Page 29 of Anything for You
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Dove
Dorian stood on my doorstep at six o’clock that night, a few hours after I’d dropped my nerdy little letter on his doorstep just in time to be found out by his BFFs.Rude.But also… they’d been having tea?
Had I ever wanted something more than to have tea with Dorian and Bear? If I had, I couldn’t recall what it was or when such a desire had hit me. I could practically taste it, like one of those old Listerine strips that slowly and creepily dissolved on your tongue.
“Hi.”
Yes, yes, my voice had come out all breathy and high, but I’d been lounging, moving in slow motion as I’d gotten out of the shower, having dried my hair in the buff, and consequently I’d had to scramble to get clothes on before I could answer the door.
“Hi. Am I interrupting?” His gaze slid behind me.
“No. That’s just an audiobook.” I cringed, hoping he wouldn’t hear anything too steamy because in my haste to dress, I hadn’t paused it.
He did his not-quite-a-smile look and handed me an envelope.
I made no attempt to hide my pleased grin. “Why, thank you. That’s quality turnaround time, there.”
He dipped his head, almost like an old-timey bow.
My heart, a little Victorian-era lady complete with gown and gloved hands, swooned.
“I wanted to say I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye before I left Beast and Pop’s. I struggle a bit with how long to stay and how to know when to leave. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to see you again…” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I came to see if you’re available tomorrow for tea. If you work, maybe another day?”
He swallowed, and I noticed he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Was he nervous? Was it possible I made this giant, sweet man nervous like he did me?Cue the lady absolutely draped over a velvet settee in some ornate sitting room.
“I’m off.Finally.And I would absolutely and completely and totally love to come to tea tomorrow. What time? What can I bring? What should I wear?” I held back from dancing a jig right there, though I’d never actually learned how, so probably best not to attempt and injure him or me.
“No need to bring anything or wear anything particular. Let’s say three o’clock?” He stepped back, the lines around his eyes giving them a fine, soft appearance.
Good grief, he was just so… unexpected. Cute and boyish were words I never would’ve dreamed of associating with the man, but right now, he embodied them.
“See you then,” I said, almost giggling with delight as he jogged back home, and I reluctantly turned back to my empty cabin.
Then I remembered his letter and opened it right there, gobbling down each word with a giddy feeling swooping around in my belly. He’d made everything he’d given me—of course he had, and yet knowing it for certain sent another thrill through me.
He was even a little playful. And he said he’d tell me why he disappeared, which he did before I even read the note. The man had follow-through, that was for certain!
And most of all, he’d known I’d say yes to tea… a little cocky, almost, and that shouldn’t have charmed me, but it did. “And if I may be so bold, for accepting my invitation to tea.”
Well played, Sir Dorian. Well played.
Though honestly, was there a scenario in which I didn’t say yes immediately? Clearly not.
My audiobook cut off, and the too-loud ring of my phone sent me scampering for the device. Few people called me, so this had to be work or Silverton Springs.
“Unknown” flashed on the screen, and before I thought better of it and let it go to voicemail, I answered. “Hello?”
“Dove?”
I froze.
“Dove?”
My heart jumpstarted and I summoned one word. “Hawk?”
