by Jenn Sable
El inhaled deeply. “Sammie just had her second miscarriage... she’s devastated,” El brought a shaky hand to her brow line, rubbed her forehead and exhaled with a sob. “I didn’t know, Troy. I had no idea. Sammie never said anything to any of us, either time. She just... suffered in silence and is suffering right now without a support system. I’m so, so upset. I can’t tell you what it’s like to know that my big sister is going through such heartbreak alone and doesn’t feel like she can reach out to me. I must be a real shit sister, and that’s why she didn’t want to tell me.”
I pulled El to my chest and pressed my lips to the crown of her head. “Eloise. You’re not “a shit sister.” You’re Sammie’s little sister, who she loves very much. Sammie is taking the time to herself to process, and maybe she doesn’t want to feel like she has an audience while she does. She knows that you’re going through a lot right now yourself. Do you want to tell her what’s happening with Nigel’s death?” I soothed, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.
El’s voice was muffled since she was talking into my chest. “No! I don’t want to stress her. She has enough that she’s dealing with.”
“See, maybe that’s exactly the same way she feels about you.”
El pulled her face away from my chest and looked up at me. “I asked Owen to fly my sisters back to Elys Island while we waited to find out what happened to Nigel. He agreed. I have no idea when this will be over, but when this is, I owe Sammie a big apology.”
We sat on the swing together in silence, my arm around El’s shoulder and her arm looped around my stomach. El’s breathing had become so even and calm I thought she might’ve drifted off.
“You technically just told me that you loved me,” said El, startling me.
“Ahh. I mean, sort of. I said something along those lines, in a roundabout kind of way. I love everyone,” I stammered. Jesus, talk about a sneak attack.
She started to giggle, and I shook my head but smiled anyway.
“Are you really moving into the inn with me?” asked El.
“I am. Is that okay with you?”
She peered up at me, still leaning against my side. “Yeah, that’s okay. You can even sleep upstairs, in a spare room, of course,” she said, an impish smile twisted her lips.
I wagged my brows and gave her my most charming half-smile. “If you insist,” I murmured and enjoyed the beautiful blush that tinged El’s cheeks.
The front door exploded open, and Tula ran onto the porch. “Eloise!” yelled Tula.
El jumped up from the swing, “Tula! I’m right here! What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”
Tula turned and blinked hard. “Oh, there you are,” she said, and bent her head and cackled.
“Tula! Jesus!”
Tula lifted her head. “Saves!” said Tula and wiped tears of mirth from her eyes.
El clutched her heart and whipped her head back towards me and pitched a thumb over her shoulder toward Tula. “Have you met Tula?” El asked, her beautiful brown eyes bulged.
Tula answered for me. “Oh, yes, yes. I’ve met Officer Troy. And from the looks of you two, snuggling your bits together out on this porchー”
El grimaced. “That doesn’t sound quiteー”
“ーyou must’ve already met him too. I’d venture a guess, you two met a couple of times before,” said Tula, as she winked at me.
I bit the inside of my lips to keep from laughing.
“ーright. Okay,Tula, did you need me for something?” asked El, blushing prettily.
Tula patted her stomach. “Oh yes, a Ms. Biddle from the LLLF, or LLFLF group of some kind or other, would like to drop by tomorrow morning at ten to give their LFFLLー”
“LLFF,” said El.
“Right! They’ll be here at ten sharp. They like a proper English breakfast tea and want something delicious made with strawberries and whipped cream.”
El’s shoulders slumped. “Of course they do. I didn’t think those meetings started until next week.”
Tula’s eyes sparkled. “Don’t fret, love. I’m sure that the two of you will find some way to handle any extra whipped cream and strawberries tomorrow night.” She shimmied her hips like a belly dancer.
“Tula, it’s not like that. Troy and I are just...” El turned and looked at me, questioningly.
I raised my brows. I already told you I loved you. You can take the lead on this one, honeysuckle.
