Page 20 of Wild Tides
I worked on my draft after coffee, losing myself in shaping the story. I’d experimented with other genres before learning that my writing skills were uniquely suited for thrillers. Maybe it said something about my character that I thrived on crafting killers. Figuring out what would motivate someone to end another’s life. How they might get away with it. How to thwart them. Sinking into the mystery, the character development, took me into a world all my own.
One where I wasn’t obsessed with Violet. Plotting when I could make a move with a clear conscience. While she was living in my house, taking care of me wasn’t it. That smacked of manipulation. Once I could navigate on my own again, I could test the waters with more. But not now.
I didn’t need a pity fuck. Pretty sure that would kick me back to manure-laced territory with her brothers. Giving Vi and I a chance meant patience. Something I had in spades.
Vi arrived home from hiking with flushed cheeks and a smile.
“I take it there were no unpleasant discoveries today?” I asked, referring to the hike last spring where they discovered the body of a local whale boating captain in the water. Our SAR team had mobilized for recovery, thrusting Drew into Anya’s path for the first time.
“Nope,” Vi said cheerfully.
“Good. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Would you mind taking me?” I asked.
“What time?”
“Two.”
“Not a problem. I can have Gran cover for me at the Salty Pantry.”
“I can ask someone else if it’s a bother,” I offered.
Vi rolled her eyes. “It’s why I’m here, Lee. Speaking of which, what do you want for dinner tonight?”
“To take you out.”
The words were impulsive, but I knew they were the right move from the flash of pleasure that sparked in her eyes. We’d be eating together no matter what. So what if I wanted to make it special? My earlier promise of patience already seemed distant.
“You sure you’re up for leaving the nest? I can make something here,” she offered.
As tempted as I was to have more time alone with her, I also wanted to show my appreciation for what she’d done already. And more time alone at home would test my endurance.
“My treat. Pick something fancy.”
“Like dress-up fancy? Done.” She grinned broadly, eyes brimming with excitement. “I can never get anyone to do the real foodie places around here with me.”
“I owe you one, so have fun with it.”
The eagerness in her eyes dimmed. Dammit. I shouldn’t have phrased it that way. Like an obligation. When, really, it was my pleasure. You’d think I’d be better with words.
“I’m up for an adventure. And I really appreciate your help. Let me pamper you for a change.”
Some of the earlier joy returned to her expression, and I relaxed.
“I’ll figure out where I can get a reservation after I bring you a fresh ice pack.”
Getting myself ready for dinner took the better part of an hour, even with Vi’s help, bringing down the clothes I needed. I managed a half-decent sink bath and shave before donning slacks and a dark blue button-down.
I hobbled out to the couch and waited for Violet. The double doors of my office offered a direct line of sight to the staircase.
We rarely dressed up. I wasn’t exactly the fancy gala type, and Violet’s shop downtown meant she wore jeans and a Salty Pantry tee most days for work. Catching her in a muumuu and tiara on her front lawn, drinking with her friends while they graded moped drivers on their proficiency test, didn’t count. While she’d looked cute as hell in the flowing purple dress, it wasn’t exactly formal attire.
One pointed foot appeared on the staircase, followed by a shapely calf as she made her way downstairs. A dark black skirt flirted with her thighs, nipping in at her waist, skimming up her ribcage to an off-the-shoulder neckline. The cocktail dress was reminiscent of something you’d see in a 1950s-era catalog or newspaper drawing. Not exactly what I expected her to pack for nursing at a friend’s house.
Vi twirled for my benefit when she reached my office door, her tinted red lips drawn up in a soft smile. “I couldn’t resist. You said fancy.”
The inside of my mouth turned to sawdust. Her red smile was just as potent as the dress. Maybe more so. I fisted my hands to keep from reaching for her. I’d always known Violet was beautiful. But tonight? The added layer of glamor was breathtaking. It highlighted everything that had always been there, everything I suddenly couldn’t look away from.
Her long dark hair cascaded around her bare shoulders in waves. I pressed my fists into my thighs. I ached to push her hair away to drip down her back so I could admire every inch of soft skin.
