I smirk at her playful tone. But then Kellen bumps into me from the other side.
“Both of you should go,” he says, shooing me with one hand. “I’m cleaning tonight.”
Peony pouts. “But?—”
“Go on your little walk so I don’t have to watch the two of you flirting anymore.”
Properly chastised, we put on our coats and set off out the back door. It’s been dark for an hour or two now, as late in the year as it is, and the stars are already out.
“Clear night,” says Peony, admiring the same view. “But cold.”
I need no further invitation. I put an arm around her in a way that’s already become familiar, and she settles easily into my side.
“Thank you, Rupert.”
“Think nothing of it, it’s not a bother.”
“Not just for this.” She reaches up and loops her little fingers around my big thumb, avoiding my claw. “Foreverything. You gave me a job, you gave me a place to stay, you’ve done so much to help me.”
I stare down at her. These aren’t things she needs to thank me for.
“Peony.” I bring us to a stop, and she gazes curiously up at me. I cup her chin and lower my head closer to hers. “There’s no need for that. You work hard. You’ve always done nothing but your best. I’m the one who should be thanking you.” I stand up a little straighter and clear my throat. “I haven’t been outside in this garden in… ages. And that’s your doing.”
I love how her smiles are so wide they pinch her apple cheeks.
We continue walking until we reach the benches near the koi pond, and here we sit, Peony’s hands bundled up in her pockets because her fingers are getting cold.
“I wish I’d brought my gloves,” she grumps, and she’s so sweet that my teeth ache. I reach over and encircle her closed fists with my warm palms.
Now I need to ask her.
“Peony…” I begin, unsure of how to broach such a tender subject.
“Mm?” She’s gazing up at me with such a bright and open face I can’t help but pour my heart out to her.
“I care for you a great deal,” I say at last. “And I find you… very lovely.”
She cocks her head and smiles. “I think you’re lovely, too, Rupert.”
I’m learning that Peony has two smiles: a big, genuine one, which is what I get most of the time. But she has a smaller one as well that shows only her front top teeth, when she’s feeling mischievous.
This is the mischievous one.
“What do you want to ask me?” she finally prompts when I say nothing back. “Is this about our kiss?”
I cringe. Am I really so novice now in romantic matters that I couldn’t even bring it up?
“Did you like it?” Peony asks, leaning in closer to me on the bench. My arm slips down her back as she closes the distance between us. “Do you want me to kiss you again?”
Every hair on my body stands up at this suggestion. I want nothing more than to kiss her again. To kiss her, and do all sorts of other things to her, too.
“Yes.” I say this one word, and Peony inhales in anticipation. “Yes, I would.”
“Good.” She licks her lips. “Then do it.”
So I lean down and capture her mouth.
peony
