Page 34 of Enchanting the Elf
“Again, it pains me to say that I am unsure of the duration of this bond. But it will be best for you to prepare for a lengthy stay,” I explain carefully.
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No, thank you.”Why would she ask that?“I have been working on my research for years, and this fall, I will present my findings to the top scholars in the supernatural community. I am very much behind schedule as I had put my preparations aside while dealing with the bonds. From tomorrow, I will return to my studies.”
“Oh! That sounds really important. What’s your project about?”
“I prefer not to say.”Especially since you are having an effect on it and could possibly alter my findings, but I will never admit that to anyone.
“I understand. You have a right to your privacy.” Florence smiles, though the sincerity of her expression is undermined by the flash of what could either be disappointment or perhaps hurt in her eyes. I am very well acquainted with a look of disappointment, however, I am not so familiar with hurt. I willgrant Florence her privacy, just as she respects mine, and not read her emotions.
The cat stands on her lap and rearranges its body to plop down heavily again, causing Florence to gasp.
“If the cat is bothering you then just put it on the floor, or let it outside so it can go back to Alberad.”
Florence’s hands shoot out to the cat and cover him like a protective blanket.
“Oh no. I like him very much. He’s like my personal heated blanket.”
“Are you cold?”
“Um… not all the time, but there is a little bite in the air today.”
“Why are you not wearing something warmer, then? Put on a sweater or something,” I reason, noting for the first time the goose bumps running up her arms. I do not understand why she would choose to sit in a dainty T-shirt when she is clearly cold.
“When I packed for my trip, I was planning on summer vacation in the Caribbean. In July. I did not account for cooler weather in the middle of a forest in Germany. So forgive me for being slightly unprepared.”
The moment Florence realizes that she said all of that out loud, and with such an intriguing attitude, she folds in on herself and closes her eyes as if to hide from me. She covers her face with both hands for extra effect.
Speaking from behind her hands, her voice is muffled as she says, “I’m sorry. That was so rude of me. Please pretend you didn’t just hear me say that.”
I tamp down my amusement and don’t let a single thread of it show on my face and give her an affirmative grunt. That was incredibly endearing but she does not need to hear that.
“I will see to it that you have something warm to wear from now on. We can order you more clothing or we can send for some from your house in Kentucky. Whatever you prefer. Iwill cover the cost since you are my guest and I am already disrupting your life.”
Florence lowers her hands and bands her left arm across her chest to rub her right biceps. Her free hand goes back to the cat and strokes his ginger fur soothingly.
I wonder what it feels like to have so much physical contact with another being. Surely, it must be taxing.
“Please don’t worry about that. I do have a job and I can take care of myself.”
“Except when it comes to staying warm. Or feeding yourself,” I point out.
Why am I such an asshole? Did I have to be so brusque? Do I want her to hate me?Her inability to take proper care of herself bothers me for reasons that I do not have the time to examine.
Florence’s hand stills and she looks at me with a reserved smile.
“I plan to be better about it now that Sir Purrington will be staying with us. I thought it’s only right that I make myself comfortable in the kitchen, like this morning, so that I can take care of him as well as myself without bothering you anymore than strictly necessary. I will also not presume to think you would needmyhelp.”
“I—”
“But if you do—with anything, at all—please know that you can ask me.” The warmth in Florence’s voice and the earnestness shining through her eyes take me aback.
“Thank you. I do not deserve your kindness,” I admit, knowing I have not done enough for her, have not been good enough to her. Never will be.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to say you don’t deserve it, but you’re getting it anyway.”
Then, she winks at me.
