Page 46 of Not So Very Sensible

“A few times, yes.”

He smiled. “I really do want to continue this. And I will be down next Saturday—you can count on it.”

Her heart fluttered. “I’m looking forward to it.”

He grasped her hand and led her to the exit, near the carpark where their vehicles waited. Suddenly, next Saturday seemed too far away. She had to connect with him somehow before, to remind him of her presence so he wouldn’t forget her.

“I’ll um, send you the youth group ideas tonight when I get home.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I find if I don’t do things straightaway, then it’s too easy to forget.”

“The curse of a busy person, right? Give a busy person things to do because you know they’ll get things done.”

“I’m happy to help. You just let me know what you need. And if I can’t do it tonight, then I’ll definitely send it tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” He grasped her hand. Held it to his heart. Then bent and kissed it.

Oh, lucky hand to know his lips. “Ethan.”

“Ellie.”

She inched closer, lifted her face, tilted her head. If this wasn’t invitation enough, she didn’t know.

“Ethan?” a new voice cried, causing Ethan to stiffen. “Is that you?”

She blinked and stepped back as a man a little older than them drew close, tossed her a curious look, then pounded him on the back. “Ethan. This is a surprise. What are you doing here?”

“I, um …” He glanced at Ellie, then inched back. “I came for the mystery weekend.”

“Well, it’s a mystery you’re here without your usual partner in crime.” He laughed like he thought himself funny, even though Ethan clearly didn’t think he was, his look wary.

“What brings you to the mountains?”

“I’m here for a conference,” the newcomer said, glancing at Ellie again, like he’d never seen blue hair before.

She waited for Ethan to introduce her.

Ethan scratched his chin. “This is, er, my brother-in-law.”

The man didn’t offer a smile or his hand, his gaze tilting to her hair, before his nose wrinkled. “Who are you?”

Wow. Okay. “Elinor. And you?”

“Hmm.” The man’s gaze could tear bark from trees before he returned his attention to Ethan. “Where’s Lucinda?”

Who was Lucinda? Another sister? An ex?

She caught Ethan’s eye and motioned to the carpark. He excused himself with “I’ll be back in a few moments.”

The man nodded, clearly disgruntled, as he crossed his arms and scowled at Ellie.

“Doesn’t he like blue hair?” she tried to joke as Ethan escorted her outside.

He exhaled heavily. “Sorry about that. I’ve known Wayne since we were young. He’s always got an opinion to share, whether one wants it or not.”

They crunched over gravel as they headed to her car.