Chapter Eighteen

Callum

"Callum Ellis! Don't you go to jail behind some woman!"

I sat beside my niece at Bella's kitchen table as she watched cartoons on her tablet. She insisted I watch with her while her mother cooked. It wasn't doing me any good because she had her headphones on, so I couldn't hear the show if I tried.

"I'm not going to jail."

"If you keep putting your hands on that man, that's exactly where you will be. I don't want to have to bail you out."

"But you would."

"Of course, I would. I wouldn't let you sit in jail. You're too pretty for that."

I rolled my eyes. Three weeks had gone by since the incident in town. My friendship with Pasha was making strides. She'd finally texted me to give me her number a few days after our impromptu hangout in town. We texted back and forth sparingly, but since seeing her at the cemetery, it had become a daily thing.

We'd been talking about twenty minutes ago when Bella's nosy self looked over my shoulder. She just had to know who I was talking to, which made me smile. I gave her the rundown on my budding friendship, and while she didn't object to me putting hands on Raymond Sinclair, she knew my temper.

"Are you sure you want to get involved with a married woman, Callum? I mean, isn't that like one of the Ten Commandments?"

I sighed. "It is, but hell, he did it first. And technically, she's just my friend."

"A friend you are clearly attracted to."

"Yes, I'm attracted to her. But I'm not doing anything wrong. At least I don't feel like it. I'm acting within the friend capacity."

"For the next month. When she's single, I feel like you will make a move."

I shrugged. I hadn't decided if I was going to put myself out there like that just yet. I wanted her to tell me she wanted more. I told her I was on her time, and I meant that. I'd move however she moved.

"Well, what does she look like?" Bella asked.

I knew she couldn't resist looking for more details. I went to my camera roll to the one picture I'd snuck of Pasha when we were in town. Standing from the table, I went over to show her.

"Oh my! She's gorgeous!"

"She is."

"I don't see this staying a friendship too long. I know you."

"Why does everybody keep saying that? First, Chris, then Malcolm, and now you. Am I that predictable?"

She giggled as she opened the fridge. "You are, dear brother. It's okay, though. It just means people can expect you to be exactly who you are. No surprises, no gimmicks."

She rummaged through the fridge. A frown appeared on her face.

"Shoot. I need heavy cream. Would you mind running to the grocery store around the corner for me?"

"How do you invite me to eat, then send me on errands?" I jested.

"Because if you want this food, you'll go."

I chuckled. "I'm going, I'm going."

I headed out of the kitchen and to the front door.

"Bring back something sweet for dessert too! Ooooh, and some wine!"

"I got you!"

Just as I opened the door, I ran smack into Martin.

"Whoa, there!" he said, dapping me. "Where you running to? I know you aren't leaving before the food is done."

"Never that. Your wife is sending me to the grocery store. I'll be back shortly."

He nodded and continued into the house. As I was leaving, I caught a glimpse of both my sister and my niece going to greet him. I smiled softly. I could only imagine what it felt like to come home to that every day. As kids, we greeted my father the same way. Every day, he came home to hugs, smiles, and kisses from us and our mother. He always said no matter what kind of day he was having, coming home to a warm welcome made all of it worth it.

I made it to the store in five minutes flat. Climbing out of the truck, I headed inside and got a basket with my mental list. I quickly grabbed everything Bella asked for and approached the register. As I was rounding the corner, I collided with someone, damn near knocking them down.

"I'm so sorry, I... Pasha?"

She looked up at me, rubbing the arm that had rammed into my chest.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going. I didn't think I would run into a human wall," she added with a smile.

I chuckled. "I apologize. Are you okay?"

"I don't think you knocked anything out of place."

"Good. I'd never forgive myself if I hurt you."

"How are you?"

"I'm good. When you said you worked at a grocery store, I didn't know it was this one."

"Yeah... I'm just about to get off."

"Oh? Do you have any plans?"

"Other than finding me something to eat, no."

"Would you like to have dinner with my family?"

"Oh... Callum, I don't know. I would hate to impose."

"It's no imposition. I haven't seen you in a while, and I'd love to catch up."

She hesitated for a moment. "Well... only if it's okay with your sister."

I shot Bella a quick message, and she immediately responded with eye emojis but told me to bring her.

"It's all good. I'm gonna check out, and then I'll pull my truck up to the door. I'm sorry, did you need a ride?"

"Yes. Avyn is working a double, so I was going to Uber home. Thank you. I'm just gonna go clock out, and I'll meet you."

"Sounds like a plan."

We parted ways, and I headed to the register. Since it was almost closing time, there weren't many people there. I got through the small line rather quickly and returned to my truck. When I pulled around to the front door, Pasha was walking out. She quickly hopped in, buckled up, and we returned to the house.

"How was your day?" I inquired.

"Considering I work with a bunch of teenagers on the weekend, it was okay. Most of them are pretty responsible. They like to ask me what I know about certain music and celebrities they're into. And they like teaching me dances they've learned online." She giggled as she shook her head. "I'm not sure how old they think I am, but they seem like okay kids."

"My niece loves to dance. She's begging my sister to sign her up for it."

"Can she dance?"

"Surprisingly, my baby has a little rhythm. She must get it from me and her daddy because Bella is stiff."

She laughed out loud. "Don't do her like that!"

"Can you dance?" I asked.

"I'm afraid you'd find me stiff too."

"See, we have to get you up to speed. You can't be making me look bad if I ever get you in a position to dance."

She giggled. "I can do my little two-step."

"Nah, baby. You have to move your hips a little." My eyes inadvertently traveled the length of her frame. She wore these fitted khaki pants that hugged every curve in ways that made me envious. When I looked back up at her face, she shook her head, then playfully mushed me.

