Page 4 of Blue Gold

“That’s quite the tragedy,” I said.

“Oh, it really is, isn’t it?” He chuckled, and my heart missed a beat.

Calm down, Daniel.

“So, what are you doing in between getting lost in the city and missing auditions?” I asked as I attempted to distract myself from how my body reacted to him. It was highly inappropriate in more ways than one. Still, I couldn’t help but want to know more about this Elliot Dufort.

I guess the urge to stay close to beautiful things was part of a man’s greed.

“I’m a cook.”

“A cook?”

He nodded, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Yes. A cook.”

“Who works in Brooklyn?”

He bit down on his full bottom lip and shrugged. “Pitiful, isn’t it?”

“Not at all. I’m sure you’re a great cook.”

Before he could answer, my name was called, and I glanced back at the counter. “It looks like our drinks are ready.”

“How do you know French?” Elliot asked as we took our cups and moved toward the condiment station. Once there, I noticed that—unlike me—he didn’t add sugar to his drink.

“My mother insisted I learn it, saying it would come in handy. I guess she was right.”

“Mothers always are.”

I frowned at his comment because my mother rarely was, then put a lid on my large cappuccino. Typically, I’d order a double espresso, but today, I wanted the barista to take longer.

Elliot probably caught my reaction as he studied me with narrowed eyes. “You disagree?”

“I’d rather not say.”

Pressing his lips together, he shook his head before taking a small sip of his tea. My whole body tensed as I watched how his upper lip touched the paper cup right before he drank, my throat going dry at the sight. Dear Lord, what was wrong with me?

“So, could you tell me how I get to Brooklyn from here? I think I got on the wrong subway and ended up in this place.”

His question struck me cold as I didn’t want to part ways with him. At least, not so soon.

“It’s a rather long ride, but how about I give you a lift?” I offered while examining his clothes. “You’re definitely not dressed for the weather.” Yes, that sounded like a reasonable excuse, right?

Elliot quickly declined my offer, saying I’d already done enough to help him.

“It really isn’t any trouble. My driver is right outside the door.” I cocked my head in the direction of the street and watched how Elliot’s eyes widened before he turned his head to search outside.

“Your driver?”

“Yes.”

He looked back at me, hesitation in his eyes.

“I… I feel bad troubling you.”

“As I said, it’s no trouble. Besides, I’m going to Brooklyn, anyway.”

His whole face lit up. “You are?”