Page 47 of Enchanting the Elf
I blink the thought away, only for Adelbert’s gaze to lock on mine. Something passes between us and it almost seems as if there’s a smirk playing around his mouth, but that can’t be right.
This is Adelbert, after all.
“Maybe just a bit of cheese?” I answer him, but it comes out as more of a question.
“And?”
“Tomato, if you have some. But it’s no bother if you don’t. Honest!” I quickly add, not wanting to put him out more than necessary.
“And?”
I’m unsure what else Adelbert wants me to say, so I just add, “Please?”
My heart rate picks up with all the sudden questions so early in the morning. I’m not ready to filter my responses yet or gauge my honesty levels when I’m caught off guard, but I set my mind to being polite and kind since Adelbert is going out of his way to be nice to me. Again.
“Onion?” Adelbert asks.
“Um, sure?” I try but fail to hide my grimace.
“Okay. No onion.”
“Are you reading my emotions?” I ask Adelbert and almost move my hands to cover my body, like that could somehow help me from being so transparent.
“I do not need to read your emotions when they’re written so blatantly on your face,” he states flatly but not unkindly.
A flush creeps across my cheeks as I realize how obvious I am being and cringe in embarrassment.
“I’m sorry. I’m not particularly fond of onion in the morning. It’s great, but I prefer it with dinner, lunch even.”
“Florence, you do not need to justify yourself to me.”
My shoulders sag in relief and I let out a slow breath.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m feeling nervous this morning.”
“What have I told you about apologizing?”
I open my mouth, almost ready to do it again, but catch myself in time. With a small shake of my head, I square my shoulders and move to the kitchen table, plopping down on my chair.
“So, care to tell me why we’re eating breakfast together today?” I ask brightly and not at all suspicious—which I’m incredibly proud of myself for.
Adelbert’s head quirks to the side.
“Would you believe me if I said it was to enjoy your company?”
I roll my eyes good-naturedly.
“Not in a million years,” I answer honestly. There’s no way Adelbert would willingly choose to spend more time with me than with his books or whatever he gets up to in his study.
Adelbert’s lips pinch together and he runs a hand through his hair. I do not notice how his biceps flex with the movement, and I bend down to pet Sir Purrington who trots off after a couple of scratches.
By the time Adelbert joins me at the table with identical omelets plated, the tense mood from before is all but forgotten.
“I talked to Everett last night,” he starts. “About possibly visiting Las Vegas. If you still desire to travel there, that is.”
My hands pause their movement and I sit up straighter in my seat.
“Is that a trick question?” I ask Adelbert and narrow my eyes at him. Distrust is rife in my voice for dangling the trip in front of me with that kind of condition. I would never say no to visiting my sister and supporting the opening of the store of her dreams.