"Eyes on the road, sir."

"I'm paying attention," I said, my eyes still on her.

"You are no Paul Walker, and I value my life in this car."

I grinned as I refocused my eyes on the road.

"I should warn you, my niece loves people, so she will ask you a million questions. You'll be forced to be her friend by the end of the night."

"I wonder where she gets that from?"

"You got jokes? You don't like being my friend, Pasha?"

She smirked as she shrugged. "Maybe. We'll see."

"Bet."

I pulled into the driveway of my sister's home and shut off the car.

Pasha's eyes widened. "Wow... This is beautiful. What does your sister do?"

"She's an accountant. She made a partner a few months ago. Her husband is an oral surgeon. Don't be surprised if he compliments your teeth. It's his thing... Well, one of them."

"Duly noted."

We climbed out of the truck, and I grabbed the bags from the backseat. Before we reached the front door, Bella opened it with a smile.

"Hi!" she said excitedly, pulling Pasha in for a hug.

It seemed to take her by surprise, but she hugged her back.

"I'm Bella, Callum's sister. It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Pasha. It's nice to meet you too. Thank you for having me at the last minute. I told Callum I didn't want to impose."

"Oh, girl, it's okay. There's plenty to share. Now I don't have to worry about greedy here eating me out of house and home."

I rolled my eyes and mushed her forehead with my finger. "Don't act like you don't like not having to store leftovers. You see how she does me?" I said to Pasha, who simply smiled.

"You stick around long enough, and you'll see what a disposal system he is, Pasha."

"Oh, I've seen him put away cookies like it was nothing."

Bella laughed as she opened the door wider to let us in.

"You have a beautiful home," Pasha complimented as we stepped inside.

"Thank you. Precious!"

My niece came running around the corner, her head full of beads bouncing around. She stood at my sister's side, gripping her leg as she looked up at Pasha with wide eyes and a smile.

"Precious, this is Uncle Cay's friend, Ms. Pasha. Say hello."

"Hi! She's so pretty, Uncle Cay. Is she your friend friendor your girlfriend?"

Pasha giggled. "I'm just his friend. And thank you. You're so pretty yourself. I like your beads."

"Thank you. My mommy did my hair. She could do your hair like this."

I chuckled. "Baby girl, I think she's a little too old for that hairstyle."

"Huh-uh! Ms. Caresha at my school has beads on her braids." She motioned for Pasha to come close, then whispered very loudly, "Ms. Caresha thinks Uncle Cay is cute."

Pasha laughed. "Does she?"

"Precious, what have I told you about gossiping?" Bella asked, shaking her head. She looked up at me. "This is your fault for always picking her up early. Got those women lusting after you in front of my baby."

"How is it my fault that one of the teachers thinks I'm cute?"

"Because I'm sure you walk in there looking like a S.L.U.T."

Pasha stifled a laugh.

"Mommy, what's that spell?" Precious asked.

"Nothing, baby." She took the bag from me. "Pasha, would you like to help Precious and me in the kitchen?"

"Sure."

Precious grabbed her hand and pulled her away, already talking her ears off. Bella turned to me, catching me staring at Pasha as she talked away.

"She's even prettier in person. And she's thick like you like them. I saw you staring at her ass."

"Say what now?"

She playfully punched me. "Don't act dumb." Her face turned serious. "Promise me you'll be careful in this friendship, Callum. I know your heart, and I don't want you getting hurt."

"I promise I will be careful. Scout's honor."

She smirked. "You know I do have that one picture of you in your Boy Scouts uniform with those ashy-ass knees. Maybe I'll show it to her."

"Please don't make me disown you."

She laughed out loud. "Martin is in the den. Go join him, and don't come interrupting us."

"I might listen."

She playfully slapped my arm before running off. I headed into the den, where Martin was sitting nursing a beer.

"What's up, man?" I said, dapping him.

"Not much. Who is this you brought into my house?"

"A friend, man. Just a friend."

"That ain't what my wife said."

"I was gone all of fifteen minutes, and she's already gossiping with you?"

He chuckled. "You know that woman can't hold water. I'm expecting pillow talk about this tonight. If I don't get any sleep, I'm beating your ass."

"Fair enough."

He took a sip of his beer. "So? Who is she?"

"Her name is Pasha."

"And are you into this Pasha?"

"I might be, but friendship is all I can offer right now."

"Bella told me about her situation. Who's her husband?"

"Raymond Sinclaire."

"You kidding me? I know him. I work with him from time to time when I pick up shifts at the hospital. Damn, man. I didn't know he was like that. I'm definitely giving him the side eye the next time I see him."

"You can side-eye him. I might just have to put hands on him again."

"All right, Tyson."

"I got bail money."

He chuckled. "I know you do. He's not worth it, though. I can't be bringing my baby to see her favorite uncle in an orange jumpsuit."

"I would miss Precious and our middle-of-the-day uncle and niece dates."

"Right. Who else will hype her up on sweets and then drop her off to us? I'm sure she's in there vetting her potential auntie right now."

"Potential auntie?"

"You don't bring women around, Callum. If you brought her, you feel something. Even if it's soon. One thing I've learned about you is you are very sure of yourself, and you are intentional. I respect that. So, if you're bringing her around, we'll make sure to treat her like family. Come on and introduce me."

"Your wife said to stay out of her kitchen."

"I'm not afraid of my wife," he said, standing. "She's only five foot two."

I laughed as I got up to follow him into the kitchen. Bella was short, but he and I both knew she wore the pants in the family.