by H. L. Burke
Ellis huffed out a long breath. He’s right. Besides, a toolbox is what you get your best mate or your dad, not the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with. He squinted at Theo. “How old are you, again?”
“Almost nine.”
“So how do you know more about girls than I do?” He laughed, ripped the diagram from the notebook, and shoved it onto a spike. “Well, back to the drawing board ... Blast, I can make practical. I can even make interesting. Pretty? Not so much.”
“You have money, doncha?” Theo tilted his head.
Ellis laughed. “That I do. So … how about you and me hit the shops tomorrow and find something perfect for Miss Nyss? Apparently I’m going to need some help.”
“Really? Can we go now?” Theo grinned.
“It’s already almost supper, and we need someone to hold down the shop while Nyssa’s out.” It had been a busy afternoon. Though the crowds had finally thinned, the till had a healthy balance.
Ellis had started the shop mostly for Nyssa, who grew anxious if inactive. He had family money, and while living incognito abroad kept most of it from his fingertips, for him work was more an amusement than a necessity. However, between everything he’d learned overseeing his father’s business during the man’s lapse in sanity and Nyssa’s technical aptitude, they’d managed to earn a steady profit.
Someone rapped on the shop door. A mountain of parcels, seemingly moving on its own, stood on the other side of the glass. Ellis hit a button on his desk and the door swung open. Theo sprang to help, and soon excavated Nyssa from under the precariously balanced load.
“Wow, look at all this stuff.” Theo whistled, lining the parcels up on the counter.
“Would you take these to Mrs. H?” Nyssa handed him two bundles. “If I remember correctly the ones with the red string are for the kitchen.”
Theo carried the packages out the back.
“Looks like you got a bit carried away,” Ellis said.
Nyssa rolled her eyes. “Amara.”
“Ah. Enough said.” He chuckled and wheeled towards her. “You survived the encounter?”
“Just barely.” She laughed. “It’s going to take days to put all these decorations in place.” She leaned down and kissed his forehead. He trailed his hand across her cheek, savoring her soft, warm skin.
Nyssa stepped around him and got behind the counter. “I’m not even sure where to start.” She picked up one bundle, her teeth squeezing gently into her pink lower lip. Ellis could almost feel the pressure of her bite. He leaned forward in his chair, his gaze tracing her elegant neck down to her exposed collarbone … Her voice hummed pleasantly.
“Ellis?” her voice sharpened.
“Huh?”
She tilted her head to one side. “What radiowave were you listening to?”
“Nothing. Just … nothing.” He shook his head. “Did you say something?”
“Yes, I said I have an appointment with Amara tomorrow after lunch.” She unwrapped the first package and held aloft a silver reindeer attached to a hook. “What is this thing?”
“I think it’s a stocking hook. You know, to hang them on the mantel?”
“What’s wrong with nails?” She set it aside and cut through the string around the next package with a penknife. “Are you all right alone in the shop again for a few hours tomorrow? I can get out of it if you need a break.” She peered at him, the corner of her mouth quivering.
Does she want me to tell her not to go? No, Nyss doesn’t play games like that. Still, I’ll give her an out if she wants one.
“I did tell Theo I’d take him shopping tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your appointment. It won’t hurt to close the store a few hours early. It’s up to you.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint Amara.” She held up a garland of foil stars. “These might look nice across the window, don’t you think?” Taking a roll of tape, she crossed the room and stuck the stars over the entry. She stepped back with her hands on her hips. “That does look rather festive.”
Ellis nodded, but his eyes were still on her. Even in the somber grays she wore, she was gorgeous. Truly, though, she did deserve something pretty.
I’m going to get her the best present money can buy or hands can make … and it still won’t be enough for my Nyss.
Chapter Five
Nyssa fussed with her skirts. Amara had told her to wear something feminine, but none of Nyssa’s clothes made her think of dancing. Also, Ellis would question it if she left the shop dressed for a party. He was too clever to easily keep secrets from.
I have to up the subterfuge or he’ll have me figured out faster than those mystery novels he always guesses the ends of. I’m going to surprise him if it kills me. Lying isn’t a sin around Christmas … I think.
