Page 54 of Up in a Blaze

“Sorry I’m late.” She glanced down, and her eyes widened. “Yes. Do that. It’s wicked.” She pointed at the biker and biker babe outfits.

Smiling, I pulled my phone out for notes. “Perfect. I’ll write down these ones as a definite. Any other suggestions?”

“What about fantasy?” Wrenley asked. “Vampires, prince and princess. Elves.”

I gasped and pointed at her. “Oui, I love that idea.” As I went to add it to my notes, my phone rang, but the screen lit up with a number I didn’t recognize.

Brows furrowed, I answered, “Bonjour?”

“H-hi, um, Henri.” The soft tone had me straightening.

“Sawyer, is everything all right?”

“Blaze,” I heard Torch call.

Sawyer made a noise. “Sorry. I’m really sorry to call.”

“Chéri, I told you to reach out to me at any time. What can I help with?” A large hand pressed down on my shoulder, my beautiful beast showing me his support.

“I… I don’t know anyone else.” He made a frustrated sound. “My neighbor, Miss Cora, she usually looks after my brother when I work, but she’s sick with the flu.”

“Can’t you take the night off, chéri?”

“No! I mean, no, sorry, I can’t.” He needed the money. He made a good wage, so where was it all going if he was desperate to work?

“What do you need from me, Sawyer?”

He sighed. “Do you think they would let me bring him into work?”

“How old is he?”

“Eleven. He’s really quiet and polite and good but shy with new people.”

“Chéri, I doubt they will allow a boy his age into the building. What about one of the old ladies from the club? I am sure one of them can help.” Courtney was already nodding and at least she had two children herself. Younger than the brother, but that didn’t matter.

“I-I don’t know them.”

He knew me. He trusted me. He wanted me to look after his brother, but he was worried to ask, knowing I worked his hours too.

My chest warmed. I wanted to help him. After all, he had come to me, even when he probably hadn’t wanted to reach out.

“Sawyer, give me one moment please.”

“Um, okay?”

I took my phone away and muted the call. “Mon amour, I would like to help Sawyer by babysitting his brother for him tonight, but I need someone to cover my shift.”

Blaze grunted and pulled his phone out. He stepped away while he made a call.

“Torch, since Sawyer said his brother was shy, I think the compound would overwhelm him. Do you think Death could add my house to his schedule tonight and have the security firm do drive-bys? I know, even with the cameras inside my house, Blaze would be more at ease if that could happen while he’s at work.”

“I’ll talk to Death,” Torch said. He kissed Wrenley’s temple before he too moved over to the table where Death was still with Quake.

Lifting the phone, I unmuted the call and rested it to my ear. “I am back. We are waiting to hear if I can be replaced tonight and then I will take care of your little brother.”

“Henri—”

“Non, chéri. It is not set yet, but please do not argue with me over my offering. I would very much like the night off and to spend it in the company of your brother. Let me help if I am able. Please.”