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The evening was unusually cool, and I shivered when I parked the car at the curb of the inn.
David was in the doorway when I walked up to the building. “You scared the hell out of me, Ellie. I tried calling you and you didn’t answer.”
“I forgot my phone. And I would have told you, but you were angry—”
“I wasn’t angry.” Resignation covered his face. “Hurt is a better word.” He shifted his weight. “I shouldn’t have stormed out like that. And I shouldn’t push you into something you’re not ready for. I’m sorry.” He grabbed my arms and held me back. “Why are you all wet? You smell like seawater.”
“That’s because I was in the ocean.”
His eyes flew open in alarm. “What happened?”
I shook my head. “Nothing bad. It’s a perk of the curse. Daughter of the sea and all that. I get these overwhelming urges to go to the ocean. Sometimes I’m in the water before I even realize I’ve left the house. The ocean recharges me.” I rested my hand on his arm, immediately glad for the physical contact. “I like it because I’m one with the manitou. Tonight reminded me what I’m doing all of this for.”
His eyes softened. “And what’s that?”
I simply smiled and broke loose of his hold, heading for the staircase. “I’m going to take a shower, and then I’ll cook us dinner. It’s dark enough that we shouldn’t go outside.”
He didn’t say anything.
“Oh, I brought your bag from my apartment and left it upstairs in the hall. I cleaned all the rooms so you get your pick, except for Myra’s, of course.”
I bolted up the steps, not waiting for answer, stalling in the shower for as long as possible. At least my faded mark had one benefit: I could take showers whenever I wanted now. When I went downstairs in a tank top and shorts, my hair in a wet braid, I found David in the kitchen cooking.
“I would have made something.”
He looked up from his pot with a mischievous grin. “Since I’m staying at your flat and I don’t seem to be paying for my lodging anymore, cooking dinner seems like a fair trade.”
“What are you cooking?”
“Well that, Ms. Lancaster, is where the bloom falls of the rose. I’m making macaroni and cheese. And let’s hope it turns out well.”
I laughed, thankful that he was making an effort to ease the tension between us.
I dragged a bar stool over to the other side of the counter and perched on it. “Beggars can’t be choosers, can they?”
“Just remember that when you eat this mess.” He stirred a pot of boiling water. “How was your shower?”
“Good. I feel much better.” And I did, especially since he seemed to have let our earlier awkwardness go.
“So, do you want to go on a scavenger hunt after we eat?”
“Sounds like fun.” I hopped down from the stool and disappeared into the butler’s pantry.
“It’s not fair if you get a head start,” he called from the kitchen.
I found a bottle of wine in the wine cooler Daddy had installed when he remodeled the back end of the house. I carried the bottle, a corkscrew, and two wine glasses into the kitchen and set them down on the counter. “I’ve heard that a rich Bordeaux pairs nicely with mac and cheese.”
He laughed. “And where did you hear that?”
I waved my hand, the corkscrew in my grip. “Eleventh-grade home economics.” I lowered my voice. “Mrs. March was a lush. Butshhh.” I held my finger to my lips. “We were sworn to secrecy.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
“Along with all the others.” I opened the wine and poured us both a glass, handing one to David, careful not to touch him.
He took a sip and set it down so he could drain the noodles.
I looked around the kitchen. “I really want to help with something. What can I do?”
