Page 76 of Loyally, Luke
Weirder and weirder.
“Is that a 3D design model?” She gestured toward his computer, moving way too close for him to keep his thoughts friendly. “The cabin?”
“Yeah, I’m trying to figure out how to create some more storage space for the kitchen.” He gestured toward the screen. “See how I’m taking this closet and turning it into a laundry room? Well, it eats into kitchen storage.”
“And this is the new room?” She pulled up a chair, her shoulder brushing his.
She didn’t seem aware of how close she was. Perfume-smelling close. Definitely deal-breaking close.
He tried to hold his breath. “Yeah. I have some good storage in mind for that room. Bench seats beneath the windows there and I’ve designed a banquette for this corner, since there wasn’t space for a table and chairs before the renovation.”
“I love it.” Her smile and praise had him sitting a bit taller. Not quite as straight as her posture, but better than usual. “The view must be on that side?” She pointed to the additional windows.
He nodded. “Spectacular view, so I wanted to take advantage of it.”
“Of course.” She studied the model with familiarity. “Are you bringing the cupboards around here to create some extra counter space?”
He followed the direction in which she pointed. No, he hadn’t thought of that, but bringing out the cabinet just a bit there would add another whole cabinet. “That’d be an easy addition. Worthwhile too.”
“And some open shelves would be nice. On this wall. Beside that window.”
He watched her out of his periphery, her attention shifting over the screen, intelligence dancing in those eyes.
“What’s beneath the stairs there?”
It took him half a second to pull his mind from examining her profile to the fact she’d asked him a question. “Um...”Brilliant, Luke! Top-notch smarts right there.“I haven’t checked if there’s anything.”
“If it’s merely empty space, you could make it into a closet, couldn’t you?” She turned toward him, her face beautifully close.
He drew his attention, much too slowly, back to the computer screen and cleared his throat. “I’ll check it out tonight and see, butif you’re right, it could be a good use of available space.” He turned toward her, leaning back a bit to give himself some more distance.
A deal was a deal. And he’d attempt to keep it for both of them despite her... her-ness.
“Interior design, eh?”
“I love it.” Her grin spread. “But I rarely have the opportunity to use my skills. When Mrs.Kershaw requested someone to review the needs here at the orphanage, I thought it would be a wonderful combination of my duties as well as my education.” She gestured toward his computer. “She allowed me to create the designs.” She wiggled her brows. “And I get to be a part of watching them become a reality.”
He nodded slowly, watching her come to life. “And if Mr.Gray were going to have someone come in and paint the walls, what would you suggest?”
“Oh, colors! I love them.” Her gaze brightened anew. “What is the fireplace made of? And the kitchen cabinets, since the two rooms open into each other.”
“Rock fireplace, mostly sand-colored rock.” He kept staring. Why did she have to be a princess, of all things? He might have preferred a lawyer over a princess. Or a politician. He grimaced. No, that was pushing it too far. “The cabinets are light oak.”
“Then you must use something darker on the walls. Like a soft red or green. If I could see it in person, I’d know for certain.” Her gaze met his and one brow rose. “What?”
“Just nice to see you enjoying this.”
Her cheeks blushed, but she didn’t look away. “More than I should, I believe,” she whispered, drawing him a little closer.
A chime sounded in the distance just in time to stop Luke’s forward motion toward her lips.
He heaved a sigh and sat back. “That chime!”
“What chime?” And then the sound came again. “Oh, you mean the church bells?”
“Right. Bells.” He shook his head. “Not chimes.”
Her laugh burst out, the sound a whole lot better than any chimes. “What are you talking about?”
