He was about to speak again when the door burst open, rattling all the vases. Her eyes darted to the heavy door when Peregrine barged through. “Sloughing on the job again I see, D—”
Dylan cut Peregrine off unceremoniously. “Mr. Reid to you.” His chocolate brown eyes seemed to smolder as he focused on the taller man. “What do you want?”
Peregrine waved off Dylan’s objection. “I need flowers for a certain lady-friend.”
Adelaide withered and felt Dylan attempting to keep the behemoth’s attention on himself instead of straying to her.
“It wouldn’t be Adelaide, would it?” he chuckled seeing Peregrine began to seethe at the mention of her name.
“I never want to hear the name of my betrothed exit your lips again, peasant,” Peregrine boomed, towering over the seated man.
Dylan cocked his eyebrow. “I do recall that you are in my shop, so I expect to be treated with respect.” He paused briefly. “And if I recall correctly, she is her own woman. Your word does not make you betrothed. That isn’t something you can say and it simply be true. You need to sober up, Peregrine.”
Peregrine slammed his hands down on the counter, obviously regretting his choice when his broken wrist made him immediately grimace in pain. “She is mine, and she knows it!” he bellowed.
Dylan laughed, waving off Peregrine’s outburst like one would an angry toddler. “Then who broke your wrist this morning?” His eyes met the other man’s, his lips curling in a smug half smile.
“Cocky little shit, aren’t we? You think you can go and act all smug when you won’t even stand to greet a paying customer. Disrespectful. I will make sure you are run out of business,” Peregrine growled into a smirking Dylan’s face.
“Oh? You think to threaten me? You forget my family founded this town that you are living in, and I can easily run your alcoholic ass out of it with but a few words,” Dylan said calmly. “And besides, how would Adelaide react when she found out you were harassing her oldest friend?” He laughed when Peregrine imperceptibly withered. “Get out of here. You are piss ass drunk, and I don’t want you in my establishment.”
Without replying, Peregrine stood and pivoted on his heel, barging out of the shop.
“And you should shower, Perry boy. You reek!” Dylan called after the man before he barged out through the door, slamming it behind him. He looked over to Adelaide and tried to stifle his laughter.
Adelaide covered her mouth and bent over nearly crying with laughter. “Oh…my…heavens…can’t…breathe,” she gasped between howls. It was not long before he joined her, nearly crying as well. She clutched her sides while walking over to him. “Does he do that a lot?”
Dylan wiped at his eyes, continuing to chuckle. “Nearly every damned day. Truth be told, I want to throttle the man. However, my father won’t let me.”
“Why not? He is a public nuisance.”
He sighed dramatically. “Because he is the son of a businessman here in town that feeds a substantial amount of money back into the economy.”
Adelaide made a sour face. “That’s hardly a reason to let a drunk run the town like that.”
“I know,” he said quietly and looked down. “But I don’t have a good reason to stop him. He isn’t going after my girlfriend or spouse, so Father won’t entertain the idea so long he doesn’t physically harm anyone.”
She frowned. “I’m sure that will change one day, Dylan.”
“I’m sure it will. But until then, I can’t do anything about it, sadly. Not without risking the ire of the townsfolk who seem to adore the dumb brute for heaven only knows whatever reason,” he sighed.
Adelaide watched her childhood friend shift uncomfortably on his typically cozy perch. The normally etched lines of his face were strained, and tiny white lines betrayed his pain. A frown came across her face while walking over to the counter and set down the flowers. “Dylan, you should go rest.” She cupped his cheek and watched him lean into her touch. Her heart quickened in her chest when he seemed to take comfort in her touch in a way he had rarely done before. She smiled soft and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I know this always helps.” She felt the blush stealing into her cheeks again feeling his arms glide around her waist, leaving peculiar fire in their wake.
“Mhmm,” he murmured nuzzling into her neck, his warm breath sending chills down her spine.
