Page 2 of His Darkest Desire

“When are you due to arrive?” Emily asked.

Kinsley hurriedly chewed and swallowed. “I still have a couple more hours of driving to go.”

Emily sighed. “I just don’t see why you couldn’t stay with Cecelia. There are so many more opportunities for you in London, and so much more to see and do. You’d be with family, and you know she loves having you there. There’s no reason for you to live alone somewhere so remote.”

“Mum, I live alone when I’m on the road.”

“Living in your car, I know. But it’s so…so dangerous!”

“It’s basically camping, but I’m in my car instead of a tent. If you think about it, that’s way safer, right?”

“Kinsley…”

“I’m fine, mum, really. You don’t need to worry so much.”

“I’m your mother. I will never stop worrying about my daughters. I love you.”

“And I love you. But I… I just need a place of my own and some time to myself. Time to think, to clear my head.”

To heal.

“I know, love,” Emily said softly. “I know.”

“And,” Kinsley said with a grin, “as much as I love Aunt Cece, we both know she hovers.”

Emily laughed. “She does, but she’s like me. She’s worried about you.”

Kinsley sobered. “I know, but I’ll be fine. I promise. And this place is beautiful, nestled against the forest like an old, fairytale cottage. I’ll be able to work right in the garden.”

Her mother chuckled. “Well, you always did love nature. You were always running out into the woods barefoot, talking to fairies, making them little houses, and bringing them gifts and sweets. You were my little fairy child. You still are. We miss you, Kinsley.”

With her chest constricting and tears stinging her eyes, Kinsley looked up and watched the raindrops falling upon the windshield. “I miss you guys, too. How are you and Dad and Maddy?”

“Your father and I are doing well. We’re treating ourselves to dinner out tonight once he’s home from work. Oh! Did Madison tell you her good news?”

“What news?”

“She finally found a space in town to open up her bakery!”

“Oh my gosh, that’s so exciting! I’m so happy for her. Tell her she better send me some of her lemon bars. I have a sudden craving, and she knows how much I love them.”

They continued chatting as Kinsley finished her sandwich. The rain grew heavier, the wind picked up, carrying an icy bite, and thunder rolled somewhere beyond the glen.

“Is it storming there?” Emily asked.

“It’s been raining, but it looks like it’s getting worse. I’m going to get going. I want to make it to the rental before it gets dark so I don’t get lost.”

“Kinsley!”

“I’m kidding! Well, not really. But worst-case scenario—”

“Kin—”

“Which isn’t bad at all,” Kinsley hurriedly said, “is that I sleep in my car till morning.”

“I swear all of my gray hairs come from you.”

Kinsley snickered. “That’s cause I’m your favorite.”

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