Page 16 of Mine to Keep

Betsy looked surprised. “Of course it is. There’s a tall wall around the estate, so you are safe.”

“Thank you.”

Laila stepped out the door and looked around. The place was a wonderland of colors and textures. Bushes, trees, and flowers covered every inch of the area except for the stone pathways.

The garden was bigger than she expected, and she didn’t stop walking down a certain path until she hit the tall stone wall.

When she got back to the house, Roland was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.

Laila stopped at the stern look on his face. “Am I in trouble?”

“I’m not sure. You were supposed to come to the office.”

“Yes. I was headed there now,” she said.

“Did you realize you’re thirty minutes late?”

Her mouth dropped open. How had so much time passed so quickly? “I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”

“I was concerned when I couldn’t find you.”

“Betsy knew I was out in the garden,” she told him.

“Yes, but it’s a huge garden and goes on for a few miles.”

Laila glanced away and then went back to him. “I’ll stay closer to the house from now on.”

“It would make me feel better, Pet. I know we have the high stone walls, but you could still get hurt.”

“How?”

His scowl deepened. “Don’t question me, Pet. I have told you to stay close.”

She felt disappointed but tried to hide it. “As you wish.”

One of his brows spiked, but he didn’t say anything right away. He finally held out his hand. “Come with me.”

She took his hand and let him lead her into the kitchen. She caught sight of the picnic basket on the counter. Rolandpicked it up without releasing her hand.

“We’ll be by the pond, and I have my phone with me,” he told Betsy.

“Have fun,” Betsy said and smiled.

Once back outside, Roland led her down a different path. They didn’t go far when a small pond came into view. A smile crossed her face when she saw the waterfall at one end. She stood at the edge and saw the colorful fish in the clear water.

“This is wonderful,” she said and turned to him.

He nodded. “It’s one of my favorite places. The sound of the water always calms me.”

“Thank you for bringing me here.”

He spread the thick blanket down, knelt, and held out a hand. “Come here, Pet. I hope you’re hungry. Betsy outdid herself.”

Laila sat and tucked her legs to the side before smoothing her dress out. Her stomach growled when he started to pull a plate of small sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and tarts from the basket and set it between them. He handed her a plate before unwrapping each dish. Roland put several things on her plate before filling his own.

“Do you like wine?” he asked.

She swallowed the piece of cheese. “Yes.”

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