Page 21 of Be-Leaf in Love

“Yes, that’s fine,” I say. “Could you two please give us a minute?”

“Sure.” They disappear into the shop, probably still listening.

Jack pulls over a chair, then takes my hands in his. “It was Mark who called my father and told him to come over because you were there. I’m so sorry, Violet.”

“Mark? Does he hate me or something? I barely met the guy.”

Jack shakes his head. “Looking back, I think he was always a little disappointed that Dadwasn’tdirectly involved with the company. I think Mark looked up to him. That whole rebel bad boy of finance image. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. He’s fired.”

My hands clench around his. “Because of me? No, I didn’t ask for that. I don’t want to?—”

“Baby, anyone who is passing information in inappropriate ways will be terminated without question. He knew full well what he was doing. I can’t have someone like that working for me.” His fingers thread gently through mine. “Also, if he hateschange, he’d have really freaked out when that entire wall turns green and leafy.”

“You still want that?”

“Of course! It’s going to be incredible.”

He pulls another box of chocolates from the left hand outer pocket of his jacket and sets it on the table. From the other pocket he fishes out a small blue box. He opens it, and I stare in disbelief at the silver and amethyst flower necklace.

“I’m not sure if you’re into diamonds and jewels,” he explains. “But you wore a hair clip with purple stones a few days ago, and silver earrings. So I thought this was a safe bet.”

My fingertips lightly stroke the polished metal. “It’s lovely, thank you. But it’s kind of fancy.”

“Well, as luck would have it, I would like to take you somewhere fancy right now.” His eyes light up as he grins. “That is, if I can steal you away from work?”

Just a few minutes ago I was trying to talk myself into letting this relationship go. Now I can’t tear my eyes away from Jack’s excited face. Maybe he believes enough for both of us.

“Where?”

“An art gallery. English Investments donates to the Kingsville Art Foundation, and there’s a big charity wingding this afternoon. I need to swoop in, shake some hands, and put my face around. Melati insisted that I go for twenty minutes. Will you come with me, so I’m not bored to tears?”

“I… I can’t… All your colleagues will be there. And city bigwigs, and who knows who else.” My mouth tightens as I desperately try to keep my bottom lip from wobbling. “I’ve already caused enough trouble in your professional life.”

Jack sets the box on my lap and takes my hands again. “You didn’t cause any trouble, baby.” He sighs. “I know, I’m uptight and rigid. To run a company, that’s what is required, occasionally. But I want to soften the other parts of my life. Iwant you.” His warm brown eyes meet mine as he whispers, “I already love you.”

My breath stutters to a stop. I’m floating.

He really said that. Even beyond words, I can see it plain as day in his eyes. This amazing, confident, fabulous manloves me.

Before I can even think about saying it back, Jack leans in to kiss me gently, his lips moving softly as I clutch the box so it doesn’t fall from my lap. His hand tangles in the back of my hair, pulling me closer, then he freezes.

“I’m sorry. I’m being terribly inappropriate in your workplace.” He pulls back. “Now, will you please come with me to the gallery?”

I’m already standing up. “Sure. How fancy should I dress?”

“Things like this are usually corporate attire or business casual. I’m sorry, I don’t know what that means for women. I’m a guy, I just wear a suit. But honestly, wear anything you like.” His eyes gleam. “Although I am quite partial to you in dresses.”

I kiss his forehead, then take off at a jog. “Wait right there. Give me ten minutes.”

“Take your time,” he calls out.

Thirteen minutes later, I find him in the shop talking with Jasmine about how easy it is to propagate tradescantia. “They grow everywhere,” she laughs. “Really – you can just chop a bit off and stick it in the dirt. A week or two later, they’ll have rooted. Idiotproof.”

Jack starts to say something, then hears my skirts rustle in the doorway and spins to face me.

I’ve never thought of myself as beautiful. Certainly not compared to my sisters. I’ve always been the quirky one.

Jack stares at me as if I’m the first woman he’s ever seen. As if he never wants to look at another person again as long as he lives. I’ve never felt so gorgeous.

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