The conductor called, “Next stop, Continental Avenue!”
Snatching up her satchel from the seat, Nyssa pushed through the knot of exiting passengers out onto the cobblestone streets. She hurried past the shops, dodging pedestrians and street vendors hawking everything from cloyingly sweet pastries to automated shoe shining. At the end of the street a three-story brick building beckoned. A life-sized clockwork ballerina pirouetted on a pedestal before the door.
Through the door lay a reception room with cherrywood paneling. A young woman with raven hair done up in a high bun sat behind a desk. She wore a lacy gown of pastel yellow. Her eyes swept up and down Nyssa, and her nose wrinkled.
“Do you need directions to a tailor?”
Nyssa scowled. Her clothes were practical but presentable. “I have an appointment. Lady Amara Azores called for it.”
The woman straightened her posture until veins bulged from her swan-like neck. “Oh, you’re Henri’s new client. You are extremely lucky. His private lessons are in high demand.” The woman glided from behind the desk. She opened a door revealing a long hallway. “Henri is in Studio Three. If you need to change before your lesson, there is a powder room across the hall.”
“Thank you.”
The receptionist shut the door behind her, and Nyssa started down the hall, glancing at each door in turn to read the numbers. Music floated through the walls, muffled, but sweet, like something out of a dream. Finally she reached the door marked “3.”
Nyssa’s pulse throbbed in her ears. She reached for the knob, and her palms slipped on the brass. Chiding herself, she wiped her hands on her skirt.
It’s a dance lesson, not a trial by jury. Come on, Nyssa. Remember, this is for Ellis.
The door creaked when she pushed it open. Nyssa’s own reflection stared at her from across a wide-open room. Her boots clicked on the gleaming wooden floor. One wall consisted of giant mirrors. With the exception of a piano, the space was empty.
“Welcome,” said a voice with a purring accent.
Nyssa whirled about.
A slender young man with golden hair and generous sideburns leaned in the corner. He crossed to her in long, elegant strides.
“If Amara had told me how charming you are, she wouldn’t have needed to plead for this private lesson.” He leaned over and took her hand. Nyssa blinked at him. With a sly smile, he brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. It took all of Nyssa’s willpower not to jerk away and run.
He chuckled. “So frigid. You’ll have to relax if you want to learn to dance. Nyssa Glass, is it?”
Nyssa cringed inwardly, but nodded.Amara never remembers to use my alias.“Did Amara tell you about my special circumstances?”
“No particulars. Only that you had some concerns and no experience. Don’t worry.” He winked. “I’ve turned beginners into belles in no time.”
“I don’t want to be a belle. I just want to surprise my boyfriend.” She cleared her suddenly dry throat. “I only have a few days.”
“Then let’s start. Do you know which dance you wish to learn?”
“Something simple … not too fast.”
“A waltz, then. I have just the music.” H
enri approached the piano. He flipped a switch on the top and turned a dial. With a click and a whir, the keys moved up and down as if pressed by invisible fingers. A lilting tune rose from the instrument.
Nyssa stiffened as Henri returned and placed his hand on her waist. A heady scent of musk and coriander rose from him.
She tried to relax, but every joint in her body froze like a rusty hinge. He slipped his other hand around hers and guided her arm upward.
“Easy. I don’t bite.” He winked again, a gesture she found not at all comforting.
Remember, this is for Ellis. Pretend Henri is Ellis. You’ve let Ellis touch you without turning into a malfunctioning robot.
Avoiding Henri’s unnervingly blue eyes, she entwined her fingers with his.
“Nuh-uh-uh.” He clicked his tongue. “Don’t braid our hands, rest them lightly against each other. Otherwise if I need to spin you—” With a swift movement, he propelled Nyssa’s arm over her head and her body away from his. Her feet crossed, her back hitting his chest. She bit down on her lip, hard. “It doesn’t work as well,” he whispered in her ear.
Nyssa yanked her face away from his warm breath. “Don’t do that again.”
“Most girls like that.”
