Beauty and the Wolf by Lois Faye Dyer Page B

Raindrops glistened in his black hair as he shrugged out of his jacket and hung the damp leather over the back of a nearby rocking chair.
    She drew a deep breath and patted the cushion beside her. “I didn’t expect to see you today—how did you know I was here?”
    â€œI stopped by Justin and Lily’s place to deliver the plans for Ava’s rabbit hutch—which has turned into a rabbit-condo-castle,” he said with a wry grin. “Lily told me you’d mentioned spending the afternoon with your mom, so I thought I’d drop by on my way home.” He shoved one hand into his jeans pocket and pulled out a glittering jet and gold earring. “You lost this in the car last night. I thought you might be worried about it.”
    â€œOh, you found it! Thank goodness.” Frankie held out her cupped hand, and Eli dropped the earring into her palm.
    He settled onto the swing, one arm stretched out along the seat back behind her.
    â€œI was so upset—I was afraid I’d lost it forever.” Impulsively, she leaned sideways into Eli and kissed his cheek. “Thank you!”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” His eyes smiled at her. “Feel free to lose jewelry in my car anytime. I like the way you say thank you.”
    Frankie felt heat move up her cheeks and knew her face was no doubt pink. She shot a quick glance at her mother from beneath lowered lashes. An amused,indulgent smile played about Cornelia’s lips. Apparently, her mother approved of Eli’s charm.
    â€œI hope I don’t lose track of any more family heir-looms in the future, but if I do, it’s nice to know you’ll find them for me.” She patted his cheek with easy familiarity and shifted back, away from the hard curve of his body. Pretending she didn’t miss the sheer pleasure she felt in leaning against his warm strength, she leaned forward and picked up the Wedgwood teapot. “Mom and I are having Earl Grey—would you like a cup?”
    She poured and handed Cornelia a delicate cup and saucer before glancing inquiringly at Eli.
    â€œTea?” He winced. “Honey, you know I don’t do tea.”
    She couldn’t help laughing at his apologetic but pained expression. “I’m sure Mom has something else to drink.”
    â€œActually, I just had hot chocolate with Ava, so I’m good.”
    â€œDid you drink it out of a mug or a thimble-sized toy china teacup?” Frankie asked, stirring sugar into her own tea before sitting back on the swing, cup in hand, one foot tucked beneath her so she could face Eli.
    â€œToday we sat at the kitchen-island counter and had normal size mugs,” Eli told her. He shook his head. “Thank God. I can hardly pick up those tiny cups of hers. Not to mention, sitting at that little-girl table scares me. I’m constantly worrying the chair won’t hold me and I’ll break it.”
    Frankie and Cornelia smiled with sympathy. Frankiehad a swift mental image of Eli’s tall, broad body perched on one of Ava’s child-sized chairs. The picture was endearing.
    â€œDo you see a lot of Ava?” she asked, sipping her tea.
    â€œNot as much as I’d like—Justin has to spend quite a bit of time on his ranch in Idaho.” He leaned forward, taking a shortbread biscuit from the plate on the tea tray. “But when they’re in Seattle, we get together fairly often.” He glanced at Frankie, the tiny smile lines at the corners of his eyes crinkling. “I’m her honorary uncle, and apparently Ava thinks that requires certain duties.”
    â€œOne of which is having tea with her dolls?” Frankie guessed.
    â€œYeah, that’s one of them.” He pretended to shudder, but the fond smile barely curving his lips told her he didn’t really mind playing tea party with the little girl.
    Rain pattered against the glass. Frankie sighed and eyed the wet world outside with gloom.