Page 54 of Samson

“The Garden of Eden?”

He laughed, and it was a relief knowing she’d lightened his load.

“Almost. Los Angeles.”

“I’ve been to Los Angeles. This doesn’t look anything like it.”

“My mom worked at a conservatory. She used to bring me there after school. It looked a lot like this, but bigger. When she died, I thought it was the best way to remember her.”

Seeing this side of him was startling in a way that scared her. She almost wanted him to be lying. “I’m sorry.”

“It was a while ago.”

“No, I mean—yes, I’m sorry about your mom—but I didn’t realize what this place meant to you. I’m sorry for giving you a hard time.”

“Like I said, I probably deserve it. But don’t worry, I’ve got thick skin.”

“That doesn’t make it right.” There was another weighted pause before she said, “Is it okay if I have a look around?”

“Please do.”

A pebbled path circled the garden. She followed it to the back. “It’s amazing here.”

“I knew you’d like it.”

He hadn’t followed her. Probably because he didn’t want her to feel like he expected anything from her.

“Why did you bring me here?” she said when she returned to him.

“I already told you. You still think I’m lying?”

“No. But what I don’t understand is why you would trust me with something like this. You barely know me, and we haven’t had the best relationship.”

“We’re in a relationship now?”

She laughed because there was no sensuality attached to his comment like in the past. Up here, it was as though she were seeing the real him for the first time.

“I brought you here because I knew you’d see it—really see it. You look at things for real. And you’ve never pretended to like me to get anything from me.”

If he saw her flinch, he didn’t show it. She looked at the ground to hide her shame. This whole night had been about ulterior motives.

“I don’t know how you do it,” she said.

“What?”

“Let people use you all the time. Use them back.”

He frowned. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve just gotten used to it.”

“Those people who would kill for your life, if only they knew what it was really like.”

He moved closer but didn’t touch her. “I’m glad you’re not one of them.”

“You don’t know that. My motives aren’t always genuine.”

“Except tonight.”

She had to break eye contact with him. An intensity was building that she couldn’t allow. “I came here tonight because you made me an offer.”

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