15. Ambrose #3
“Well, hello, then.” Millie beamed at her. “I’m glad you’re here, because you haven’t seen the place yet. Zeth’s been working hard to fix it up for sale. Wanna come in?”
Annabelle agreed and beckoned me to follow, but my eyes drifted up again to the roof. Hearing us, Zeth glanced down and granted me a gratifying grin, as if glad to see me. Then his gaze shifted over to Annabelle, and his face fell. He wiped his chin and looked away nervously.
Shit, what am I walking into here?
“Ambrose,” Father’s voice froze me from the carriage. I turned to where he stood in the doorway, having forgotten he was even there. “It seems you and Miss Winters have become reacquainted with the Washers. I’ll head on to the bank and have the carriage brought back here soon.”
Then he closed the door and was off, riding along the street and leaving me completely dumbfounded. What was I supposed to do at the laundry? Did Father expect me to claim Annabelle, ensuring that Zeth made no advances?
My stomach was in several knots now. I turned and splashed through a puddle as I made my way inside, where I found Millie showing Annabelle around.
The place was cleaner than the last time I’d been here.
The cozy storefront was just the right size for selling nearly anything.
There was the counter where the Washers took care of customers, and the magnificent wide windows where the dresser still sat.
What an amazing storefront. So much potential.
I took off my cap to hang it on the hook in the wall, then ran my fingers over my hair to tame the curls.
Sniffing, I walked over to the dresser I’d helped Zeth move and smoothed my hand over the wood.
Such a fine piece of furniture. With a little sanding, wood stain, and love, it could stand beautiful again.
The idea warmed me, and I couldn’t resist the thought of claiming something that was Zeth’s as my own.
“I’ll take this dresser off your hands,” I said before thinking twice.
Millie stopped chatting with Annabelle and glanced at me with surprise. “I think you’re joking, Amby, but I’ll say sold before you change your mind.”
She strolled over to shake my hand but hesitated and pulled her hand back. “Wait, how much? Zeth will kill me if I don’t haggle.”
“Oh.” I looked at the sign, realizing it was priced a little higher than I expected.
Before I could ask for a lower price, Millie tried doubling the amount listed.
My father would strangle me if he found out I’d spent my own money on such a thing.
“I will admit that’s a bit out of my range.
I would love to fix it up, but I’ll also need to buy the materials to do so. ”
Millie regarded me thoughtfully before replying, “Then you’re in luck. It’s half off today, since you’re taking it to a good home.”
“Well, that’s generous of you. I’ll have someone come and pick it up tomorrow.”
“Nicely done,” Annabelle chimed in as if she thought I’d haggled the price down. I enjoyed her admiration until she looked at Millie and asked, “Would you like to accompany me today? I’m visiting some acquaintances for tea.”
Millie’s face lit up, and she sputtered, “I… yes… that sounds fun. I can’t wait to meet your friends. We can stop by the tailor shop too. I’d love to show you what I’m starting to sew. Would that be alright?”
Annabelle nodded primly with a twinkle in her gaze. “Whatever you wish. I don’t mind detours.”
If they were both leaving, I should probably accompany them. But before I could offer, the side door opened with a scrape of wood. The loud sound echoed through the empty shop, making me jump. Zeth stumbled in with his shoulder against the door.
He caught sight of us standing not far from him and instantly straightened before pushing the thing shut with a grumble, “Damn door.”
My breath caught as I took him in, still looking wet and messy and using that dirty mouth of his to swear. When I glimpsed the week-old bruise yellowing on his neck from where I’d sucked his skin between my teeth, my body flushed.
I glanced at Annabelle and Millie to see if they noticed, but they were distracted chatting to themselves about the warped door, so I turned back to Zeth and rubbed my collar with my thumb to give him a hint.
Zeth seemed confused briefly before his hand flew to cover the bruise a second before Annabelle and Millie turned to him.
“Any luck with the roof?” Millie asked.
“Oh, aye,” Zeth answered, pretending to massage the side of his neck. “Todd found the crack and helped me seal it with asphalt and sand. We just finished.” He granted Annabelle an awkward nod.
“No more leak!” Millie cheered.
“Yeah, Arthur’s big brother is heading home. He says I’m good at construction.” Zeth looked at the floor where water dripped from his clothes and laughed. “And it comes with free baths. Do you think I should take up roofing?”
“No!” I blurted out, and everyone regarded me with surprise. I cleared my throat. “Uh, it’s just… I’ve heard of a few roofers falling and being badly injured.”
