Page 90 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Gabriel moved closer, his scent—apricot and sandalwood—wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. "You're talented. It's clear you love what you do."

I brushed my hands on my apron, oddly pleased by his observation. "I do. It's more than just arranging flowers—it's creating something that marks important moments in people's lives."

Gabriel nodded, moving to stand beside me at the workbench. His proximity sent a flutter through my stomach that I tried to ignore. "That's a meaningful purpose," he said quietly. "Creating beauty for others."

I glanced up at him, struck by the sincerity in his voice. "Most people just see it as a pretty hobby."

"Most people don't look beyond the surface," he replied, his blue eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. "I've learned to look deeper."

The greenhouse fell quiet, the only sounds the gentle hum of the fan and the distant chirping of birds outside.

"I wanted to check on you," he said finally, his voice softer than usual. "Dakota mentioned you were working all day. Have you taken breaks?"

I smiled, amused by their collective concern for my wellbeing. "Yes, actually. I called Jamie, had lunch, stretched my hands like Theo showed me." I wiggled my fingers demonstratively. "I'm being good."

The corner of Gabriel's mouth lifted in a small smile. "I'm glad to hear it." He paused, his expression turning more serious. "I also wanted to let you know that we're bringing in the suspect for questioning in an hour. The interview will be at the station, so Theo will be here will you while the rest of us are there."

I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral despite the anxiety bubbling in my chest. "Do you think he's the one? The person who broke into my apartment?"

Gabriel's eyes studied my face, reading the tension I was trying to hide. "We don't know yet. He's a person of interest, not necessarily our perpetrator." He reached out, his fingers brushing my arm in a gentle touch. "Try not to worry too much until we have more information."

"Easier said than done," I admitted with a weak smile. "It's hard not to think about it."

Gabriel moved closer, his presence solid and reassuring. "I understand. But you're safe here, Vivian. And we're getting closer to answers."

I looked up at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt or hesitation. There was none—just steady confidence and something warmer, something that made my heart skip a beat.

"I hope you're right," I said quietly, acutely aware of his proximity. His scent surrounded me, calming yet stirring something deep within me at the same time. "About getting answers."

Gabriel reached up, his movement deliberate and slow, giving me plenty of time to move away if I wanted. When I remained still, he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek.

"We will," he promised, his voice a low rumble that I felt more than heard. "One way or another."

I leaned slightly into his touch, surprising myself with how natural it felt. "When will you leave for the interview?"

"Soon," Gabriel replied, his thumb brushing lightly across my cheekbone. "I came to see you first."

The simple admission made my heart flutter. "I'm glad you did," I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Gabriel's eyes darkened, his gaze dropping briefly to my lips before returning to my eyes. The air between us seemed to thicken, charged with an electricity that made my skin tingle. He leaned down, giving me plenty of time to move away. When I didn't, his lips met mine in a kiss that was both gentle and commanding.

Unlike our first kiss—intense and charged with pent-up desire—this one was slower, deeper, as if Gabriel was savoring every moment. His hand cupped my face, thumb stroking my cheek as his other arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. I melted against him, my hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my palms.

Gabriel groaned softly against my mouth, the sound sending a shiver of pleasure down my spine. He tasted like coffee and mint, and something uniquely him that I couldn't get enough of. When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, his eyes had darkened to midnight blue, pupils dilated with desire.

“I could get used to being able to do that.” He murmured his dark eyes focused on me.

I laughed softly, my hands still resting against his chest. "I could too," I admitted, surprised by my own boldness. "Though I'm not sure how much work I'd get done if you kept distracting me like this."

Gabriel smiled—a rare, full smile that transformed his usually serious face and made my heart skip. "A valid concern." His thumb traced the curve of my bottom lip, his touch feather-light. "Though I have excellent self-control when necessary."

"Do you?" I challenged, feeling unexpectedly playful despite the heaviness of the day's earlier conversation. "Because that didn't feel like self-control to me."

A low rumble of laughter escaped him, the sound vibrating through his chest beneath my palms. "You bring out... unexpected sides of me, Vivian."

Before I could respond, the greenhouse door opened, and Lucas poked his head in. "Gabriel, we need to—" He stopped abruptly, taking in our close proximity and my flushed cheeks. A slow grin spread across his face. "Well, well. Sorry to interrupt."

Gabriel stepped back slightly, though his hand remained at my waist. "What is it, Lucas?" His voice was calm, but I could hear the undercurrent of frustration at the interruption.

---