Page 12 of Be-Leaf in Love

“Flaky? You turned a flower delivery into a large project that’s going to improve the working environment for dozens of people. You’re the creative director at your family business.”

“I wouldn’t quite call it that.”

“I would. Don’t you do all the designs? The website? The promotions?”

“Well, yes, but?—”

“You’re someone who uses your creativity with purpose.”

She shrugs. “Only because I was the most visually creative out of the four of us.”

“Yes, and you’ve worked hard to become great at it.”

She blinks at me in surprise, then smiles gently. “Jack. I’m only twenty-one.”

“So? I just turned thirty-seven. Does it matter?”

“No, but?—”

“Is there another guy in the picture?”

“Of course not!”

“Do you like me?” Maybe it’s forward, but I don’t care.

She blushes faintly. “Yes. I really do. “

I reach out to scoop her up, setting her in my lap so I can gently rub her back. The closeness makes her breath catch, herchest rising and falling sharply with every breath. There are only a few inches of cleavage on display, of silky skin begging for my touch, but that’s all it takes to make my heart race.

“Violet, my gorgeous girl. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I wasn’t looking for you, but you appeared, and now all I can think about is setting up my entire life for the two of us.”

“You don’t think that’s putting the cart before the horse?”

“No.” I squeeze her knee, then run my palm gently along the outside of her thigh. “I’m a guy who makes a decision and runs with it if I know it’s one hundred percent right. Which, in this case, I do.”

Leaning in, I nuzzle her throat. “I like everything about you. The way you make me feel. The way you’re not afraid to ask questions The way you call me out when I’m being uptight. So yes, even though I’ve only known you for a few days, this is already the best relationship I’ve ever been in. And the only one I can foresee in the future.”

Her bottom lip wobbles as she stares at me. Leaning halfway in, I wait for her to come to me, our mouths confirming every word.

For the first time, we’re truly alone. And from the way Violet’s fingers spear through my hair and clutch at my tie, she’s not going to be satisfied with a simple goodnight kiss.

9

VIOLET

Ican’t believe Jack went to so much trouble. Any guy could consult the “how to woo a woman” book and discover that flowers and dinner are a safe bet. Jack found a greenhouse so we could eat surrounded by greenery. That’s far more impressive.

There’s something in the way he kisses me. It’s unbelievably sexy, but it’s more than that. It’s like he’s drawn to me and wants us to have a real connection. I know it’s far-fetched, given our relative ages and wildly different backgrounds, but is it wrong to dream for something when it feels so right?

His hand slides up my knee, dipping under my skirt. The more I shift against him, the closer we get, the deeper our kiss grows. After a moment I realize that he’s picking up on my cues. If I part my legs a little, his fingers move higher. The more I clutch at his hair, the harder he kisses me.

Nerves spiral low in my belly, the warmth of this moment inexplicably giving me chills. “Are we really by ourselves up here?” I whisper when we part for air.

“Yes. The entire rooftop is off-limits until we leave.” His eyes glitter in the soft candlelight. “I thought we deserved some alone time.”

It’s interesting to see this side of him. In the office, Jack is in control of the entire space. Here, it feels like the only thing he wants to control is my body.

Fine by me.

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