She had to help them, even if Simon wasn’t offering her triple pay.
Miller’s voice cut through the hooting and hollering and cheesy Renfaire-flavored heckling. “It’s a good idea.”
Instantly the boys quieted down, although they were still looking at her like she was a Sunday Roast and they had been starved for weeks. And here she was, all served up in a kitchen right out of an ad in Architectural Digest. All except for the one who’d starred in her daydreams ever since she’d first laid eyes on him, of course. He looked like he wanted her far, far away from him. Like she was radioactive, or had cooties he didn’t want to catch. Come to think of it, he wasn’t among the ones doing their best imitation of Medieval Frat Boys on Ye Old Spring Breake, Knaves Gone Wild Edition.
“Listen up,” Miller said, addressing the boys. She had an image of a drill instructor, with his boot camp trainees, and wouldn’t be surprised if that had been what he did. “This here is Ms. Katie Cooper. She’s come all this way to help you, and the least you can do is show some respect. You’re going to properly introduce yourselves to her, and each one of you has to say something about how you’re going to give this your best shot.”
He stuck his face towards the one closest to him, who had a wide smile, aquamarine eyes and flowing blond hair. “Let’s start with you.”
Blondie’s eyes glittered with warmth as he held out his hand. Huh, if he knew to shake hands already, he didn’t need her. But as she held out hers, he took it gently, turned it over and bent to press his lips on the back of her hand.
Oh.
“Beautiful Katie Cooper, “ he said. “I am called Aylwyn. I am blown away by your beauty, and I will delight in your guidance.”
The two dark ones started to hoot, and a sharp look from Miller silenced them. Good thing, because she felt herself blushing.
“Next,” Miller barked, tilting his head towards one of the two dark haired ones. This one had a neatly trimmed beard, and long, dark brown hair that was kept in a loose tie. His arms were crossed. No kiss on the hand from this one.
“Merek is my name.” Tall, Dark, and Brooding said, “And I thank you for your efforts in aiding us.”
Next was the dude who was even taller, even darker, and making “brooding” seem downright giddy by comparison. She remembered him as the one she stood near the previous night, because he seemed to be one that was causing the most of the commotion.
A deep baritone came out of his mouth. “Barric,” he bit out. “I will endeavor my best.” She was relieved he didn’t ask to take her hand as Aylwyn had. He looked like he would eat it.
After Barric was the Brad Pitt look-alike who had been quiet the previous night, but only because he was gnawing on a slab of meat, with his bare hands. Shame, because he would be devastatingly attractive otherwise.
He held out his hand, but only to clasp his large fingers around hers warmly before withdrawing it.
“I am Tybalt, and I add my thanks to you for your time and patience.” He had a sad, faraway sound in his voice. Come to think of it, he hadn’t been among the catcalls either.
And then it was time forhim. She forced herself to look up into his eyes. Hazel, she thought. He has hazel eyes, with flecks of gold. She had never known hazel to look cold, but these were downright frosty. Or maybe that was the glare he had reserved, just for her.
“Col,” he said, as if it were painful to speak. His voice was otherwise pleasant, deep and rich even with that one syllable. Even as he went on to say the next words. “I agree that it is a fine idea, worthy of merit.”
She didn’t realize she was holding her breath.
Until he dropped the devastating bombshell.
“If only it were with anyone but you.”
She was right about him.
Asshole.
