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‘Ewen,’ he said, ‘Have we got a new house guest?’
‘Alfie, you’ll remember Cora? Cora, Alfie.’
‘Hi,’ I said, my cheeks flushing at the thought of someone else knowing about my deal with Ewen. I hoped he didn’t.
‘Pleasure to see you again,’ Alfie said, a crooked smile curving his lips. ‘About time there was someone to talk to other than grumpy balls over there.’
Ewen cleared his throat and threw Alfie a withering glance.
Alfie winked with a grin. ‘You know I’m messing with you. Your company is ever a delight.’
‘We’ll see you later,’ Ewen said as his shoes clicked on the tiled flooring.
I rushed to keep up. ‘Are you guys related, too?’
‘No. He’s a family friend. Tends to hang about for a few months at a time.’
My brow creased. ‘If you don’t like him, then why do you let him stay?’
‘Who said I don’t like him?’
‘I mean, your face? Your tone?’
‘Not everyone wears their hearts on their sleeves. It doesn’t mean they feel any less.’ Ewen stopped in front of a door and pressed down the handle, swinging it open.
‘This is your room.’
The room was massive, beautifully decorated with a large wooden four-poster bed and matching antique-looking furniture. One door led to a little terraced area, while another to a bathroom that was the size of my living room. The bath sank into the floor and was easily big enough to fit four people.
‘We aren’t sharing?’ I asked, skimming my fingers over the furnishings, marvelling at how thick and heavy everything felt.
TWENTY-ONE
EWEN
Alfie and I waited at the dinner table.
'Not great at timekeeping, huh?' Alfie said.
Large silver cloches covered the food, hopefully holding its heat in.
'She might have gotten lost,' I said, glancing at Alfie.
'I'm surprised you haven't got her on a leash.' Alfie poured red wine into our glasses, the rich floral tones filling my nostrils.
'There's time,' I grumbled.
The door opened, and Cora walked into the room, her eyes widening as she took in the large, polished wood table and gilt decor that surrounded it.
'Sorry I took so long. I didn't really know what to wear.'
Alfie and I wore shirts and slacks, sleeves rolled up, and buttons open. Smart but relaxed. Cora wore a short sweater dress with tights and knee-high brown boots. Perhaps a little casual, but who cared.
'You look lovely,' I complimented with a smile, rising to pull out the chair next to mine for her to sit.
'I feel like a little gremlin that's invaded a palace,' she said, her cheeks pinking.
'Invade away.'
