Page 42 of Enchanting the Elf
“Something smells amazing,” Florence says as she enters the kitchen, a wide grin adorning her face and the cat following close on her heels.
Florence walks to the table where we always enjoy dinner together and pulls out her chair.
“Don’t sit!” The words fly out of my mouth far harsher than I intended them to be and Florence’s shock is so acute that it penetrates my shields I have up against her emotions. Her shock soon morphs to hurt and her smile becomes brittle.
“Of course. I’m sorry. I can just get Sir Purrington’s dinner and then I’ll be out of your way.”
The cat ceases rubbing himself against Florence’s legs and stands completely still in front of her. His gaze is fixed on me and his tail flicks with agitation, and what I assume to be judgment too.
I put down the bowl I’m holding and scrub a hand over my face.
“Please don’t leave.” This time my voice has an edge of desperation clinging to the exasperation I feel toward myself. I don’t manage to look up at Florence, letting my head hang forward as I await her disappointment to hit me next.
It never comes, though.
A hint of curiosity pokes at me and I lift my head to find Florence staring at me with a puzzled expression. She gathersher hair and brings it over one shoulder, toying with the ends in a familiar habit.
“I have to say, I’m a little confused about what I should and shouldn’t do at this moment,” Florence finally says after an awkward stretch of silence.
I take a deep breath in and release it, along with my tension, on a slow breath out.
“I prepared a dinner setting for us on theTerrasse—the back patio.”
Florence’s relief and excitement hit me. Somehow my shields had stayed down when her shock slammed into me, and I quickly put them back in place in order for me to respect her privacy. I do not want to inadvertently take advantage of emotions she has not readily shared with me.
“That sounds absolutely lovely. How can I help?” Florence asks me as a radiant smile beams from her, our misunderstanding already a thing of the past.
I admire that particular quality in Florence so much. Her ability to take a negative and discard it so easily. To assume the best of a person, even when he has proven he is selfish and self-absorbed. She is so resilient and thus far I have not appreciated her sacrifice for living with me for such an extended period.
“Please. If you could perhaps grab the wine and the glasses, then I’ll take care of the rest.”
Florence steps forward and collects her items before silently returning to her position, waiting for me to provide further instructions.
I gather everything onto a tray and lead the way to theTerrasse, an odd sensation of butterflies rioting in my stomach. Florence follows a couple of paces behind me and I turn just in time to see her jaw go slack as she takes in the table setting with the sunset in the background.
The golden light limns her in the most perfect way, highlighting her delicate features.
Florence looks positively radiant.Stunning.
I have not allowed myself to truly appreciate her beauty in a long time, afraid it could lead to unwelcome emotions, but I do not think I can manage remaining impartial much longer.
Chapter twenty
Florence
My mouth hangs open as I take in Adelbert’s setup. The white table linen, the plates, the candle sticks, all of it framed by the most exquisite sunset.
This is not a date. This is not a date. This is not a date.
From the vantage point of the house’s altitude, the rolling hills fade from bright green to darker avocado shades the farther the eye can see. The sky is painted in a gradient of celeste blue right above us, fading to dusty rose, apricot, and light topaz as the sun dips toward the horizon. The view reminds me of myfirst morning in Adelbert’s house when we were on our way to Alberad library and I was almost overcome by the beauty before me.
I place the wine and empty glasses on the table and take a moment to drink in the sights, smells, and sounds of the forest surrounding me. My time here hasn’t been exactly what I would’ve planned for myself, but I am extremely grateful for each moment, and this right here, affirms that again.
“Would you like to take a seat?” Adelbert asks me as he pulls out one of the chairs and inclines his head toward it. He’s never done something like this before and I am a little curious about what’s going on.
This is not a date.
“Thank you,” I say slowly and inch my toward him, giving him enough time to move away so we don’t accidentally brush against each other.
