Page 3 of Eternal Love (Timeless Duet #1)

S he’d dealt with the crazies of New York, but nothing prepared her for this. A perfect stranger in her home, who was shocked she could see him? Yeah, not something she’d come across before. She threw herself from his arms, backing up.

He shook his head and swallowed. She traced the movement. “I-I’m sorry, please forgive me. It’s been a long day. You must be Miss Jones?”

When she didn’t reply, he prompted, “The new owner of Maywood Manor?”

“Yes, that’s me, but who are you?” She tried to sound intimidating, borrowing the voice Camilla used when people messed her around.

She thought of Camilla now, shaking her head, screaming, “Girl, what are you doing? Stop talking to the strange man and get out. In fact, you should already be running!” But this wasn’t New York, this was a sleepy English village.

How bad could this guy be? Right? Right?

“The maintenance worker. I’m here to make a start on the house. I think you spoke to my boss, Harry Park?”

She felt her bones melt in relief. “Right. Still, I’d rather you didn’t just wander in...”

He gave a small smile. “Of course, please accept my apologies, miss.”

His accent and the way he spoke was lovely, old-fashioned.

“Just Julia.”

“Julia.” He smiled, his voice wrapping around her name like an embrace.

She bit the inside of her cheek. “And you are?”

“Theodore.”

Beautiful name. It suited him, suited his style.

Although he sure was suited and booted for a handyman.

She was staring. Hell, she could stare at him all day.

Focus, Julia , she scolded herself, but when she raised her gaze, he was staring right back with those piercing blue eyes.

She couldn’t place the look. She’d been stared at by men before, downright ogled.

Sometimes she encouraged it, enjoyed it, but this .

.. this look she couldn’t place. It was like she was a flower in full bloom, and he was admiring, revering it, her .

Heat raised to her cheeks, engulfing them in flame.

“So, you’re starting today, are you? I have the plans, if you’d like to go through them. I’ll make you a drink,” she offered.

“That sounds wonderful, thank you,” he said, falling into step beside her as they made their way to the kitchen.

Wonderful . If all men spoke like this, they’d likely be getting a lot more action.

The kitchen’s oval windows opened up to the gardens. It was a beautiful room, full of natural light and peace. She closed her eyes as the sunlight spilled in, filling the space.

A musical chuckle brought her out of her reverie.

Julia cleared her throat and set about putting the kettle on, pulling two mugs out of a cardboard box.

He stood over the table, poring over the plans for the house.

She took the opportunity to steal another glance at him, tilting her head to the side.

Running away from her life, mainly love, and men in general, and what’s the first thing that should happen?

She runs into the most beautiful, well-spoken man she’d ever seen.

She shook her head, biting back a smile. Fate sure had an odd sense of humor.

Julia brought him a cup of tea, which he accepted with a smile.

She joined him in looking down on the plans.

An easy, comfortable silence spread between them, like they’d been together for years and were comfortable in each other’s company.

She picked up her own cup of tea, happy to have something to do with her hands, allowing her fingers to curl around the warmth.

“So, have you lived in Applewood Village for long?” she asked, stealing a glance at him.

A muscle in Theodore’s jaw ticked. “All my life,” he answered.

“And your family? Still down here?” She tried to sound casual, but she wanted to know everything about this mysterious handyman. She found herself wishing she could simply hand him a questionnaire and have him answer them all.

“No, they’ve ... moved on.”

“I lost my parents when I was young.”

“I’m sorry. It’s hard at any age,” he said softly. “So, you wanted a fresh start? Is that why you moved here?”

She bit the inside of her cheek to suppress a smile. Guess it was his turn to ask the questions.

“Something like that.” She sighed. No point in holding back. “After my breakup I decided I wanted to do something new, so I sold my bookshop, and happened upon this place at an auction. Something in my soul just called to it, stupid as that sounds.”

“No,” he said, eyes full of something like longing. “Not stupid at all. If you feel that ... pull, then you should listen to it.”

The air between them had gone taut. She realized how close he was, how close his face was to hers, his gaze, his lips. It was like they both instinctively moved forward toward...

A knock at the front door sent them both reeling from each other. Julia untangled herself to go toward the front door. When she looked back into the kitchen, he was gone.

****

H eart still thumping , she opened the creaky wooden doors. A man greeted her, who looked to be in his early sixties, with wiry gray hair and black-framed glasses. He was also in a suit, although this one looked more modern.

“Ah, Miss Jones, I’m Mr. Finely. We spoke on the phone.” He offered her a tight, professional smile.

“Yes, please come in.”

She made herself another cup of tea and one for the lawyer. She went to grab a third mug, but Theodore was nowhere in sight. She shrugged and sat down. Maybe she’d imagined her fairy-tale prince and he’d returned to rule his kingdom. Oh God, she needed to get out more.

Mr. Finely already had the paperwork ready and was putting check marks at all of the sections that required her signature.

She glanced through the papers while he sipped his tea.

When she was satisfied, she signed and pushed the papers toward him.

He drained the last of his tea and smiled.

“Well, I suppose congratulations are in order. You are officially the owner of Maywood Manor.”

He stood up, readying himself to leave.

Julia’s hand fell over her chest. She could’ve sworn she felt it swell with pride. It was official! The fizziness subsided quickly, like the coming of the tide. She was all alone. She had no one to celebrate with.

No matter. Nothing a glass of bubbly and a call with Camilla wouldn’t fix.

“Thank you. I’ll walk you out.”

They reached the door, her hand curling around the handle, when she realized she didn’t have any alcohol. “Am I right in thinking there’s a food store in the village?”

He looked back, already a few steps out onto the gravel drive.

“That’s right. There’s a corner shop, school, pub and a few shops.” He furrowed his brow. “But this is a small village, very ... traditional. You might not find what you’re looking for here. Your best bet would be to head on into town. It’s about half an hour’s drive.”

“Oh, well, I don’t have a car, but thank you.” Julia smiled and gave him a brief wave. He looked as if he might have wanted to say more, but he nodded and got in his car.

****

A few hours later, nightfall had painted the sky in hues of pinks and purples. She admired it from her kitchen window, not bothering to turn on any of the lights. After three failed FaceTime calls to Camilla, a glass of bubbly in hand, she decided that she would celebrate on her own.

The trip into the village had been ... interesting.

She’d gotten a few looks here and there from villagers, but it was to be expected.

This was their turf, and she was a newbie.

She bet they thought she was here to tear down the manor, maybe build a block of apartments.

She wanted to reassure them, but their faces had looked so unfriendly, she couldn’t envisage herself talking to any of them.

Even the woman behind the counter in the shop had seemed to throw her change at her.

Oh well, she wouldn’t think about that now. No, this was about her. Her and her manor. She raised her glass to the house, feeling foolish, but doing it anyway. “Here’s to you, it’s us against the world.” She brought the glass to her mouth, letting the bubbles roll over her tongue.

“I quite like the sound of that,” said a deep voice from the shadows.