Page 53 of Damien
“What?” I ask, amused by her eagerness.
“Cora says her momma might call and ask me to sleep over.”
Putting her down on the ground, I bop her on the nose. “She did. She even asked if you could go to the beach with them on Saturday. Are you sure you can handle that?”
As the beach is one of our favorite places, her eyes pop wide as saucers. “Really? What’d ya say?”
“I said I’ll talk it over with you. Do you promise to listen and be on your best behavior?”
Nodding excessively, she assures me with a “Yep.”
“What about going near the waves?” I ask, wondering if she’ll remember our rules.
“Not without an adult. And I have to be close enough to hold their hand… So…. Can I go?”
Nodding, I make her day. “Yeah. You can go.”
“This is the best day ever!” she squeals as she hugs me fiercely around my waist. “But do you know what would make it even better?”
The scheming gleam in her eye tells me she’s up to something.
“What’s that?”
“Maybe we could make cookies and take some to Dame? We ate all of his, and he can’t make them himself. You said his kitchen is broken.”
“Hmmm…” The thought of seeing him sooner than tomorrow is promising. “Why do you think he needs cookies?”
“Unks loves it when Syd bakes for him. I’m sure Dame needs treats, too. The store-bought ones were okay, but we could make ‘em better.”
Not knowing what his plans are for the evening, I offer, “We can whip up a batch of no-bake cookies and drop them by his place if you’re interested. But if he’s busy, we’ll just leave them on his porch—you okay with that?”
Jules simply nods and grabs my hand to pull me toward the car.
Yeah, I’m thinking I’m not the only one eager to see Damien.
19
Damien
Just as Ipull into my driveway, my phone vibrates with an incoming text message. A second later, it goes off again. Once I’ve put my truck in park, I pull my phone from my pocket and smile at the image on my screen.
Vanessa and Julia’s smiles are almost identical and extremely infectious. They’re taking a selfie holding up a plate of cookies.
When I read her next text, I burst out with laughter.
Vanessa: Know anyone who might want these? We’re hopping in the car now but wanted to give you some warning. If you’re busy, we’ll leave them on the porch.
Me: Can I take the two of you to dinner first? I know your rules about treats.
She doesn’t respond and with the possibility of her driving, I don’t want to bother her. Besides, she’ll be here soon enough. I occupy my time by getting the mail and hauling up the garbage can from the street. When I see her SUV pull onto my street, I walk out to meet them.
As soon as she parks, Julia’s door bursts open. “Dame! You’re home. Momma said we were just going to drop these off.” She shoves a container of cookies in my direction.
“Have you had dinner yet?” I ask Julia, but it’s meant for the two of them.
“Not yet,” Vanessa offers. “We made these first and wanted to deliver them before you got off, but obviously you beat us here.”
“Were you just going to do a dump and run?” I tease. “I guess I can go to dinner by myself, but I’d much rather have two beautiful women join me.”
