Chapter Two- Thank you so much for reading!
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The next morning, Keela woke slowly, blinking as she smelled coffee through the open bedroom door. Her fingers slid across the silk sheets, finding her robe. Putting it on, she quickly headed for the door.
Listening closely, she bit her lip as she heard the sounds of bacon frying, and a toaster popping.
Hurrying, she crossed the hall to the room where her clothing was, dressing in dark slacks and a purple blouse. This was NOT good. God only knew what the person was thinking... She brushed her hair, and raced downstairs, into the kitchen.
Etienne whistled as he flipped the bacon, illuminated by the morning light floating through the large widow that went the length of the counter- spanning the twenty feet from stove to fridge, with a dishwasher and sink in between.
Hearing her, he looked up. "Well, well... sleeping beauty has awaken. I do hope you slept well."
Keela stared. The dark haired man! From the paintings!
"...I've startled you, haven't I?" Etienne moved forward, guiding her into a chair.
Keela sat, blinking up at him. "I... yes. I'm sorry, I didn't... know you were coming, other wise I would never have... um..."
"Um?" His grey eyes sparked with amusement. "We said to make this your home, hm? Don't apologize for availing yourself to that pleasure..." He had a faint accent, something she wasn't quite sure what was- almost a mix of French and British... and something else.
Pleasure... uh huh. Thank GOD he'd arrived this morning rather than the night before. She nodded, "Of course... I need to get cleaning, though." She headed to the door, only to walk straight into a mass of solid muscle.
Troy caught her carefully, looking down at the softness he held. "Careful, Miss. And why rush off? Etienne is an amazing cook. I know he will pout if you don't partake."
Keela stared. Damn. "I..."
He guided her back to the table. "I do apologize for not warning you of our impending arrival... however I must say that our plans changed abruptly." She sat, and he smiled before sitting near her. "You've taken excellent care of the house."
Etienne grinned, "Hasn't she, though?"
Keela blushed, "So... do you need my-"
"Services? Of course!" Etienne told her quickly. "We simply cannot do without you."
She blinked. "Why ever not?"
Troy smiled, pouring her some coffee- strangely- exactly the way she took it, and set it in front of her. "There is simply too much house for two people. Surely you realize that, having been here all alone?"
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense." Keela nodded slowly.
Etienne grinned at the blush slowly made its way up from her chest to her face. "Eat up- I've got a large dinner planned, so lunch will be light."
Keela nodded slowly, picking up her fork. "Thank you."