Chapter 449: First to crack (2)
"Adding wood to the fireplace. You said that it was cold in here," Rafael answered, playing oblivious to what Annalise meant. He knew she was questioning why he was without a shirt, but she would have to be more specific to get a better answer out of him.
"I mean your shirt, Rafael. Why did you take it off? Are you trying to seduce me so I would lose our earlier bet?" Annalise asked, approaching him with folded arms. "It will not work."
"Then you can look away and go back to putting out the food. While it is cold for you, it is a bit hot for me. You’ve worked for me before to know that once I am settled in, I take off my shirt to be comfortable. Should I put it back on so you-"
"No," Annalise stopped him. She would not give him the satisfaction of thinking he was getting the best of her just from having his shirt off.
Annalise had forgotten all about her joke to keep their hands off each other. Of course, Rafael had not forgotten and was already teasing her. He was a cruel man, but unfortunately for him, she was not going to lose.
Annalise placed the last of the food on the table along with the drinks Rafael had gathered from where he proposed to her. She noted that none of them had alcohol, but she had tasted a few to know that they were fine without.
"We don’t drink alcohol, but should we have a few bottles for our future guests? Like my friends and should the duke or your other friends come here. I wouldn’t mind drinking juice while they indulge themselves in what they like," Annalise said, knowing she wouldn’t feel left out of the fun.
"You can drink if you want. I know you stay away from alcohol because of me. I won’t feel angered by the sight of you drinking. I’ll be sober to take care of you," Rafael said as he carefully placed the wood to burn.
"I do enjoy the taste from time to time, but I don’t want you to be left out. It is not that good for me to have you being the only one not drinking. There are a few drinks here that are not strong enough to get us drunk. I will go around the market to buy a few and other things we will need. Rafael, which one of us will cook?" Annalise asked because it dawned on her that there was no one here to help them.