BURNING DESIRE

Chapter 16

The sun shone high in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the quaint street where Jake had directed us. Taylor and I stepped out of his car, our laughter mingling with the gentle breeze that rustled through the trees lining the road. "You ready for this?" he asked, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he clutched two bottles of wine and a six-pack of craft beer.  "Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my heart fluttering with anticipation. This was no ordinary visit; it was an opportunity to step into Lewis's world.  We approached the charming bungalow nestled among vibrant flower beds and white picket fences. The inviting aroma of freshly light BBQ wafted through the air, wrapping around us like a warm embrace. Taylor knocked on the door, and my breath hitched when it swung open to reveal a woman a vision of warmth and grace herself.

"Oh my gosh! You both actually came!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a delightful shade of pink. Her enthusiasm radiated from her like sunlight breaking through clouds.

" It's lovely to meet you." I managed to say as her excitement enveloped me and pulled me into a hug.

"Lewis! Your special guests are here!" she called over her shoulder before ushering us inside with an urgency that felt almost familial.   The interior was cosy yet elegant—soft hues adorned every wall, and framed photographs filled every corner telling stories of love and laughter. At that moment, I felt an undeniable connection not only to Lewis but also to his life painted vividly in front of me.

"There is my handsome man!" Grace beamed proudly as Lewis emerged from what appeared to be a small kitchen where he had been helping prepare snacks.  "Mum please don't embarrass me," he said sheepishly, his face turning crimson at her affectionate proclamation. But even amidst his embarrassment was a sparkle in his eyes—a warmth that made my heart skip a beat.  "Winter! I didn't think you could make it!" His grin widened upon seeing me—the kind of smile that ignites sparks within one's soul.

Grace turned toward me then with genuine curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "It's lovely to meet you Mrs. Mitchell—and to answer your question Lewis Jimmy flew in yesterday from Miami; he is here for a week or so and has taken Oliver out for the day instead."  A flicker of intrigue crossed Grace's features before Taylor chimed in playfully: "I have to ask Mrs Mitchell—are you really Lewis and Jack's mum? You don't look a day over thirty." He winked cheekily at her while stifling laughter.  I rolled my eyes good-naturedly at him while Grace chuckled warmly at Taylor's compliment. "Oh please—I know I look old but it's nice of you to say! And please call me Grace." Her voice carried an air familiar enough that it instantly put any lingering nerves at ease.

Sitting in the garden, I took a sip from my glass—a deep crimson Merlot that tasted like velvet—and tried to focus on Grace's chatter

Suddenly, footsteps echoed out into the garden from the house,  leading toward us. I turned my head just as Jack stepped into view. He looked dishevelled yet charmingly carefree, his tousled hair catching glimmers of sunlight. But it wasn't him who caught my attention; it was the woman beside him.

She appeared almost ethereal—her long dark hair cascading down her shoulders like an ink waterfall—and there was something unsettling about her presence that sent shivers racing down my spine. As they approached, she broke away from Jack and sprinted toward Lewis—who stood frozen by a rosebush—as if she were drawn by some magnetic force.  "Have you missed me, baby? I've missed you!" Lola squealed before throwing her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his lips with reckless abandon.  I felt Grace tense beside me; we exchanged glances laced with confusion and concern. Lewis's face morphed from shock to stern disbelief as he pushed Lola away gently but firmly.  "What are you doing here, Lola?" His voice was calm but held an edge that sliced through the warm evening air.  "Hey! That's no way to talk to your girlfriend!" she pouted dramatically while batting her lashes in feigned innocence—a performance that didn't fool anyone watching.