“Amby’s right. And you’re better at business, so that’s where you should stay,” Millie agreed, much to my relief. “Speaking of, I sold the dresser for the full price while you were up there.”
“You did? To whom?”
I tensed, hoping she wouldn’t rat me out. She eyed me curiously and answered, “Oh, just a passerby. Said they’ll pick it up tomorrow.”
“Good work, Mils.” Zeth praised his sister so warmly that I felt some of the heat in my cheeks as well. I sent Millie a silent thank you for keeping it secret, and she winked around Zeth at me.
“Apologies for my attire,” Zeth told us. “As you can see, we’re cleaning things out to add this property to our portfolio. I enjoy being part of that process. If you give me the chance to change, we can visit properly.”
“No need, since Millie and I already made plans. I did mean to tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed our outing yesterday.”
My brow popped up as my eyes flitted from Annabelle to Zeth.
He was still massaging his neck awkwardly, but looked pleased as he replied to her, “I hope to go again soon.” His gaze shifted to me. “You should join us next time too.”
“Oh, do!” Millie agreed quickly. “It would be fun for us to all go together.”
I raised my chin, trying to mask my confusion as I asked, “Oh? Where is that?”
“We met up with Anna for a walk in town,” Millie explained. “But then Zeth saw a charming bookstore and got the clever idea to visit the orphanage to read to the kids. And Anna said ‘wait here’ and returned from the store a minute later with new books. The kids loved them.”
When Zeth chuckled, I smiled tightly as my jealousy rose. They all seemed to be having a wonderful time together lately.
I rubbed a sore spot on my thumb as I said, “That was a very thoughtful thing to do. I’m sure the children were grateful to have those books.”
“Speaking of books,” Annabelle added. “The salon is coming up, and I still need a new hat.”
Millie perked up. “There’s a lovely straw hat with ribbons in the shop next door. It’s a new style from the City, but I bet we can get a great deal from the Old Man. He likes me. Shall we stop there first?”
“Lovely plan,” Annabelle nodded with a twist of her lips at Millie.
“Ah…” Zeth started, but when his eyes darted to me, my face flushed.
Annabelle snorted and grabbed Millie’s hand. “It’s already settled. Thank you Amby, for giving me a ride into town. Shall we rendezvous later?”
“Oh, yes. My father should be done in an hour or so, so I may stroll up to the garden square for a while.”
Annabelle nodded and led Millie out of the shop.
As silence filled the room, I turned to face Zeth.
He lowered his arm with a grateful sigh and settled both of his hands on his hips.
Water gleamed on his muscles even in the low light.
With his tall frame, fine looks, and alluring presence, Zeth had a way of claiming the space.
When he nodded at me, a wet lock of hair fell charmingly to his forehead. An unshaved shadow roughened his delicate jawline, which I found tempting to touch. He clearly didn’t expect company today, especially me.
The silence thickened. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking about Annabelle leaving us behind. Perhaps he didn’t want her to leave. Perhaps I was ruining his plans by being here.
“Um…” I squeezed my thumb hard. Seeing each other at the pub was one thing, but standing here alone with Zeth in his home was another. I shouldn’t be with him at all. But I did want to know one thing. “Why… Why did you invite me to go along with you to the orphanage next time?”
Zeth scratched the bristle on his cheek before answering, “Because I thought you might enjoy it too. The kids were a delight, and you used to love reading.”
A pang tore through me. “Oh. Yes, I’m sure I would enjoy it.” I searched Zeth’s face, wondering if he could sense my despair as I asked, “Are you… courting Annabelle now?”
His gaze remained steady, observing me as he answered, “No. I should be, but haven’t kissed her yet.”
I blinked at him. Yet. Not yet. “Right. Um, I should probably go, then.”
As I turned, Zeth pleaded, “Amby, wait.”
Stopping at the desperation in his voice, I turned back to face him but avoided his eyes.
Was he going to bring up what happened in the barn?
Or how he was acting like nothing ever happened between us?
Or invite me on another of his dates? Was he going to cover that damn bruise on his neck, or display my mark proudly?
It confused me, and his calling me back wasn’t helping.
“What is it?” I asked, waiting for him to go on.
“I just want to tell you that our time—”
A sudden crash shook the building, making us both flinch. Something heavy had fallen upstairs. Zeth turned and ran for the stairwell, and I rushed after him up the steps.