Page 8 of Be-Leaf in Love

My shoulders gently land against the brick wall of the restaurant, Jack’s hand cradling the back of my head. “You’re an earth pixie, aren’t you?” he breathes against my ear.

“Kind of. I mean, I’m usually wearing pink and purple flower bangles, and leaf clips in my hair.”

He’s just about to kiss me again when suddenly he pulls back. “Violet, did you…tone down…your style for today’s meeting?”

“Of course.”

He sighs, shaking his head. “Never again, please. I want you to be you.”

I begin to nod, then my stomach tightens and I stifle a moan as he kisses me softly. Before all my breath disappears, I whisper, “People…sidewalk…” He cuts me off with another kiss, deep and sultry, sending tendrils of desire shooting all the way down to my ankles.

“To be continued.” He straightens up. “Now, shall I drive you home?”

I point to the west. “Actually, I only live three blocks away.”

He links his arm with mine. “Lead on.”

Our short walk begins with a glance inside a shoe store, trying to think of the occasions where those glitter, neon purple go-go boots would be appropriate (everything from New Year’s Eve to retro cocktail parties to anime Halloween costumes).

We end with Jack looking up at the sign for Palmer’s Potted Plants. “You live here?”

“Yes. Mom had the upstairs apartments combined into one huge living space for the four of us. I have two older sisters.”

Jack takes my hand. “And…Dad? Should I ask?”

“He took off when I was a baby. Honestly, we were better off without him. Nothing terrible, just bad energy.” I look up with a bright smile. “Mom’s uncle didn’t have any children. When he passed, he left her some money. She bought this building, opened the business, and we’ve been pretty stable ever since.”

I certainly can’t tell Jack how close to the edge we are, or that his projects are going to save us this month.

The entrance to go upstairs is at the far end, recessed into the building to create an alcove. Jack crowds me into it, then kisses my forehead while murmuring, “Are there cameras in this nook?”

“No.”

“May I kiss you like we’re not in public?”

“Yes.”

Jack pulls my body against his, one hand in the back of my hair, the other caressing my hip. This isn’t like the sneaky kisses in the restaurant. His mouth feels positively hungry against mine, as if he’s trying to devour me whole. His tongue explores, his lips press harder, and another choked growl comes from the back of his throat.

I’m not sure how much time passes. The force of the kiss overwhelms me. Finally he steps back. “The things I want to do to you, my precious flower girl,” he murmurs.

“Like what?”

He shakes his head, a devilish gleam in his eye. “I’ve already overstepped every single boundary for a first date.”

He kisses my forehead again, then steps back as I turn away to dig out my keys. When I glance back to wave, it’s obvious he was checking out my ass. I give it a little shake as I saunter in the door, and he clutches his heart and staggers back.

Once I’m inside with the door shut, I stand perfectly still, trying to catch my breath. I can’t believe what is happening. I should be giddy with delight at landing a corporate account. My first big contribution to the family business.

It’s completely overshadowed by the fact that I am falling for Jack – hard, and fast.

And there’s no mistaking that he is falling for me just as quickly.

6

JACK

How can I be expected to get any work done today when last night was the most incredible date of my life?

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