Her Fae Lovers

Lola breezed into the shop, the lingering scent of fresh cookies and books filling her senses making her mouth water. It made her feel warm and fuzzy. It was the smell she associated with Erik.

“Erik, are you in?” She called out. The sign on the door had said he was closed. Lola knew he usually didn’t flip the sign to open until after lunch on Sundays.

“In here.”

Following the delicious aroma Lola walked into the kitchen, she paused when she saw him. Taking in the fact that he had pressed his slacks and he wore a button-up shirt. The sleeves folded up to his elbows, revealing surprisingly muscular arms. She was right, this tea was a date. She was glad she had dressed up and put on some lipstick and mascara.

“Good morning, Lola.” He said, glancing up as he picked up the tea set, taking in her floral skirt and pink tank top. The light makeup she had on only added to her beauty. “I thought we could have tea on the back porch since it’s a lovely morning.”

“I’ll get the door for you.” Lola said moving towards the door, Erik stepped past her and she felt her heart flutter in her chest at his soft gaze. He looked forward, stepping out onto the covered porch.

Lola had never been back here before. She took in the silver lace like screens that covered the porch. It made her feel like they were still in the house while outside, the breeze and the sunlight filtered in between the swirling designs. She couldn’t help but feel trapped, like a bird in a beautiful cage.

Come to think of it, she had never seen Erik outside of his store. She couldn’t help but wonder if he lived here. It made sense if he did. The shop had been converted from an older Victorian home, so it had all of the things a home would need.

“What’s on your mind?” Erik asked as he set the tray down and moved to stand beside Lola as she looked at the lace.

“Do you live here? I mean, like in your shop?”

“I do. The attic is converted into a small apartment. It’s perfect for a bachelor like me.”

“I bet it’s nice.”

“I could give you a tour sometime?” Erik bit his lower lip, his eyes watching the way the sunlight moved through her hair and over the freckled skin of her shoulder.

“Are you asking me up to your room?” Lola asked, turning back towards him with a raised eyebrow.

“In the future, yes.” His eyes met hers, his gaze moving to her lips before back up again. “Tea?”

“I’d love some,” Lola squeaked out as she moved to sit on one of the wicker chairs that were tucked into a shaded spot on the porch.

The wind chimes clanged together and Lola looked towards the sound. Taking in the strangely drawn symbols, the black iron looked like trailing ivy plants.

“Do you like it?” Erik asked as he handed her a tea cup and then moved to sit across from her.

“It’s pretty, the sound is unique.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Erik said as he took a sip of his tea, his eyes taking in the overgrown backyard. He’d have to call in his gardener soon. He wanted to go out there. To feel the grass tickle his ankles, the dirt beneath his feet.

Shaking his head, he knew that wasn’t an option right now. He turned to look at Lola. “How is your friend?”

“My friend?” Lola asked, her brows knitting together as she tried to figure out who he was talking about. Two pinpricks of heat filled her cheeks as she realized he was talking about Puca. “Oh, you mean Puca.”

“I do, he seemed…” Erik paused, trying to think of the words he wanted to use, “Different.”

“He is, but he’s quite nice. A bit of a flirt, but he seems to care a lot for his friends.” She said with a shrug, not really sure about what to say about the fae man. How could she tell her friend about him without making herself seem crazy?

“Does he like you?” Lola’s eyes widened as her eyebrows shot up. She looked towards Erik again. “I’m sorry if I’m being too forward.”

“I, he, he,” Lola stammered, trying to search for the right words. “He does like me.”

“And do you? Like him, that is?” Erik asked as he took another sip of his tea, his eyes searching hers before she bashfully looked away.

“I don’t know.” Lola muttered, looking down at the teacup in her hands. How could she tell him that she did like Puca? That she liked him and his friends more than she cared to admit. That her stomach fluttered to life with fireworks at the thought of kissing Puca, of kissing any of the fae men.

“Guess I’ll have to work harder on making you fall for me.” He said biting his lower lip, pulling her away from her thoughts.

“Erik-” She whispered as she looked back at him.

“It’s okay Lola, I’d rather know that I have competition. It would be a shame if I were out of the race, not even realizing I was in one.” He leaned over, sitting the delicate teacup down before moving to his knees to crouch in front of her. Taking her hands in his, he ran his thumb across her knuckles. “You’re far too precious of a prize for me to let you slip away.”

Lola felt her blush spread and her heartbeat hammered in her chest. Her skin felt warm where he touched it with a soft stroking thumb.

“I’m not a prize to be won.” She said, a frown marring her face.

“You may not think you are, but any man would be lucky to have you smile at him. To be gifted with your kiss.” Erik leaned up and Lola felt her eyes widen as he moved closer. “Can I?”

“Can you what?” Lola squeaked out as she looked down at his lips.

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