb that’ll fit.

After fitting it for her and many reassurances later, I manage to get back in my van and into the silence. Just as I pull away and start towards home, my phone rings through the vehicle’s speakers.

“Hey, Nate? Are you on your way back soon?” Bry asks

Spine straightening, I grip the wheel tighter. “Rosy okay?”

All I can hear is rustling for a moment before he speaks. “Yes but…she…well, I think you need to get back. She wants to talk to Logan about something, and I tried to talk her out of it…”

“Bry. You’re supposed to be on my side,” Rosy huffs in the background, and some tension leaves me, knowing she’s at least unharmed and safe.

“Not with that plan, I’m not,” he scoffs lightly at her. “Nate?”

“Be home in five. Make sure she doesn’t do anything ‘til I get there.”

I slide my key into the lock and push open the front door, kicking it shut behind me.

As soon as I step into the living room, Rosy’s glare hits me. Her arms are crossed over her chest as she sits on the sofa. She looks really fucking cute.