Page 15 of Burning Caine
“Does she know her birthday cake isn’t a cake?”
Before Cass could argue further about healthy life choices and how I didn’t take good enough care of myself, the front door opened.
“Knock, knock!” The voice was so familiar, I knew who it was instantly, Kevin’s best friend and my other big brother stand-in, Nathan. So much better than another matchmaking attempt.
Cass stopped working on the cake and smiled at me. “Surprise!”
The kids stormed down the stairs, yelling, “Uncle Nathan!”
I deposited Emma’s present on the breakfast table and headed to the front door, in time to see him swinging the birthday girl into the air.
I imitated the kids as he put her down. “Uncle Nathan!”
He grinned and wrapped me in a bear hug, kissing me soundly on the cheek. “Do you have any idea how creepy it sounds when you say that?”
“Why do you think I say it?”
He shoved me playfully, then put an arm around my shoulders as we walked to the kitchen.
“Look who I found!” I announced to Cass, like she hadn’t heard.
Nathan released me and crossed the kitchen to Cass, whom he also hugged and kissed on the cheek.
Tall, blond, polished, with eyes a shade of blue like the deep end of a pool. I used to think Nathan’s eyes were the most amazing, until I got a glimpse of those brown ones Friday. And again yesterday. Deep brown with the flecks of gold when the sun hit them right. Breathtaking. And his deep, soothing, Italian-accented voice. It was lyrical, all the extra ‘uh’ sounds rolling his words together, curling my toes the whole time we were talking.
I could start in Brenton’s Italian neighborhood. It was small enough I could hit a few cafes or something, maybe pop into a deli or bakery, and see if we crossed paths. If he was from Brenton, that might work. Lansing was too big to track him down unless fate really stepped in. The promise of a date from our toast expired the end of August. I had another twenty-nine days. I could find him if I tried.
Fate had already brought us together twice, hadn’t it?
“Wake up,” said Nathan, snapping his fingers in front of my face.
“What?”
“I was asking about your hot date last night.”
I exaggerated a shudder and crossed to a stool opposite where Cass was working, Nathan sitting next to me.
“I can’t believe I’ve been home for a whole month—” I put a fist on my hip and glared at him. “—and this is the first time I’ve seen you!”
He grinned and knocked the hand off my hip. “Assistant prosecutors have to work hard if they want to move up. Besides, I’ve been here twice since you got home. Rumor mill says you’re the one who’s working ridiculous hours. And stop changing the subject.”
I hooked a thumb over my shoulder to the pink package I’d put on the table behind me. “I got her an FBI dress-up kit.”
Nathan nudged me. “The date? Spill!”
Cass stepped back from the cake to spin it on its turntable, inspecting it. “Her text said she’s never dating again.”
“Ouch! That bad?” Nathan laughed and shoved me. “So you didn’t invite him home to your little palace?”
“Shut it, Miller!”
“It’s funny,” said Cass, adding some icing to one section of the cake. “She says it was awful, but she’s blushing.” She shot me an evil smirk.
I covered my cheeks. It was best not to tell them about Mr. Italy, or she’d drive me to Calabria Street and parade me around for hours. Instead, I turned to Nathan. “Is Tina coming?”
He flashed his left hand at me, wiggling his fingers. No ring.
I gasped and grabbed his arm. “Oh my god! No one told me!”