Page 36 of Dancing with My Elf
“You’ll just have to invite me over to check on your bonsai for you,” I suggested in a playful tone. I arched a brow. “And I’ll check on you at the same time.”
Zoe tapped her fingers against her side. She chewed her bottom lip. “Lucas, I’m not as experienced with the opposite sex. Are you flirting with me?”
I sure was. How could I not with how my body fired up around her? “Would it be all right if I was?”
She chewed her bottom lip. “It isn’t wise considering we’re working together on a case.”
“Oh, but it makes work that much more enjoyable,” I countered.
“So, youareflirting?”
“I like you, Zoe.” I touched her arm. “I want to get to know you better. What do you think?”
Her lips parted. She cleared her throat. “I think we should focus on the case.”
“Fair enough.” I pulled my hand away. It wasn’t a flat-out rejection, just a redirection. I could handle that for now.
A man who appeared in his fifties entered and introduced himself as John. He gave us a tour of the bonsai, pointing out characteristics or notable features of each. Then it was time for us to pick one that we’d work on today. We each picked a small tree that we’d shape and then sat at a picnic table with a basket of tools on it.
John introduced the instruments we could use and gave us tips on which branches we should look out for when making cuts. Then he gave us privacy so we could work on our art.
We trimmed the trees while the sound of flowing water from a nearby water fountain added to the soothing ambiance.
“This is strangely relaxing,” Zoe pointed out.
“That’s what I love about gardening. I miss being out there getting my hands in the soil. I can’t wait to start working on it come spring.”
She slanted her head. “I’d like to see it.”
“I’d be happy to give you a tour.” The prospect of setting up plans with Zoe in the future filled me with optimism. My dragon rested with contentment.
We left the center about an hour later each holding a bonsai. Hers was in a vibrant blue pot and mine was in a fiery red one.
“Where are you going to put yours?” I asked.
“I’ll have to think about what he said about lighting and try to find us a good spot.”
“I can come over and help you pick the perfect place.”
Was my attempt to finagle an invitation to her place totally apparent?
She studied me curiously and then her lips curled up. “Maybe.”
Was Zoe flirting back? That was major progress.
“Ah, your usual reply,” I teased as we walked out to the car. “At least it’s not a no.”
Zoe
Back at my apartment, which I shared with two other women who worked at the Network, I prepared to return to the club that night. Since I’d been asked to leave, I needed a disguise. I put on a Morticia-style black wig. I wore all black and Goth makeup, completing the look with a pair of tinted cats eye glasses.
Glancing at myself in the mirror, I stared at the unfamiliar reflection. “Who are you, stranger?” I teased. A physical characteristic that would give me away to supernaturals was my pointed ears, so I ensured the wig covered them.
Nova called just as I was headed out of my room.
“Hey, Nova, what’s up?” I said.
“Just checking in. How’s everything going?”