She ran her fingers through his hair and realized how incredibly thick and velvety soft it was, even cut close to his head. It had always fascinated her growing up when they were playing as children. It seemed to be what made up the inside of a kaleidoscope with so many undertones that shone through under the afternoon sun. Now it drew her in in a way that left her wanting more. He pulled her closer and the heat crept down her neck before she fit her body against his.
She always thought him attractive; however, in this moment, she felt wholly safe. If she were honest with herself, the thought of him with someone else left her green with envy. You’ve got it bad, Addy girl. Stop that. He isn’t yours. She reprimanded herself. Yet as the sun shone in the bright shop, she found herself not wanting to leave. He felt like he were made specifically for her.
Footsteps coming up to the door snapped her back from her thoughts. Adelaide pulled away quickly before she acted on what she was certain was unrequited emotion. “Please, rest, Dylan. In fact, you go lie down. I’ll watch the shop the rest of the day.” There was a look of disappointment in his eyes so fleeting it left her uncertain if she made it up.
He nodded and smiled. “You always know right. Just don’t sell those.” He pointed to the vase she carried over earlier. “I’ll be upset with you. This,” he motioned towards his leg, “happened when I was trying to get those.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I wouldn’t ever dream of it, you clumsy lug.”
“You are just as clumsy as me. I don’t want to hear it, Love.” He winked to her with a grin.
“I can’t argue there, but quit sassing me and go lie down.” She put her hands on her hips with a mockingly stern look on her face.
“Yes, ma’am.” He saluted her, and she could see the wince when he rose to his feet.
Adelaide nearly followed him back to help, but stopped herself. Would he really want my help? She picked at a hem on her skirt and bit her bottom lip. Of course not. She sighed hearing the cheerful jingle of the doorbell signaling the entry of a customer.
Putting on her biggest smile, she picked up the vase of gladiolus flowers and put it behind the counter for safe keeping. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Mox! What might you be looking for today?”
3
Too soon, the shop grew dim as the sun made its decent beyond the horizon. Adelaide found herself wishing she would not have to leave the haven of beauty. She always enjoyed herself more than she should within those four walls, and the day passed far too quickly. She wanted to check on Dylan before leaving, however, she caught herself before she went back there. A smile came to her face when she realized he must be resting. “Let him sleep,” she said to herself. “I’ve not heard a peep out of him all afternoon.”
Before she left, she found the spare key he kept and grabbed the vase. Taking a few coins from her pocket, she left them on the counter and set about getting what she needed for the injured rabbit at home. Inwardly, she felt bad for leaving him alone so long; however, with what she had picked out she was certain he would forgive her. “If they are Dylan’s favorites, they obviously have to be good, right?” She laughed to herself locking up behind her
There were still quite a few carts open filled with all sorts of delicious smelling breads and sweet treats; however, one caught her attention. Carrots, leafy greens, and other vegetables lay carefully arranged in their crates. She made her way through the waning crowds toward the cart. “Hello again, Mrs. Mox!”
The elderly woman smiled warmly. “Hello again, dear. My turn to ask you how I may help you.”
Adelaide laughed and shook her head. “I need some carrots and
things you think a bunny would like. Admittedly, my garden isn’t in season at this moment, and I have a bunny with a broken leg at home.”
Mrs. Mox smiled again and moved around the cart choosing the best of the best that she kept hidden behind the crates. “Of course, I do, dear.” Picking up one of her best cloth bags, she filled it with all sorts of fresh vegetables that made Adelaide’s mouth water.
“How much do I owe you?” Adelaide shifted the vase to pull out a handful of coins from her skirt pocket.
The woman shook her head and pushed Adelaide’s hand back. “Nothing, dear. You just take care of the boy that gave you those.” She pointed to the vase in Adelaide’s arms and winked as Adelaide blushed deep.
“But we aren—”
“Tsk tsk, only because you two are too stubborn to acknowledge it,” the woman cut her off hooking the bag on Adelaide’s arm. “One day you’ll see.” She winked again and turned around, effectively ending the conversation.
