Chapter 17
Leif shut the front door behind him. The smell of baked bread and beef stew followed him outside. Erik frowned at the closed door.
“This isn’t a good time,” Leif said. “What’s up?”
“Remember that big sale we had? The thirty-nine cuddy that we sold to that tourist. Well, the damn fool ran it aground. It’s in a slip at the boatyard, but we need to pull it in.”
“Can’t it wait? I’m a little busy right now.”
“No. The boat’s taking in water. If he loses the engine, he’s not gonna like it, and even though it’s his fault, you know he’ll try to come back to us because he just bought it. I can’t deal with the hassle, and it’s too much money to screw around. Just help me before it becomes a bigger problem.”
“What about Axel? I’ve, uh, got someone here right now.”
“Axel isn’t home. Come on, don’t gimme this. Charlotte won’t care anyway.”
“Fine. I’ll help, but I need a minute. I’m with Ella.”
“Ella?” A horrified expression swept over Erik’s face as he looked past Leif’s shoulder and through the large window into his kitchen. Erik yanked the cigar out of his mouth and threw it on the ground. “Why?”
“I’m making her dinner.” Leif turned around to face the window. Ella gave him a stiff smile. One moment, he mouthed to her, holding up a finger.
“Have you gone soft? What’s the matter with you?” Erik barked at him, pulling his fisherman cap low on his brow.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Meet me, pronto.” As Erik stomped off, he yelled over his shoulder, “Tell her to wait, or drop her at Ringpynten—whatever. But she’s not coming.”
Erik had always been a grouch, but never hostile. What could he have against Ella? But there was little point in asking; they didn’t call him The Vault for nothing.
“Hey, you,” Leif said lightly as he shut the door behind him. Ella sat at the kitchen table, scraping a spot of blue wax from the brass candlestick. She didn’t look at him when he rested his hand on the back of her chair.
“Erik has an emergency. There’s a problem at the marina, a job that needs two people. I’d much rather stay here with you, of course, but I have to go help him.”
“I understand. I’d much rather stay here too. But if it’s an emergency, it can’t be helped. Can you take me back to Ringpynten?” Ella stood, turning to face Leif.
“Of course I will. I hate that our evening was interrupted.” He clasped her hand. “How about we try again tomorrow night? I can drop by your place around five.”
“OK. But how about we eat at my cottage? I doubt we’ll have visitors there.”
“I can bring wine and the main course?” He kissed her lips.
“Perfect. I’ll make a salad and come up with a dessert.”
“Good plan.” As he smoothed back her hair, she leaned closer to him, and they kissed some more. She was all soft curves, soft skin and long, soft hair, and she smelled like cinnamon and sweet grapefruit. Their kiss deepened, their hips collided, and he let out a groan before pulling away.
“I want to stay, but Erik’s waiting.” He silently cursed Erik as he cupped Ella’s face in his hands and kissed her mouth one last time. “I’ll box up some stew so you can try it. Right now, that’s the best I can do.”