Page 54 of The Sweetest Surrender

Selena smiled naughtily. “I’m going to remember that later. I have a feeling I’ll need a guard throughout the night.”

Their arms dropped slowly. “We’ll never make it to that dance if you start with me, woman.”

Selena kissed his lips then his chin, then face. “I want my dance. Let’s go.”

She didn’t have to tell him twice. They strolled hands locked back to the equipment stand and handed over their items then left for the gardens. People milled about and surprisingly no one seemed to mind the cold temperatures. When they made it to the grove, a young gentleman wearing overalls, a red top hat, and black boots approached them with a smile. Attached to his shoulders was a double strap that holstered a box against his chest with single roses inside.

“I’ve got roses of all kind: Centifolia, Damask, Mister Lincoln, Golden Celebration. They all represent a different level of love. See anything you like?” he asked.

The assortment of flowers was beautiful, ranging from a yellowish white, to pink, gold, and of course red.

Jordan tapped his chin. “Tell me about these different levels of love,” he said.

Happily, the young fella pointed to the pink rose. “Philia, most known as the type of love created on kindness, friendships, trustworthiness, and reliance.”

He moved along to the yellowish white rose.

“Agape, most known as the love for strangers, nature, or God. The love of an Agape rose shapes, enhances and sustains us. Socially and psychologically.”

The young man moved to the next rose, lifting it in his hand. It held a layer of blues, soft and dark.

“The Pragma Rose carries the type of love that is established on reason or obligation, like with arranged marriages. Its focus is on one’s long-term interests.”

He replaced the rose and lifted an orange flower.

“Philautia. Also known as the self-love rose. Its name speaks for itself, but just to elaborate, it isn’t the kind of self-love that promotes pride or superiority. It is a healthy love that promotes confidence, a poignant appraisal of our own value.”

When he lifted a pink and red rose, the smile on his face widened.

“Ludus. A playful, teasing and flirtatious love. It is sometimes mistaken for an Eros love, but is more on the friendly side than it is romantic. Of course, the two could be combined, and then you’ll have a magical love like no other.”

“Tell me more about this Eros love,” Jordan said.

The young man’s full face lit up. “Eros is a sensual, zealous love,” He grabbed the red rose, “it’s the kind that Greek mythology determined was the love from cupid’s arrow. It can build you up and make you stronger and at the same time destroy you and make you weak depending on the way it’s used. It’s the ultimate weapon of love, more so than most of the others combined.”

Jordan sent a lazy sweep of his eyes over Selena’s entire body. He bit down on his lips and sucked air in with his teeth. The gesture had Selena squirming all over the place again. When he returned his gaze to the young fella, Jordan smiled confidently.

“What would it take for you to make a bouquet of the red roses with one single rose of the others outlining the arrangement for my lovely lady here?”

The young fella’s eyes lit up and so did Selena’s. “I’d be more than happy, sir.” He glanced over at Selena. “This will be one strong sentimental bouquet,” he said. “You must be someone special.”

“She is,” Jordan drawled with a keen eye on Selena.

Her thoughts jumbled, and the soft melodies from a grand piano surrounded the area. “Fall for You” by Leela James began to play. Jordan tightened his grip on Selena, drawing her so close they couldn’t breathe without each other. His lips hovered above hers.

“Can I have this dance?” he asked.

Selena’s heart rocked, and she nodded with a blush. “Yes.”

Jordan bit back on his lip then glanced over at the young fella. “Hold on to that for a minute for me, will you?”

“Yes, sir,” the young man said as he continued to gather roses for the bouquet.

Jordan pulled Selena’s hands, tying her arms around his neck as his slipped around her waist. Everyone in the background faded out, and they swayed so effortlessly as if they were joined as one. Leela James’ voice rang out as she sang about a new friendship, and the substantial sensation of falling in love. With each verse that bellowed, both Jordan and Selena felt the lyrics on a level neither of them had experienced before.

He’s the one.

Selena’s silent revelation fluttered through her heart, and her eyes closed as she breathed him in. This was actually happening. The rise and fall of Selena’s chest was building a slow but exciting hypersensitive dance. It rocked her and held her captive. She melted into his embrace, barely recognizing the movement of her feet as they danced.

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