Page 25 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

“And you carried out his wish.”

He stared at her, those amber eyes filled with an emotion she couldn’t quite read. The fire popped, sending sparks dancing into the night air. Time stretched out between them for an endless moment before she returned to the original topic.

“I suppose I can understand not wanting to leave your friends and family behind. It was easier in my case because most of my friends were the wives of Larry’s business associates and I knew they’d side with him. Plus my mom and dad had already moved to Florida so they weren’t keeping me there either.”

“But I don’t have-” he began.

“Yes, you do.” She cut him off, earning a startled blink. “Flora cares about you so much she practically dragged you out of the woods. Grondar was angry on your behalf at the auction. And even Rona made sure to give us a private spot where you’d be comfortable.”

His jaw worked, those impressive tusks catching the firelight as he stared down at the table.

“People care about you, even if you try to push them away.” She reached across the table, letting her fingers brush his forearm, his skin was warm despite the cold evening. “Maybe they’re just waiting for you to let them show it.”

He looked up at last, his eyes filled with confusion and something that looked like hope before he quickly masked it.

“They shouldn’t,” he muttered, but he didn’t pull away from her touch.

“Why not?” She traced a small pattern on his skin. “Because of what happened years ago? The person you are now grows healing herbs and makes essential oils. That doesn’t sound like someone people shouldn’t care about.”

His expression turned vulnerable for a split second before he covered it with his usual gruff mask. She bit her lip to keep from pressing further. He needed time to think about what she’d said.

The patio door swung open and Rona emerged carrying two steaming plates. Her mouth watered as Rona placed one in front of her - roasted butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter sauce with fresh sage. It was exactly what she’d been craving without even knowing it.

She glanced over at Varek and found him nodding appreciatively at a plate with a thick venison steak, wild mushrooms, and roasted root vegetables.

“We didn’t even look at the menu,” she said, amazed, and Rona winked.

“Don’t need one, sweetie. My gift is knowing what folks want to eat before they do. Though I gotta say, you two made it easy tonight. Clear appetites, clear hearts.”

Rona gave them a knowing look before heading back inside, and Posy knew she was blushing. Doing her best to ignore it, she picked up her fork, hoping the meal tasted as good as it looked. It did, the first bite melting in her mouth. “Oh, this is perfect.”

He relaxed enough to smile at her blissful expression before he cut into his own meal, the meat perfectly rare.

“She’s always had a knack,” he agreed. “Even when I was younger, although I’m a little surprised she bothered to use it on me. Or that she’s as nice as you pointed out.”

“Why?”

“Remember that wild youth I mentioned? I got into a fight here once and ended up breaking two tables and half a dozen chairs.”

“Here?” She glanced around at the cozy patio, then at the peaceful river, and couldn’t imagine it.

“It was a long time ago. She told me I wasn’t welcome back. I wasn’t surprised, and I never expected to return.”

“I’m sorry.” She couldn’t imagine how much it must have hurt to be turned away by yet another person in the town that was supposed to be your home.

“The ban actually didn’t last that long but then everything else happened.” He shrugged and smiled at her. “Now why don’t we forget about the past and enjoy our meal?”

She laughed and agreed. The food was incredible, and she savored each bite. Varek’s presence across the table felt natural, as if they’d shared meals together before. They talked about some of the hybrid plants he was working on, and then he asked her about her plans for the shop.

She set down her fork and traced the rim of her water glass. “I’ve been thinking about expanding the vintage section of the shop. Maybe adding a lounge area where people could hang out.”

He nodded.

“And maybe host some evening events - craft nights or jewelry making workshops. Something to bring the community together.”

His shoulders immediately tensed

“Not that I’m trying to take over the town or anything,” she added quickly. “I just want to make some friends.” She reached across the table and touched his hand. “Like you.”

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