"That house?" I asked, my interest piqued. "Oh, the reminder. The previous couple there made a nosey neighbour, one thing after another. The number of noise complaints was sothing else."
Good thing they found their dream ho sowhere else, I thought I was gonna spend the rest of my life looking out the window and hoping I don’t see a screaming woman across the street tossing shit at her husband, and I an literal shit... dog shit to be exact.
The sheriff chuckled, as if he could read my mind. He was just as relieved when they finally moved out. I think the entire town had a breather after that.
I smiled, going back to my notebook, when a sudden shiver shot up my spine.
That house was right across from mine.
"Refill?" I asked, taking the jug.
"Yes, please..."
I cleared my throat. "So um... I hope it’s not another couple across that stress."
"Actually, it’s not."
My hand trembled, and I made a ss.
"I’m so sorry!" I hurried and used the paper towels to wipe the counter.
"It’s alright."
"W-Who purchased the house?"
"What?"
"I-I an, I just wanna know how to gear up for anything." I handed him a paper towel.
He wiped his hands. "You don’t have to worry about anything. A woman purchased it, but her cousin is going to stay there for a while. You okay? You look pale."
"Yeah, I’m good, just realized it’s about ti I picked Es from school!" I took off my apron.
"You’re still two hours early."
"I have to make a stop too. Later!"
~☆~
What the heck am I doing?
I checked my watch, knowing I still had ti to spare before looking back at the house. So far, there has been no activity. It was just as quiet as it has always been. Maybe the person moved in already?
What am I doing?
I’ve asked myself that question a million tis since I been out here, stretching my neck like a giraffe just to catch a glimpse of anything. I had no idea why, but there was this feeling.
"Relax, Catherine, relax. It’s probably just a random dude living there now. Bald head, pot belly, and just not..." I gulped, feeling like my nerves would crumble before I had a little grip on myself and drove out.
I kept checking the review mirror until the house was out of sight.
After I picked up Es, I was back ho, and when we got out of the car, I got a text on my phone.
Reed: I won’t be ho for a few days. The building project needs more workforce.
We haven’t exactly talked after what happened that night. I didn’t like that we weren’t, but that night made realize I didn’t wanna take that step. I didn’t wanna move on that way.
I understood his feelings truly, but it was sothing I couldn’t accept. The best I could do was be upfront with him and clear the air. Despite everything, he still ans a lot to , and I don’t wanna lose what was left of our friendship.
: Alright, just take it easy. I was hoping we could talk when you get back?
This was for the best. I need to focus on Es and not things that would get in turmoil.
"Why didn’t we stop at the diner? I was hoping to eat Maria’s chocolate cake."
"Well, because mommy’s tired and needs rest."
"It looks like you really need it."
"What?"
"I know you haven’t been sleeping much."
"I’m sleeping... just not enough." I unlocked the door, and she hurried inside.
I eyed the house across the street, and it was just like it was when I last checked. Now, I’m just being paranoid. The only reason I ca back ho early was to observe and make sure my fears weren’t coming true, but it seems like I might be wrong.
I tried to ignore the shifty feeling that followed with that realization. I stepped into the house, and the scent of cologne hit so hard I froze. Reed doesn’t wear cologne.
I panicked. "Es!"
I scurried into the living room and found her standing with her head tilted, and I followed her gaze to a figure, dressed in a fitted black polo stretched across his broad shoulders and muscular arms, slim black jeans following the powerful lines of his legs, and tucked neatly into dark leather boots.
Ares.
He set the picture fra down before fully turning to us, and it was like my entire world altered drastically.
I was numb as icy blue eyes held prisoner, almost like a spell had been cast.
Several emotions swirled, and with them ca a heavy spin. The weight of his stare was so heavy I nearly saw darkness.
"I know you!"
Es’s voice grounded .
Like a magnet, his eyes descended to Es, and at first instinct, I wanted to shield her away, not until the most rare thing happened.
A grin. A fucking grin, and I don’t an the ghostly kind, I an a wide one that showed his perfectly white teeth, that made his cold eyes lt, and dimples carve.
He tilted his head in a way that mirrored Es. "Do you?"
I shivered. I hadn’t heard his voice for a long ti. I had to brace my hand against the wall before I lost balance.
"Yes!"
Before Es could move towards him, I took her hand and held it tight.
"What did your mommy tell you about ?"
"Nothing. Except she has your picture and—"
"E-Es, how about you go up to your room?"
"Why?"
"I need to talk to our visitor."
"That’s not fair, at least let introduce myself." She stuck out her hand. "I’m Es Walker, and you are?"
Ares walked, and my breath shortened. His shadow took over us like a blanket, and when he crouched to her height, he was still intimidating.
Ares took her hand in his, shrouding it completely. "Ares King."
"King? Are you royalty?"
"Sothing like that."
"Really?"
"E-Es."
She looked up to and then Ares.
"I hope we see each other again." She leaned close and whispered to his ear as if I couldn’t hear. "I have questions."
She went up the stairs, and the sound of her snappy footsteps was the only thing that echoed.
After the loud slam of a door, Ares rose to his full height. It took a mont before he flickered his eyes to .
We didn’t exchange words, just staring for a really long ti until it felt like it was the only thing we could do.
"H-How did you find ?" My voice was barely a whisper because it was thick with emotion.
I couldn’t tell whether it was pain or fright choking . Fear consud when he ca closer, only to dissolve completely the mont his hand cradled the back of my head and his arm pulled in an embrace.
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