Page 68 of The Protégé

“You bring out the poet in me.” His fingers tightened around mine.

I stared at our joined hands and tried to imagine the pressure Orion faced daily. The demanding businesses, the obscene money that required careful management, the people who needed his guidance, the projects that needed approval. I shivered as I imagined his chaotic workload. Where did he have time for himself?

When he’s with you.

I loved knowing I could offer him an escape.

Orion finished his tea, placing the cup on the table. “Thanks for the tea.”

I wrestled my fingers with his, and he responded by overcoming mine with his powerful fingers.

A finger war ensued that brought out laughter from both of us. “I’ll destroy you!” I said in my most villainous voice.

“Doesn’t look like it when your thumb is being crushed bymypinky.”

“Shut up.” I laughed.

I lifted our joined hands and secured my elbow to the table, preparing for a different battle. “Arm wrestle me.”

Amusement beamed on his face. “You’re going to lose.”

That wasn’t my goal, but he didn’t need to know that.

“We’ll see about that, Slingshot.”

The nickname suited him. He’d come into my life at the most unexpected time, saving me in more ways than one.

“One, two, three, go!” I pulled his hand down with all my might. But he resisted, and his powerful forearm dragged my arm down, down, and down. I couldn’t resist his strength, nor could I resist the charming smile of a man who had just won something extraordinary. I was finally beginning to understand this complicated man. Something in me softened for him even more.

Returning my attention back to arm wrestling, I said, “Was it fun?”

Orion considered me the way a quadrillionaire would eye a project that had taken an unexpected turn. “What’s the reason behind that arm wrestling? You do it often?”

“Nope. Just today.” I tapped his forearm gently.

“Why?” He arched an eyebrow.

“Because it took you out of your headspace. Guess I’m really good at it.” Smiling, I rose from my seat and gestured for him to follow me. “Now that your mindset is in a different space, it’s time for some dandelion wisdom.”

Pursing lips, he looked at me as though he wanted to punish but also kiss me.

“Besides dandelion and honey, there’s a special ingredient in the tea that harmonizes your body, making you more relaxed.”

He glanced at the empty cup. “No wonder my body feels fifty percent lighter. I should drink more of it. What’s the special ingredient?”

“I can’t tell you. It’s my secret recipe.”

“Okay.” He grinned. “I guess I’ll just have to come to your house whenever I want dandelion tea.”

“I’ll start charging you for it.”

“I’ll pay whatever you want.” He stood beside me.

“If you want to know the wisdom of dandelions, then you need to see it.”

With hands tucked inside his pockets, he stared at the pots of dandelions. “I’ve never met a weed collector until you.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” I tilted my head. “Actually, don’t answer.” I turned to the table. “What do you see?”

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