Page 33 of Lavender and Honey

He turned back to the sketchbook, carefully examining each seasonal design. "The way you've incorporated each season into both the box designs and the preserve flavors are brilliant. It's not just a gift set, it's a complete sensory experience."

I felt my cheeks warm at his praise. "That's what I was aiming for," I admitted as Elias continued to pour over the sketches. I felt a warmth blooming in my chest. His genuine enthusiasm and appreciation for my work was both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. It had been so long since I'd shared my art with anyone outside of Avery, let alone received such positive feedback.

"That's exactly what we want," Elias said enthusiastically. "A complete sensory experience that captures the essence of each season. I love how you've thought about the visual elements, the flavors, even the textures of the wood finishes."

He pointed to the summer design. "And this golden box with the sunburst carving— it's perfect for summer. I can alreadyimagine a bright lemon curd or maybe a strawberry basil preserve nestled inside."

I nodded, feeling a surge of excitement at his words. "I thought about incorporating dried citrus slices or lavender sprigs as part of the packaging for summer," I suggested softly. "To add another sensory element."

Elias's eyes lit up. "That's a brilliant idea! We could do something similar for each season— maybe cinnamon sticks for autumn, pine sprigs for winter…” He tailed off as he gave me a thoughtful look.

“What?” I asked, wondering what could be brewing up in his brain.

"You know, I think we could even expand on this concept." The thoughtful expression turned into an enthusiastic grin with hazel eyes twinkling as he looked at me.

I tilted my head, curious. "What do you mean?"

"Well," Elias began, leaning in closer, his honey-warm scent enveloping me, "what if we included some additional sensory elements in each box? For example, in the autumn box, we could include a small sachet of dried autumn leaves and spices to enhance the scent. For winter, maybe a tiny bottle of pine essential oil."

I felt a spark of excitement at his suggestion. "That's a wonderful idea," I said, my mind already racing with possibilities. "We could even include a small card with each box, explaining everything in each box.”

Elias's eyes lit up even more at my suggestion. "Yes! A card explaining the contents and the inspiration behind each seasonal box. It could include suggestions for how to use the preserves, maybe even a simple recipe."

I nodded enthusiastically, reaching for my pencil. "We could design the cards to match each season too," I said, quickly sketching out some ideas in the margin of my sketchbook."Maybe with pressed leaves for autumn, snowflakes for winter..."

He paused for a moment, his hazel eyes studying me intently. "I know you haven’t wanted to really share your art yet…but would you like to try to design those cards? Or would that be too much?”

I felt a flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach at his words. The idea of contributing even more to this project was both thrilling and slightly terrifying. "I... I could try," I said softly, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of my sketchbook. "If you think it would help."

I don’t think I could say no to Elias if he asked me to try something.

Elias reached out, his warm hand hovering near mine but not quite touching. "Lydia, your input has already elevated this project beyond anything I could have imagined. I would be honored if you'd consider designing the cards as well.”

Biting my lip I looked at Elias who was looking at me with so much hope I couldn't help give a nod, “As I said, I can try.” That is all the promise I could give him.

Elias grinned, eyes almost burning with happiness and want. He seemed to have an inner battle with himself before a determined look came to his face. He leaned across the table, bringing me close and giving me a chaste kiss on the lips, “Thank you, I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”

My brain stalled for a minute, trying to process what he just did.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Isat in my store in a daze over what happened. Elias gave me a kiss, it was a chaste kiss… but a kiss all the same. I hadn’t been expecting it…and because of that I had quickly said goodbye and am now hiding in my store.

I didn’t know how much time went but it was getting closer and closer to when Soren would arrive. I didn’t know how I was supposed to react. Sure, I was attracted and comfortable around Elias…and just starting to feel the same with Finn and Lucian. They were all mates…so did that mean that is what they all wanted?

“Don’t think about it.” I muttered to myself, running a hand over my face trying to shake off all of the fears trying to overtake me.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The kiss had been unexpected, but not unwelcome. Part of me wanted to analyze every moment, every interaction that had ledto this point. But another part, a growing part, just wanted to let myself feel without overthinking everything for once.

The chime of the door startled me out of my reverie. I looked up to see Elias entering, a slightly sheepish expression on his face. Behind him was a man I didn't recognize— tall and lean, with blonde hair that looked more white than anything and purple eyes. This must be Soren.

"Lydia," Elias said softly, his honey-warm scent tinged with nervousness. "I hope it's still okay that we stopped by. This is Soren."

I nodded, forcing a small smile despite the butterflies in my stomach. "Hello," I managed, my voice barely audible to even my own ears.

Soren gave me a look, before he looked at Elias, “Why don’t you head home. I will talk to Lydia.” Elias started to protest but he bowed his head once he got a sharp look from the other man.

Elias gave me a small smile, eyes sad before he left me alone with Soren who gave me a sympathetic smile, “I thought it would be better to talk with just us, rather than have Elias here.”

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