Courtship of the Recluse

"Is that apple pie I smell?"

Why did he do that every time he disagreed with her? She scooted her chair back without responding and went to the laundry room where the pie was cooling. As she re-entered the kitchen, he watched her cross to the table. He rubbed his jaw reflectively.

"There are some curtains and rugs in the attic - I'm sure you've already found them. If you want to put them up, go ahead. I don't spend that much time in the house anyway."

She sliced the pie absently. "What makes you think I found them?"

He gave her a sour look. "Don't toy with my mind. Anyone as bright and curious as you would have to explore that attic. Now cut me a piece of that pie."

Warmth flooded her neck and crawled up her cheeks. It was bad enough to be caught snooping in his things, but being accused of deception as well - and for the second time. She cut a piece of the pie and served it to him on a clean saucer. Did he really think she was bright? Handing out compliments seemed to be out of character for him, but hadn't he always been honest and direct?

She sat down with a piece of pie and poked at it. "I noticed some crocus and daffodils coming up in the front. It's almost spring."

He never looked up from his food. "Do you like flowers?"

She laughed softly. "Does a dog have ears?"

He glanced up at her laugh and watched her intently. What was he thinking when he did that? Finally he shrugged. "Down in the lower pastures there are already some flowers in bloom. If you'd like, I'll bring a few home sometime."

She blushed again. "That would be nice." To him it was nothing more than bringing home a gallon of milk or a sack of feed. Yet it was touching and somehow personal. The darkening shadows sharpened his features and highlighted the crows' feet around his eyes. He finished his pie and leaned back in his chair, his gaze meeting hers. She knew the color was deepening in her cheeks.

He watched her thoughtfully, running a hand across his mouth absently. "You know, that family room could use a woman's touch."

She jumped at the diversion. "It needs something light and not too distracting from the natural beauty of the room - something that would complement the antique quality."

He nodded. "It has a lot of character." He leaned back and gazed into the room. "I always did like this house. I suppose I should modernize it, though. I thought about putting central heat in it. That would increase the value of the house." He paused and glanced at her. "Don't you think?"