Page 9 of A Winter Admire
“Ummm… Maybe…” Was he? It was hard to think with Sinoe’s stunning silver eyes so close.
“There are many beautiful places to walk in the forest,” Sinoe said. “And although I know it is cold for you humans, this time of year, it is still very lovely.”
Sinoe’s voice was so melodic it was easy to get lost in the hypnotic sounds. It became difficult to follow and parse the words falling from his soft-looking lips.
“In fact, I often walk along the river. I was thinking of doing so now. Have you been?” Sinoe paused, his gaze intense. “Perhaps you’d like to walk that way and take in its beauty?”
Sinoe stood so close that Edwin could smell him, like pine trees: sharp, refreshing, and completely hypnotic. He wanted to lean forward, bury his nose in Sinoe’s neck and hair, and inhale him.
Sinoe stared at him. What had Sinoe said? Had he asked Edwin a question?
“Ah… Yes… Yes, I’ve walked that way before. Many times. You’re right. It’s very lovely.”
Sinoe frowned and looked away.
Did I say something wrong?
“I see,” Sinoe said and stepped back.
Edwin definitely had said something wrong, but what?
“Well, I should leave you to your drawings.” Sinoe smiled, but it seemed less certain, less vibrant than before. He started to turn away.
“I hope to see you again,” Edwin blurted.
Sinoe paused and stared at him for another second. He looked as if he was confused. Finally, he spoke, “I hope so too.” Then he turned and walked away.
ChapterEight
Edwin had missed something. He tried to play through the conversation again, but it was hard to remember the details when all he could recall was Sinoe’s alluring scent and eyes framed by white lashes.
Sinoe had asked about his drawings. Sinoe had mentioned how beautiful the walk was by the river. He’d asked if Edwin had walked that way. He’d said something about walking along it. And then…
Oh no!
Had Sinoe asked Edwin to walk with him? Had Edwin just turned him down?
“No.” Edwin shook his head in disbelief. “No, please.”
Harpy’s curse! I’m a moron!
He looked in the direction Sinoe had left. He could go after Sinoe and try to find him. Say he did want to walk with him. He took several steps in that direction, gaze frantically searching the trees. But how could he find a nymph in a forest? Still, he kept walking and searching. But there was no trace of Sinoe.
He wanted to yell and scream he was so angry at himself. He shoved his notebook in his rucksack. He looked around once more. He sighed. Then he began trudging back the way to the village, unable to believe what he had just done. If he had just paid attention to what Sinoe had been saying rather than getting distracted by his beauty, they might be walking together right now!
But… He stopped walking. Twice now, Sinoe had sought him out. And Sinoe had wanted to walk with him. So maybe there was some hope that Sinoe could be interested in him. Edwin’s heart beat like a bird trying to burst from his chest.
Maybe Edwin’s feelings weren’t so ridiculous and foolish after all. Perhaps, if he went again tomorrow, he’d have a chance to see Sinoe again and undo the mistake he had made. Maybe. He could try, at least.
He continued walking. After several minutes, the village came into view.
“Good afternoon, Edwin,” Sariah called out.
Edwin spotted Wareth, the potter, walking with Sariah, his assistant. He’d known them since he was a boy. They were both about fifteen years older than himself, so he wasn’t close with either.
“How are you today?” Sariah asked as she approached.
“Good. Fine.” He may have just turned down Sinoe, the mountain nymph he was completely bewitched by, but he didn’t want to talk about that. “And how are you both?” Edwin asked, trying to get the attention off himself.
