Page 48 of Enchanting the Elf
There’s a brief tug on one side of Adelbert’s mouth and his eyes glow with, dare I say, mischief?
“I am merely ascertaining if you are still in favor of what we discussed last night,” he says haughtily.
“Bullshit, Adelbert Alberad.” I point a menacing finger at him then think again and cross my arms over my chest.
Adelbert’s lips stretch into a magnificent grin, two rows of perfect, white teeth on display. The sight makes my breath catch in my throat and my eyes widen in wonder.
“You have dimples!” I whisper shout in amazement, perhaps even a little bit of accusation creeping into my tone. “Where have you been hiding those bad boys?”
Adelbert’s smile grows in its brilliance and he shakes his head.
“Suffice it to say, it only took you calling me out on my bullshit to activate them.”
Then, he does the unthinkable.
He laughs.
The sound is a little more than a couple of audible huffs but they’re beautiful. My answering smile matches his and giddiness spreads throughout my body, tingling across my skin down to my tippy toes that are tapping on the ground.
“I think I am going to make it my personal mission to make you smile and laugh every day.”
Adelbert’s smile falls.
“Please don’t. I am hardly worth the effort.”
“I think you are absolutely worth the effort,” I counter.
“I beg to differ.”
“Then differ we shall,” I say smugly and raise an eyebrow at him.
Adelbert lets out another huff and shakes his head, but a faint smile remains on his face as he starts eating. We fall into easy conversation and I even manage to make him laugh twice more before our meal is finished.
“So, back to your study for the rest of the day?”
Adelbert tilts his head from side to side, keeping his gaze locked on me.
“I am toying with the idea of trying something different today. My concentration has been… lacking lately, and it could benefit me to have a change of scenery.”
“Want to do some embroidery with me?” I raise my eyebrows in invitation, not expecting him to take me up on my offer but suggesting it anyway.
“Maybe not embroidery but I would not mind seeing how you spend your day.”
“Oh yay! Let’s do it. Let me quickly get the dishes, and you change into some comfortable clothes. We’ll be spending the day outside. Some sunshine might do you well.” I smile at him as I gather our plates and move to the sink.
“These clothes are comfortable.” Adelbert stands and motions at his business-casual attire.
I take a moment to assess his formal, tan dress pants and cream button-down.
“If you say so, but we’ll be sitting on the grass. Don’t come crying when you get stains on them,” I joke.
Adelbert frowns and asks blandly, “Why do you not use a picnic blanket?”
I blink at the elf, confused how someone so intelligent can be so oblivious at times.
“And where would I find one of those?” I ask.
“In the linen closet.”
