Page 25 of Emeric

“What did you make?” I appreciated that he reached out to ask if I had any food allergies. It was another reason to enjoy spending time with Sylvan. He was very considerate.

He led the way to the kitchen while he spoke. “I’m not sure if you noticed the greenhouse on the property, but I grow a lot of my own vegetables and herbs. I used the herbs to season the chicken and the rice I prepared. I also have roasted potatoes, fresh asparagus, and salads with only vegetables I grew. For dessert, I made a rich chocolate cake.”

“You’re going to spoil me, aren’t you?”

“If you’ll let me.” He winked at me over his shoulder. Oh, I loved this playful side of him. He’d let his guard down, his anxiety melting away. He was a sight to behold.

Not letting me help, Sylvan asked me to take a seat and brought the food over one dish at a time. I couldn’t remember when I’d last had a home-cooked meal like this. Often, I ate on the run or when someone else prepared it. I didn’t have an hour or more, or the motivation, to prepare food for myself. It felt like a waste for just one person. Sylvan made my mouth water with the food he served.

“You grew these? They look amazing.”

“Most I did. I’m pretty proud of them.”

“You should be. I don’t do anything like this. What a skill you have. Will you show me the greenhouse sometime?”

The grin he wore as he took his seat was almost as big as it was when I told him I enjoyed what I’d read of his book so far. “I’d love to.”

We continued to talk while we ate, like we’d done it on numerous occasions before. There was a comfort with Sylvan I didn’t expect. One that made me not want to leave when the night was over. After dinner and talking, it kept me hovering at the door after hours passed.

“Emeric?” he asked softly, leaning against the doorframe in front of me.

“Yes?”

“Can I kiss you?”

“You can do anything you want to me.”

“As appealing as that sounds, and believe me, it does, I don’t have the nerve for anything else. I hope a kiss is good enough.”

I reached forward and put my hand on his waist. “I’d never want you to do something you weren’t ready for. A kiss is more than good enough.”

When he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine, everything in my body melted. I was boneless, yet alight with a feeling I could only describe as perfection. Never had I kissed anyone and thought how they were perfectly made for this exact moment. Like I’d been waiting forever for this one kiss.

It wasn’t a long kiss or full of more tongue than lips. There was the right amount of everything.

As he pulled back, I couldn’t help but drift forward to chase him for more. He chuckled.

“You’re mean,” I pouted.

“No one has ever tried to keep kissing me. I’m not a virgin, but I’m also not overly experienced. Thank you for appreciating my kiss.”

“Appreciate it? I want to drown in it.”

His hand went to his heart. “Oh my.”

“Indeed.”

“We can do this again?”

“Absolutely.”

11

OLEANDER

“I’m not under attack,” Micah bit out from the back seat of the Navigator. “This is unnecessary.”

“No, it’s not,” Forest countered. “You were shot at while eating dinner tonight.”