Page 45 of Lavender and Honey

I took another bite of my sandwich, savoring the delicate balance of flavors as I watched the ducks glide across the water. The tranquility of the moment wrapped around us like a soft blanket, making me feel at ease despite the flutter of nerves still simmering beneath the surface.

Elias stretched out his legs, leaning back on one arm as he regarded me with an expression of quiet contemplation. "So, do you have a favorite book?" he asked, popping another grape into his mouth with an easy confidence that made my stomach flip.

I hummed in thought, considering his question carefully. "That’s a tough one. I love so many books, but if I had to choose…" I trailed off, my fingers absentmindedly tracing delicate patterns on the fabric of the picnic blanket. "I think it would have to beThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. There's something about the idea of finding magic in unexpected places, of creating beauty from loneliness, that has always resonated with me."

Elias nodded thoughtfully, his hazel eyes darkening with understanding. "That’s a great choice. The themes of healing and transformation... I can see why you'd connect with it." His voice was gentle, carrying a depth of sincerity that made my breath hitch.

His insight warmed me, and I found myself relaxing even more. "What about you? Do you have a favorite?"

He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. "I do, actually.The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.It’s a story of revenge, sure, but also of justice and redemption. I’ve always been drawn to stories where the hero rises after being knocked down."

I smiled, intrigued by his answer. "That fits you. You have that steady resilience about you."

Elias’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn’t look away. Instead, he held my gaze, something unspoken passing between us. "And you have quiet strength, Lydia. More than you probably realize."

His words struck something deep inside me, a place that rarely saw the light of day. I lowered my gaze, toying with the hem of my dress as I processed his words. "I don't always feel strong."

Elias reached over, his fingers brushing lightly against mine, his touch featherlight yet grounding. "Strength isn’t about always feeling strong. It’s about pushing forward even when you don’t. And I see that in you."

A lump formed in my throat at his sincerity, and I swallowed hard before offering a small, shaky smile. "Thank you, Elias..."

He gave my fingers a gentle squeeze before pulling back, his presence still lingering in the space between us. "Anytime, Lydia."

We continued eating, the conversation flowing naturally between us. I told him more about my art, how I found inspiration in the simplest of things— a forgotten book spine, the way the light filtered through old shop windows, the shifting colors of the sky at dusk. He listened with rapt attention, his expression filled with curiosity and admiration.

After we finished eating, Elias packed up the remains of our meal and stretched, his movements fluid and effortless. "Feel like a walk? There's a path that circles the pond."

I nodded, eager to extend our time together. "I'd like that."

We strolled along the path, our steps slow and unhurried. A comfortable silence stretched between us, punctuated only by the rustling leaves and the occasional quack of a duck. Every so often, our hands brushed, sending tiny jolts of awareness through me. The air was filled with the scent of bloomingflowers and fresh cut grass, a perfect complement to the warmth radiating from Elias beside me.

Elias suddenly stopped and turned to face me, his expression unreadable yet intent. "Lydia, can I ask you something?"

I met his gaze, my heart picking up pace. "Of course."

He hesitated for a beat before speaking. "Would you ever consider… trusting me enough to not use your scent blockers? Not today, not tomorrow. Just… someday."

His words sent a thrill of both fear and longing through me. I lowered my gaze, my fingers tightening around the strap of my purse. "I don’t know," I admitted honestly, my voice barely above a whisper. "It’s not something I’ve thought about seriously before. It’s just... habit now. Safety."

Elias nodded, his expression gentle and understanding. "I get that. And I don’t want to pressure you. But I want you to know… whenever you’re ready, I’d love to know the real you. All of you."

His words settled deep in my chest, stirring emotions I wasn’t sure how to process. But instead of fear, I felt something else. Something warm. Hopeful.

I took a slow breath and met his gaze, a small but genuine smile playing at my lips. "Thank you for that, Elias. I’ll think about it."

His smile was soft but genuine, his honey-warm scent wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. "That’s all I could ever ask."

We continued our walk, the conversation shifting to lighter topics, but the weight of his words lingered. By the time we made our way back to the oak tree, the afternoon sun had started to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the park.

Elias turned to me, his hands slipping into his pockets, an easy yet slightly hesitant smile on his lips. "I had a great time today, Lydia."

I smiled back, feeling lighter than I had in a long time. "Me too. Thank you for everything."

He hesitated for a brief moment before reaching out, his fingers brushing lightly against mine in a silent question. I hesitated only a second before letting my hand slip into his, my fingers curling around his warm palm.

Elias’s grin was radiant, his happiness evident in the way his scent deepened, wrapping around me like a promise. "I’ll text you later?"

I nodded, my heart soaring. "I’d like that."

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