Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“I already know what caused the fire.” I swiped at the sweat gathering on my forehead. We stood in what had been my driveway. When Diesel and I left yesterday, the driveway had ended in the carport, which led to the kitchen’s side door. All that was left of the carport and kitchen area was twisted metal and piles of burned debris, which I preferred not to look too hard at. Instead, I directed my gaze to the relatively intact portions of the house, not that there were many standing walls. “The iron—”
“Was found unplugged.” The inspector gave me an arch look not unlike that perfected by several of the teachers I’d had to deal with over the years for Diesel. “Old faulty wiring is the likely culprit, but I’ll also check any window AC units, stoves, wiring, and signs of arson. I prefer to rule everything out rather than reach for the first conclusion.”
“Point taken. And I guess it’s a relief that it might not have been my fault.” I exhaled hard, swinging my arms to circulate the oxygen through. “And that we have insurance.”
“Insurance is huge,” Eric added in a supportive tone. Like mine, his gaze kept flitting away from the house. He wasn’t kidding about fires leaving invisible scars. I’d assumed the worst had been the night before, but it was here, in the light of day, that I truly felt the burn and scrape of what had been lost. I felt raw and exposed, and no amount of deep breathing or stretching was helping me regain my equilibrium.
“In my experience, the insurance will take a while to pay out.” The inspector had no problems staring at the wreckage of the house, going as far as to gesture at where the roof had been. “You’ll want a place to stay for more than a night or two because the insurance payout, the decision to rebuild, and all the associated permits can take months, if not longer.”
“Months.” I squished my eyes shut like that might change the reality. “Fuck. Sorry. Excuse my language.”
“I’ve heard worse,” the inspector said mildly. “Curse away if it helps.”
“Thanks. Like my son recently discovered, the rental market around here is tight. And I have two large breed pit mix dogs.”
“You can rent the carriage house at my place.” Eric was only too quick with the solution. “Dogs welcome.”
“What? No, I can’t do that.” I waved away the idea before giving him a harsh stare. “You’ve done far too much already, and you’re going to have your hands full with Maren and Diesel as renters already.”
“Exactly. What’s one more?” Eric shrugged. “And you can help with the newlyweds. You’ll be around more for baby help while being close to The Heist and your house if you decide to rebuild.”
“I’m not sure,” I hedged. Eric made sense from a practical standpoint. But from the perspective of my frustrated, fickle libido, this was a terrible idea. Seeing each other on the regular could only mean more temptation and awkwardness.
“This isn’t a handout.” Eric used an even more reasonable tone than the fire inspector. “You’d be replacing Sean’s rent, which would help me financially and save me the trouble of advertising the space.”
“You sure you want me around that much more?” I leveled him with another pointed look, forcing him to meet my gaze until dusky heat darkened his cheeks. But in his eyes was the most surprising thing of all: want.
“Yeah.” Perhaps he hadn’t been ready to own up to wanting me last night, but here, in the light of the morning, his desire was plainly evident.
“Well, okay then,” I agreed, keeping an amicable tone even as I celebrated this latest victory in the battle to get Eric in my bed. The inspector finished her series of questions, and while we awaited the arrival of the insurance person, Diesel pulled up behind Eric’s car.
“Dad! Why didn’t you call?” He sprinted out of the car, coming to stand in front of me with a thunderous look and a matching tone. He’d grown slightly taller than me, and he used that to full effect now, looming into my personal space.
“And interrupt your wedding night?” I stepped back, matching his agitation with a more calming vibe. I didn’t feel very centered, but I could pretend for Diesel’s sake. “There was nothing anyone could do last night. The fire department did their best, but the fire was already out of control when Shelby discovered it.”
“Shelby!” Diesel glanced over at our neighbor’s house. “Is she okay?”
“Yep. And the dogs.” I jerked my head in Eric’s direction. To his credit, he’d hung back, letting Diesel have center stage. “We spent the night at Eric’s. We’re all okay.”
“I suppose that’s good.” Diesel’s face wrinkled like he was thinking too hard. “You guys need to get along.”