“Yes, Little girl. My air-conditioning is working well.”
“Even better.” Essie let him pull her to her feet. She swayed slightly against him, feeling dizzy. “These lights look even better when the room spins. I should serve strong drinks.”
“Close your eyes, sweetheart,” he instructed and leaned over to scoop her over his shoulder.
Essie didn’t have the energy to protest. Besides, her view was spectacular when she peeked. She patted his firm butt.
“Have you had any water today?”
“Too busy. I didn’t want to have to stop and pee.”
Zander stopped in the foyer and called out, “Sara, I’m driving Essie to my house to cool down.”
The housekeeper appeared quickly. “Good idea. The tech promises to have the part installed in an hour. The mansion will take a while to lower in temperature.”
“No cooking tonight, Sara. If you need a room, I have plenty. Drive on over.”
“I’ll be fine. My old bones like the heat,” Sara said. “Take care of Essie.”
“I will. I’ll bring her back tomorrow.”
Essie didn’t protest. She didn’t feel well. The thought of getting cool sounded incredible.
Walking out of Ferguson’s Folly, Zander juggled her a bit as he reached into his pocket to grab his truck keys. She heard the truck start several feet away and whispered, “Magic.”
“Remote start. I’ll get the air blasting for you.”
Soon, Zander had her buckled in a seat with a cold open bottle of water in her hand. He circled the hood and climbed in next to her. “Drink, Little girl.”
She nodded and raised the container to her lips. A sigh escaped her after swallowing. “That’s good.”
“More, Essie. I’m surprised you’re sweating after not drinking all day.”
“I’m a sweater. Well, not like a Nordic pullover or anything like that. I sweat a lot.”
“Good to know.”
“That doesn’t make me sound appealing, does it?” Essie wanted to care, but she was so tired.
“Everyone sweats, Little girl. When they don’t, they have a big problem.”
He didn’t sound too unhappy with her. “Am I still getting a spanking?”
“Yes. But after you recover. Thank goodness Marmalade ran across the road. I was on my way to town. He acted so weird, I trailed after him.”
“Edmund sent him. I wouldn’t follow his directions either. He said he was going to tell you. I reminded him that you couldn’t hear him. He didn’t like that.” Essie guessed she was rambling but couldn’t stop talking.
“Drink, Essie.”
Obediently, she swallowed more of the cold water. The liquid tasted amazing. She could tell from his expression that Zander doubted that a ghost had gotten a message to him. Quickly, she changed the subject. “How long has your house been livable?”
“About a week. Are you tired of me?”
“No!” she blurted quickly. “Well, not if you’re happy staying with me.”
“I am. A Daddy’s place is with his Little girl.” Zander stopped in front of his home. “Don’t move. I’ll come get you.”
“I can walk.”
