Page 17 of Mac
She didn't know how long she'd been reading when a yawn snuck up on her.A glance around the room made her have second thoughts about her decision to keep clocks out of the library.It meant she had to get up and go in search of the time.When she'd made the original decision, it had been because she didn't want to feel like she was on a time limit, now though, she realized she'd probably read far later than she should have.
In the living room where she finally spotted a clock and saw that it was nearly 2:00 a.m..Damn.And she hadn't heard Mac's motorcycle as he returned, had she missed him, or had he not come home?She wanted to go look, but what good would that do?He kept his motorcycle in the garage and by now, he'd be in bed and have turned off all the lights.
Elyse shook her head and headed to bed herself, thankful she didn't have to go into work tomorrow.Unless there was an emergency.She usually had at least one day a week off, though sometimes, it didn't work out that way.She needed to find someone to help her out more, to hire or promote up to assistant manager, but she couldn't think of anyone on staff now who she'd trust with that much responsibility.
Monday she'd check with the other locations in town and see if they had anyone they'd recommend for a promotion before she looked at hiring from outside the company.Though, some people wouldn't want to move stores, so it might end up being a pointless endeavor, but still, she felt she had to try.
As she washed her face and brushed her teeth, Elyse found her thoughts drifting back to Mac.To wishing he'd been able to stay just a little longer this evening.To wondering what he thought of her and if he was interested in her as more than a neighbor?Was he unable to keep her from his mind in the same way that she was unable to keep him from her thoughts?She peeled back the covers and got into bed.As she turned off lights, she wondered how Mac slept.Did he sleep in underwear like she did, or did he sleep naked?That was just the image that would help her get to sleep.
The sun shining on her face woke Elyse.She rolled away and tried to go back to sleep.Her head throbbed and she didn't want to get up.After a few minutes she gave up and climbed out of bed.She should know better than to stay up that late, but it looked like today was going to be a book hangover day.She didn't have them as often as she once had but every once in a while, she found a book good enough she didn't care how bad she would feel the next day and she stayed up most of the night reading.Her college roommate had thought she was nuts for spending more nights reading than partying, but reading did more fore Elyse than drinking with strangers, or even with people she knew, ever had.
She staggered into the bathroomcaught a glimpse of her reflection and jumped.Taking a second look, she picked up her hairbrush and attacked the mess that stood at attention on one side and looked like something had been nesting on the other side of her head.She really should know better than to expect not to have to wash her hair every morning, or at least wet it before it could be tamed.
With the worst of the mess under control she dropped the brush on the counter and shuffled into the kitchen to get the coffee started.While the coffee hissed, popped and dripped into her cup, she sat at the table with her head in her hands, wishing she'd gotten more sleep.The only bright spot she could see for today was that she didn't have to hurry and get ready.She didn't have to rush around or go into the store at all today.She could even go back to bed if she wanted.The idea was tempting, but she had a few things she wanted to try and get done today, so she waited until the coffee maker let out that final puff indicating it was done, then picked up her cup and took it into the bedroom to pull on some clothes.
Sufficiently dressed so her neighbors wouldn't call the cops, Elyse carried her coffee out to her narrow front porch.Eventually she'd have it expanded, but for now, this would do.It was large enough for a swing to one side of the front door, but not much else.It was a nice place to sit in the mornings, when she had time, and enjoy the nice weather.This time of year, she didn't have to get up with the sun to be able to sit out here comfortably, though she did it in the summer when that was the only time of day, she could stand to spend more than a few minutes outside.
She had almost finished her coffee when a familiar motorcycle rumbled up the street and into the garage next door.So she hadn't missed him coming home last night because it looked like he hadn't.She wondered if the business that had called him away during dinner had kept him all night or if it had been something else.
Or someone else.
That thought nearly sent her back inside, but she forced herself to stay where she was, to wait and see if he came out to see her, but after ten minutes with an empty mug in one hand, she gave up.She went inside and started a fresh cup, then went to get dressed while it brewed.She chose a lightweight sundress and sandals, that were just a little cool for this time of year, but she didn't care.It fit her mood and that was what mattered today.By the time she made it back to the kitchen, her coffee was ready, and she debated taking it back out front, then decided she might as well get the watering done out there, so she squared her shoulders and went back out.
Elyse took one long drink then set her cup down and reached for the hose.She turned on the water and stretched the hose to the flower bed at the far end of the house.She worked her way from one end of the house toward the other, making sure to soak the soil well before moving on.She'd just moved from one side of the porch to the other when a voice behind her made her jump.
"Don't you look nice, but if you're not careful, you'll end up sunburnt."
Elyse jumped and spun, feeling somehow guilty, though she knew she had nothing to feel guilty about."Hey, how are you this morning?"Should she say she'd seen him come home?Or would that seem weird?Afraid it would be weird she decided not to say it.She looked up and realized his hair was wet and it made the red/orange color look darker, almost auburn as it stood in funny spikes.
"I'm good.I'm really sorry about last night.I ended up not getting home until a little bit ago.I'm sure you saw me come in, I noticed you sitting out here."He waved one hand toward the porch swing.
"I saw, I just assumed you'd gone out for breakfast again."
"Nah, I was just coming in from last night.I got hung up at the clubhouse."Mac shuffled his feet then looked out across the lawn and Elyse got the feeling he was avoiding looking at her."I would have come over when I got in, but I wasn't fit for company.I had to shower first."He ran one hand through his wet hair, sending find droplets of water flying and breaking up the spikes a little but not really helping the haphazard look he had going on.
"Rough night, huh?"She had no idea what they might do at the clubhouse and she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
"You could say that."He looked away again, then glanced at her a moment before looking away again."Hey, I was wondering if maybe you'd let me buy you breakfast again?"
"How about you let me finish up here," she'd almost finished with the last bed, "then I can whip something up.Do you like French toast?"
"I love French toast.Do you make it with cinnamon?"
"Is there any other way?"Elyse found herself grinning at him.
"Apparently there is.Some people just do eggy bread.That's how my da said he ate it growing up but that's not French toast to me.My ma taught me that it's got to have cinnamon or it's not right."
"I'll agree there, but do you use syrup or powdered sugar?"She lifted one brow as she stared at him, waiting.
"Syrup.I've never seen the point in the sugar."
"I think we'll get along just fine."Elyse shut off the water and coiled the hose back onto the rack next to the faucet."Come on in."She picked up her coffee before leading Mac inside.This wasn't how she'd hoped to fix him breakfast, but it would work, for now.
CHAPTER11
Mac followed her into the house, watching the hem of her little sun dress, wishing he could lift it and see what she wore beneath it.If it was anything like the fantasy, he'd been letting run through is head for the last ten minutes, it was nothing.The idea wouldn't leave him alone and teased through his mind until his jeans were tight, and he wished he hadn't even thought of it.
"Want some coffee?"she asked as they entered the kitchen."Have a seat."Elyse waved toward the table.
