Page 29 of Dreams That Bind Us
"…but this house has a lot of history," Anna continued, unaware of his struggle. "In fact, it's one of my favorites in Old Town. I've always wanted to see what it looked like inside."
She came to a page in the middle, a grainy old photograph from 1910 featuring the house with several people lounging on the upper balcony.
"It was built in the 1880s, and after the original family sold it, became a boarding house for several decades." Her finger tapped on an old drawn diagram of the house's interior. "You can tell how the layout would have been perfect for it."
She glanced at him, her aquamarine eyes glowing with excitement, making his chest tighten. "Does it still look like this? There are thirteen or fourteen bedrooms, right?"
"Fourteen, yes. Two on the first floor, ten on the second, and two on the third floor. There are a few differences now from the original layout. But it's pretty close to what it was," James answered. "One of the things I loved about it was what the previous owner did to reclaim the property by turning it into a family home. Word was, when they bought it eight years ago, the interior hadn't changed since the 1930s. I'm sure you can imagine what it must have looked and smelled like."
Anna nodded. "Yes, that's right. It took them nearly four years to complete the renovation. Jack and Gus have even worked on it over the years."
"I'd believe that. It looks great now. It's very functional and modern, yet still has its historic touches."
The corner of Anna's mouth curled but didn’t quite reach full smile status. She pushed the book toward him. "Well, this is for you. I thought you might like to read the history of the place. I'm looking forward to the tour."
He was briefly awed that she'd thought enough of him to grab this book and wanted to see inside his home. It had to mean something, right?
"Thanks, Anna, for the book. I deeply appreciate it." His voice involuntarily did that gravelly thing, and he watched in fascination as her eyes dilated again. He bit back a grin. Anna wasn't nearly as immune as she tried to project. "I'd love to give you that tour now. Or would you prefer to wait until after we eat?"
Just as the words left his mouth, her stomach made the decision for them, issuing a tremendous series of growls. Anna grimaced and clutched her belly. "I'm sorry. I haven't eaten anything today."
"Of course. You've probably worked all day, haven't you?" James chuckled and turned toward the kitchen. Couldn't fault the woman for her work ethic. "Okay: food first, tour second. Follow me. The kitchen is this way."
He heard her sniff the air behind him. "What’s that smell? It's incredible."
"I felt like a little taste of home tonight. It's my favorite soup, seafood chowder, with fresh Italian bread and artisan butter."
"Mmmmm," Anna purred. James grit his teeth at the sound. His pants immediately tightened as he pictured her sprawled on his bed, making that sound just for him. It was a good thing she was walking behind him and didn't catch the expression on his face. It would have had her running for sure. This woman was determined to drive him insane.
Time to change the subject. At this rate, he'd pounce on her within the next fifteen minutes. "Did you get a lot crossed off your backlist today?"
"I did!" Her voice picked up in pitch, the love of her work obvious from her tone. "I finished several pieces and prepped them for delivery. As fast as I'm working right now, I might have most of them done before I get your next order."
James snickered. "I'll warn you. That's coming sooner rather than later." He led her through the wide, open doorway of the kitchen and strode to the stove top where the pot of seafood chowder bubbled. The kitchen had been outfitted for commercial use with large, double ovens and an oversized refrigerator. The fifteen-foot white marble island had been laid out so guests could sit comfortably along the far edge.
When he'd first walked through the home, he'd pictured young children sitting at the long kitchen island coloring or doing homework. It was a great space for a family. That image had sold the place to him.
He gestured toward the large oak table, one that previously sat on the showroom of the furniture gallery. "You can have a seat there or pull out a barstool from under the island. Whatever is most comfortable."
Anna's eyes trailed across the room toward the far wall where the console cabinet he'd nabbed from her warehouse sat. He'd fallen in love with that piece the moment he'd spotted it sitting alone in the back corner of her workshop. It's light, cherry finish highlighted the etchings Anna had painstakingly carved into the long doors, along with the elaborately hand painted sides and top.
"It looks great there, doesn't it?" he asked softly, wondering if she regretted selling it. Too bad. He wasn't giving it up. She'd have to stick around to see it. Or just move in here.
He smiled to himself.
Yes. That would be even better.
Anna nodded absently. "I made that cabinet over five years ago and never had the desire to sell it. It was one of my favorites." She pivoted, her eyes connecting with his. "When I saw you admiring it, I knew it was time to let it go. I’m glad I did. It fits this house."
James shrugged. "It's beautiful. I knew it would be perfect for this kitchen."
Her mouth twisted to the side, as if she was trying to keep herself from sharing too much. He watched in relief as her face finally relaxed and she grinned.
James would have sworn the heavens opened up and a lightning bolt shot straight to his heart. It was the first time she had truly smiled at him when she wasn’t trying to scare him off.
"You weren't wrong." She pulled out a tall white stool and sat at the island, her hands clasped in front of her, looking very much like a little girl waiting for instructions from a teacher.
The tension drained from his shoulders and he placed the plate of warm, sliced bread and the butter dish in front of her. "Here. You can get started with this. It'll take the edge off." He returned to the pot of soup, adding one last handful of fresh dill and chives to enhance the flavor.
