Page 43 of Love in the Time of Conversation Hearts

“Me too.” His spiced cologne is intoxicating from this close, and I go a little weak in the knees.

Luckily, Adam is there to steady me. He leans in so our noses are almost touching and mutters, “You didn’t have to spend over a thousand dollars on me just to get a date, you know. I would have taken you out for free.”

“I know.” I shrug. “I don’t know what came over me.” The chatter in the room grows louder as people leave their seats for a last drink and some of Dorothy’s famous desserts.

“You couldn’t resist me,” he says as if it’s obvious. “No shame in that game.”

“Yeah, well I’m not the only one. I think you went for more than anyone ever has in that bidding war.”

A sheepish look passes over his chiseled features. “About that…” he trails off, then rubs his jawline. “That was Bianca.”

I must have misheard him. The headiness of being in his arms again—in public, no less—coupled with the rising volume in the room has me confused. “I’m sorry. I thought you just said it was Bianca who was bidding on you?”

“It was.” Adam purses his lips against a smile. “I told her to make sure no one outbid her. Well, me. She was using my money.”

I smack him lightly on the arm. “What? Why? You let me spend over a thousand dollars on you!”

It’s at that moment that a flurry of petals slaps Adam’s ass. He plucks the roses from Dorothy’s outstretched hand and offers them to me once more. I can’t help it. One sniff, and I swoon.

“These are not thousand dollar flowers, Adam.” I try to grumble, but it comes out more like a purr.

He laughs then, and even though I know I should be angry that I’m out so much money, the sound vibrates through me, curling my toes. “I couldn’t very well stop the bidding to tell you, now could I? And far be it from me to interrupt your moment there.” His smile falls, and he pins me with a look so earnest, it takes my breath away. “I had her do it because there’s no one in this room I want to go out with but you, Cora. If you’ll have me.”

It’s such a sweet admission that I don’t have words to respond. I grab him by his lapel with my spare hand and pull him in for a searing kiss, not caring who is watching. The scent of roses and spiced cologne swirls around us. I think I hear a few whoops and claps from my friends, but I barely register them as our lips and tongues dance together.

When we both come up for air, I say, “We are so splitting the cost of this auction, though.”

Adam tips his head back and laughs, then brings me close to kiss the top of my head. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Cora,” he whispers against my skin.

“It’s the happiest one I can remember,” I respond, leaning into him and promising to myself that I’ll never let him go.