Page 72 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

I laughed, surprising myself with how genuine it felt. "I'd actually love to learn those exercises. My hands do get stiff after long sessions."

Theo seemed to recover his composure quickly, nodding as he stood from his stool. "The hand and wrist contain twenty-seven bones and numerous ligaments. Proper maintenance is essential for continued function."

He moved around the island to stand beside me, extending his hands palm-up. "May I?"

I hesitated only briefly before placing my hands in his. His touch was clinical yet somehow intimate—firm enough to manipulate my joints but gentle enough not to cause discomfort. Theo turned my hands over, examining the slight redness across my palm where I'd been gripping the shears.

"You hold your tools too tightly," he observed, his thumbs pressing into the center of my palms with precise pressure. "It restricts blood flow and causes unnecessary tension."

I inhaled sharply as he found a particularly tender spot, a small knot of muscle I hadn't even realized was there. "Sorry," he murmured, easing the pressure slightly.

"It's okay," I managed, watching his face as he concentrated on my hands. His brow furrowed slightly, eyes focused intently behind his glasses. "It's the good kind of pain."

Dakota made a sound that might have been a suppressed laugh from where he leaned against the counter, but I kept my eyes on Theo, suddenly fascinated by the focused intensity in his expression.

"First exercise," Theo instructed, guiding my fingers into a gentle fist. "Curl your fingers inward, hold for five seconds, then release and spread them wide. Repeat five times."

I followed his directions, surprised by how such a simple movement could bring immediate relief. Theo nodded approvingly as he watched my hands.

"Good. Now, rotate your wrists in circles, five clockwise, five counterclockwise." His own hands hovered near mine, not quite touching but ready to guide if needed. "The goal is to increase synovial fluid circulation within the joint capsule."

"In English?" I asked, a small smile playing at my lips as I rotated my wrists.

"It makes your joints less creaky," Dakota translated from his position by the counter, his voice tinged with unexpected humor.

I laughed softly, continuing the exercises under Theo's watchful guidance. "Thank you for the translation."

"Accurate terminology is important," Theo insisted, though there was no real irritation in his tone. "Next, press your palms together at chest height, like you're praying. Then lower them while keeping the contact, until you feel a stretch in your wrists and forearms."

I followed his instructions, feeling the pleasant pull of tight muscles beginning to release. "That feels amazing," I sighed, closing my eyes briefly to focus on the sensation as a low moan left my lips.

"The median nerve often becomes compressed during repetitive activities," Theo explained, his voice taking on that professor-like quality I was beginning to find endearing. "This stretches the carpal tunnel and relieves pressure."

When I opened my eyes, I found both Alphas watching me—both with with an intensity I wasn't quite prepared for. Dakota's dark eyes had narrowed, a predatory focus that made my breath catch, while Theo's analytical gaze had shifted to something more primal beneath his composed exterior. The air in the kitchen suddenly felt charged, heavy with unspoken tension.

I cleared my throat, lowering my hands and breaking the moment. "These are really helpful. I'll make sure to do them regularly."

Theo blinked, seeming to collect himself as he stepped back, creating a respectable distance between us. "Yes. Ideally after every other hour of work. Preventative maintenance is more effective than reactive treatment.”

Dakota pushed himself away from the counter, his movements deliberate and controlled. "You should get back to your flowers if you're planning to finishing everything on time like you want." His voice was rougher than usual, a gravelly quality that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine.

"Right," I agreed, standing from the stool. "Thank you for lunch and for the hand exercises. Both were exactly what I needed."

I stretched my arms above my head, feeling the pleasant pull in my shoulders. "I should be able to finish most of the centerpieces by dinner if I get back to it now."

"I'll walk you," Dakota said, pushing away from the counter. It wasn't a question or even an offer—just a simple statement of fact.

"I can find my way back to the greenhouse," I pointed out, though without any real annoyance. His protectiveness was becoming familiar, almost comforting in its consistency.

"I know you can," he replied, already moving toward the door. "But I'm heading that way anyway."

Theo glanced between us, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "I'll continue analyzing the data from the lab," he said, returning to his laptop. "I'll have a preliminary report ready by the time Gabriel and Lucas return."

I nodded, oddly touched by his methodical approach to everything. "Thank you again, Theo. For the exercises."

He gave a short nod, the faintest hint of warmth in his eyes before he returned his attention to his screen.

Dakota and I walked in comfortable silence through the house and back toward the greenhouse. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the garden path, the air noticeably warmer than it had been that morning. I rolled my shoulders, still feeling the lingering benefit of Theo's hand exercises.

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