“I’m not most girls. I don’t want spins and … fancy things. I just want to learn a basic dance—”
“I know, I know, for your boyfriend.” He rolled his eyes. “Must be a real catch, this man of yours.”
He is, but I’m not going to waste my time trying to convince you of that. Nyssa drew a steadying breath.
“Well, let’s start with a simple step. Do you know music?”
“Not really.” She shrugged, trying not to feel like an idiot.
“Of course you don’t.” He sighed. “You are fortunate I am such a patient teacher. You might try and make it easier on me, yes?”
“I’m sorry. I … I’m not used to … I’ll try to relax.” Sparks and shocks, Amara practically begged to get me this appointment. I can’t mess this up.
“Good. Now your job is very simple. I lead, you follow, I make you look good.” He flashed a white-toothed grin. “When I step forward, you step back. When I step right, you step left. When I step back, you step forward …”
When you step perpendicular, I step reciprocal. Let’s get going. Nyssa forced herself to nod.
“So for this basic step, you will go back with your right foot, back with your left, then move your feet together, all the while following my mirror image. Got it?”
“I think so.” Nyssa closed her eyes and went over the directions. It’s like entering the code in a padlock or listening to the tumblers in a safe. You just have to remember the code. I can do that! Right foot back, left foot back, together. Easy. She opened her eyes and smiled. “I’m ready.”
“On three.” He tapped his foot in time to the music. “One, two, three.”
Nyssa stepped back. Henri stepped forward … onto her toes. Pain shot through Nyssa’s foot, and she yelped. “Hey!”
“You didn’t step back far enough.”
“How was I supposed to know how far back to step?” she snapped.
“You need to let my steps decide how far you go. The man always leads, my dear.”
Nyssa straightened her peacoat. “Let’s try again. I’ll watch your feet this time.”
“No, no, no!” He laid his hand over his eyes. “Staring at my feet while we dance? Good God, woman! How is that romantic? You must look me in the eye and feel my guidance in every muscle of your body. You must be one with the whole of me, not my feet.” He huffed and placed his hand back on her waist. “Again!”
Nyssa’s fingers clenched. She placed her hand in Henri’s. For Ellis.
By the time the lesson was over, Nyssa’s neck was stiff, her toes hurt, and her jaw ached from clenching it so hard. Also, her head throbbed from breathing in his ridiculous cologne.
“Same time tomorrow?” Henri asked as he switched off the player piano.
“Are you sure you want to bother?” She dabbed at her forehead with a handkerchief. “It seems pretty hopeless.”
“Oh not at all.” He leaned against the piano and crossed his arms. “You have potential. Just crossing the room you move with an adequate amount of grace. You picked up the timing, and I can see that you’ve memorized the steps. All in all, you’re a brilliant student except in one regard: you are impossible to lead. If you can learn to follow, you’ll be a fine dancer.”
“I’m not used to following.”
“This boyfriend of yours, he must not … how do you say it? He is fine being the woman in the relationship, then?” Henri arched an eyebrow.
Nyssa’s ears burned. “Ellis doesn’t need to push me around to prove his masculinity.”
Henri snorted. “Doesn’t need to or doesn’t have the ability to?”
“I think I’ll find another instructor.” She stomped to the door.
“No, don’t be mad—”
Nyssa slammed the door and all but ran from the shop. The receptionist widened her eyes as Nyssa stormed past, but didn’t comment. Out on the street, Nyssa paused to breathe the fresh air. After the warmth of the studio, even the unnaturally warm San Azulan December felt cooling.
This was a stupid, stupid idea. I don’t even know if it is possible for Ellis to dance. What if his chair can’t be modified to that extent? I’m wasting so much time that could be used to get him a real present.
The studio’s door squeaked open behind her. “Please, Miss Nyssa, don’t go like that!”
Not looking back, she picked up her pace. A hand grabbed hers and whirled her about in a disorientating spin. She tripped against Henri’s chest. For a few breaths, she could only gawk up at him, then she wrenched herself away.
“I told you not to do that!”
“Please,” he said. “I didn’t mean to offend.”
“Well, you did.” The trolley stop called to her. Surely Henri wouldn’t follow her onto the trolley.
