Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“I like this one,” I mused to Angelica, inhaling the fragrance on the slip of blotter paper. “Is that a trace of pine in the blend?”
“Yes,” she said, sounding delighted.
“And cypress. Cedar as well. A touch of bergamot. Very woodsy. Masculine.”
“Exactly.”
She handed me another one. “Tell me.”
I waited a moment then inhaled. “Fresh, like water. Citrus, but unusual. Grapefruit, maybe?”
She clapped her hands. “Yes.”
She held up her wrist. “Here?”
I sniffed. “Ah, jasmine. Lily. Freesia? Delicate. Very pretty.”
“You have a good nose, Egan. You should come visit our lab.”
“I would love to.”
Visiting their lab was an incredible learning experience. Talking to their staff. Listening to their objectives. I invested in their company, and they allowed me to work behind the scenes with them, using my unknown talent of my nose. I was proud of the line of fragrances we created. They sold well, and I enjoyed having my own scent no one else could purchase. I had helped create a complementary one for Sofia. It had slighter different notes than the citrusy one she wore now, but I knew she would love it. I had mixed a few light florals with citrus and some water elements. The result was creamy, soft, and subtle. I had received the first bottle last week and planned to give it to her as a gift.
If, that is, she still wanted to be with me.
I always knew she would have to be told about my past. And I had hoped she would accept that it was my past and I was beyond it. Now, thanks to the mysterious stranger entering my life, I’d had no choice but to tell her the truth and hope she could handle it. But I was worried.
Worried that I might be too much for her.
I paced and agonized. Checked the news for any updates. Looked at my phone for messages I didn’t expect to come. She would be too busy. I wondered if she would stay later than the end of her shift. If that happened, she would text to tell me. I would pick her up whenever she needed me to.
I tried to sleep and failed. I worked out in the small gym down the hall, lifting weights and running on the treadmill until my legs shook with exhaustion.
Still, there was no sleep. Finally at five, I gave up and made a pot of coffee. I took my mug and stared out the window at the breaking dawn. I was startled when my door opened and Sofia walked in.
“Sofia?” I asked, confused. “What are you doing here? Your shift—”
“A few of my colleagues came in early. They knew what happened last night and arrived early to cover so we could go home and rest.”
“Was it terrible?”
“Yes. We lost three people, but the rest have all been treated or sent to surgery. I hope there are no more deaths.” She shook her head. “A useless tragedy all because someone was impatient and refused to slow down in the rain.”
“I’m sorry.”
She lifted one shoulder, still not coming closer. I had to swallow before I could speak again.
I set down my coffee. “You never called.”
“I took a cab, Egan.” She approached me, tugging off her coat and leaving it on the sofa. “You’ve been up all night, haven’t you?”
“Yes.”
She stopped in front of me, cupping my cheek. I shut my eyes, leaning into her caress. “You think I’m going to leave you.”
I heard the tenor of her voice. The gentleness only she would allow me to witness.
Was she trying to let me down easily?
“Yes.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Egan.” She cradled my face between her palms. “Look at me.”
I opened my eyes, meeting her gaze. It was tired and beautiful. Filled with patience and something else. Something she had never allowed me to see before now.
Love.
My heartbeat picked up. “Sofia?”
“I can’t walk away, even though I’m scared. We’ll face whatever comes our way together.”
“Why?” I asked, needing to hear the words. Desperate for her to say them.
“I love you, Egan Vulpe. So much.”
“My past?”
“Is just that. Your past. It shaped the man you are now. The man I love. You are a warrior. My warrior. Mio guerriero.”
My heart quickened at her endearment.
“And your worries?”
“I have to let them go.”
“Tell me why,” I asked again.
“Because living without you now would hurt more than losing you in the future. I want whatever happy times we have in between.”
I stared at her. “Nothing is going to happen to me.”
“Then we get to live a long, wonderful life together,” she whispered. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is.” I covered her hands with mine. “What do you want, iubirea mea?”
“You, Egan,” she responded simply. “Just you.”
I yanked her into my embrace and kissed her. Every emotion I was feeling—relief, wonderment, joy, and love—was in that kiss. She threw her arms around my neck, kissing me back with equal fervor. I lifted her, carrying her down the hall. I was going to show her with my body what I was feeling in my heart.