Page 14 of Be-Leaf in Love

10

JACK

It’s downright ridiculous how much I miss Violet.

Our dinner date was just a few days ago, on Thursday evening. On Friday she stopped by for a quick lunch in the conference room after delivering two of the “plant stations”, as we’re calling them. She set one in the reception area, and another at the entrance to the research department.

Jerry seemed amused by the new displays. Personally, I wasnotamused at the way Violet’s delivery guy Chad was so friendly with her, at least until she explained that he’s an old family friend – practically a cousin. I was startled by my flash of jealousy, which honestly, I’ve never experienced before in my life.

I didn’t invite her out on Saturday, wanting to give her some space. Especially since the shop is open, and I’m not quite sure what her hours are there yet. It wouldn’t be fair of me to place huge demands on her time.

Yet it’s obvious she wants to be with me as much as possible. We’re both crazy about each other. Which means…I grab my phone… Surely she can’t have plans for a Sunday evening?

Hey, gorgeous. Dinner at my place tonight? I could pick you up at six?

She responds almost immediately.

Violet: Sure. Fancy? Casual?

Super casual. Wear pajamas, if you like.

The next message flies from my thumbs without me even thinking about it.

In fact, you’re welcome to sleep over. I would love to hold you all night.

Once again, there’s no hesitation.

Violet: I’ll bring my toothbrush just in case. See you at six!

Thank goodness my housekeeper was here this morning and left me some pre-prepped food.

When I arrive to pick Violet up three minutes early, she’s already waiting out front of the shop. I draw her into my arms, then my mouth dips to her ear. “You know, one of these days I might have to ring the doorbell and come in to meet your family. Would that be so terrible?”

“There is no doorbell, actually, but you’ll meet them soon.” Her lovely blue eyes peek up at me from under her lashes. “I guess I want to keep you to myself a bit longer before my sisters have a chance to chime in.” Her eyebrow quirks up. “They’re bound to have some…opinions.”

“I’m sure they’re just overprotective. Don’t worry, I’ll be on my very best behavior.”

When we reach my house, I try to see it through her eyes. Not much color. A bit cold – sterile, even. More formal than homey. Not a single plant. Thank goodness I have this incredible woman to bring some spark into my life now.

“Wow.” Violet sweeps into the foyer and extends her arms, doing a slow twirl. She looks stunning, even in casual leaf print leggings and an oversized mauve sweater. “This place is wild. You live here all alone?”

“For now.” I hope she understands my significant glance.

Violet twirls over and wraps her arms around me. “You know, we’ve ordered most of your green wall plants, and the ones for the other office areas. Should I get some more for your house?” Suddenly her face falls. “Oh… Sorry. That’s probably overstepping.”

“Not at all. I want your opinions. I want to hear everything.” My hands slide down her back to caress her luscious round ass. “Now, fancy dinner in the dining room, or chill in the kitchen?”

“Definitely the kitchen.”

Our meal is fantastic, especially since Violet makes herself at home, selecting mismatched dinnerware and improvising a table arrangement from a huge silver teapot and the fruit bowl. I adore how she makes everything so charming wherever she goes.

We chat about plants for a bit, which I find fascinating. By the time we’re loading the dishwasher, Violet is telling me all about the latest plant trends.

“It’s fluffy greenery. It all goes together. How could one be more popular than the other?” I ask.

Her sparkling laugh echoes around the kitchen. “There are trends for everything. People see something they like in a decorating magazine and copy the look. Monsteras have been popular for decades, but about ten years ago there were somelifestyle blogs that made them go viral. The leaves ended up on mugs and wallpaper and stuff.”

“Monster leaves?”

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