Adelaide said her thanks and continued towards the edge of town— beet red. Her mind turned the woman’s words over and over until she could not think of anything else. The memory of the way Dylan looked at her when he tucked the tulip behind her ear flashed, followed by the fleeting look of disappointment when she encouraged him to rest. He can’t care for me, can he? She bit her lip, thinking while she walked.
An empty feeling came to her chest on her way back home. She knew that an injured rabbit awaited her return; however, she found herself wanting to turn around. “He’s just a friend, Adelaide. You know he doesn’t have any interest in you,” she chided herself out loud. Over the past years, she had grown to see him as more. More handsome, more charismatic, more protective of her. Simply more. That was the only way she knew to describe it even while her eyes misted at the fleeting thought of having to let him go.
Breathing deep and centering herself, she paused near a field of blooming flowers not far from her house. She gazed out at the beauty of the wildflowers under the setting sun. Pinks, purples, yellows, oranges— all stood tall, faces turned towards the sun. Butterflies danced in the evening sunlight, the oranges and blacks of their wings peeking at her as they fluttered by in their migration. Memories of happier times passed through her mind. Many days were spent together with Dylan, playing in this very field, and it would forever hold a special place in her heart.
She smiled to herself and turned to head home. When she reached it, she opened the door carefully in case the rabbit was behind it, and then kicked off her shoes. “I’m home. Sorry it took so long, I had to help my…” she paused and frowned, “best friend.” She could not hide the disappointment from her voice.
The rabbit raised its head, obviously having been asleep most of the day. Opening its heavy eyes, it blinked at her slowly and stretched gingerly on the makeshift bed.
“You seem to have slept well,” she said, setting down the vase and other flowers. “I brought you some of Dylan’s favorites. I hope you like them.”
The rabbit got to his feet and hobbled over to her. As he fell over onto his back and put his legs in the air, the laugh escaped her chest before she could contain it.
“You really are a piece of work, aren’t you?” She laughed again and scooped him up. “Needy little guy,” she murmured lovingly while nuzzling his nose and rubbing his stomach. “Not that I’m complaining. I could use a little affection right now.” Sighing, she grabbed the flowers that she purchased earlier and sat down in her chair facing the window. One by one she fed each flower to the rabbit until his chewing was more habit than hunger.
“I wish I could be like you— not a care in the world except for eating and where to sleep,” she said watching the rabbit’s eyes closed in slumber. Getting up, she sat him down on the plush chair where he could rest while she could keep an eye on him.
She set about making a fire and heard the little pap of him hopping towards her and then a fuzzy nose against the sole of her foot. A squeak of surprise left her throat when she turned around to find the rabbit looking up at her adoringly. “You are going to get hurt!” Her scolding seemed to do nothing to deter the rabbit as he hopped gingerly towards her. She sighed heavily, any anger in her chest melting when she picked him up once more.
“How can I resist that look? You’ve not been around me for long, and you already have me wrapped around your little toe,” she said pulling on his toe.
He shook his paw free of her fingers and put it on her palm. He sprawled out in her arms allowing her to see exactly how large he really was. Long limbs draped themselves across her arms as he made himself comfortable. Even his tail seemed to lengthen when he melted into her embrace. He took a deep breath and sighed long.
“Comfortable?” She laughed and shook her head as he pulled his paw from her hand and nuzzled into her palm. “Well, you are going to have to move. Because if you want to sit with me while I cook, it is either in the chair or over my shoulder. Your choice.” She rubbed his cheek while those chocolate eyes looked up to her— not unlike Dylan had earlier. It brought his face to her mind, and she shook her head. “Alright, over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes it is.” She shifted him to her shoulder, and he scooted fit himself against her neck. “You good?” She laughed and set about cutting the vegetables given to her earlier. Every so often, she would bring a bit of carrot or celery up for him to munch on happily while he watched her cook.
