Page 4 of The Interview

“Freelance graphic artist. I take on a variety of clients, from cleaning products to publishing companies. Somebody always needs something interesting designed.”

Kaylan grunted. “And being a freelancer, that means you can make your own hours and take the day off whenever you want.”

I rubbed the side of my nose. “That’s the idea, but I think I’m about as good as you are when it comes to taking breaks. I like my job, and I get caught up in my work too often.”

“Oh, shit.” Kaylan stopped walking, his eyes wide.

I whipped my head around and my heart sank. The art museum was closed for renovations. “Well, damn.” There went my plans for a long, slow wander and pleasant conversation.

Kaylan made a face. “That stupid app got us here. I assumed it wanted us to go to the art museum for our date, but it’s closed.”

“Have you ever been to Krohn Conservatory?” I asked, brain scrambling for an alternative that was close. Anything that wastoo far might be too much effort, and Kaylan had made it clear that he didn’t want to be there. Easy was best.

Hands in his pockets, Kaylan rocked on his heels, moving his head from the left to the right so that the hair that fell in front of his eyes moved to the side. “Not since elementary school. I think we went on a field trip to see the Christmas decorations one year.”

My hand itched to reach up and brush those sleek locks from his forehead, but that seemed a little too forward for this non-date, reverse interview. It was easier to keep them balled into fists at my sides.

“Would you be interested in a stroll through the flowers with me? It’s just on the other side of the park.”

To my shock, Kaylan’s expression lit up. “Sure. I’ll follow you over in my car. I don’t get up to Eden Park too often.”

“Got it.”

With renewed energy, we walked to the parking lot in front of the art museum and climbed into our respective cars. I led the way in our two-car caravan, down the winding narrow roads past the silent mirror lake and the overlooking gazebo. During the summer, bright flowers, sunbathers, and people walking their dogs filled the park. It was a peaceful spot to relax and offered a magnificent view of downtown Cincinnati.

In winter, the place was dreary and empty. The primary draw was Krohn Conservatory, with its holiday display and live nativity scene in December. I’d never been up here for Valentine’s Day, but I was hoping they had something for the romantic holiday. If this was a bust, I’d have to take it as not meant to be.

As we zipped past the gazebo and up another winding hill on the opposite side of the park, I released a heavy sigh of relief to see bundled-up people walking toward the enormous glass-and-steel structure. Built in the early 1930s, the flower conservatorypossessed elegant art deco touches that still graced the structure to this day.

Taking the drive that led to the small parking lot behind the building, I pulled into a spot that had an opening on my right so Kaylan could park his tiny silver electric BMW beside my SUV.

“Wow. I forgot how big this place was,” Kaylan announced as we met up behind our cars.

He’d barely finished speaking when another gust of icy wind swept through, causing us to huddle against it. I reached out and wrapped an arm around Kaylan’s shoulders, pulling him closer to my body so I could shield him from the cold. “Let’s hurry and get inside, where it’s warmer.”

I half expected Kaylan to pull away, but he smirked at me and continued across the parking lot and down the sidewalk to the front of the building. As soon as we stepped into the building, we sighed happily at the welcoming heat.

Grinning, Kaylan darted ahead of me and bought two tickets. I didn’t argue. Yeah, this was a non-date, but I had a feeling guilt was nibbling at Kaylan over his boss’s weird tricks. This was his way of apologizing and I’d allow it, but this was it.

After stepping into the main entrance hall, my eyes lifted to the glass ceiling that towered at least three stories overhead. In front of us was the rainforest exhibit with its tall palm trees and lush greenery that stood in direct contrast to the brown, icy death outside. I slipped out of my coat and draped it over my arm as I dragged in a deep breath filled with warmth, humidity, and elegant floral notes. The only sounds were soft conversation and the distant sound of falling water crashing onto rocks.

“This…this is so peaceful.”

I glanced over to find Kaylan holding his coat in front of him. His eyes were closed, and a hint of a smile played on his pink lips. The wind had mussed his dark-brown hair, but that only made him more handsome in my book. Wrapped in his designersuit, his slightly messy hair made me hope this guy wasn’t all serious and business. That maybe he had some hidden depths to go with the mischievous grin I’d caught sight of here and there.

“A pleasant break from work?”

Kaylan cracked one eye open and smirked. “Possibly. I think it’s still early to call. Which way?”

I nodded to his right. “We’ll begin with the seasonal display. It leads to the desert room, orchid display, and the bonsai exhibit.”

Kaylan walked in the direction I’d indicated. “Sounds like you’ve been here a few times before.”

“I pop in several times a year. They have different seasonal exhibits, plus it’s a quiet place to think and look for inspiration.”

We stopped just past the entrance to the smaller room, taking in the explosion of tulips and red roses artfully arranged around a three-tiered fountain in the center of the room. It was as though spring had erupted inside of the giant greenhouse.

“Beautiful,” Kaylan murmured as he started forward. He dug his phone out of his pocket and snapped a handful of pictures. He looked over his shoulder and grinned. I liked that. The man seemed to smile so easily, his face always incredibly expressive. As if he couldn’t hold his emotions back. There was no hiding for Kaylan. “I think you mentioned something about detailing all the reasons we’re so very undateable.”

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