Forbidden Heat novel Chapter 120

“You’ve been painting for a while, Miss Natalia. How about some afternoon tea? I’ll set it up over here for you,” Laura spoke up in a small voice as she pushed over a silver cart.

“That would be nice. I could use a break…and I guess so can Reiner,” I replied. I’m so thankful to have Laura as one of my maids. She is such a perfectionist.

“I heard that you have a nickname for Mister Reiner,” Laura started to shyly make conversation while she set up the afternoon tea table.

“Oh yes, I do actually. I…don’t use it much when other people are around…” I replied. I didn’t tell her that we promised to use his nickname only when we were alone.

“We, the staff, have been pestering Mr. Reiner for his nickname so that perhaps we could use it to call him too, but he’s been very stubborn about telling us and won’t let us give him a nickname either. Even the older maids and butlers have nicknames…” Laura went on with her story of Reiner.

“I see…” I replied as I crooked a brow at Reiner. He looked away immediately.

“All done. Please let Mr. Reiner give me a call if you want anything else. I’ll be happy to assist you as always. The weather is very nice today, Miss Natalia, so please enjoy your time outside,” Laura said after she had completed setting up the afternoon tea set. She bowed a little before pushing the silver cart away leaving me alone once more with Reiner.

“Come here, R. Let’s have afternoon tea together,” I said excitedly as I gestured for him to take a seat at the afternoon tea table. I love having afternoon tea with Reiner. More accurately, I love doing most things with him…his presence relaxes me.

Reiner came over and sat where I had indicated. Reiner’s face was a little red, I guess he’s feeling a little shy from Laura’s story about him. I wonder if Reiner has a real nickname that other people like his friends or family calls him by.

I walked to stand behind him before wrapping my arms around his neck and shoulders. I leaned my head on his a little and I could feel his soft red hair against the side of my face. He feels so warm in my arms and he smells so simple and clean.

“What are you doing, Natalia?” Reiner asked as his body stiffened.

“Hugging you…what else?” I replied lazily.

“Stop it, Natalia. Someone might see us,” Reiner said sternly as he started to disengage my arms from his upper body.

“Relax. No one is here…” I replied, refusing to let go of him.

“If someone see us like this, there will be nothing but trouble,” Reiner continued to protest.

“Are you scared?” I continued to tease him.

“I’m not scared for myself, I’m scared for you,” Reiner replied seriously. He’s so adorable.

“Then there’s no need to be scared. Let’s talk about something else…what about that story Laura just talked about you being so stubborn to give your nickname?” I changed the subject.

“…I don’t have a nickname,” Reiner said flatly.

“Really? That can’t be. Well, I don’t have a nickname either since I hated all the nicknames people came up with for me. It’s always Nat, Natty or Talia…I wouldn’t say that I’m a big fan of those names…” I replied as I laughed. We do have something in common, I guess.