Tula looked from El to me and back again. She peeled her lips back in a slightly pained look of confusion, and her pearly bucked teeth slid out. “Friends?” Tula supplied, brows arched.
El’s lips parted, and I dropped my gaze to her mouth, causing her to bite her lip.
“Right... we’re just . . . friends.”
Chapter 11 - Eloise
Troy and I were more than just friends, but I couldn’t very well blurt that out to Tula. We were still trying to work through an awkward departure from our sexy night, an almost deadly homecoming, and the twilight zone of Troy moving into the inn to protect me from a possible murderer.
More than a week had gone by since Troy had moved in, and although my safety and concern of mine, Winnie's, and Tula’s wellbeing was an ever-present thought, I felt more like I was playing house with Troy. In the depths of my heart, I was thrilled each morning. I watched Troy make his way downstairs to brew coffee. I enjoyed watching him move, enjoyed hearing the sounds he made that he was probably totally unaware of, and most of all, I loved his simple and glorious presence in my life.
I stepped out of the shower and into my bedroom to stand in front of my dresser. I selected a pair of yellow diamond drop earrings and pale lavender dress to wear to the Small Business Ball. I would be stationed in the study for most of the afternoon. I wanted to look presentable enough for the nightly news coverage of the event and yet approachable enough for visitors to join me at my Lamplight Teahouse table for a sip of our signature Cup of Sunshine herbal blend our Big and Bold black tea that made you positively buzz with creative energy for those mornings when you want to be on.
I walked downstairs, and Troy whistled. I gave him a deadpan look. “Did you actually just whistle at me?”
“YUP,” SAID TROY AND walked over to me and brushed the back of his finger over my cheek. “Knock em dead, honeysuckle.”
Chloe had helped me load my vehicle with our best tea selections and the samples that had just arrivedーall stamped with our Lamplight Teahouse logoーbefore she left for the day. I pulled into the long drive of the old governor’s mansion and was excited to see a crowd of people was already milling around the house. I quickly set up my tea table in the formal study, then dashed into the kitchen to fill up my electric kettles so I could plug them in at my table. I was half-way through filling up my second kettle when a shadow passed the sunny window next to the sink.
Hmm, odd.
I walked back to the study and spent the remainder of the afternoon introducing my teas to as many people as possible. I was thrilled when an owner of a posh health store from Clear Creek wanted to know if they could stock my tea blends.
Ms. Biddle walked by and winked at me and then thundered on about how amazing my tea selection was and that she hoped I didn’t run out of her favorite kind before the monthly musical! Whoever wasn’t informed of Ms. Biddle’s monthly musicals before she started talking, certainly were afterward. Ms. Biddle could project like an opera singer.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Ms. Biddle and several of her lady friends around my tea table later that afternoon. Most of the other tables had started to die down. Things were quiet; it was the cusp of the changeover from a formal business event to the joyful celebration of the ball.
I was flanked by Ms. Biddle and a few of her local ladies of Frost Forest members as they walked up to my table. “Eloise, you know my friends Mary Ann, Judy, Candice, and Melody, don't you?
I nodded my hello to the women. “Hi, ladies, yes, it's lovely to see you. Are you getting excited about the ball?” I asked.<
br />
Candice leaned forward. “We're getting excited over the fact that Tula Cooper Parks is helping you! She's the famous sex therapist, isn’t she?”
Oh no. How do these women even know who Tula is? Great, here it is. They are going to judge Tulah's profession and cancel their group meetings at the Lamplight Teahouse. Shit!
Mary Ann reached out and placed her hand on the side of my shoulder. “Do you think that Tula would be willing to host one of her Feminine Fire meetings for us? Several of us are fans of her work and would love to arrange an event with her at your teahouse. We also know plenty of women who would truly benefit from the education that Tula would be able to give us.
My jaw nearly hit the floor. I had been expecting the absolute worst to happen and got the absolute best happened instead. “Oh!” I said, “I think Tula would absolutely love that. The next time you and the ladies are over at the Lamplight Teahouse for an LLFF meeting, let's schedule something. “
Ms. Biddle clapped her hands joyously, “I told you, girls, that the Lamplight Teahouse would be a special place!”
