“The spice room isn’t very large,” I said, my voice not quite steady. “We’ll need to be pressed fairly close to both fit and maintain a view of the kitchen.”
“I’m aware.”
His gaze dropped to my mouth, lingering there long enough that it felt like a physical caress. I wanted to taste him again the way I had outside our bedroom doors. But wewere in a public garden with a gardener working nearby and sprites flitting through the flowerbeds.
Savory watching us with knowing black eyes.
You move in sync now,she said.Have you noticed?You unconsciously match each other’s gestures.
I blinked, pulling back slightly to assess. She was right. Dominic and I had shifted closer and closer as we’d worked, our bodies angling toward each other in mirror positions. When I’d gestured to emphasize a point, his hand had moved in echo. When he’d leaned forward to examine my notes, I’d leaned with him.
You’re right.
Always.
Not quite always.
I would swear she lifted eyebrows she didn’t possess.Just as the roses coordinate with the morning glory, and the oak coordinates with the climbing ivy.
Are you comparing us to plants?
I’m observing that some things grow better when allowed to intertwine rather than being forced into isolation.
“What’s she saying?” Dominic asked.
I shared.
His soft laugh vibrated through where our shoulders still touched. “I like your companion more every day.”
“She’s very opinionated.”
“She’s wise. Wedomove together naturally. I noticed.”
“You did, huh?”
He nodded.
I looked at our now joined hands, the way my fingers had curved to fit perfectly between his.
“It’s partnership,” I said. “The kind I didn’t think I wanted, but…”
“But?”
I almost said it. Almost admitted that I was falling in love with him.
But the vulnerability required for that admission still felt too risky.
“It’s effective,” I said. “For solving the investigation.”
“Right.”
We sat in silence while the gardens continued responding to our emotional state, flowers opening and unfurling.
“We should get ready for tonight,” Dominic finally said, though he made no move to stand. “Gather supplies, test them for contamination, plan how we’ll sneak into the spice room after midnight.”
“Yes.” I reluctantly pulled my hand from his and stood. “We’ll need to be thorough.”
“Sasha.” He looked up at me through his incredibly long lashes. “Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know that these past few days have meant a great deal to me. Working with you. Getting to know you. I feel like we’re building something together.”
