Immaculate

Shopping with Mr Blackbourne

Part Sixty-Eight

Sang's POV

I loved Mr Blackbourne's car. It was slightly different from Victor's in the inside detailing, but they were both very comfortable and quiet. I had to listen very carefully to hear if the engine was running.

"Are you warm enough, Miss Sorenson?"

We were at a red light and I saw him look at me sideways.

"Yes, thank you," I told him, watching out of the window as a man came towards us with a bucket and mop.

The locks slid closed on the door and Mr Blackbourne waved him away sharply. He carried onto the car behind us.

"What did he want?" I asked, turning in my seat to watch him. He was sent even further down the line. I felt the car move forwards and I lost sight of him.

"They attempt to clean your windows for an exorbitant amount of money and leave nothing but smears and dirt."

"Is he homeless?" I asked him, as I turned around and faced the front again.

"I very much doubt it," he said and took a left turn. He was a very confident driver and I admired the way he handled the car.

"Do you think I could learn?" I asked him and he looked at me quickly.

"Learn what?"

"Oh, sorry, I mean to drive. I was watching you drive, you're a very good driver, Mr Blackbourne."

"Thank you, Miss Sorenson." I saw his lips twitch. "Eventually we would like for you to learn to drive, but at the moment it would prove difficult. You have not held a beginner's permit, nor have you completed Driver's Ed so you can't apply for a provisional license as Gabriel is now doing. The most we could hope to get for you would be a learner's permit, but it would be useless."

"Why?" I didn't know the laws around driving.

"Because you cannot drive unless you have a passenger who is over 21 with you. You will need to wait until one of us can sit with you."

"Oh. Would I be able to complete the Driver's Ed?" I asked him.

"Ashley Waters don't run a Driver's Ed school. There are private companies in Charleston who charge for the course," he murmured and I had the distinct impression that although he was telling me about it, he didn't want me doing any more than asking at the moment. I decided to call him on it.

"But you don't want me doing it just yet, do you," I said and he sent me a sideways look.

"No, not yet, Miss Sorenson. It would be more advisable to take the Driver's Ed when you are in a position to apply for a provisional."

That made sense and I nodded, although I had a feeling there was a little more to it that he wasn't saying.

"There are a few things I would like to discuss with you," he said and I looked at him quickly, his tone of voice had sharpened and I recognised his tone of authority creeping in.

"Of course," I said, he made another turn and I realised we were not heading towards the mall, but I waited before I said anything.

"Firstly, I know Gabriel has told you that we need to get you some clothes for winter,"

"I don't...."

"You do. Please be quiet and listen, Miss Sorenson," he said and sent me a mock stern look that made me bite back a giggle.

"I beg your pardon," I said demurely. "Please continue."

"Thank you. You need warmer clothes. I am well aware that coming from the Arctic wastes of Illinois, our weather seems warmer than you are used to," he said smoothly and I was unable to stop the giggle.