I put my vehicle in park and glance at her. “You want me to just?—”
“Come in,” she says.
I shut off the engine, glancing over at her. “Yeah. Okay.”
Inside,the house is warm and quiet.
I look around at the expensive furnishings.
Definitely out of my element.
I wonder what she sees in me.
Why she’d want me here.
Violet’s still holding Luna.
She studies my face for a moment before saying, “Come on.”
I follow her to the kitchen, passing a large set of carpeted stairs with a shiny wooden banister that leads to the second floor.
Violet gently sets the kitten on the counter. She looks around, still cautious, but no longer puffed up like she’s ready to fight the world.
“There you go,” Violet murmurs softly, stroking her gently.
“Hey, Luna,” I say, stepping closer.
She releases a tiny meow. It’s the cutest sound I’ve ever heard.
I reach out, running a finger gently down her back. She leans into it immediately. “Pretty girl,” I murmur softly.
A voice drifts down the stairs. “How was your night stalk?—”
The sound cuts off.
I look up.
A blonde stands halfway down the stairs, frozen. Her eyes flick from me to Violet, then back to me.
“Callie,” Violet says calmly. “This is Drew.”
Callie clears her throat and descends, bare feet silent on the carpeted stairs.
“Hi. I’m Violet’s sister.” She holds out a hand, her composure back.
“Hi.” I take her hand, studying her. I see the resemblance, despite the differences. Same confidence. Same intensity.
“Did you say... stalking?”
She laughs, waving a hand as she gives Violet a cursory glance. “Nope. I said walking.”
Violet’s shoulders relax. “Right. Because I left and went for a walk.”
“Oh,” I say, puzzled. “I thought you said?—”
“Walking,” Callie finishes firmly. “I definitely said walking.”
That was… definitely not what I heard.
