Page 7 of The Lonely Hearts Guide

Miss Twylah was all smiles as Elliot approached. “Back already, Elliot?”

Elliot gaped at her. “You remember my name?”

Miss Twylah winked at him. “I never forget the cute ones, and you’re just about the cutest man I’ve ever seen. Isn’t he, Lexy?”

Alexander turned around, catching Elliot’s eyes staring right at his butt. Goodness.

“He’s beautiful,” Alexander agreed. Elliot’s eyebrows shot up and his mechanical heart pounded in his chest.

Mercifully, Miss Twylah offered Elliot a lifeline. “What brings you in today? More cookies, or did you want to live life on the wild side and try one of my plum fritters? Did you enjoy the flavor? I told you they’d rock your socks off.”

“Actually,” Alexander interrupted. “Elliot didn’t have a chance to try them. It seems we have a cookie monster on Sugarplum Island.”

“A mouse? Miss Twylah’s eyes bulged. “A mouse ate all twelve of them? How is that even humanly possible?” Miss Twylah cocked her head to the side. “Or would it be ‘rodently possible’?”

“I don’t think ‘rodently’ is a word, Miss Twylah,” Elliot chimed in. “It’s probably best to err on the side of caution and forget the question altogether.”

She nodded in agreement. “How sad for you, though, sweetie. You didn’t even get to try one?”

“No ma’am. They weren’t for me, anyway. They’re for my . . .” Elliot’s hands shook, and Professor Plum squeaked his disapproval. How could he explain Jared to Alexander and Miss Twylah? Elliot knew it didn’t matter, because in the story of his life, Alexander would simply be a man he met at a bakery who brightened his dreary day. “They’re for Jared,” Elliot finished, hoping that would be enough. Thankfully, neither of them pushed the matter, though Elliot noticed a touch of disappointment cross Alexander’s face. Elliot opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

“Would you like a cookie, too?” Miss Twylah asked. “For you. On the house.”

Elliot shook his head. He couldn’t. He was forbidden to have any food unless it was directly handed to him by Jared. Unfortunately, Jared would know if Elliot had eaten anything, because he would need to use his solid waste release function, and Elliot never needed to use his solid waste release function.

“No, thank you. I’m not hungry.”

Alexander and Miss Twylah shared a look. Elliot wasn’t sure what the look meant, but he knew better than to ask. She scooped twelve more cookies from the tray, and Alexander stepped directly in front of Elliot and smiled.

“May I walk you back to the ferry? I can carry your cookies for you.”

“You don’t have to. I’m fine on my own.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t. I just thought it would be nice to spend a little more time with you.”

“Oh,” Elliot said. He couldn’t imagine why Alexander would want to spend time with him. Elliot scrunched his nose. “Why?”

Alexander twitched a smile. “Because you’re fascinating. You carry a mouse on your person.”

Elliot lifted the bag. “I carried him in my bag, Mr. Davenport.”

His smile widened. “Precious.” His voice was soft and warm, like the sunshine that warmed Elliot’s back when he was allowed to tend his garden. “I’d like to enjoy your company a little while longer, if that’s something that might interest you.” His voice was nervous, like he was scared Elliot’s answer would be no. Honestly, Elliot knew he probably should say no. Alarms were firing inside him, warning him off spending any time with Alexander Davenport, reminding Elliot he belonged to another.

Elliot searched Alexander’s face, seeking out sincerity. His big, brown eyes didn’t seem deceptive, but Elliot knew looks could often deceive. Deception be damned, because Sugarplum Island was a hidden oasis. A place where dreams came true, if the brochures were to be believed. Despite having seen it all the night before, now Elliot wanted to see it at Alexander’s side.

“If you’re sure it isn’t a bother,” Elliot said.

“It would be my honor.”

As they walked across the island, Elliot snuck glances at Alexander, and Alexander caught him every time. But Alexander never questioned him. He didn’t insist Elliot refrain from sneaking peeks. If anything, each stolen glance made Alexander’s smile spread even wider.

“So,” Alexander started when they were roughly halfway to the dock. “This Jared fellow. Is he your partner?”

Elliot’s entire body tensed, but if Alexander noticed, he didn’t mention it. “He’s . . .” He closed his eyes, trying to think of a way to explain Jared without laying his shame bare. “I live with him.”

Alexander nodded, and there was a hint of understanding in his eyes. It made Elliot uncomfortable, because he didn’t want Alexander to know anything about his life with Jared Price.

“Where’s home?”

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