Page 41 of Petals and Fangs

“But I'm trying. Can't you see that?”

“You can try as much as you want, but there are things that are just meant to stay hidden. Even from someone who tries to be as good as you.” She takes a few steps away from me.

“And why is that?” I follow her.

“Because, sometimes, what people don't know can't hurt them. And even if they do get hurt, they will forget about it in the future.”

“I have to say the same thing about you, then?”

“Me? Why me?”

“Because you are so eager, and you want to know everything.”

“I'm not that eager, and I don't want to know everything. I just want to know enough to understand you.”

“What is there to understand?”

Lily smirks at me. Her looks are suddenly different. She walks back towards me again. She looks at me in a way that makes me willing to do anything for her.

She places her hands on my chest and looks up. I can feel her body heat. It is intoxicating.

“I know a lot of things.”

“What is it that you know, Lily?”

Chapter 9

Lily

Ican’t believe how daring Ethan is. I can’t resist the look he is giving me. It is making me weak. I can't get over what happened this morning. But I also can't get over the messages I have been getting.

“So, you're still not going to tell me why you left?" he asks.

“I told you. It was inappropriate to stay. Plus, I was going to be late for work. I don't want to be late on my second day and give a bad impression.”

“The real reason, Lily. Tell me the real reason you left.”

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because it is obvious you didn't have to leave.”

“Yes, I did.”

“No, you didn't. If it was really a problem you would have gotten up and left the second your alarm went off,” his tone is serious now.

“You can't possibly expect me to be able to do that,” I reply.

“Such a waste that you have left. I was making you a delicious breakfast.”

“I can tell. You went online looking for recipes.” I fold my arms and look at him. I have my doubts, but I will humor him.

“That's exactly what I did. And you missed it all.”

“How sad. What a pity!,” I say sarcastically.

“I had fresh mangos and coconut stored in the fridge. I was going to make you a fresh fruit salad.”

“That sounds nice. I would have loved to try it.”