Page 72 of Burn With Me

“Yeah, actually, she does.” The corner of my mouth turned up at the thought of Vi. I loved her quick tongue and dry whit.

“Well, in that case, I think this one would look best on her.” She held up a bright red sweater with an image of Santa’s sleigh and reindeer flying across the sky. It even had little snowflakes on it. She flicked a switch, and all the little bulbs lining the sweater lit up and began to flash.

“Oh yeah, that’s the one. Thanks.”

I had no intention of stopping for anything else, but for whatever reason, I found myself walking into the jewelry store. Moving from one case to the next, I stared at all the glittering items. Rings of all sizes sparkled back at me, but that seemed like the wrong message. We weren’t at ring status yet, but…my eyes caught sight of the case with pendants inside. Now, this was much more suitable.

“May I help you, Sir?” My eyes never left the pendant that seemed to be calling me.

“Yes, can I see that piece there?” I said, pointing to the flame that was created with rubies and diamonds.

“Gladly, Sir.” He reached into the case and pulled out the pendant that was not bigger than the tip of my baby finger. It was stunning with the way the light reflected off of it.

“I’ll take this one, and I want it engraved.”

By the time I left the jewelers, I couldn’t be more excited about my gifts for Vi. Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I hit Vi’s number and loved that she picked up right away.

“Please tell me you’re not calling because you have another fire?”

I laughed. “What…the fire investigator is sick of fires?”

“No, but I could use a break, or a vacation, maybe both. My mind is still spinning. I found six more cases so far that fit the criteria you laid out. I think you’re really on to something here, Asher. I do want to take a closer look at the sights that haven’t been cleaned up yet.”

I got in my truck and listened to her explain what she found out about the cases, and the entire time all I could think was that I loved her voice. She could be reciting the phonebook, and it would make me want to lay her out and fuck her.

“Sorry, I’m totally rambling on and on, and you haven’t gotten a word in.”

“I’m always willing to talk shop with you, but how about we do it over dinner? I can help you finish off those piles?”

“Actually, my brain needs a break, but I’d love it if you came here. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” Her voice trailed off like she was nervous. My instant reaction was to say no, and that was not where our relationship was, but I’d invited her over for Christmas, hadn’t I? “You don’t have to,” she said as the seconds ticked on.

“I’m just wondering what to bring for dinner,” I said, pushing down all the nagging little thoughts that kept wanting to creep up.

At some point, I had to step away from my parent’s issues and what that trauma did to me. I wasn’t my father, and Vi was nothing like my mother, but that old fear wanted to claw its way up my throat as the sound of their voices, and furniture breaking tried to surface in my mind.

“Are you sure, Asher? You sound tense, like something is wrong,” she said softly.

There was no anger or judgment in her voice, but I squeezed the steering wheel harder.

“I’m good. I promise.”

“Okay,” she said, but didn’t sound convinced.

It was weird having someone see me. I never let people see me. In fact, it was always my job in the relationship to see everything about them and anticipate what they would feel or think.“Well, there is no need to bring anything with you. My friend, who I want you to meet already made dinner. She’s a damn good cook.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be there in ten,” I said and pushed the button on the wheel to hang up the phone. Holding up my hand, I realized it was shaking. No, I wasn’t letting this shit control me anymore.

Violet

“Hmm,” I said, hanging up the phone.

“Hmm? What’s hmm?” Beck turned to face me, and I couldn’t help but smile at the little splatters of sauce she had all over her face.

“I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it. Asher just didn’t seem himself.”

“Vi, the guy, straight up told you he doesn’t do relationships, and now you want him to meet your best friend after he invites you to go there for Christmas. I mean, those are big steps for anyone, let alone someone who doesn’t do relationships.”

“Yeah. Am I moving too fast? Should I not have invited him or said no to Christmas at his mom’s?”