I smiled because it was true. My teahouse was starting to come together. It felt amazing to see people seated at the tables inside, and now, with Tula even more opportunities were opening up, where at one time, I saw none. I was so touched by the members of my community coming together and rallying behind me to help support my business and goals. I never expected that to happen, and now that it was it warmed my heart on such a deep level that it overwhelmed me with gratitude.
The details of a feminine fire meeting, however, eluded me, but I wasn't about to start asking questions. Especially not after seeing the faces of the Local Ladies of Frost Forest light up like a freaking Christmas tree over the notion that they were going to come swill tea at the Lamplight and listen to Tula talk.
Mary Ann looked around to make sure no one else was paying attention and leaned forward. The ladies and I circled and took a step toward one another to huddle our heads together. Some serious business was about to go down at the Small Business Ball.
Mary Ann cleared her throat. “A Feminine Fire meeting needs to be held at night, just keep that in mind when scheduling. If you're truly able to get Tula to agree to host a meeting, then I know quite a few women from Bloombury and Axe Hollow who could really benefit, so plan it a week or two out and then we can spread the word.”
Oh my God, what in the hell is a Feminine Fire meeting? If I'm honest, it sounds like something someone would not want. Feminine fire? Whatever, this is amazing, and Tula will know what she’s doing.
I nodded. “I'll ask about it first thing tomorrow morning.” I smiled when Candice and Melody high-fived like teenagers.
Once the afternoon sun started to dip, the business tables and booths were packed up and items were pushed into the backs of vehicles. The governor’s mansion was filled with music when a quartet started to play. Some of the lady business owners went off to a back room and changed into their formal attire for the evening ball. I stayed in my lavender dress and planned to leave before the ball got into full swing. I was exhausted and had already had a full day. I’d barely slept a wink last night with the distraction of the handsome, muscled man sleeping in the next room over. All I wanted was a bath and my bed. I was still in the middle of packing up when I felt the hot, moist breath of Maxwell behind my ear.
“Eloise, you look lovely tonight. A little understated for a ball but lovely, nonetheless,” breathed Max.
“Max, back off. I am not staying for the ball. I am packing up to go home,” I said, and kept slowly moving product boxes in an attempt to show Max that I was serious.
He laughed. “You wouldn’t be much of a date if you went home, now would you?”
My eyes snapped to his. “I was invited here by Ms. Biddle. Go dance with yourself for all I care.”
Max’s jaw flexed, and his nostrils flared for a moment. “Do you enjoy being a little bitch, El? Because you’re really good at it. Something tells me that you secretly want me to take control of the situation and show you the kind of man that I can be the one that you definitely need.”
I went beside him, then picked up a box containing my electric tea kettles, and started to move toward the door, Max got to the door first, shut it, and locked it.
“What the hell are you doing?” I hissed, “Unlock that door right now, Max! Do you really want me to scream in the middle of your father’s big event? Do you really want everyone to see that you locked a woman inside a study because you couldn't control her?”
Maxwell's eyes narrowed, “I don't care what the fuck you do. You're a real piece of work, Eloise. You better be careful being such a dick tease. Sometimes things happen to people like you.”
A tendril of fear wrapped its way around my chest. “Leave, leave before I start screaming.”
Max rolled his eyes. “That's just like you to overreact. I don't give a shit about you anymore. There's easier pussy to be had around here,” said Max, he turned, ripped open the study door, and vanished down the dark hall.
I started to slowly suck in deep breaths. Max was a complete asshole, and one of these days he was going to meet someone who wasn’t going to put up with his bullshit.
Taking a box loaded with remaining materials from the day, I headed toward the exterior door at the end of the hallway that Max had just vanished from. The cooler night air felt incredible and cleansing to me after my run-in with Max. I tilted my face to the stars and smiled. Leaning the box of tea supplies against the back of my dad’s old Cherokee, I went to open the trunk when my blood turned to ice, and I stopped breathing. A figure stood behind me and a reflection of the rear glass windowpane. The long, narrow face with the squared-off jaw and the firm set of his mouth was Devon Sharpe.
