In Plain Sight

C H A P T E R 13

Muriel's POV - Present

After nearly dying of anxiety about what had happened in the early morning hours with Ollie, I needed to get out of the house. ASAP.

The summer sun shone brightly through the bedroom windows, eliminating the implications of what I enabled last night like a spotlight. The harsh light should offend me based on my lack of sleep due to the midnight romp in the grass, however, I'm wired like I've stuck my fingers into an electrical socket.

I dress quickly, stepping into a brown lightweight summer skirt and a white shirt that knots at my midriff. While brushing my teeth I scoop up my heavy hair and pull it back into a ponytail tail, fixing it in place with a beige scrunchy.

Before leaving I fix my clear glasses to my face and grab my phone and wallet, dashing out of my room.

If Ollie is going to be in this house, then I will go where he isn't and avoid him at all costs.

Every step I take down the gravel driveway bringing further from the confusing good-looking man back at Thomas Manor the more clear everything becomes.

Yes, I know undoubtedly, I am physically attracted to Oliver. He's tall, fit, with chiseled cheekbones and a jawline that could cut you open if you aren't careful. Not to mention, those striking green eyes that always seem to stare to the point of feeling nearly exposed. 

I let out a frustrated but awakening sigh coming to the full realization of just how attracted I am to Oliver Thomas.

Great, I've joined the rest of the pathetic female population.

By human nature, I knew I couldn't hide my attraction towards him, no matter how hard I tried. But, because I am a human with a brain and free will I also can control my impulsions, which I had obviously failed miserably at last night.

It felt so good to fail. To do something I wanted for once-.

I stop in my tracks as a massive monarch butterfly flutters before my face. Lifting the tip of my finger I follow it wanting it to land on my finger, but the little pretty thing flutters on around in front of me then back behind landing on a purple wildflower.

I watch it until it finally disappears against the morning sky.

Now, where was I?

I spin back on the toe of my white Tom shoes and track on towards the small village.

🦋🦋

"Morning, Lass. What will it be?" An older gentlemen ask me in a small quaint bakery made of old stone with ceilings I could reach if I lifted my arms.

I peer into the glass at all the baked goods, the buds in my mouth watering at all the sweet sights before me...I'm sure Ollie would want one...

Yes, it is prudent I avoid him, but the large chocolate chip muffin has his name written all over it. If he knew I came here and didn't get him something it would start a fight, I'm sure. "I'd like a dozen please." I begin pointing and naming off all the muffins that caught my eye. All of them larger than my fist and made fresh this morning.

Tucking the pink box under my arm I take a long way back through the small village stopping to eye a cheese shop not yet open. I eat a Lemon poppyseed muffin, surely leaving crumbs in my wake, but finally find myself on the old long driveway leading out of town into the hills.

I've been gone for nearly three hours by the time the face of Thomas Manor comes into view framed by old stone walls with a heavy layer of moss covering the majority of it. It stands tall and marvelous against the rolling landscape with the only other building as the barn a football field away from the main house.