Page 26 of Peach Blossom Hollow

“But that’s so small.”

“It doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.”

“So those men at the malls holding purses and coats are actually wooing their ladies? They’re not just whipped by their wives?”

“Well, maybe sometimes. Just a little.”

Leo laughed when she grinned. “Okay, more. This is good stuff.” He lifted his cup and looked around as though he’d misplaced something. “Should I be writing it down?”

“I’m not going anywhere. Remember, I’m your Yoda.”

“Okay, Yoda. Hit me up with more.”

“Umm...” Her cheeks heated as she thought of one other tip she could give him.

Leo noticed. “What?”

“Kisses, holding hands, touching.” She couldn’t look at him.

When she finally dared look up, his cheeks were pink, making her feel better about her own discomfort.

“So what do you think Christine would enjoy?” Violet asked. “Compliments?”

“Not sure.”

“Well, whatever she responds to, I think you can stand out just by being yourself.”

“She doesn’t want a cowboy.”

“Why’s that?”

“She’s sophisticated. I need to be a bit more urbane.”

“But cowboys are charming and solid folk. Loyal and reliable, typically.” Her ex-fiancé, a cowboy, had kind of failed on a few of those points, though. “I bet she just needs to hear you speak your heart and she’ll be won over for life.”

Leo’s lips curled. “I’m not sure about that.”

“Whatever you do, don’t change.”

“I won’t. But I need to highlight the things Icanoffer. Things she might want.”

The whole wooing Christine thing was starting to stink. Leo was a great guy and to see him chasing someone who might not recognize that…well, what a waste.

“What?”

Violet made sure she smoothed her expression to hide her thoughts. “Nothing.”

“You think this is dumb.”

“YouthinkDragon Babesis dumb.”

He opened his mouth, then shut it again.

“So we both want to change a tiny bit to attract someone who brings out the better, more interesting side of ourselves,” she said, not looking his way.

“A partnership that takes us where we want to go.”

“Makes us better people. And I want love, too.”

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