A surge of adrenaline kicked in and whirled around, ready to take on Winnie’s nephew anyway that I could, but whoever had been standing behind me had already slunk off into the shadows. I threw open my trunk and was grateful for the little light that started to shine from the interior of the car and quickly threw the box in the back. My movements were fast and jerky and riddled with anxiety. My breaths came in hot, shallow gasps, and my eyes darted around watching for any sign of movement.
A large hand wrapped around my elbow, and I screamed. I lashed out, furiously pounding on the chest that was in front of me.
“El! Woah! El, It's me, Troy! It's just me,” said Troy pulling me to the safety of his arms and cupping my face to scan me for any possible injuries.
I looked up into the face of my protector, and my heart exploded with relief.
“Oh my God, Troy, I think I just saw Devin Sharpe.”
Recounting the events of what happened, of my going outside and seeing a figure in the reflection of the back window of my vehicle caused Troy to grow very silent and still. I went on to report the strange shadow passing the window while I filled up my kettles in the kitchen earlier in the day.
Troy’s brows settled into a serious, flat line. He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. He pulled out a walky-talky and radioed to his fellow officers to be on alert, reported times of incidents, and gave a description of Devin Sharpe and ordered a perimeter sweep.
“Ms. Biddle told me that she saw Maxwell coming out of the study having a temper tantrum. Do I need to go pound the snot out of that kid?” asked Troy, his voice sounded gruff.
I shook my head. “I just want to get out of here. I can't shake the feeling that I’m being watched,” I said and shivered.
Troy rubbed warm, strong hands up and down my arms. “You're shaking like a leaf. I radioed into the force. They're walking the perimeter of the old governor's mansion now. Let's get you home. I promise you, I won't leave.”
My hands found their way to his waist, and I took a moment and closed my eyes and breathed in Troy. He was a comforting and alluring blend of forest, leather, and musk. He stood like a steady pillar of support and when I opened my eyes he was looking down at me with such intensity, concern, and love, th
at it took my breath away. I knew the emotion I saw in his eyes mirrored in my own. I was madly in love with Troy Witmer.
“Promise me that you won’t leave my side,” I whispered. Tell me that you love me. Promise me that you’ll love and protect me forever.
He pressed his forehead against mine. “I promise. El, I promise that I won't leave your side as long as I'm still pulling air into my lungs and my heart still beats. I will protect you. Always.
Chapter 12 - Troy
I got a swift reality check when I caught sight of how scared El was when she thought that she’d seen Winnie's nephew. I wanted nothing more than to ease her fears and let her know that everything was going to be all right. I ended up driving her home from the old governor's mansion and was pleased to see that by the time we pulled onto our lane and opened the kitchen door, El had started to relax.
“You know, at first, I thought all I wanted to do was come home and go to bed, but I think I'm a little too jittery for that.”
I arched a brow. “May I recommend a kitchen party? I'm pretty sure that you still owe me a cup of hot cocoa. You can teach me how to make it so I can make it for you in the future.”
El’s eyes snapped to mine when I commented on making her cocoa in the future. El laughed. “You know what, you're right and that sounds absolutely fantastic. I even have the ingredients for hot cocoa this time. You're going to love my mother's hot chocolate recipe. But, I must warn you, once you take one sip of this cocoa, it will ruin all other cups of hot chocolate for you. Because once you've had a taste of the best, nothing else will do. Are you ready to take that leap?
I was pretty sure that I smiled with my entire body at El. “I’m ready to leap.” El Evans had already ruined me for more than just hot cocoa.
“Go ahead and ruin me, Eloise,” I murmured.
She bit her lip, and her eyes twinkled. Then her gaze settled on a framed photograph of her parents dancing in the kitchen. During card parties, I always sat in the chair facing the photograph. I liked seeing an image that captured so much love and life.
