Page 26 of The Lonely Hearts Guide

Alexander stroked a finger down the mouse’s back. “I’d say he already considers you as such. I’ve never seen him take to anyone else this fast.”

“No, Alexander. I didn’t mean me and him, though I do hope for that as well. I was talking about us.” Elliot tore his eyes away from the mouse long enough to look Alexander in the eyes. “You said he’s your only friend. I would like to be your friend.” His cheeks darkened. “If that’s something you’re interested in.”

Alexander’s heart swelled in his chest. “I’d like to be your friend, too.” He cleared his throat, wanting to look away, but unable to do so. Elliot needed someone to take charge because he was nervous by nature, and Alexander knew the man was probably having trouble voicing his wants. “Maybe more than friends.”

Elliot’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean?”

“It would appear I’m rather fond of you. I was hoping you might be open to the idea of courtship.”

“Courtship? With me?” Elliot studied him, his eyes flickering all across Alexander’s face like he was searching for sincerity. “Why? You could have any man you wanted. Why on earth would you want me?”

Alexander cupped Elliot’s cheek, an action that sent tears welling up in Elliot’s eyes. “Because you’re the sweetest, gentlest man I’ve ever met.” He stared down at Professor Plum. “You cried because you thought you’d have to send him back into the woods. You wanted to cry when you told me goodbye, too. I could tell. Your eyes were flashing the most gorgeous shade of blue I’ve ever seen.” He watched as pink lights flickered in the corners of Elliot’s eyes. “Oh, sweetheart.” He stroked Elliot’s cheek. “Your colors are beautiful. I want to see more of them. Every color you’ve got. I want to take those blues and reds and oranges and turn them all pink, because nothing in this world matches the look of pure joy on your face. You deserve that joy, Elliot. You deserve that and so much more.”

“I’m nothing special,” he said, though he couldn’t be further from the truth if he tried. “I’m not a very good cook. And I forget to clean sometimes. I cry most days. Master Price says I’m his greatest disappointment.”

“I’ll spend as long as it takes proving that’s not true. I don’t care about cooking or cleaning. Elliot, I care about you. I care that you’re happy and healthy, and I’ll do everything I can to make it so you never have to cry again.” He brushed his thumb over Elliot’s knuckles. “Will you give me a chance? Will you be my guest for the rest of the cruise?”

Any resistance Elliot may have been feeling must have fallen by the wayside, because his head seesawed up and down rapidly. “I would like that very much.”

The door to the small ensuite opened, and when Mrs. Peppercorn emerged, Alexander had to do a double take. She was wearing a flowing maroon gown that clung snugly, the bell skirt giving her an hourglass figure. The wig she wore looked just like Ms. Broussard’s hair. The only thing off about the ensemble was her face. Though she tried to apply her makeup in a similar fashion to Emily Broussard, they looked nothing alike. They were at least thirty years apart in age, and Mrs. Peppercorn had wrinkles like canyons across her forehead. She must have realized Alexander wasn’t buying what she was selling, because she held her hands up in surrender.

“I know,” she said. “I’m very much aware we don’t look alike.” She waltzed to the door leading into the hall and poked her head out. “Rodolfo, I need your assistance, sugar.” She glanced over her shoulder at them. “Trust me, I’ve got an absolutely foolproof idea. Lover boy and I are going to take a midnight stroll. Don’t wait up.”

Before either of the men could respond, Mrs. Peppercorn was gone, leaving them alone again.

“So, what do we do now?” Elliot asked.

Alexander looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s almost one in the morning. I think it would be best if we got a little rest. We’ll need it for tomorrow, I’m sure.” He looked down at the queen-size bed, blushing when he realized there nowhere else for Elliot to sleep. “I can take the couch.” He darted his eyes to the small loveseat next to the chest of drawers.

Elliot shook his head. “I’m not making you sleep on the sofa. You paid for a suite in order to be comfortable. I would feel terrible knowing you had a poor night’s rest on my account. I can just power myself down on the floor, I won’t even feel it in the morning.”

Alexander gaped at him. He may not be an automaton expert, but he had an automaton before. His first beau, Gus, said the act of powering oneself down felt like going through the process of dying.

“Why would you power yourself down? That’s supposed to feel like dying.”

Elliot nodded. “I know. It’s not terribly pleasant, but you get used to it after a while. I don’t mind. Truly. Jared Price—”

“Can go straight to Hell,” Alexander interrupted, his voice firm. “Never again. I promise. You’ll never have to do that again.”

Elliot sniffled. “You really mean that, I can tell. Thank you,” Elliot whispered, looking frightened. “I’ve done it so many times, it’s like second nature. Just another part of my day. That’s why I don’t mind resting on the floor. It’s where I recharge every night. By the outlet.”

“The more you speak of him, the less I care for Jared Price,” Alexander said, trying to lighten the mood. He could strangle Jared for hurting this gentle man. “I don’t want you to sleep on the floor.” He bit his lip, trying to work up courage. “We could share my bed.”

“Oh, dear,” Elliot said, his eyes bulging. “Together? In your bed?”

Alexander snorted a laugh. “I promise, I won’t try to get fresh with you, if that’s why you’re worried.”

Elliot swallowed. “You won’t try anything untoward? May I have your word? I don’t believe I’m ready for that.” He bit his bottom lip and stared at Alexander, letting a silence linger like the scent of a blown-out candle. Shyly looking away, he added, “Though I wouldn’t be opposed to a cuddle.”

Alexander’s smile widened even further. “You have my word. And I’m a big fan of cuddles, too.” He stood, breaking the lock they had on each other’s hand and carrying Professor Plum to his cage atop the chest of drawers. Once the latch was unfastened, Alexander opened the top drawer and pulled out two sets of pajamas. The ones he selected for Elliot would probably be too big, as Elliot was far shorter than Alexander, but they were pink and had little mice all across the fabric. He turned and handed them to Elliot. “Sorry, I know they might be a little big on you, but we can go to the gift shop tomorrow and see what they have if you’d like.”

Elliot shook his head. “I spent the last of my money on the bus fare. Yours will work well.”

“I’d like to treat you, if that’s all right.” Once Elliot nodded, Alexander made his way to the ensuite to change, allowing Elliot the privacy to change in the room. He splashed a bit of cool water on his face before patting it dry. Knocking twice on the door, he cracked it, calling out, “Are you decent?”

“I’m ready if you are.”

When Alexander walked out, his heart fluttered. Elliot was standing in front of the full-length mirror secured to the wall, the pink pajamas looking fifty sizes too large for the small man. He was holding the fabric taut from the back, displaying his bump. Elliot had his other hand on his tummy, slowly rubbing circles around it.

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