The car stopped beneath the covered entrance at seven twenty-eight. Martin thanked the driver, stepped out, and found the visitor bell beside the door. He had barely taken his finger off it when Elisebeth answered.
"Come in. I'm upstairs."
The lock clicked. Beyond the entrance, a short flight of stairs led to a landing where she stood in an open doorway, one hand resting on the frame. Her violet hair fell loose over a cream-colored top, and a long dark skirt brushed her bare ankles.
Martin reached the last step. She held out both hands, and he took them as she drew him inside.
"You're here," she said, smiling.
"Hi."
He put his arms around her. Elisebeth leaned into him, her cheek warm against his neck, and held him there while the door closed behind them. He could feel the slight movement of her breathing through his shirt.
When she drew back, he kissed her. Her hand slid up his back, keeping him close until she was ready to let him go.
"Something smells good," he said.
