Page 32 of Ms Perfectly Fine
“For watering your plants and accepting your furry friend.”
Elijah looked at Brinkley, who was now following her. “Thank you. I’ll keep my door open so she can come and go.”
She thought of the drawing she had found. She wanted to ask about it, but then he would know she had been in his things. “Thank you,” she said. “Wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” He closed the door. Brinkley barked.
Is he serious?Her eyes widened at the audacity. “Keep the dooropen!” She wondered if he was getting revenge for their early misunderstanding. She’d apologised, so she didn’t know why he was being petty.
“Autumn, I don’t have time to fight. One night of peace from you would be greatly appreciated,” Elijah said, opening the door again.
“I’m not saying you can’t work. Your dog keeps barking—just keep the door open like you said you would,” she insisted. His mood was giving her whiplash.
“She’s a dog. She’ll bark when she wants, whether the door is open or closed,” Elijah said.
“Are you thick? You just said you would leave it open because she’s trying to get in to you. I have rehearsal in the morning, I need to sleep!”
“I’ll keep the door closed, otherwise, you’ll hear me working.”
She noticed a soft smile form on his lips as he looked up at her.Again with that damn smile. He’s enjoying this!
“You’re doing this on purpose,” she accused him.
Brinkley barked again as her voice rose. Elijah winked, closing the door.
“Why is your owner so unreasonable?” Autumn asked while Brinkley circled her. She considered knocking at the door again, then glanced at the piano in the kitchen. “Fine. If he’s working, I’ll work too.”
She opened the lid of the piano and patted the seat. Brinkley got the message, jumping up beside her for a quick snuggle.
“I think we are going to be great friends,” Autumn told her.
Brinkley kept her nose close to the keys, watching as her hands worked effortlessly across the keys. For the first time in a while, she was playingandhappy about it.
After a few minutes, Brinkley began to howl, trying to join in. Elijah’s curses rang through the house as the terrible sound echoed.
“Autumn!” Elijah stood at the door, tensed shoulders telling of his irritation.
“Sorry! Can’t hear you,” she shouted, playing louder. Brinkley tried to follow. Elijah winced as the high note pierced his ears, coming into the room.
“I’m working, and you’re upsetting Brinkley!”
“‘She’s a dog, she’ll bark when she wants,’” she quoted him, pausing, and Brinkley placed her head on her lap. “I was so inspired by your work ethic that I decided to practise. Thank you for the motivation.”
She turned back ‘round to play, but Elijah braced his hands on the keys on either side of her. Brinkley hopped off her chair. She was trapped, his hard gaze boring into her.
“Don’t make me toss you over my shoulder,” he whispered against her ear, “again.”
She swallowed.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she breathed. Her heart was hammering in her chest.
His cheek nearly met hers. “Try me. Maybe you like the feel of your body against mine?”
She went to speak, but no sound came out.
Elijah’s sudden gasp broke the tension, and Autumn realised that Brinkley had gripped his trousers in her mouth, pulling him away. Autumn sprang to her feet before he could get close again. Brinkley released her owner once Autumn was clear and sat at her feet.
Elijah frowned at his dog. “Traitor,” he mouthed.
