Painting the Roses Red by Allyson Lindt

Author:Allyson Lindt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Acelette Press
Published: 2019-11-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Lisa found herself enjoying the meal far more than she wanted to. It was tempting to linger when the meal was over. Tempting, but not practical or smart. “What did Blake like about you?” She didn’t mean it rudely. The time she’d spent with Blake already gave her the answer—Ephraim was honest, open, and cared about his friends. She wanted to hear what he said, though.

“Are you admitting you know him, then?”

“I’m not admitting anything.” Time to turn her work face back on. “You’re concerned about the welfare of someone named Blake. I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt and assuming the friendship was mutual.” Her use of the past tense was intentional. She hated to slip it in there. To imply there was no more Blake. But she’d made her promises too, and that included keeping Alex’s little sister safe.

A frown whispered across Ephraim’s face. “In that case... I can’t speak for him. He is a good friend. Fiercely loyal. He wants to save the world, and I don’t think he’ll ever figure out there are some things he can’t change. Not that I ever want him to.”

That did sound like Blake. But Ephraim said it with so much adoration. And while he hadn’t answered the question she asked, she did have a better idea of who he was now.

“I need to get back to work.” Lisa forced the reluctance from her veins and voice, and stood.

Ephraim rose with her, though he didn’t look like he was ready to leave. He extended a hand. “I’m going to get my answer.”

She shook his hand. “I hope you do.” She meant that. She’d like to see him reassured, but it would—couldn’t—come from her.

“Next time you’re having a shitty day, give me a call and I’ll buy you dinner.”

“I’ll do that.” Lisa wouldn’t. This was the last time she would seek out Ephraim.

She spent the rest of the day getting Dexter settled in a new place, and making sure she had a few people stationed nearby for his safety. His arguments about being uprooted were gone, replaced with his familiar calm demeanor, though he didn’t look overly enthused to have his painting supplies back.

After a couple of nights of sleep in her own room, and a few days of tasks checked off her to-do list, she felt more like herself. At least, aside from the lingering thoughts of brunch with Ephraim and the afternoon with Dexter.

She’d enjoyed their company, but the ever-present thoughts were of more than that. They’d both seemed to want to spend time with her. Not Queen, not Jabberwock’s right hand. Not Whisk’s errand girl. But with Lisa.

Because they didn’t know her.

They wanted to.

No, they thought they wanted to. Very different.

If she let the thoughts ramble long enough, they’d inevitably tumble into memories of sex with Dexter. Heat raced through her veins each time the vivid images slid into her mind.

Even without the ecstasy, the memories of Dexter’s touch were sharp and distinct. His fingers gliding along her skin.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.