Page 51 of Lavender and Honey

I pretended to ponder for a moment before replying with a sparkle in my eye, "Only if it promises to be something extraordinary."

"Then I insist we try the tiramisu," he declared confidently. "It’s their specialty."

I grinned broadly and responded, "Sold."

While we shared the luscious dessert, I marveled at how effortlessly the evening had unfolded. There were no awkward pauses or forced exchanges, only the genuine pleasure of good food, heartfelt stories, and the comfort of exceptional company.

Leaning forward as if to share a secret, Lucian's voice softened further. "I’m really glad we did this."

My heart fluttered at his confession, yet I maintained a serene smile as I replied, "Me too." For the first time in a long while, I found myself immersed solely in the magic of the moment—unburdened by worry or future expectations.

As we finished the last bites of the decadent tiramisu, I felt a warmth spreading through me that had nothing to do with the wine or the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. There was something about Lucian's presence, his attentiveness, and the way he listened that made me feel truly seen.

"Thank you for tonight," I said softly, meeting his gaze across the table. "For the art exhibit, for dinner... for everything."

Lucian's eyes softened, the corners crinkling slightly as he smiled. "The pleasure was all mine, Lydia. I've enjoyed every moment." Lucian settled the bill despite my half-hearted protests, and I had a feeling this was going to be a recurring thing with all these men.

"Shall we?" Lucian asked softly, gesturing towards the exit as he held out a hand to me. I nodded, slipping my hand into his. His palm was warm and slightly calloused, and I found myself savoring the contact as we made our way out of the restaurant.

We stepped out into the cool night air, the stars twinkling above us. Lucian's hand found the small of my back, a gentle, guiding presence as we walked to his car. The touch was light, barely there, but it sent a shiver up my spine.

The drive back to my apartment was filled with comfortable silence, punctuated by soft comments about the art we'd seen. As Lucian's car pulled up in front of my apartment building, I felt a mix of contentment and reluctance. Part of me didn't want the evening to end, but another part felt the familiar tug of my safe, solitary space.

Lucian turned off the engine and turned to face me, his expression soft in the dim light. "I'll walk you to your door," he said, his voice low and warm.

We made our way up the stairs, our footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. As we reached my door, I turned to face him, suddenly feeling a bit shy.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, Lucian," I said softly, meeting his gaze.

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "So did I, Lydia. Thank you for giving me, and the others, the chance to court you properly."

I felt a flutter in my stomach at his words. The sincerity in his voice, the warmth in his eyes - it all felt so genuine, so different from anything I'd experienced before.

"Thank you for being so patient with me," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know I'm not always the easiest person to get close to."

Lucian's expression softened even further, his steel-grey eyes holding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. "You're worth every moment of patience, Lydia. We all think so."

His words hung in the air between us, charged with unspoken emotion. I felt myself leaning in slightly, drawn by some invisible force. Lucian seemed to sense the shift, his body angling towards mine almost imperceptibly.

Lucian took a small step closer, his hand reaching up to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The touch was feather-light, but it sent a shiver down my spine. His eyes searched mine, asking a silent question. I found myself leaning in slightly, drawn by an invisible force. Lucian's hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly across my skin. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

"Lydia," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "May I kiss you?"

His words sent a thrill through me, both exhilarating and terrifying. Part of me wanted to run, to retreat behind the safety of my walls. But a stronger part, a part that had been awakened by the care and patience of these four men, urged me forward.

"Yes," I whispered, my voice barely audible even in the quiet hallway.

Lucian leaned in slowly, giving me every opportunity to change my mind. His lips met mine in a gentle, almost reverent kiss. It was soft and warm, a tender exploration rather than a passionate claim. His hand cradled my face, his touch grounding me as I felt myself getting lost in the sensation. The kiss lasted only a few moments, but when Lucian pulled back, I felt breathless. My eyes fluttered open to find him watching me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. As I looked into those grey eyes, I couldn't help but let one of my walls around my heart fall.

Maybe, I could get a happy ending in my life after all.

Chapter Thirty-Two

The soft chime of the doorbell pulled me from my reverie, a sharp contrast to the silence that had enveloped the shop just moments before. I blinked, returning to reality and the comforting familiarity of my art store in Haven's Rest. With a quick glance at my paint-flecked apron, I reminded myself to stay present; daydreaming about Lucian wouldn't help me get through today's workload.

"Good afternoon," I called out softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear as I moved toward the counter. I glanced to the door, prepared to slip back into the role of the ever attentive shop owner, when a familiar figure strolled in with an easy gait that contrasted sharply with my own reserved movements.

Soren.

---