Waiting and Awaited

Chapter 11 - Bubbly

Rone watched Cali's eyes widen as she realized that he was her only dinner companion. He had deliberately failed to correct her assumption that she was dining with his family. For some reason, the thought of being with them made her anxious but he knew that she would have picked that over what he had planned tonight. After she ignored his invitation to the Saturnalia, which may just have been the first time he was declined, he was not going to give her another chance to do so.

He fell behind her as she took slow hesitant steps towards the table, apprehensive about the setting but drawn towards the best view the Manor had. His eyes traced the curve of her neck to her bare shoulder. She had a mole on her left shoulder blade and his fingers twitched, curious to know how her skin would feel. He shook his head. He had been too long without a woman. That must be the only reason he was having these kinds of thoughts now.

She turned her head to him and the look in her eyes made him think that she would bolt if he made any sudden moves.

"Just us?"

"Were you expecting company?" he asked innocently.

"Your family does have to eat."

"They are in the main hall, and not expecting us." He watched every movement as he was taught at a young age to do so. Body language would tell you what a person would say next. He saw the light tilt of her chin at his statement, warning him of a retort. Then he saw the flicker of her eyelids when she changed her mind. He breathed a silent sigh of relief. He really did not want to have to fight her for this.

"All right then." She couldn't quite decide if she found this better than what she had initially dreaded. But she had to admit she was wondering what he had up his sleeve now. He was looking at her quite differently. She didn't know what it meant but it made her not want to lose sight of him just to see every single move he might make.

He went to the side table and took a bottle from a bucket of ice. She jumped when he opened it with a pop and a hiss, and poured out clear amber liquid to two thin glasses.

"I will let you enjoy the view for a little while. I need to get out of these work clothes. If you need anything, press that button and Celine or Elis will come for you," he said as he pointed at a small button on the wall near the door before handing her one of the glasses. "Don't disappear," he grinned wryly before disappearing behind the door.

She looked down at the glass in her hand. She didn't drink but if there was any night when she needed one, tonight was definitely it. Was the Duke trying to woo her? The thought brought a flush to her face. What exactly did men and women do in courtship? She was terrified of making a fool of herself. She regretted not asking her mother for details about how she and Mr. Bell fell in love. Wait, why would she need to know that? She and the Duke were far from falling in love at this point.

She took a cautious sip and found herself staring aghast at her glass. She could taste flowers and feel their scent bursting on her tongue. How was that possible? What had she been missing at the Saturnalia? But the wines served for that event were either red or a clear one that didn't quite fizz as much as this one did. Was this a privilege to the ducal family? She took another sip, bigger this time, and closed her eyes as she let the liquid slowly glide down her throat.

He found her moaning with her eyes closed when he walked back in and he stopped in his tracks. His feet couldn't seem to move when his jaw was busy falling. He snapped his mouth shut before she caught him gaping like a fool. He cleared his throat and watched as she blinked and flushed guiltily. He had to consciously keep his teeth glued together. His eyes fell on her flute and he realized the reason for her delight. Smiling, he made a mental note to stop by the Vineries every week.