attention.
A puff of air pushed from his lips. “Baby girl, I ain’t got a damn clue, and never plan to find out.” I laughed. “But if he’s anything like your friend, Ashton, I may have to ask for pointers.”
I punched his arm. “What does that mean?”
“It means your ass is fuckin’ and like it.” I rolled my eyes, biting my lips together. “Oh, my god! Look at you! Do you know what you look like right now?” he gasped, driving down the wooded road.
“What?”
“A goddamn girl!”
“Ewwwww!” I screamed. “You’re supposed to be a Christian human, Raj! That’s the meanest shit you’ve ever said to me!”
“Yeah…well…”
His eyes were on the road, and I sat back wondering how Ashton was making out with his errands.
Is he still mad at me?
Chapter Nineteen
-THEN-
The alarm I set on Ashton’s nightstand clock awakened me. After silencing it, I turned over to check the bed for him. He was still out.
Good…
I rubbed my eyes, trying to snap out of the sleep haze I’d just fallen into. It was two in the morning. I guessed Ashton was out having a good time with his cousins. And mad at me… It worked for me because I had an opportunity to sneak his gifts under the tree. I climbed out of bed and pushed my feet into his slippers I’d found earlier. After gathering everything, I managed to open one of the double doors and paused. The breeze it let in reminded me of my pajamas.
I couldn’t walk around this big ass house with skimpy clothes on. Turning for the chaise sofa next to the door, I lay the gifts down and headed toward the bathroom. Thankfully, there was a robe on a coat rack near the opening. I slipped it on and moved quickly for the door again. I didn’t want to get busted creeping to the tree.
This place was grand. There was lighting at the bottom of the walls, near the floor, keeping the area from being pitch dark. It also added a warm glow to the place. Never in my life did I ever imagine staying in a huge house like this, much less sleeping in it. I was able to find my way to the main staircase and carry the boxes without tripping and falling down, like in the movies.
When I crossed the shiny marble foyer, I heard slow music and smelled burning wood. The lights from the tree could be seen as I approached the living room, and the music became clearer. Was Ashton back? Was he putting gifts under the tree while I slept?
I made it to the opening of the lush living room and saw the fireplace going. After taking a few steps inside, I made out a small body on one of the sofas. It was the man I’d seen around here a couple of times, sitting with his legs crossed in dress shoes and an oversized robe. Next to him was a rolling tray topped with some fancy alcohol, a glass, and a plate of cheese, crackers, and fruit. I didn’t know what to do, not wanting to interrupt his privacy. So, I took a step back to leave.
“Please don’t go, dear heart,” I detected an accent, but it was neither southern nor northern. “Come. Put the gifts under the tree. The more, the better around here.” It was naturally male, but curlily feminine—and maternal. “Please.”
Me, being the punk human I was, obeyed. With shaky hands, I crossed the gigantic room decorated in better Christmas ornaments than the house in Home Alone, and put the wrapped boxes under the tree. When I stood, I glanced his way.
“The wrapping paper is lovely, dear. Did you do it yourself?” I shook my head. “Well, it’s still beautiful. Are they for Sir Spencer?” I nodded. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.” His smile communicated longing, but not in a perverted way. He patted the cushion next to him. “You can’t be over twenty-one, so I can’t offer you scotch, but I can invite you to this majestic view. Please. Join me.”
My first thought was Ashton. He didn’t like this weird human. But then I remembered, I wasn’t like Ashton. I was no member of his mean crew. I could, at least, give the weird human a chance to prove he was unlikeable.
My feet moved before I had fully decided, and it was too late. Before I knew it, I was seated on the opposite end of the couch to the little man.
“Tori. Right?”
I blinked hard