Page 11 of All The Wrong Notes
Will was in the kitchen, elbows on the marble counter, one long leg dangling off the stool he half perched upon. He was reading something Elise couldn’t see, but he glanced up the moment she entered and gave her a heart-stopping grin.
“I hope you slept well.” His voice was deep and still a bit thick from sleep, and it sent tingles up her spine. Good tingles, and entirely unwelcome.
Down, she warned them. You don’t like him, remember? He probably kicks puppies for fun. But she would be polite.
“Thanks, the bed was very comfortable. I got a good look at the lake through the patio doors. It was too dark to really see last night, but it’s beautiful. This house is in a lovely spot. It feels more like a home than a cottage.”
“We’re lucky to have it. My parents basically live here when they aren’t somewhere tropical, and I come up as much as I can, when I’m not needed in the city for some reason or another. I’m happier here, where it’s quiet and where I’m not expected to perform for others. I can be myself here.”
This resonated with what Carlos had said, and Elise had to consider it. Will did seem to be a very different person in this peaceful house on a lake than he was amid the bustle of Canada’s largest city.
“I’ve got an office just on the other side of the deck, and satellite internet, so I can work here for weeks at a time, if I want to. As I said, I’m very lucky.”
“You spent a lot of the summer in the city,” Elise countered. “Surely, that would have been the best time to be away from the heat and the crowds.”
He blinked, long lashes fluttering over those mesmerising eyes. “Yes. My parents were here. They don’t need me around. And I… I thought I’d spend some time helping Carlos get settled. New city, new job, all that. He didn’t really need my help, though. He’s got all the social skills I wish I had. But I was pleased to be there for him, regardless.” He caught her in his gaze. “It definitely had its advantages.”
Will flushed, unaccountably, and stood up, clearing away whatever he had been reading. He moved around the counter to where a coffee maker held a glorious pot of rich dark liquid. He raised a mug, to which she nodded, and he poured the coffee.
“Milk and sugar are there. What do you like for breakfast? I’m afraid I’ve got to spend a lot of today working. There’s an important project going on, and we need all the paperwork ready by first light on Monday, London time. I hope you don’t mind.”
He handed her the mug and their fingers brushed. The warmth that flooded up Elise’s arm had nothing to do with the hot coffee in the cup she held. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Idiot! She chided herself. You’re just gobsmacked because he’s being nice.
“Thanks,” she managed at last. “We’ll keep ourselves entertained. Between the trails and the canoe, and the pile of books on my reader, I’ll be very happy.” Elise carried her mug to the table, helped herself to a pastry and put some bread into the toaster. “Are we far from the town?”
Will walked over, phone in hand. He sat next to her and tapped at the screen until a map appeared. He was very close, and Elise had to remind herself again that she didn’t like him. Did he always smell this good? No, it must just be the coffee and pastry and her not-quite-awake brain.
“We’re here,” he leaned towards her so she could see, “and the town is there.” He poked at the screen. “It’s a short drive on the country road, but if you want to walk or bike, this path along the lake will get you there pretty quickly.”
He was very close now, his arm all but brushing against Elise’s, and she could hardly think. Her eyes were fixed on his large hands with their long fingers, a sprinkling of hair just below the knuckles, swirling elegantly across the surface of the device. She had to fight the impulse to reach out and touch them, feel the skin and the play of muscles and sinews beneath. Never had she found hands so entrancing.
“...in the garage.”
He was still speaking, while her mind had been consumed with watching his hands. She tried to find the replay button in her brain. Something about bikes. Bikes in the garage.
“...helmets, too.”
Right. Helmets.
“I should get to work, but Carlos knows where everything is. If he and Janet ever emerge from their bedroom, that is.” Will chuckled, a deep sound that riveted Elise to her seat more than had the sight of his hands.
Had she ever heard him laugh before? No, she’d remember that. It was a lovely sound. She must see what she could do to make him laugh more often.
“Thanks so much for your hospitality,” was all she said. Then, surprising herself with her eagerness, “Will you be busy all day? Will you have any time to join us?”
A shrug. “It depends on what greets me on my computer. I hope so. Definitely for dinner. I’ll have to see how long things take. Enjoy yourself today, Elise.” He let his hand rest on her shoulder for a moment after he rose from the chair beside her, sending more warmth flooding through her.
What on earth was going on? She didn’t like him!
* * *
How in the world was he going to work today? How could he possibly concentrate on his reports and documents when she was here? His hand, where her fingers had brushed his as he’d handed her the mug of coffee still burned in the most delightful and distracting way, and the warmth emanating from her as he had sat at her side to show her the map outshone anything the fireplace could manage.
Will turned on the computer to open the files he needed, then sent a message to his colleague in Belgium, who was part of this project. But all he saw before him were Elise’s deep and beautiful eyes, sparkling with wit. When Josette joined the call, he didn’t hear her voice at all, only Elise’s resonant tone, her lips ready with another quip, something else to tease him with.
Those lips… her eyes… her voice…