“It wasn’t easy growing up a half-Asian orphan with a quirky name. It’s enough to make you avoid orchids,” she tossed back lightly.
His nostrils flared in sympathy. “I can relate. Try running for class president when your opponents are burning effigies of birds and challenging you to rise from ashes.”
Orchid nearly snorted. “That’s kind of hysterical.”
“I’ll give them credit for creativity.”
“Did you win?”
He nodded. “In the end, I did rise from the ashes.”
“Why am I not surprised? Your life looks pretty nice in these pictures.”
He glanced at the smiling family in the silver frames and pointed to a group shot. “That’s Aunt Betsy, Uncle George and my cousins, Harry and Stew with Caleb and me.” No mention of the other photo, the one with the woman.
Orchid detected a scent of coconut shampoo. She restrained herself from leaning in for a deeper inhale. He looked as alluring as he smelled. Wet hair dripped onto his cheeks. She resisted the urge to sweep away the droplets.
“By the way, I cleaned up,” she said, and waved around the room, an excuse to break their magnetism.
“Thank you. Me too.” He shook his head like a pup, spattering her with drops of clean water.
She laughed and stepped back to avoid the mini shower. “We should go, right?”
“You kidding? This is just the start. Want to hang out for a while?”
She pointed at the playing cards she’d noticed in a crystal case. “I challenge thee to a game of Egyptian Ratscrew.”
He threw his head back. “Are we in grade school?”
She was embarrassed by whatever childish impulse had come over her. “I’m kidding. I’ve taken up enough of your day. Like I said, we should go, right?”
He paused and she tried to read his expression. Relief? He shrugged and it almost seemed like disappointment. “Sure, we can go.” He scooped up the trash bag and offered her his other arm. At the front door, he indicated her white Keds, neatly lined up as if assuring her spot in his world.
“I thought you might want these.”
How kind that he’d fetched her tennis shoes.
She slipped into them, aware that something had shifted in their relationship in the short time since they’d arrived at the house. She saw herself as Phoenix’s words and actions had reflected, a woman who embodied rare talent and heart and smarts. It wasn’t that he created this truth. Instead, he was mirroring what he saw, and the care he was showing her was evidence.
His arm flexed with muscles as he supported her, as they inched down the front stairs.
“You’re more patient than I ever could be,” she laughed, embarrassed by her slow progress.
“Then let’s never trade places,” he said easily.
“Promise?” she teased.
“Here’s what I’ll promise. Next time, when you’re steady on both feet, you’ll get a better tour.”
Next time. Beautiful words. Like a fairy tale.
On the final step, an ocean gust pushed her slightly. That nudge reminded her of her real world.
Before they reached his car, she recalled the Lauder conference room and his presentation.Mentor. Ticket to China. An admonishment rose up to snatch her from this this suspended reality. She recommitted her own demands from the first time they’d met.Nothing more than business.
As they drove, Orchid realized she’d become accustomed to his scent, the masculine undertone beneath his showered cleanliness.
With this little crisis behind them, she was finally able to relax. It felt as if they’d known each other longer than four weeks. They’d spent enough time together that she recognized the way fingers through his hair helped him think, or indicated an emotion; that he owned his space in the world with easy grace; and he thought of others before he thought of himself. His handsome features reminded her of his brother.
