Blood Mates

William, Meet Arden

William was whistling as he finished up a job a town over from his home. He was in a good mood considering his ex-wife was calling and texting him again after a year of almost no contact.

William had honestly thought when she left, they’d still be the type of exes who could co-parent civilly. Co-parent, be friends, and call each other on the other’s birthday and it not be weird or awkward.

But considering the only thing between them was a failed marriage and their son, there became no need for them to talk. Jasper had his own phone and if he hadn’t blocked her, Yasmine’s calls and texts would go directly to him.

Jasper however wasn’t budging on his view of his mother. He saw her as a betrayer, a deserter and made no effort in changing his prospective.

William did too, but that was just because he was the scorned ex. He never wanted his son to not love his mom, to not want her to be a part of his life. But he couldn’t focus on that now, all he could focus on was the luck of his day…

He had been finishing installing a new window in the large reading nook of an old Victorian house. It was rustic and beautiful in charm but in need of a little tlc.

William had been called to supply a professional hand, and as he was putting the last touches, William looked up and blushed when the owner came downstairs. A widow about his age, she stood tall and willowy with long black hair and a cute button nose.

Miss. Arden Sammuels was a gorgeous woman who spoked soft and looked at him like he was dinner. And after being alone for over two years, William was shy as hell under that look. But also flattered and tinkled pink that he was even being looked at.

“Thank you for all your hard work Mr. Wynter, the work you did in my bathroom and kitchen looks fantastic, and the nook is coming together nicely.” William blushed even more, “It’s fine Miss. Sammuels.”

Giggling like a young girl, the woman’s deceitfully youthful face beamed at him, “Please, call me Arden.” William nodded in agreement, “Only if you call me William.”

Arden agreed as she watched his strong, muscular arms lift a heavy bag of tools.

Watching him casually as he worked, Arden played some music and William nodded along, “This song is good,” he said nodding to the melody playing out. Arden grinned, “It is.”

William found it hard to focus on the task at hand around Arden, she was like a goddess floating among the most unworthy candidate. When she looked over at him curiously as his heart skipped a beat, she saw no ring on his finger, and no sign of guilt in his aura.

“So tell me Mr-, I mean William,” Arden probed casually, “Family man?” William finished the final screw for the window lever to let it open and close easily, and gruffly told her, “Ugh it’s just me and my son.” And he immediately wanted to kick himself for obviously pointing out he was single for her.

But Arden loved it and as William packed up to go, cut his check. He had her number, and she wondered curiously if he’d use it for something other than business.

On his way out, William suddenly stopped and asked, “And just curious, how did you stumble across my name and number?” Arden smiled a little as she told him, “The Knight family are old friends of mine. They floated your name and number when I told them I needed some small things done. Recommended you with ten stars.”

William watched Arden check him out and then tell him teasingly, “I agree.”

William felt hot in the face as Arden looked up at him with dazzling blue eyes searing into his soul, “Why don’t you save my name and number in your phone? I’d love to get a drink if you ever catch yourself my way again.” Arden simpered as her beautiful blue eyes seemed to look him over again.  

After assuring Arden if he did, he would, William left knowing he’d be calling her tomorrow and asking her to dinner.

Or that was the plan at least. Because after smiling like a fool all the way home, William arrived and saw a familiar red car parked in the front of his house like it never left.

Walking slowly into the driveway, William went into his house and found his ex-wife and her new husband waiting on him. Yasmine was standing in the living room looking around as Davon sat on the couch ready for action if need be.

“Yasmine.” Turning around facing William, Yasmine looked at her ex-husband angry, “We need to talk.”