Where the Path Leads
an Up in Flames Short Story
Written by Asrai Devin
Published by Asrai Devin at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Asrai Devin
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Discover other titles by Asrai Devin at Smashwords.com
Second Chance Romance Book One Up in Flames Series
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2340
Summer Fling - Book Two Up in Flames Series
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/3117
Complications Over Coffee - Book Three Up In Flames Series
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/44645
Colours of the Rain short story
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/14492
Nicole put her keys on the hook and her shoes in the closet. "Hey guys I'm home."
It was her last workday before spring break. She had taken the week off for two reasons. First because the school break meant her wage would mainly go to child care. And second, she promised to have Colton stay during Mandy's impending labour.
"We're playing video games," Corey called from the living room.
"I already knew that." When she got to the top step Jessa wrapped her tiny body around her mother's leg "Mommy I missed you."
Nicole picked her up. "I missed you too. But we have a whole week together."
"Like old times."
She laughed and buried her face in her daughter's neck. "Like old times." She let Jessa slide to the floor. "And how are my boys?"
Tanner eyes remained on the screen. He was busy on a quest of some sort. Corey turned. "Well, I own a house as of today."
"You do, indeed." She made a mock squeal as he grabbed her. "Oh, will you be a tyrant as a Landlord?"
"Terrible. I shall chain you in the basement."
Jessa's gasp drew their attention. "You'd hurt Mommy?"
Corey picked the girl up. "We're joking sweetheart. I would never do anything to hurt your mom or brother or you. Not even if you held me down and tickled me until I peed my pants."
Jessa giggled at the thought. "Oh. Okay."
Corey set her down and kissed Nicole. "I did all the supper things you told me to do."
"Oh, you're amazing. Thank you."
"You were working hard all day."
"You worked too."
"Yahuh, skating was so hard on me."
Nicole pushed him. "Great. I just need to throw together a quick salad."
"I will come with you becuase I need to talk to you. And if I do it now, you will yell less."
In the kitchen Nicole pulled the knife and cutting board out. She started chopping carrots. "Why are you afraid I'll yell at you?"
"Put the knife away and I'll tell you."
"I'd only use it to get you on the floor so I can tickle you to til you wet yourself. I know people who would pay to see the pictures.”
“Very funny. You promise not to get upset?”
“Are you afraid of me? I mean you own the house so you can kick me out if I get out of line."
"That's the point. I had my lawyer draw up a contract so we jointly own the house. In the event— well, you know. I don't want to take your home from you."
"Corey, I'm not signing anything that says I get half the house." She put down the knife and looked at him.
He shook his head. She threw the chopped carrots into the bowl and went for the tomatoes.
"Nicole, it's not negotiable. The house is yours."
"No, it's yours. You bought it, check the deed. Unless-" She stopped halfway into a tomatoe. She shook her head and went back to sawing the soft fruit. "Never mind."
"Unless what?"
"You won't agree. Never mind."
"I can't if you don't tell me."
"Okay, I'll buy half the house."
"With what?"
"My proceeds of the sale. I mean, after I pay back my parents for the lawyer fees and less my commission. I'll pay the balance of the price in installments."