“That isn’t necessary.”
Did I find his prim-and-proper attitude adorable or annoying? Actually, a little of both. “Is it okay for you to drop the servant act? I’d prefer it if you could just be a real person. Well, as much as you can be for someone who’s upgraded his home from a pocket watch to a lantern.”
His lips twitched. “Perhaps I can fake being real.”
I laughed. “I’m betting you can. Now, I’m having pancakes for breakfast. Will you join me?”
“I shall. Thank you.”
“Give me ten minutes.”
After the meal, I carried the dishes to the kitchen and began to clean.
Grant hovered at my side. “Sara, allow me.”
“You’ll wash the dishes?”
“I shall set the kitchen to rights.”
“Be my guest.”
I walked back to the breakfast nook and collected the syrup and butter. By the time I returned to the kitchen, it was spotless. Grant was leaning against the counter, arms and ankles crossed, smiling triumphantly.
“I thought you weren’t supposed to use magical elements.”
“On your behalf, no. This was for me. I don’t care for washing dishes the way humans do.”
“Volunteer for kitchen duty as often as you like.”
He fought off a grin.
Uh-huh. I turned away and gestured toward the back staircase. “Time for business. My brother’s room next.” I’d put this off long enough.
Grant lingered in the upstairs hallway when I entered the bedroom. With the bed frame gone, I didn’t feel quite as anxious. Slowly, I considered the whole room. Dresser. Bookcase. Desk. The doors to his bathroom and walk-in closet.
My gaze skittered away from the closet. Just the thought of being in there made my sinuses sting.
“Shall we manage Sean’s clothes today?”
“No.” I braced a hand against the wall and bent over at the waist.No, no, no.
Grant’s pause was long. Kind. “Which task do you dread the most?”
“Handling his clothes.” The words came out in a raspy whisper.
“Then it is the one we should tackle.”
My arm crumpled bonelessly against the wall, and I slumped to the floor. How could I possibly touch the things my twin wore? A burn rushed up from my gut, filling my throat with sour heat.I can’t do this.
“Youcando this.” Grant knelt on the carpet beside me. “If you don’t confront his closet today, you will walk in each morning wondering if this is the day you are brave enough. Every time you say no, you will be disappointed in yourself.”
I blew out several hard breaths. He was right. Completely, unarguably right. That didn’t mean I could do as he suggested.
“You will be fine, Sara.”
My lips twisted into a half-smile. “Do you read minds?”
“I can, although I’m restricted to situations that warrant it.”
