Page 45 of Enchanting the Elf
I want to puzzle out this male, this sudden concern of his. Instead, I answer truthfully, vulnerably.
“If you were anyone else, I’d say a hug would be really nice right now. I think I’m a little touch starved.”
“I do recall that you and your sister seem to be of a more tactile nature.”
“You mean we’re very ‘touchy-feely’?” I laugh.
“In your words, yes. I do not understand the need to be constantly touching another person. I have never been someone who has craved any form of physical affection.”
“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” I give him a lopsided grin. Empathy for not knowing what it is like to have that connection with someone, even if just platonic or familial—never mind romantic—burns deep in my chest. “You’re missing out, you know? You have no idea how good it is to have that physical comfort provided by someone you love. The touch of a hand, the caress of hair, the comfort of a warm embrace. It settles something in me.”
Adelbert’s stoic mask slips for a second and I could swear there’s a flicker of longing on his face, but he quickly recovers and dons his ever-present serious veneer. He picks up his fork and knife and gestures for me to do the same.
I let go of the serious topic and follow suit. The most delicious flavor combination bursts on my tongue as I take the first bite. I close my eyes and a happy “Mmm” sighs out of me.
At the same time, the wind caresses my cheek and I relish the moment as I lean into the phantom touch. Invisible fingers briefly card into my hair and my smile stretches as the sensation grows stronger, almost becoming tangible. My eyes pop open and travel around the clearing, trying to find more traces of the wind in the leaves, but everything is absolutely still.
Adelbert’s gaze focuses on me in the most intense way and his chest moves up and down like he’s just sprinted across a field.
“Are you okay?” I ask him and brush some hair behind my ear.
Adelbert stares at the motion for another second and nods.
“Let me see what I can organize and if it would be possible to fly to Las Vegas for a day or two. It would have to be a very short trip, but I would like to make it work for you. Now, please, enjoy your meal before it gets cold.”
I smile and rub at my chest, feeling so grateful for this male. He may be rough around the edges and he may not always know how to deal with me, but I think he has a sweet center hiding beneath that tough scowl and brusque manners.
Chapter twenty-one
Adelbert
After dinner, I return to my study and grab my phone, set on giving Florence what she craves.
“Bertie. This is a pleasant surprise,” comes from the familiar voice.
“Everett.” Despite trying for my usual neutral tone, a note of optimism manages to creep in.
“Everything okay over there? How are things with you and Florence?”
“Fine,” I answer automatically, and then take a moment to reevaluate. I lower myself into my seat and contemplate how I want to word things. I have trusted Everett since we were roommates at Alberad, but I also do not want to reveal too much about my situation at this moment.
“Florence misses Sadie,” I state blandly and factually.
“I can imagine. Sadie misses her too. We’d love to see you and Cece soon. We’d visit, but things are a tad busy right now with the preparations for the opening.”
It takes me a second to process what he says before I settle on something that bothers me.
“You call her Cece?”
“Yeah,” Everett answers hesitantly. “Sadie and Cece talk almost daily and include me in many of their chats. Cece says as I’m basically her brother-in-law so I get to call her by her nickname. What do you call her?”
“Florence. That’s her name.” I sound slightly disgruntled but I take pride in the fact that my voice is without a hint of jealousy. Because I’m not jealous. At all. I quickly change the topic before my perceptive friend calls me out on more than I’m willing to acknowledge.
“Talking about the store opening coming up, I’m thinking it would be a good idea to fly in a day early before the others arrive. It will give time for the sisters to reconnect without being distracted by the rest of the crowd.”
“That’s a really great idea. What about your presentation? Isn’t that coming up soon after?”
I tip my head back and lean it against the back of the chair as I study the ceiling.