“Now, it isn’t as good as Dylan’s mom makes, but it’s her recipe. She’s a phenomenal cook.”
His response was a sneeze.
“Don’t you talk about her like that!” she chided. She reached up and tapped his nose before putting most of the raw vegetables into the pot. These were followed by several spices and a little bit of meat she had left over. “She’s a good woman who has taken care of me since I was little.” He sneezed at her again. Stopping what she was doing, she picked him up and held him in front of her. The stern look on her face melted away when she saw the innocence on the animal’s face. “I was going to ask you if you had allergies, but it is clear to me now that you are just an asshole.” She laughed and picked up the plate of vegetables she had for the rabbit before sitting down in her chair.
“Now, you’re going to eat before me, but don’t get used to this.” She handed the rabbit a bit of carrot. “As soon as you are able to stand without pain, you are eating on your own.” Her eyes drifted down to the rabbit watching it munch happily on the food. She sighed and shook her head before she handed it another piece.
She hated the idea of letting the little guy go. In this short amount of time, he had managed to wriggle his way around her heart in a way no other animal had. Leaning down, she pressed a kiss against his forehead. He paused in his eating and leaned up towards her touch. “You are something else,” she murmured against the soft fur that reminded her of Dylan’s hair. Nuzzling into it, she let herself imagine what it would be like to have Dylan to herself. The thought curled like white hot flames into her stomach. She sighed again and let him go back to eating. “Eat up, little guy,” she said handing him another piece of food.
It was not long before her food was warm and she was forced to put the rabbit down onto her chair. Turning around after pouring a larger than normal helping into her bowl, she was greeted with the rabbit sprawled out in her chair fast asleep. She could not stop the smile that came to her lips as she shook her head. Just like Dylan, she laughed before moving over to the chair next to him and sitting down. He was a horrible bed hog when we were children.
While she ate she watched the final rays of sunlight fade into darkness. It was her favorite time of day. It was when golden shafts burst into reds before fading into blues and purples of the night sky. Stars peeked at her through the large window facing the horizon. Not long after, Ursa Major made his appearance for the night. The sky’s never-ending reforming never ceased to amaze her. Adelaide loved watching the horizon’s constant change as night overtook the land.
It was a warmer evening, so she le
t the fire die down and allowed the moonlight to fill the room. Time passed and stars continued to announce their presence. Before she realized what was happening, her eyes grew heavy and a deep yawn left her chest. Her last coherent memory was that of a rabbit climbing across the chairs and burrowing into her neck.
4
Too soon the sunlight spilled across Adelaide’s face pulling her from her slumber. She stretched long in her bed before snuggling back down under the covers. It was in that instant her eyes flew open, “Why am I in bed?” She looked back to the chair she last remembered being in then back to the bed several feet away. She groaned sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “What on earth is going on?” Before she stood, she tested her ankle only to find it expertly wrapped.
A chill hung in the air when she glanced down to the rabbit next to her pillow and back to her foot. “Did you do it?” The rabbit was enveloped in a dream so her only response was a deep snore. “What in the hell is going on here? I am so confused…” she muttered. “Certainly I couldn’t have done this in my sleep, could I?” Whatever she had done, her ankle felt better so she decided to chalk it up to whatever happened while she slept and tried to forget the part that left her perplexed.
Easing herself from her bed, Adelaide set about changing and getting her breakfast ready. A simple roll from the market with some butter was all she got made before Peregrine was at her door again. She opened the door and stepped out into the heavy morning fog.
“I came to apologize, Adelaide.”
“I don’t care, Peregrine. Leave and leave me alone,” she glared up to the tall man. He reached forward to touch her cheek like the day before and she swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch me,” she growled at the obviously now wounded man.
He moved forward towards her, putting his hands on the door to either side of her head. “You will hear my apology, Pet,” he grinned wickedly.
A Paranormal Easter: 14 Paranormal & Fantasy Romance Novellas Page 57
