Page 61 of Heartstruck at Dawn
Nathan:I’ll be there in a few minutes.
I helped set the table with the biggest smile on my face. Mimi kept curiously staring my way. She seemed happy to see me happy, even though she didn’t know why that was.
I ran to my bedroom and splashed some perfume behind my ears and neck. I dabbed my lips with my favorite rosy lipstick, and then the doorbell rang.Oh,my God! The nerves were real.
“I’ve got it, Mimi, thanks,” I said with a grin. She was about to open the door, but she turned on her heel and rushed back to the kitchen.
“Ah! You look lovely,” Nathan said when I opened the door. He placed his hand on the small of my back and gave me a quick peck on the lips. I gawked at him for his forward yetverycharming gesture.
“Why are you so surprised?” He laughed. “You weren’t making that face last night.”
“Well, last night, we werepretendingto date.”
“I was under the impression that we aren’t done pretending.” He frowned, amused.
“We certainly aren’t.” My hand searched for his. He was right. They did feel great together.
“Glad to hear it.” He smiled and pulled me closer to him for a warm and cozy hug. “How’s your arm?” he asked, his arms locked tightly around my shoulders.
“Turning purple mixed up with different yucky, greenish shades.” I smiled and searched for his gaze. He didn’t smile back.
“Hmm.” His brows lowered with disgust on his face. “I really wanted to go find the blighter last night. If I only knew where that sorry-arsed prick lays his head at night.”
The blight-what? I knew he was talking about Thomas, but hell, I needed to write all these words down and google them.
“I take it you’re not a morning person,” I replied, gently pulling away. His eyelids still looked heavy, and his voice was all grumpy and rough. I thought it was so endearing.
“You’re not wrong about that. But I’m just troubled about the prick hurting you like that.”
“I swear I’m fine, don’t worry.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him to the dining room. “You need food and coffee.”
“Yes, please.”
The table looked like a buffet. There was a lot to choose from: eggs, bacon, croissants, berry jam, sausage, fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, and a big jug with coffee. Mimi went all in.
“Everything looks delicious,” Nathan said, helping me to my seat.
We sat and ate, and once we were halfway done with our breakfast, Mimi approached the table. She wanted to see if we needed anything else. I took the opportunity to introduce them.
“Nathan, this is Mrs. Mullins, or Mimi, as we like to call her. Mimi, this is Nathan. He’s staying with the Sjöbergs for a few days.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Mullins.” He stood up and held his hand out to her.
“Pleasure is ool mine. Please call me Mimi,” she said with a warm smile and a firm handshake.
“Is that a Scottish accent?” Nathan asked her.
“Aye. It’s rusty ’round the edges noo. Too many years ooh-way from home.”
It wasn’t as rusty as she thought it was. I invited her to sit with us for the remainder of our meal. She poured herself some coffee and kept chatting with us.
“Ye knoo, Billie’s grandparents from her father’s side were Scottish. They couldn’t have been kinder than to hire me as I was just a wee lass, inexperienced, and nooly-rived in America. James, Billie’s father,” she said, looking at me, “hired me when they passed ooh-way.”
“She’s family,” I said, smiling at her.
“I see where the red hair comes from now,” Nathan said, placing a strand behind my ear. “It’s lovely.”
“Are ye Billie’s boyfriend, dear?” she asked Nathan. “She can’t seem to stop smiling ever since she stepped oot of her bedroom this morning.”
