Scorching Heat Down South

Chapter 14

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The following afternoon Levi dropped Lauren off at Claire's house. He hadn't said anything to her, had hardly even looked at her and she'd become even more confused than before. He'd mumbled a quick, "I'll be back later to pick her up." and had instantly left. It was as if what had happened in his office hadn't happened at all, when it had just about been the best thing to ever happen to her. She still felt goosebumps on her skin when she thought of all the shocking and awfully wonderful things he'd done to her.

She supposed he wanted her, that much was clear. What she was unsure about was how he actually felt about her, she didn't know if he even liked her. She knew how she felt about him but little good that did her. Claire hadn't been able to sleep the previous night. Tossing and turning, her body aching for the relief only he could give her.

"Wow. Look at all those pretty flowers." Lauren said when Claire ushered her inside. Claire loved her flowers, they made her house more beautiful and filled the air with a sweet fragrant scent.

"You have cat!" Lauren excitedly said when she saw Charlie relaxing as he usually did on her couch.

"May I pat him?"

"Of course, he's very friendly." She said gently caressing Lauren's head.

Lauren picked the cat up and stroked him. His deep purrs of pleasure making the little girl very happy.

"He's so fluffy." She commented.

"He likes you."

Lauren looked up at her, "How do you know?"

Claire smiled, "He only purrs for people he likes." Lauren smiled in return and hugged Charlie.

"Are you ready for those yummy cookies I promised you." Claire asked and headed towards the kitchen with Lauren right on her heels.

"Yes please."

They had fun while they played music and baked cookies. Lauren was a great little helper and very conscientious, diligently following Claire's instructions. When they finished, while the cookies were cooling down they went outside to her garden to harvest some vegetables. She had a medium sized garden and kept it mostly because she enjoyed gardening but the veggies were a definite plus. She had beets, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, some peppers, kale and spinach. And a different range of herbs such as parsley and oregano.

"We don't have a garden at home. I wish we had one." Lauren said as she uprooted some carrots.

Before Claire could respond she noticed Sally in a long purple and white dress coming towards them. Claire wondered again how it was that Sally who was in her mid seventies still had a head full of hair. It was grey of course but still so thick and full.

"Hi Sally." Claire greeted her, using a hand to shield her eyes from the sun.

"What are y'all doing out here in this blasted heat." Sally inquired.

It really was hot, Claire had thought about hustling Lauren back into the house but Lauren had seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the gardening experience.

Claire smiled, "Sally this is Lauren. Levi Pierce's daughter. I don't know if you know him."

Sally rested her hands on her waist and looked from Claire then to Lauren then back to Claire again. "Oh I know who he is alright."

Claire smiled at the questions she could see burning in Sally's eyes. "Lauren is my neighbour Mrs Boone. But you can call her Sally she doesn't mind."

Sally harrumphed, "Old as I am, can't get any respect around here."