Page 10 of Peaked Desires

No.

He’s smiling. Smiling at me, so gently that it makes his eyes lift at the corners ever so slightly.

“Do you like tea, Elise?”

I swallow and nod.

“Good. Come inside and we’ll work this out. Together.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Huxton

Ihold the cabin door open for Elise, taking a deep lungful of her floral perfume as she steps inside. Smelling her again doesn’t do anything to calm the edginess I’m feeling, having her in my presence again has me reeling.

I’ve been a mess all week. Most of my tasks have had me strapped to my chair, staring at my laptop screen. I hate it, and it certainly hasn’t helped the ache in my heart.

“Wow, it’s beautiful in here,” Elise whispers, taking in her surroundings.

Despite every effort this week, I’ve obsessed about this moment. Having her in here with me. My home. Our home.

Every time I’ve closed my eyes, unable to sleep, she’s been there. I see her pretty eyes, her gorgeous face. Her flowing hair, plump cheeks and soft pink lips. Everything about her is etched into my brain, like the world’s most beautiful tattoo.

“I’ll get the teapot, make yourself comfortable by the fire,” I say, gesturing to the open living space.

After quickly ducking down to my bedroom for a fresh shirt, I grab the teapot and fill it at the sink. I pick my favorite blend of herbs and spices from the pantry and make my way to the fireplace.

Elise is perched on the edge of my favorite armchair, sparkling eyes watching the flames in the fire. She looks goddamn perfect. So tiny in my huge chair, so innocent.

I feel my need for her coursing through me.

I’ve never been a believer in love at first sight. But the moment I laid eyes on Elise, standing there in that white towel, so pure, like an angel from heaven. I’m a believer now. She’s the one for me, and after a week of telling myself it can’t happen, seeing her like this… maybe I’m done fighting it?

I add my special concoction of herbs and spices to the pot and let it come to the boil. Elise watches me, just like she always does. She thinks I don’t notice her looking, but I don’t need to look to know she’s staring at me.

“I’m so sorry about this Huxton,” Elise says, her brows furrowed. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, but we didn’t know what else to do.”

I settle in the chair next to her. “There’s nothing you can do that we can’t fix.”

She’s fidgeting, her nails clawing at the worn thread on the edge of the chair. I hate that she’s stressed like this, but even when she’s nervous she’s fucking adorable.

“Talk me through it.”

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and takes a deep breath. Her beautiful big eyes drop to the floor, an attempt to hide unnecessary shame as she tells me every detail about the mistake she’s made.

Her voice is panicked, but I love the emotion that she shows. She cares just as much as I do. That’s something my father would be proud of.

Eventually, Elise draws breath and I let the cracking of the fire take the silence for a moment. Slowly, I rise to my feet and move the teapot off the fire, allowing the tea to steep a few minutes longer.

“Thank you for telling me,” I say, trying to ease Elise’s worries. “Don’t worry, I know exactly what to do.”

Elise blinks up at me, hope filling her beautiful eyes. “You do?”

“Yep.” I grab the pot and pour a cup of my special herbal tea. “Drink this and I promise everything will be ok.”

Elise shakes her head and stands to her feet, her cheeks turning pink. “Huxton, I don’t think you understand. I broke-”

“Elise,” I interrupt, standing to my full height and holding out a mug of steaming hot tea. “Please, drink this. You will feel better.”

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