“You said you had special circumstances,” Henri said. “Perhaps I can work with you on those. There’s not a difficulty in dance that I have yet to overcome, I swear.”
Nyssa stopped and closed her eyes. She turned to examine Henri. His smirk had died, replaced with a slight frown and contrite eyes. Maybe he means it. Maybe he really can help.
“Ellis can’t walk.”
His brow furrowed. “Say again?”
“Ellis, my boyfriend, when he was a young man he was in an automotive accident that left him wheelchair bound. He has a mechanized chair that adjusts so he can stand, and I thought maybe with some modifications—”
Henri slapped his thigh, threw his head back, and roared with laughter. “You’re joking, yes? I’m a dance instructor, not a saint. If you need a miracle, I suggest the local church.”
Nyssa swallowed. “This was a bad idea. Excuse me.” She pivoted on her heel. The trolley rattled towards the stop. Nyssa started to run.
“Oh wait, don’t go,” Henri called after her.
“Go shock yourself!” Nyssa shouted, not caring who heard. She leapt onto the trolley. It was only after it resumed its route that she realized it was headed in the wrong direction. I’ll use the ride to think up a new present for Ellis. There’s no way I’m going back to dance with that man.
Chapter Six
Ellis stooped over a display of gleaming lockets.
“These are all the finest silver,” the clerk explained. “We can have them engraved with your initials, and they can hold photographs, locks of hair, even short love letters.”
“They’re nice.” Ellis pushed his hair back from his forehead. Nyssa deserves better than nice, though.
“What about these?” Theo burst out, leaning against a glass display case.
“Please, if the young man …” The clerk cleared his throat. “Fingerprints?”
“Theo, you can look without touching,” Ellis said.
“Sorry.” Theo stepped back and dropped his gaze. �
��I just thought these were shiny.”
Ellis steered over to see what Theo had been looking at. A tray of glimmering diamond solitaires twinkled up at him.
“Yes, well, those are engagement rings.” The clerk rubbed a cloth over the outside of the case, buffing out Theo’s offending marks. “Are you in the market?”
The image of himself slipping a ring on Nyssa’s tiny finger made Ellis’s heart quicken. Steady, Ellis. Plenty of time for that. “Not quite yet. I think for now, I’ll just focus on Christmas.”
“Of course. Perhaps if you told me something about the young lady. What are her interests and hobbies? Painting? Embroidery? Music? We have charm bracelets with baubles to represent anything a woman’s heart could desire.”
“Do you have screwdrivers and socket wrenches?” Theo asked.
The clerk stood straighter. “Certainly not. This is a jewelers, not a hardware store.”
Ellis laughed. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to look around a bit. I don’t know precious stones, but I think I know Nyss. I’m sure when the perfect gift presents itself, I’ll just know.”
“Of course.” The clerk gave a slight bow.
“I still think Nyssa would like one of the pretty rings.” Theo leaned against the nearest wall.
“It’s not a bad idea. I kind of want to be the one who picks out my gift … but if you want to choose something small for her, I’ll foot the bill.” Ellis smiled.
Theo brightened.
“Not the engagement rings,” Ellis teased.
Theo grimaced.
So the little imp thinks he can steal my girl. Well, not today, Theo. Chuckling internally, Ellis continued his shopping.
Next to the engagement rings, draped over black velvet, rested several pendant necklaces, some pearl, some gemstone, some gold filigree. Among these necklaces flashed a silver rose. Each petal of the rose was an individual silver leaf, all circling around a pink pearl. Now that’s craftsmanship. Nyssa might appreciate that. Plus a rose is romantic, right? He almost called for the clerk, but decided to look a bit longer.
Ellis wheeled to the window display. This case carried a broad selection of the shop’s wares: rings, bracelets, cufflinks, even a tiara. Nyss would pitch a fit if I got her a crown. He imagined her fitting the tiara over her favorite goggles. A line of ivory curios caught his eye. Those sort of seemed like Nyssa, elegant, but not flashy. Not quite enough though. Maybe the rose pendent was the best.