Page 10 of The Incubus's Angel
“Wow. Maisie, you’re so talented. This is incredible,” he says around a mouth stuffed with cake. Seeing how quickly he’s relaxed around me, letting his guard down to share his enjoyment for something I’ve made, gives me a type of satisfaction I’ve never felt before. It means more to me than the compliment itself.
I must make some kind of sound because Ren pauses with the fork perched halfway to his mouth. He looks down at my unused fork, concern etching his face. “I’m so sorry. I got carried away. Please, have some.”
I push the plate closer to him, lining up another one right next to it. “It’s really satisfying to see how much you’re enjoying my bakes. It actually delights me more than the food does.”
Ren ducks his head and runs a hand through his silky black hair, but he’s unable to hide the blush tinting the tips of his pointed ears a deep maroon red. “Sorry. I really didn’t mean to stuff my face so quickly. I, uhm, don’t head into town much, and kind of cook for myself. I, uhm, I’m not used to this kaleidoscope of flavors. I may have been a little… overeager.”
I reach across the table and place my hand on his shoulder, trying my best not to get distracted by the lean muscle under my touch. “Overeager is good in my books. Great even! If youdon’t like going into town I can stop by sometimes and bring some more treats.”
Ren glances at me, studying my face as if he’s trying to figure me out. “You’d do that?” he asks softly, disbelief coloring his tone.
Ignoring the question, because duh, a thousand ideas rush through my brain. Tapping a finger to my lip, I ask, “How would you feel about taste testing some new recipes for me? I have so many flavor combinations I want to try out, but I have to admit that I’m a little shy to present them to others before I’ve perfected them. If I can have an unbiased opinion it would be pretty nice.”
Gesturing to the table, Ren blurts out, “If this is a sample of what you’re capable of, I think it’s safe to say I’d try anything you make.” Shock registers on his face once the words are out, but I don’t give him a moment to retreat into his shell as excitement bubbles up from the tips of my toes and fizzes through my body.
I smile so hard my jaw aches. “That’s great! Which days would suit you to bring something over?”
Ren shrugs, looking shy again as he says quietly, “Any day is good with me. I, uhm, work from home, so I’m always here.”
I hold up a finger as a plan forms in my mind. “I have Tuesdays off. Can I swing by then? Or is that too soon? I really don’t want to intrude.”
Ren’s eyes narrow as he stares somewhere behind me. “Sure. Do you want to use my oven?” he asks hesitantly, as if he’s not quite sure if he should suggest it.
I give him a moment to take back the generous offer if he wants to. When he seems to be sticking to it, I confirm, “I can do that?”
The smallest of smiles pulls on one side of his mouth. “If I can taste your bakes. Definitely.”
My heart grows, beating so rapidly I almost feel dizzy. If I had wings I’d totally be hovering above the table right now. Or maybe fly out the door and do a loop before sweeping back in and tackling Ren with a hug.
Grabbing the edge of the table so I keep myself put, refusing to freak him out by showering him with all the gratitude I feel, I simply bestow my biggest most genuine smile on the gorgeous creature in front of me. “Ren, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.”
Chapter 6
Ren
It’s been two days since Maisie came over, and I came in my pants, but zero seconds since I’ve last thought about her. And then I invited her to come spend the day baking? In my house? With only the two of us there?
Why the fuck did I do that?
Because that genuine smile of appreciation was totally worth it. Even if I didn’t actually do anything. She just looked so happy.
Unable to sleep much with the knowledge that Maisie will be here in a couple of hours, I head out with my camera a little after dawn in hopes of catching some images that’ll distract me long enough before I have to be ensconced in my teeny cottage with the personification of sunshine.
It’s no hardship to be around Maisie, though. I mean, she does all the talking. Or ninety percent of it. She seemed okay with me giving minimal input and that’s fine by me. More than fine. And I get to taste her baking, which is honestly the best mix of flavors I’ve ever had the pleasure to grace my mouth.
My fear is that she’ll figure out how separate I live from the rest of Starry Hill, and what if she’s uncool by association? Not to mention the guilt of having watched her, and gotten off right along with her, without her consent!
I’m going to have to tell her. But how?
I head north, trudging across hill after hill in the quiet morning, my stomping footsteps the only sound in the crisp air besides the gentle call of birds high up in the trees. Fixing my eyes on the pastel hues of pink, orange, and purple that paint the skies, I stay off the main cobbled paths as much as possible except when I have to cross an ancient stone bridge that connects my part of the island to the northern section. It’s not like many creatures will be out this early, but I’d rather not attempt to make small talk while my brain is so jumbled. It’s difficult enough on normal days.
Waves lapping at the shore infiltrate my senses, but not even they are strong enough to calm my racing thoughts.
Unsure of exactly how I ended up here so quickly, my feet finally come to a halt about fifty yards away from Beck’s old mill.
I frown at the orange door.
Why am I here? Beck might be even worse than me when it comes to social skills.It’s not like I’m going to tell him what I did. Or how Maisie makes me feel.
