Page 6 of House of Soot

Let her think she's found her fairy tale. I'll be her Prince Charming right up until the moment I become her nightmare.

3

JENNA

The late afternoon sun warms my cheeks as I lead Blaise through the winding paths between my flower beds.

"These are my prize tulips." I gesture to the bright colorful blooms. "It’s difficult to keep the deer from eating them."

Blaise leans in close to examine one of the flowers, and the scent of his cologne mingles with the garden's perfume.

"The colors are brilliant." His fingers brush the petals with surprising gentleness for such strong hands. "You must spend hours out here."

"I do." A smile tugs at my lips. "It's my favorite place to be."

He straightens, and those intense green eyes lock onto mine. "I can see why. You've created something special."

My heart skips at the compliment. No one other than my mother has ever shown such genuine interest in my work before.

"The Bleeding Hearts are lovely too." I lead him down another path, hyperaware of his presence behind me.

“Bleeding hearts?”

“Yes. See.” I gently hold one of the blooms. “They look like bleeding hearts.”

“Sort of macabre, isn’t it?” There’s a flash of something dark in his eyes that has me stepping back from him. As if he realizes it, he smiles. “You really know your stuff." His shoulder brushes mine as he examines the plant.

I decide I misread that earlier expression. He’s smiling now, and I realize that I’m staring back like a silly lovesick girl because he really is exceptionally handsome.

It feels surreal having someone actually listen, actually care about the things that matter to me. I point out more details about various plants and bushes in the garden. Each time, he asks thoughtful questions that show he's really paying attention.

"Anyone who can bring this much beauty into the world deserves to be taken out somewhere nice." Blaise's voice drops lower, more intimate. "What do you say to dinner with me tonight?"

My breath catches. The invitation is unexpected and thrilling. But Ronan's face flashes through my mind. He’s the man I’ve wanted to show the garden to, the man I’ve always admired. The man who’s never noticed me.

"I…" My fingers twist together. "That's very kind of you."

"I sense a 'but' coming." Blaise takes a step closer, and I catch another whiff of his cologne. "Is there someone else?"

Heat floods my cheeks. "No, not exactly. I mean…" How do I explain my feelings for someone who doesn't even know I exist?

"Then let me take you out. Nothing fancy. Just dinner and conversation." His smile softens. "I promise to have you home at a reasonable hour."

I glance toward the main house where somewhere inside, Ronan is probably in another important meeting, making decisions that affect everyone's lives. He's never once stopped to ask about my flowers, never noticed how I arrange fresh bouquets in his office every Monday morning.

"Okay. Yes, I'd like that."

Blaise's entire face lights up. "Yeah? Seven, then?"

I nod, and my heart does a little flip when he grins wider.

"I'll pick you up at your cottage.”

I nod again, a little worried that I look like a loon.

“Tonight, then.”

As I watch him walk away, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and guilt. For years, since I was a girl, I've held on to this fairy tale dream of Ronan, but maybe it's time to face reality. Debbie is right. Even if Ronan were interested in me, it wouldn’t be anything serious. I’d be another one of his many conquests.

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