Chapter 10: Aren’t We the Perfect Fit?
"Good morning, Miss Elsher."
Ruediger's husky and velvety voice gently pulled Lariette out of her trance. Realizing that she was staring openly at him, she quickly responded.
"Good morning, Mr. Alvord. Have you been waiting for long?" asked Lariette, hoping her voice didn't suddenly crack under her inner tension.
"Not really," Ruediger waved his hand, beckoning at Lariette to come inside, "You've been here many times, don't you? Come."
"Yes."
Lariette took a step forward, tension brimming in her gaze. Walking past the door, she unconsciously squared her shoulders.
"You're not going to greet me, Rudy?" asked Madeline, pretending to sulk with her older cousin, "Am I invisible now? Or, a mannequin?"
A low and throaty chuckle escaped Ruediger's lips. His gaze wandered from Lariette to Madeline. A playful light glinted in his green eyes.
"Oh? Should I greet you too? Good morning, Maddie."
Putting both hands on her hips, Madeline rolled her eyes. Ruediger laughed at the sight of his younger cousin's dissatisfied look.
Lariette quietly looked at the cousins' interaction. This was the first time she witnessed Madeline and Ruediger being at the same time and place.