[b]

Boulders.[/b]

It was just beginning to drizzle when Ashley turned onto my street. Up until that moment, I’d had no doubt that she’d be staying with me while I spent a few interim hours in the real world.

And then I saw the black car, a weathered Ford, parked in Paula’s driveway, and heard Ashley mutter something unintelligible in a low, harsh voice.

Leaning away from the rain under the shallow front porch, Conchita Cree stood behind her next to her mother holding her elbow. Eldora’s face was impassive as stone as Ashley parked my car against the curb. Conchita stared down, her expression mortified.

Ashley’s low voice was furious. "This is crossing the line."

"She came to warn Paula?" I guessed, more horrified than angry.

Ashley just nodded, answering Eldora’s glossy gaze through the rain with narrowed eyes.

Damn, who knew a blind woman had a death glare?

Beats me, yo.

I felt weak with relief that Paula and Ben weren’t home yet.

"Let me deal with this," I suggested. Ashley’s black glare made me anxious.

To my surprise, she agreed. "That’s probably best. Be careful, though. The child has no idea."

I bridled a little at the word child. "Conchita is not that much younger

than I am," I reminded her.

It was entirely true. 

Barely even a year. 

She looked at me then, her anger abruptly fading. "Oh, I know," she assured me with a grin.

Great.

I’m dating an old pedophile. 

A hot, old, toned….

Damn, this underage thing is sorta hot. 

Maybe we can do a little teacher student role pay…

Oh!

Right!

Crisis on the doorstep. 

Snap outta it, Spence.

I sighed and put my hand on the door handle.

"Get them inside," she instructed, "so I can leave. I’ll be back around dusk."

"Do you want my car?" I offered, meanwhile wondering how I would explain its absence to Paula.

She’s the type to ask.

She rolled her eyes. "I could walk home faster than this car moves."

"You don’t have to leave," I said wistfully.