Page 186 of Chandelier Enthralled
She always did leave an impression.
“The other place she mentioned?” I asked.
“Chrysalis.”
“Tell me about it.”
He shook his head, refusing. “It has some impressive chandeliers.”
Perhaps Rose had always known I was like Cameron. That somewhere like Chrysalis would be a place I could truly explore my sexuality within a beautiful setting, while pairing me with a man who navigated that world with the wisdom to fulfill my desires with dignity.
A chandelier within glass…
“The snow globe,” I whispered, heart in my throat with the realization. “It came from her.”
“Snow globe?”
“A gift.” And now I knew who it was from. “Aunt Rose.”
Rose had known about Pulse360 from the very start. Because that is where she had delivered the snow globe, to my desk on my first day.
“I think she liked me,” Greyson said, and his boyish grin looked adorable.
Perhaps the snow globe was her way of letting me know that I, too, would be drawn to kink. Was that her granting me approval, removing all guilt and embarrassment from my mind over thoughts of exploring my darkest fantasies? Because she knew I was far too sensitive to even try.
Rose understood me beyond words.
I returned my focus to Greyson, who was eyeing the dessert menu. “When was the last time you visited Chrysalis?”
He gave me a playful, sweet smile. I saw an intimate understanding in his eyes, their brilliance hinting at an invitation. “Why?”
“Just wondering.” I gave him a cheeky grin.
His expression softened. “Maybe after all this is over, you might like to go to dinner, just you and me.”
I met his gaze. “Are you asking me out on a date, Greyson?”
“I am.”
“Like a date, date?”
“Would you like that?”
Elation made my face flush, and I couldn’t resist giving him a bright smile.
“Your smile, it wrecks me,” he said, shaking his head.
“In a good way or a bad way?”
“In a world full of chaos, you’re the one thing that feels perfectly right.”
Reaching over, I rested my hand on his.
He raised my hand and kissed my wrist. “So this is what it means to feel alive.”
The North Hollywood Diner would be a cozy, fun place for lunch, only I was sitting across from Chad—not my favorite person—and he had brought a friend, our co-worker Chloe, whose eyes were currently shooting daggers my way.
Under different circumstances, I’d enjoy eating at the restaurant, with its checkered floors and rows of red vinyl booths. Fluorescent lighting cast a glow over the Formica counters. The scent of coffee and fried food offered up a cheerful setting for those who weren’t being stared at by hateful colleagues.
