Page 6 of Consumed By Fire

“Ha-ha-ha, funny. No, I actually know I can, but it would take too long for that piece to arrive, and I still have to paint and furnish the house. Time passes quickly.”

"Hmmm," I say, taking the phone and calling Leroy, my trusted plumber. I turn on the speakerphone.

"Good morning, Charlie," he replies in a sleepy voice.

"Good morning, Leroy. How are you?"

“Charlie, it's seven am. How do you think I am? I'm good, as always.”

"I'm happy to hear that. Listen, I called you because I need a favor, a huge favor."

"Go ahead."

“A friend of mine has a problem with a hose in the kitchen. Could you take care of it? Today? Like this morning?"

"I can take a look but I have an appointment at nine, so..."

“Perfect. It's a small thing. You'll get it done in no time. See you at his place. I'll send you the address.”

He bursts out laughing while Dylan looks at me in shock.

"Woman, you're slaying me!" Leroy complains.

“I know, but you love me. Please, please, please!"

"Okay, send me the address."

"You’re fantastic, Leroy."

"Yeah, yeah, I know,” he says, ending the call.

I push my phone toward Dylan, who gapes at me.

“You know how to write a message, right? Send him your address.”

"Wow, your persuasion tactics are great,” he says, shaking his head. "Thank you, I owe you one."

"Nah, that's okay,” I say, rinsing my cup of coffee. I hear his footsteps behind me and my heart rate begins to soar. I feel his fingers brush my shoulder and I close my eyes, inhaling. I think my heart has stopped for a moment.

"This tattoo is beautiful."

"Thank you," I answered, taking his cup.

"Does it have a particular meaning?"

"Yep,” I say, moving away from him. His scent is intoxicating me and I need to be lucid, but he has noticed my reaction.

"Okay, I'm sorry ... I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable," he says as he moves away. “I'd better go. Thanks for the coffee.”

"Wait, give me ten minutes and I'll give you a lift, or do you have your car here?"

"No, I jogged here. Charlotte, I've bothered you enough for today."

"It’s no trouble." We leave the kitchen and I walk him into the living room. "If you want breakfast, everything is ready in there. I'll be right back,” I say to him, pointing to the dining room where my guests usually eat.

"No need, but thanks for the offer,” he says and I go to my room.

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