Chapter 6 #2
Whatever, it’s disturbingly attractive. Who knew I had a secret fantasy about being ravished by a blacksmith?
“You can borrow my car if you want,” Daniel offers, sliding into a chair at the table. “Just let me know when you need it.”
I don’t know what to say. That’s really nice of him. “Uh, thanks. But I actually don’t have a license. I don’t know how to drive.”
He shrugs. “I can give you a ride, then.”
Oh my god, why is he so nice? Floundering, I look to Ewan for help. He’s frowning at me.
“How come you can’t drive?” he asks like an asshole.
I glare at him, then remember my professionalism.
“Mostly because of ghosts. I would react a lot to people who weren’t really there, and that made my driving erratic.
There are a lot of ghosts in urban and suburban areas, and it was just safer for me not to drive.
It wasn’t a big deal in Chicago, with all the transit available. ”
“I can teach you to drive,” he offers, then seems surprised by it.
“I… um. Really?” I want to say no, because distance is key, but I also really want to learn to drive.
He shrugs. “Sure. There’s lots of room to do it here on the estate, and we’ll tell the ghosts to keep clear until you’re confident. Then you can apply for a permit and we can go out on some of the quieter roads. Are there many ghosts around here?”
I shake my head, still a little dazed by the idea that I could finally learn to drive. Even if it would be Ewan teaching me. “No. That’s part of why I was so keen to get this job.”
“Think about it. There’s no rush to decide. In the meantime, I’m going grocery shopping late this afternoon, after I’m done in the smithy. You’re welcome to come with me.”
Oh my god, I don’t think I can handle this.
I’m going to have to shred my pride and just accept that whatever they’ve got going on seemingly has nothing to do with me.
My night with Ewan is in the past and we’re all just going to forget about it.
I have to, because I think these guys would make good friends.
But it’s just so weird.
“Thanks,” I croak. “That would be great.”
Ewan smiles at me and then asks Daniel if the shopping list on the fridge is up-to-date, and they chat about domestic stuff for a few minutes while I try to get my head around the whole complicated situation.
“Are you still good to settle the animals tonight so I can go out with Leanne?” Daniel asks, putting his empty coffee cup on the table.
“Sure. Things are getting pretty serious between you two. How many dates is this?”
“Seven or nine. It depends when you started counting.” He shrugs. “But I think she’s just using me to pass the time. She’s saving to move to California. Wants to be a beach girl, whatever that means.”
“You seem so heartbroken about being used,” Ewan teases, and he laughs.
“I’m not the commitment type. A woman who wants to use me for sex and company until she gets a better option is basically my dream come true.”
I bump the table in my shock, and my cup tips, spilling the last of my coffee.
I swear and grab some napkins to mop it up, trying to make sense of this new information.
Daniel’s dating a woman, which, if they have an open relationship makes sort of sense, but he’s not the commitment type?
Who would say that to their live-in partner?
Unless I’ve got it wrong?
“Damn, bet you’re sad about that. Want some more? I’m going to get a refill,” Daniel offers.
“Please,” I beg, head spinning, and he laughs as he snags my mug and strolls out.
“Do you need some more napkins? I think there’s some in one of the cupboards.” Ewan glances at the sodden mess in my hand, and his eyes linger. Is he staring at my green nails?
“No, I’m good. There wasn’t that much left.”
Awkward silence descends.
This is my chance to try to understand what their deal is. All I need to do is ask, right?
Too bad I can’t think of a good way to bring it up.
Words would be a good start. Any words. Hellooooo, words?
Nope.
So we sit. In awkward silence. While Ewan sips the dregs of his coffee and I desperately wish I had some. Caffeine makes the brain work, right?
I have to say something. Our working relationship can’t continue this way.
“Are you—”
“Can you—”
We both stop. Whaddaya know, just when I thought things couldn’t get more awkward… they did.
“You go,” he offers.
I swallow. “Ah, thanks. I was just, um, wondering if… if you… could tell me about your house!” It’s perfect! Maybe he’ll drop a clue to tell me what their living situation actually is.
“Sure,” he agrees, although he seems surprised. “I hate to disappoint you, but it’s just a house. Although if you’re interested in the historic aspect, that’s pretty cool. You should get Carter to give you a tour.” He pauses. “Have you met Carter yet?”
“Last night,” I say. “The ghosts came over to get to know me.” My tone is dry, and he grins.
“Well, he knows everything there is to know about the house. He used to live there, when he was alive.”
“Oh. He did?”
He nods enthusiastically. “Yeah. That’s why he mostly haunts there. I’m kind of lucky, because he prefers Daniel’s room, but that doesn’t stop him from peeking into mine.” He stops suddenly, and I really wish I knew what it was he was going to say.
But he’s given away plenty already. I guess I might be the dumbass in this situation… but I need to be sure. “So, uh, you, uh… you and Daniel have separate rooms?”
It takes him a minute to understand what I’m saying, and when the penny—and his jaw—finally drops, we’re interrupted by Daniel walking back in, balancing three mugs in his hands.
“Here we go! Ewan, I got you another one too.” He studies him. “What’s wrong with your face?”
“I… swallowed a bug.”
“Well, you do like protein for breakfast.”
Oh my god, what does that mean? Is it the kind of dumb thing friends and roommates say to each other, or is it a cutesy cum joke between boyfriends?
“Coffee will wash it down.” Daniel passes Ewan a mug. “And if not, well, you still need coffee. I know what it takes to get you up in the morning.”
And that! Was that an innocent comment on Ewan liking to sleep in, or a double entendre about what Daniel does to get Ewan “up”?
“Thanks,” Ewan croaks, shooting me a wide-eyed look.
“I’m going to head out and see if there are any snails in my lettuce,” Daniel says, lifting his mug in salute. “See you both later.”
Finally, he leaves.