CHAPTER TWELVE
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ELLA CAME INTO THE living room, and Mark’s eyes assessed her from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. She wasn’t used to such scrutiny and started fidgeting. Satisfied, Mark nodded, grabbing another cup to pour coffee for Ella. Then he piled the cups, a sugar bowl, and a milk jug on a tray. Tilting his head, he invited her out on the balcony.
“Let’s go outside, Ella. It’s warm enough for the beginning of October,” he observed. “I’m pretty sure that you can use some fresh air.”
Ella didn’t reply but followed him outside. On the balcony, she breathed the smell of the lake deeply, welcoming the smooth breeze on her skin. She sat in one of the lawn armchairs and put sugar and milk in the coffee he put in front of her.
“Still upset with me?” Mark in
