Desire (Desire, Book 1) - By Missy Johnson Page 0,32

gruff and professional.

“Honey?” I bit my lip to keep from smiling. The sugary sweet voice that sang out through the speakers could only be one person. “Honey? It’s mom.”

“Hi Mom, how are you? I can’t really talk now.” He glanced my way, his expression a mixture of alarm and embarrassment.

Was he worried she was going to embarrass him? How cute. I purposely turned my attention back to him, raising my eyebrows. He gave me a look, which just made me giggle.

“Who’s with you honey? Is that a girl I hear? Are you on a date? I’m sorry honey I-“

“No mom, I’m not on a date.” He cut in loudly. I smothered a giggle, trying to keep myself from outright laughing as his face reddened.

This was great!

“You work too hard, Devon. How are you going to meet a nice girl if you’re always working?”

“Mom!” Devon cried, running a hand through his hair. He looked at me, shaking his head. “I don’t need dating advice. I get plenty of girls.” A pang of jealously shot through me.

Plenty of girls? Why did that make me feel like crap?

“Okay, Okay.” His mother sniffed. “I only called to check you’re still coming down this weekend? For the wedding? I can’t wait to see you, snigglemuffin.”

“I’ll be there. I will call you later ma.” He shut off the phone, not a moment before I burst out laughing.

“Snigglemuffin?” I chortled, laughing hysterically.

“Stop!” He ordered. “Or you can walk home.” His eyes were laughing. I nodded, trying to slow my laughter.

“Okay, I’ll stop.” I gasped. “Snigglemuffin.” I added quietly, ducking as he reached across to tickle me.

Neri studied the picture. As she handed it back to me, I could see the sadness in her eyes. She guarded her feelings so well, that when I had a window such as this, I knew she must be feeling pretty ordinary.

“Sorry, Kait. I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him before in my life.” I put the picture in my pocket and sat down beside her.

“Neri, are you okay?” I gave her a hug. She cuddled her face into my shoulder. “Shh. It’s okay to be upset.” I patted her back as she began to cry, her arms wrapping around my waist.

“I miss her, Kait, I really do. I know how messed up things were between you two, so I try and hide it when I’m around you, but I really miss her.” Her sobs grew louder.

“Shh, Neri, listen to me.” I placed my hands on either side of her face, guiding her head upwards until our eyes met. “Never, ever feel you need to hide your feelings from me. The issues between mom and me have nothing to do with you. Nothing. If you’re feeling down, or upset, I want to know. Please. I always want to know” I added. Neri nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Okay.” She smiled. “Thanks Kait. For being here for me and Sam. I don’t know where we’d be without you.” I hugged her again, this time pulling her in so tightly she grunted.

“I’m always here, you idiot.”

“Look.” Ara whispered. I glanced up at her. She nudged her head toward where Sam sat playing with his toys. Cars surrounded him as he flew them around a course made from egg cartons, cereal boxes and a couple of empty juice cartons. I smiled as I watched him collide two cars in mid-air.

“Pow, pow, pow, bssssh!” He cried, cartwheeling across the room, the cars diving in all directions.

“Even after all he’s been through, he’s still a five year old.” Ara mused, shaking her head.

“A five year old with way too much energy.” I replied dryly. “And curiosity.” I added, giggling. In the last week alone, Sam had asked me numerous embarrassing questions about anything and everything that entered his mind. And worse, every time seemed to be in the company of someone else. Like the middle of the supermarket when he asked me why Neri and I got tampons, but he didn’t.

“I imagine all kids are like that, Kait.” Ara giggled. “Hence them being kids.”

“Yes, well, he should be in bed, and I should be getting ready for work.” Standing up, I called out to Sam. “Bed time.” He rolled his eyes but began packing up his cars.

Dressing after my shower, my phone buzzed. I reached for it, while trying to multi-task and put my stockings on.

“Hello?” I balanced the phone between my shoulder and ear, still fiddling with my damn stockings.

“Hey. It’s me.”