22. Florence

Chapter twenty-two

Florence

The next morning I wake with an extra pep in my step. Something about last night made me hopeful and I'm once again looking forward to my days in the Black Forest. It's not even fully about the plan to visit Dede, and perhaps get some of my own warm clothes so I'm not constantly wearing Adelbert's, but it's like something between Adelbert and myself has shifted.

I enter the kitchen with Sir Purrington like every other morning before. But where I expect to find my daily tea, pastry, and sweater, there's a rather attractive elf standing with a light of his own twinkling in his eyes—despite the serious expression on his face.

"Good morning. To what do I owe this surprise?" I ask Adelbert cheerfully, coming to a stop just inside the entryway to the kitchen. I haven't seen him this early in the morning since my first week here and my heart shuffles its rhythm at the thought of having company for breakfast.

Adelbert leans against the counter behind him, bracing his hands on either side, and says matter-of-factly, "I am certain you have grown tired of your daily pastries, so I am cooking you breakfast. How do you take your omelet?"

For some reason, my eyes snag on his grip on the countertop and travel from his very toned arms up to his shoulders.

Were his shoulders always this broad?

I blink the thought away, only for Adelbert's gaze to lock on mine. Something passes between us and it almost seems as if there's a smirk playing around his mouth, but that can't be right.

This is Adelbert, after all.

"Maybe just a bit of cheese?" I answer him, but it comes out as more of a question.

"And?"

"Tomato, if you have some. But it's no bother if you don't. Honest!" I quickly add, not wanting to put him out more than necessary.

"And?"

I'm unsure what else Adelbert wants me to say, so I just add, "Please?"

My heart rate picks up with all the sudden questions so early in the morning. I'm not ready to filter my responses yet or gauge my honesty levels when I'm caught off guard, but I set my mind to being polite and kind since Adelbert is going out of his way to be nice to me. Again.

"Onion?" Adelbert asks.

"Um, sure?" I try but fail to hide my grimace.

"Okay. No onion."

"Are you reading my emotions?" I ask Adelbert and almost move my hands to cover my body, like that could somehow help me from being so transparent.

"I do not need to read your emotions when they're written so blatantly on your face," he states flatly but not unkindly.

A flush creeps across my cheeks as I realize how obvious I am being and cringe in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry. I'm not particularly fond of onion in the morning. It's great, but I prefer it with dinner, lunch even."

"Florence, you do not need to justify yourself to me."

My shoulders sag in relief and I let out a slow breath.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm feeling nervous this morning."

"What have I told you about apologizing?"

I open my mouth, almost ready to do it again, but catch myself in time. With a small shake of my head, I square my shoulders and move to the kitchen table, plopping down on my chair.

"So, care to tell me why we're eating breakfast together today?" I ask brightly and not at all suspicious—which I'm incredibly proud of myself for.

Adelbert's head quirks to the side.

"Would you believe me if I said it was to enjoy your company?"

I roll my eyes good-naturedly.

"Not in a million years," I answer honestly. There's no way Adelbert would willingly choose to spend more time with me than with his books or whatever he gets up to in his study.

Adelbert's lips pinch together and he runs a hand through his hair. I do not notice how his biceps flex with the movement, and I bend down to pet Sir Purrington who trots off after a couple of scratches.

By the time Adelbert joins me at the table with identical omelets plated, the tense mood from before is all but forgotten.

"I talked to Everett last night," he starts. "About possibly visiting Las Vegas. If you still desire to travel there, that is."

My hands pause their movement and I sit up straighter in my seat.

"Is that a trick question?" I ask Adelbert and narrow my eyes at him. Distrust is rife in my voice for dangling the trip in front of me with that kind of condition. I would never say no to visiting my sister and supporting the opening of the store of her dreams.

There's a brief tug on one side of Adelbert's mouth and his eyes glow with, dare I say, mischief?

"I am merely ascertaining if you are still in favor of what we discussed last night," he says haughtily.

"Bullshit, Adelbert Alberad." I point a menacing finger at him then think again and cross my arms over my chest.

Adelbert's lips stretch into a magnificent grin, two rows of perfect, white teeth on display. The sight makes my breath catch in my throat and my eyes widen in wonder.

"You have dimples!" I whisper shout in amazement, perhaps even a little bit of accusation creeping into my tone. "Where have you been hiding those bad boys?"

Adelbert's smile grows in its brilliance and he shakes his head.

"Suffice it to say, it only took you calling me out on my bullshit to activate them."

Then, he does the unthinkable.

He laughs.

The sound is a little more than a couple of audible huffs but they're beautiful. My answering smile matches his and giddiness spreads throughout my body, tingling across my skin down to my tippy toes that are tapping on the ground.

"I think I am going to make it my personal mission to make you smile and laugh every day."

Adelbert's smile falls.

"Please don't. I am hardly worth the effort."

"I think you are absolutely worth the effort," I counter.

"I beg to differ."

"Then differ we shall," I say smugly and raise an eyebrow at him.

Adelbert lets out another huff and shakes his head, but a faint smile remains on his face as he starts eating. We fall into easy conversation and I even manage to make him laugh twice more before our meal is finished.

"So, back to your study for the rest of the day?"

Adelbert tilts his head from side to side, keeping his gaze locked on me.

"I am toying with the idea of trying something different today. My concentration has been… lacking lately, and it could benefit me to have a change of scenery."

"Want to do some embroidery with me?" I raise my eyebrows in invitation, not expecting him to take me up on my offer but suggesting it anyway.

"Maybe not embroidery but I would not mind seeing how you spend your day."

"Oh yay! Let's do it. Let me quickly get the dishes, and you change into some comfortable clothes. We'll be spending the day outside. Some sunshine might do you well." I smile at him as I gather our plates and move to the sink.

"These clothes are comfortable." Adelbert stands and motions at his business-casual attire.

I take a moment to assess his formal, tan dress pants and cream button-down.

"If you say so, but we'll be sitting on the grass. Don't come crying when you get stains on them," I joke.

Adelbert frowns and asks blandly, "Why do you not use a picnic blanket?"

I blink at the elf, confused how someone so intelligent can be so oblivious at times.

"And where would I find one of those?" I ask.

"In the linen closet."

I hit my forehead in mock obviousness.

"Now why didn't I check the linen closet that was shown to me during my personalized house tour? Oh, right, because I wasn't given a tour and because I don't like snooping around."

Adelbert eyebrows climb high up his forehead.

"Sassy under that sweet layer, I see." There's no derision in his tone, only the hint of a smile.

Instead of cringing in on myself and uttering the apology that is sitting on the tip of my tongue, I flick a strand of my hair.

"There's a lot you don't know about me."

"Of that, I am certain. Now, follow me so I can show you the linen closet and we can prepare for a picnic."