Page 6 of Be-Leaf in Love

“Then it sounds like everyone agrees.” After another quick pat on Violet’s knee, I nod to the group. “I’ll take care of the details personally. Just wanted to make sure you were all on board. Thank you for your time, everyone.”

The group jumps up and disperses quickly. I reach out and shut the door, then roll my chair back toward Violet. “I’m so sorry,” I begin. “I should have warned you there would be a bunch of suits at the meeting.”

Violet exhales slowly, giving her head a sad shake. “No,I’msorry. I hope I haven’t ruined everything.”

It’s not professional to take her hand, but I do it anyway. Her fingers squeeze mine as if she’s anxious for the contact. “You haven’t ruined anything. Normally I would never take over another person’s presentation, but it honestly looked like you were about to stop breathing.”

Her lashes flutter as she looks up at me with those beautiful blue eyes. “I have trouble speaking to groups.”

“No problem.”

After reluctantly releasing her hand, I pull the prints closer. “These really are fantastic. You did all of this in one day?”

“Yes. This is just an approximation, of course. We’ll have to do some more research and make sure we’re picking the correct plants for the space.”

My index finger circles an area on her mockup of the green wall. “I like these drippy things.”

Violet laughs. “Trailing plants in general, or English ivy specifically?”

“Both.” Damn, I love the way this girl makes me smile. “Wait, it’s really called English ivy?”

“Yes. I figured since it’s the name of the company, it was a nice touch. Plus, it grows really well, and there are many varieties.”

“I like all the different shades of green. And nothing flowery like daisies or roses or whatever.”

“I think it would be good to have some flowers in the other arrangements, subject to your approval, of course. But nothing fragrant or girly. More like these…” She points out a weird, spiky orange and purple thing. “It’s a Bird of Paradise. Quite dramatic.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s an alien life form.”

She laughs, her hand darting out to tap my arm. “Maybe it is. Shh, don’t tell anybody.”

“It will definitely add some life to this place.”

Violet nods eagerly. “Plus plants clean the air and add oxygen.”

“Really? I thought that was just…hippie dippy trippy stuff?”

This time she squeezes my arm firmly. “NASA has done studies on plants improving air quality. I don’t think they’re hippies for the most part, do you?”

“Not at all. Well, maybe once this is finished, we can send around an email about that.”

Violet glances toward the window, then leans closer. “You said that you’re supposed to be taking more of an interest in your employees. So when you do that, emphasize the health angle. Thank them for working so hard and spending so much time in the office and tell them you’re adding plants to improve the air quality and their general well-being.”

“Yes, that’s perfect.” I glance toward the clock and realize I have zero desire to do any more work today. My only focus is Violet.

“You know, I would really love to hear all about this health and wellness stuff. But for a long conversation like that, you’re definitely going to need some food.” I lean closer, lifting her hand. “May I take you to dinner?”

It’s so quiet in the meeting room that I can hear her small gasp. “Mr. English…”

“Jack. Please.”

She nods. “Jack. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before. I’d like to be clear: is this a business dinner?”

“No. I mean, we might start out talking business, but I definitely want this to turn into a date. Is that all right with you?”

It’s not stage fright that prevents Violet from speaking this time. Her glowing eyes, flushed cheeks and quick nod tell me everything I need to know.

“Great. Do you like Italian?”

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