Page 8 of Cinnamon Strudel
“Mmhmm…” She liked his questions; they seemed so mature compared to the conversations she used to share with Rick. “Better communication. Looking back, I always felt as if I couldn’t talk or speak my mind to him without being afraid of being judged, misunderstood or even belittled. We always either agreed or disagreed, but it never felt like compromise was an acceptable goal. Youcanagree to disagree.” She slowed down then. “There are strings of lights hanging in front of us—chest high. So, it shouldn’t bother Blue.”
As they stepped into the tunnel, she realised they had glowing butterflies attached to them. Morgan took one and brought it closer to his face. “Butterflies. Are they all like that?”
“Yes, different colours though.”
Morgan peered up, rotating in a slow circle. “It looks cool.”
The way he admired his surroundings and let his fingers run through the strings made her heart lighter. She pulled out her phone and snuck a picture of his mesmerised face illuminated by the lights.
“Can I pet the dog?”
She turned to the girl that had approached them from behind and softly smiled. “I’m sorry, but he’s working right now. You see the harness? It means he can’t be distracted.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s a guide dog,” Morgan chimed in. “He helps me see better.”
“Oh, okay.” Disappointed, the girl turned and walked back to her parents.
“Thank you.”
“What for?” she asked, looking up at him confused.
“Helping me explain that to that little girl.” Morgan wrapped the hand holding Blue’s leash around her wrist while the other felt up her arm and to her shoulder. “Come here,” he husked, his fingers firmly around her neck, gently tugging her closer.
With a racing heart, she obeyed. His lips twitched, eyes sparkling and his mouth curling into that intoxicating smile. Soft, tiny wrinkles formed around his green orbs, his full brows fusing as if he had to focus his vision. He leaned down slowly, his eyes flickering over her face as he took her in.
“You’re not wearing makeup.”
“I wouldn’t know how to use it.”
“You’re gorgeous.” He let out a breathless chuckle. “And that natural blush makes you even prettier.”
As if to soothe her flushed cheeks, he brushed his fingers over the hot skin before he took a step backward. She needed a moment to collect herself, then cleared her throat and guided him farther through the tunnel. They wound through the paths lit up by different displays until they came to a sitting area. With no better time than the present, she suggested a break for more hot chocolate—after all, she was obsessed. As Morgan found their seats, she grabbed the drinks.
“Should we offer Blue something to drink as well?” she asked as she sat back down. But when Morgan indicated a bowl under the table, she ducked to hide her flushed cheeks. “Of course, I didn’t mean to imply you don’t know how to take care of him.”
“I’m flattered, actually. I like that you think about him too.”
She sat Morgan’s drink in front of him, holding onto the cup until he found it. “I remembered to get a lid this time.”
“Thanks.” He reached for it and felt for the opening.
“So, Morgan, what do you do for fun?”
He took a sip and then rolled his cup between his palms. “Currently, I’m obsessed with Legos.”
“Are you hiding a whole tiny city in your apartment?”
“Not quite, but only because I’m kind of slow.”
“I used to do puzzles a lot, but never made the jump to Legos because I was terrified that I might spend my entire earnings on them.”
“Maybe if you ask nicely, I’ll let you have a go with mine.”
She gasped playfully. “Oh, what an honour. May I please come over for a playdate soon?” The words left her mouth before she could think of what she was saying, and she couldn’t help but hear the dirty undertones in them.
Morgan rose his brow, that crooked grin tipping up the corner of his mouth. “And what would I get in return?”
