From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 12

Jasper barreled into Laurinda, sending her stumbling until she landed against a firm chest. The familiar scent of pine snapped her out of her daze. She wrapped her arms around Jasper to steady herself, then glanced over her shoulder at the man behind her, her face full of confusion.

"Wow, we meet again," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Adolphus met Laurinda’s wide, startled eyes and, for a moment, thought of the cat in Baily’s room. The resemblance was uncanny.

"Adolphus, you know Laurinda? Laurinda, this is Baily’s guest," someone explained.

Laurinda nodded politely to Adolphus, whispered a quick thank you, and took Jasper’s hand. She walked away without noticing the small smile tugging at Adolphus’s lips as he watched her go.

The butler noticed that smile. Ever since Adolphus arrived at Whispering Pines Lodge, he’d been nothing but polite, but always kept himself at a distance. Now, though, his expression had softened, and there was a warmth in his eyes that made the butler pause.

"Honestly, your legs are too long. I turned around for one second to grab the chessboard and you vanished," Larson’s booming voice came out of nowhere, breaking the moment. "Come on, let’s head inside and play a round."

Adolphus quickly turned to take the chessboard from Larson. Larson glanced at the butler, who was still standing there looking a little dazed, then spotted the black suitcase and his eyes brightened.

"Laurinda’s here?"

"She just arrived. Jasper almost knocked her over. I think she’s giving him a little lecture right now," the butler replied.

Beatrice walked in and noticed Irvin’s surprised face. She guessed he was upset that the cat was ignoring him.

"Laurinda’s cat is a little odd. She only warms up to people she really likes, so don’t take it personally. Honestly, this is the first time I’ve seen her act like this," Beatrice said. "Irvin, come have some fruit. I had Linda pick it fresh from the garden this morning."

She gently tugged his arm and handed him a plate of neatly sliced fruit.

"Laurinda’s back too. I’ll introduce you two soon. You’re in the same grade at school, so you can look out for each other there."