Page 8 of House of Soot

Her eyes light up. “Really? Ronan?—”

“No. It’s with someone new here on staff.”

I think I see relief in her eyes. Like Debbie, Mom thinks it’s time for me to accept the truth that Ronan won’t ever see me as more than the gardener. “Is he handsome?”

Blaise’s green eyes flash in my mind. “Yes.” I feel the heat of a blush in my cheeks. “And he enjoyed my tour of the gardens.”

“A man after my own heart. You have a lovely time tonight, Jenna. Don’t worry about your old mom.”

I kiss her temple. “It’s just dinner. I won’t be gone long.” I head to my room, all of a sudden nervous. What should I wear?

Twenty minutes later, I’m checking my reflection in the hallway mirror. The soft green fabric is comfortable but nice, and I've let my curls down from their usual practical tie.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart." Mom beams from her chair. "Now go, and have a good time.”

As if on cue, a knock comes to the door. My heartbeat cranks up to a million. I open the door to find Blaise in dark jeans and a fitted blue button-down that makes his green eyes pop.

"Wow." His gaze travels appreciatively over my dress. "You clean up nice, flower girl."

Heat rushes to my cheeks. "You too. Very different from your work clothes."

He shrugs. “I hope you don’t mind? A suit feels too much like work.”

“Nope, I don’t mind at all.”

He escorts me out to a waiting car and we head out to the city. I can't remember the last time I left the grounds for something other than shopping for necessities or Mom's doctor appointments.

“Do you go out for fun often?” Blaise asks from the driver’s seat.

"No.”

He glances at me. “Why not?”

I shrug. “No opportunity, I guess.” I don’t want to give him my sob story about having to take care of my mom and not having time for fun. Or that I’m not a woman men generally take an interest in. Not that I’m ugly or lacking in personality. I think I’m just too… blah, uninteresting. It sort of makes me wonder what Blaise sees in me.

We park near the waterfront, and Blaise leads me down cobblestone streets I knew about but had never explored. He points out little gems, a tiny bookstore tucked between restaurants, a cafe famous for its cannoli.

"How do you know all these places?" I ask as we pass an antiques shop.

"You like gardens, I like discovering the heart of a city." His hand finds the small of my back, guiding me around a corner.

At the restaurant, he pulls out my chair and helps me sit, like a true gentleman. He orders us wine and then we order our meals.

“So, Jenna Hart, tell me about you.” His green gaze watches me and for the first time, I feel seen.

“There’s not much to tell. I was raised by my mom. I’ve learned all there is to know about gardening on the estate from her and took over when she… retired. What about you?”

He shrugs, swirling his wine in the glass. “Born and raised in Boston. I now work as part of the Keans’ protection unit.”

“Do you have family?”

Again, I see a flash of something dark that makes me recoil. But as quick as it’s there, it’s gone. “My parents have passed. I have a few brothers.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I reach out and put my hand over his. He stills and his jaw tightens. I imagine the loss must have been difficult. Considering his reaction, I’m surprised when he turns his hand over and clasps my hand.

“It was a while ago.”

“Still. I can’t imagine your loss.” I think about my mother, knowing her illness will likely take her from me sooner than later. I don’t know how I’ll survive without her.

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