Page 28 of Lavender and Honey

I felt a warmth bloom in my chest at their enthusiasm, a small smile tugging at my lips. "And for summer, maybe bright, sunny yellows and fresh greens?" I suggested softly. "With light, airy wood carvings to match?"

"Oh, I love that idea!" he exclaimed. "We could do a cranberry and orange preserve for autumn, maybe with hints of cinnamon. And for winter, perhaps a blueberry lavender?"

Finn nodded thoughtfully, his green eyes warm with approval. “I can come up with some sketches for the box designs tomorrow. I will start on Fall and Winter designs first since those would need to come out as soon as they are made.”

I gave a thoughtful hum, ideas flickering through my brain, "You could even incorporate different textures in the wood finishes to match the seasons. Smooth and glossy for winter, maybe a slightly rougher finish for autumn to mimic tree bark."

Lucian leaned forward slightly, his steel-grey eyes intense but not unkind. "You have a keen eye for detail, Lydia," he said, and from the sounds of Elias and Finn they agreed.

My face started to heat up and I was sure my cheeks were bright red, “I just like art so something like detail is something that comes easy to me.”

Lucian nodded thoughtfully, his steel-grey eyes studying me with a new intensity that made my heart race. "It's more than just liking art," he said, his deep voice gentle but firm. "Youhave a natural talent for seeing how different elements can come together to create something beautiful. That's a rare gift."

I felt my cheeks warm further at his words, unused to such direct praise. "Thank you," I murmured, ducking my head slightly. "I just... I see potential in things, I guess."

Elias beamed at me, his honey-warm scent wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. "That's exactly why we wanted your input on this project," he said enthusiastically. "Your perspective is invaluable…that and we like spending time with you."

Finn nodded in agreement, his green eyes warm with approval. "We'd love to have you more involved in the design process if you would be interested?”

I felt a flutter of panic in my chest at the suggestion. Collaborating meant more interaction, more vulnerability. But as I looked at the eager faces of Elias and Finn, and the steady, encouraging gaze of Lucian, I felt my resolve wavering.

"I... I'm not sure," I said softly, my fingers fidgeting with the napkin in my lap. "I haven't really worked with others on art projects before."

Elias reached out, his warm hand hovering near mine but not quite touching. "There's no pressure, Lydia," he said gently, his honey-warm scent wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

I bit my lip, considering their offer. The idea of collaborating was both exciting and terrifying. On one hand, it would be a chance to stretch my creative muscles in new ways. On the other, it meant opening myself up more, becoming more involved with these men who were quickly becoming... something. Friends? More? I wasn't sure.

"Maybe... maybe we could start small?" I suggested hesitantly. "I could sketch out some ideas for the seasonal themes, and wecould go from there? I know I am doing art for the sign too…” I trailed off, fidgeting as I looked at the men at the table.

Elias's face lit up, his honey-warm scent spiking with happiness. "That would be wonderful, Lydia! Even just your initial thoughts would be so helpful." As if sensing my hesitation, Lucian spoke up.

"Lydia," He said, his voice gentle but carrying an undercurrent of authority that made me sit up straighter. "Your input would be valuable, but your comfort is more important. There's no obligation here. If you decide you want to be involved, it can be on your terms, at your pace."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me at Lucian's words. The fact that he, as the head Alpha, was prioritizing my comfort meant more than I could express.

"Thank you," I said softly, meeting Lucian's steel-grey eyes. "I appreciate that. I think... I think I'd like to try. Starting small, like I said."

Finn nodded in agreement, his green eyes warm. "And remember, there's no pressure. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, just let us know." I nodded, but before I could say anything the waitress interrupted.

"Can I get you folks anything else?" the waitress asked cheerfully as she approached our table. "Dessert perhaps?"

I glanced at the others, uncertain. The meal had already gone on longer than I'd anticipated, but I found myself reluctant for the evening to end.

Elias's eyes lit up at the mention of dessert. "Oh, their apple crumble is divine," he said enthusiastically. "Lydia, you should try it if you have room."

Finn chuckled, his deep voice warm with affection. "Elias has quite the sweet tooth," he explained to me.

I hesitated, torn between my desire to prolong this unexpectedly pleasant evening and my instinct to retreat to the safety of solitude.

“How about we split a slice?" Elias inquired as his hazel eyes locked onto me.

The idea of sharing dessert with Elias sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach. It felt intimate, somehow more personal than sharing a meal. But his warm, hopeful expression made it hard to refuse.

"I... that would be nice," I said softly, offering a small smile. "If you're sure you don't mind sharing."

Elias beamed, his honey-warm scent spiking with happiness. "Not at all! I'd love to share with you."

As the waitress took our dessert order— one apple crumble to share for Elias and me, a slice of chocolate cake for Finn, and an espresso for Lucian— I felt a strange mix of nervousness and contentment settle over me. This evening had been full of unexpected moments, pushing me gently but persistently out of my comfort zone.

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