Page 14 of Lennox

She moves on, her fingers now trailing over delicate roses. "Roses might be cliché," she starts, a little shyly, "but they have layers. They're intricate, beautiful, and there's depth to them. Every petal tells a story.”

I watch her closely, her words not just about the flowers but also reflecting her journey and growth. "They'll have a special place in the garden," I promise.

As we continue, she keeps adding to her collection—daisies for their simplicity, marigolds for their vibrancy, and jasmine for its intoxicating scent under the moonlight. Every choice she makes gives me a deeper insight into the woman I've come to care for so deeply.

Raising an eyebrow, she teases, "You sure you're up for all this? It's quite a list I'm making here."

I chuckle, picturing us working side by side, our fingers digging into the earth. "For you?" I grin, "I'd plant a whole forest."

Chapter 8

Charlene

The engine hums softly as Lennox pulls the car to a stop outside my house. We're both sweaty and caked in dirt, but there's a shared sense of satisfaction between us. I feel the weight of the day, the plans, the work.

He kills the engine and comes around to my side, opening the door and leaning into the doorframe.

"We did quite a bit today, didn't we?" I say, stretching my neck and leaning back against the seat, taking in the designs and lists scattered on the dashboard. We’d spent the day at the hospital, meeting with landscapers and board members, getting everything ready to break ground on the new therapeutic garden as soon as possible.

Lennox nods, a tired smile playing on his lips. "We did. It's a big project, but we'll make it happen."

A chuckle bubbles up. "Especially with Winnie rallying the community volunteers.” I can't resist pressing my lips to his dusty cheek. "Thank you," I whisper, "for believing in this, in us."

He grins and shifts in close, taking my face in his hands. Then he leans forward, pressing his lips against mine in a slow, lingering kiss that makes my heart skip a beat.

When we finally break apart, I can't help the teasing note in my voice. "As tempting as that was, I think we just exchanged more dirt than anything else. I need a good shower."

There's a playful challenge in his eyes as he raises an eyebrow. "Need company?"

I can't help but chuckle at his audacity. "Bold of you, considering how dirty we are.”

His grin widens. “You have no idea how dirty I can be.”

Before I can formulate a response, Lennox's strong arms are around me, lifting me effortlessly. "Lennox!" I exclaim, surprised and amused, "What are you doing? The neighbors!"

He grins, cradling me closer. "Let them watch. Let the whole world see. I've got nothing to hide."

His words send my heart into overdrive. He doesn’t even put me down at the door, holding me as I dig my keys out of my pocket and unlock it.

Stepping over the threshold, he asks, “Bathroom?”

I point down the hall. “That way.”

Lennox's strong arms cradle me effortlessly as he carries me into the bathroom. He sets me down gently, his fingers lingering on my waist as our eyes meet in a charged gaze. The shower's spray starts, water filling the air with its soothing sound.

“Undress,” he orders.

His command is a delicious mix of authority and desire, sending a rush of heat straight to my core. With a sultry smile, I comply, my fingers finding the buttons of my shirt. One by one, the buttons give way, revealing glimpses of my skin beneath. My gaze never leaves his as the fabric parts, his eyes drinking in every inch of exposed flesh.

I step closer, his fingers brushing against mine as my shirt falls away. His hand finds the small of my back, his touch igniting sparks of need that course through me.

Lennox's fingers trail down to the waistband of my pants, his touch lingering there, a silent request. With a slow, deliberate motion, I slide my pants past my hips, shimmy them down my legs, and step out of them. His gaze roams over me, his eyes filled with raw desire.

"Charlene," he breathes, his voice husky, "you’re exquisite. Every curve, every inch of you."

“Your turn,” I tell him.

Lennox's gaze locks onto mine, his fingers deftly yanking the hem of his t-shirt. He strips it off, revealing a torso that's a damned work of art. Muscles ripple beneath tanned skin, a testament to strength earned through hard work.

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