Page 19 of Elves and Espresso

Oh no, not those words. I couldn’t hear those words. They were too real. Real words were the things of nightmares. I had to think of something to say. Why could I never think of something good to say?

“We should,” I started. “Our plan for tomorrow is a bit loose, and I fear we need something more set in order to make better time. We’re a few days away, and it wouldn’t do to tarry too long here.”

“I meant about—”

My finger flew to silence his lips. “We cannot.”

“Why not?”

“Because goodbyes are terrifying, and I do not wish to say goodbye.”

“Then don’t,” he whispered. “Just say goodnight for now.”

I wanted to give in. I so badly wanted to give in to every emotion I felt with him, despite the fact that there was no time when that emotion had begun. When had he gone from being the obnoxious man I was bound to, to being someone I no longer wished to say goodbye to? There was no such thing as love at first sight, and there was no way I could feel for someone in less than a week.

“I know what you’re thinking…” he pushed. “I can see it in your face. We don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, but I’m thinking it as well.”

“Perhaps it would be best if we retired for the night.”

The dashing grin was back as he winked. “Shall we?”

“In our own rooms, sir!”

“I knew that! I was just teasing.”

He walked over to his door, and I followed so I could lock it once he’d left. He paused and looked at me, his eyes catching mine. “We don’t have much time left together.”

“Two days or so, if my estimations are correct.”

He took a step, then stopped, turning once more. I looked up at him, waiting for him to speak, to say something, but there was only silence. He bent down quickly, and I felt a light kiss on my cheek before the rushing warmth washed over me.

“Goodnight, Calista.” And then he was gone, only the soft sound of the lock as I turned the key without thinking.

I wasn’t sure how long I stood there. If I moved, I had to acknowledge the moment—perhaps the only moment we would share like this. He would be gone before long, and I would likely be either running through realms to escape the Realm Guard as he chased me, or I would end up his bride. There was no escaping this strange destiny I had now found myself in.

“Are you leaning up against the door, too?” Aleixo’s voice startled me from the other side.

“No…”

“Right…” More silence, and then he awkwardly added, “Well… Goodnight for now.” He laughed softly and then all was quiet.

Chapter Eighteen

“Calista, wake up!”

I shot up in bed, startling Dewdrop, who complained as she shot upright with me. Was he in my room? Oh, how improper! How absolutely, positively—

No, he wasn’t here. But why was he knocking on the door to the hall and not the door between our rooms?

“Calista, open this door!”

There had to be some kind of emergency. Had the Realm Guard found us? Was he checking in right now? Were we already doomed before we could even start our day? I rushed to look into the old mirror that hung about the desk. I looked passable, but definitely not lovely. With a sigh, I combed fingers through my hair, ran across the room, and threw the door open.

“Good morning, star bright! I made us espressos!”

Blinking at him, I wanted to wipe the silly grin right off his face. “Aleixo, it is morning.”

“Exactly. We haven’t had an official morning with one another…well, not like this. And what a beautiful morning it is.”