Page 29 of Wild For You

I don’t know how he did it, but Cash managed to avoid me for all of three days. I’ve been combing each and every room at least six times a day. He needs to begin his therapy. However, he’s never around, even though I could swear I’ve heard noises a few times.

I can only suspect he has a hidden spot somewhere I’m not aware of, just as Margaret told me.

I’ve no idea when and if he prepared himself anything to eat the last few days, but I sure as hell didn’t do it for him.

All I’ve been doing so far is setting up my gear in the morning, wait, and then wait some more. Then pack up again. Bang on his door. Call his name. Go for a walk to blow off some steam. Take a cold shower, because the hot water’s not working.

Rinse and repeat.

This drama has to end.

“Hi!” I peer through the open kitchen door at the blonde woman rummaging through the kitchen counters with the fury and speed of someone on a serious mission.

She looks younger than Margaret.

“Oh, hi. You must be Erin.” She slams the refrigerator door and turns to face me, the thin skin around her eyes wrinkling into countless fine lines as she shoots me a generous smile. In spite of the fact that she must be at least two decades older than me, she has a youthful flair about her. Wearing a black pencil skirt with a tight top and black stilettos, and with her hair curled, she looks like she’s about to head out to some office party. The tight top pushing her breasts almost up to her chin is most definitely helping with the youthful look.

I like her instantly, not least because she’s the only friendly face I’ve seen since Cash’s father and Margaret.

“I’m Shannon.” She pushes a hand with bright pink nail polish my way. As I’m reaching out to shake it, she grabs me in a quick but tight hug, which almost knocks the air out of my lungs.

Why can’t Cash be so friendly?

Then again, I’m not sure how I’d feel having his hard body pressed against mine again. The first time was enough to cause me a few hot dreams. And oh, that kiss…I wouldn’t mind repeating that experience.

“I’m Shannon,” she says and releases me. “Cash’s aunt.”

“I can come back another time,” I offer. “I wouldn’t want to be a nuisance.”

“No, silly. Stay!” She shakes her head and purses her lips. “You’re not a nuisance. That would be Cash. That boy will be the death of us all.” She shakes her head again.

I don’t want to point out that “that boy” is an adult male in his late twenties and from the looks of his house, very much in control of his life.

Unlike me.

Then again, that’s exactly why I’m here.

“I was looking for you anyway,” she says. “Trent told me you arrived a week ago. I would have come sooner, but work has been busy. Life is busy. And Cash, he is a handful. I thought I’d give you some time to adjust to your new life because Cash isn’t exactly—”

She waves her hand in the air, leaving the rest unspoken, but despite the irritation reflected in the expression on her face, there’s a warmth to the way she says his name. “Let’s just say, he should be glad he isn’tmyson.” She laughs, and her eyes flicker with warmth.

It’s obvious she cares about him a lot.

“I haven’t seen him around much,” I offer, unsure how to react to her statement.

“Doesn’t surprise me. That one’s always been up to something.”

Her response sparks my curiosity. “You’re his aunt, you say?”

She nods. “His mother and I were sisters. I would like to go over a few things with you if that’s okay?”

I nod my agreement and she motions for me to sit down at the mahogany dining table. She pours two cups of coffee, and then perches on the chair opposite from mine, pushing a cup toward me.

I take a sip of the frothy concoction and can’t help but guzzle down half the cup after days of no coffee because I couldn’t find the coffee maker. He’s most certainly hidden it to spite me.

“Where are you from?” Shannon resumes the conversation.

“Port Huron, Michigan. But I’ve spent most of my life in Chicago.” I force myself to set the cup down to look at her.

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