Page 84 of Moonlight Hearts

I wanted to open it right away, but I wasn’t going to do that here.People weren’t outright staring at me, but still.The human head of that two-headed person next to Lynn was taking a photo of the flowers and largely ignoring me, and Rae, Thaeros, Levi, and Ant had actually divided up the tables among them, leaving me with the counter.

I caught up with Rae where they were putting together an order of drinks.

“Hey, I’ll be in the back.Just a quick break.Can you—”

“Yeah, yeah.We got it.This isn’t anyone’s first grand opening.”

“Well, it’s everyone’s first except yours and mine.”

They petted my head, which made me sort of flinch awkwardly.“There, there.Go take a break.We promise we will not be talking about anything related to the holidays.”

I knew then that I probably shouldn’t leave Rae unsupervised around any kind of holiday, but the temptation was too great.I mumbled a quick thank-you and headed back to Dwayne’s office.

Once there, I sat in his chair, got the letter opener from its drawer, and very carefully opened the envelope.The little card inside was stamped with a silver moon also, no surprise there.I flipped it open and started reading.

Amory,

When you smile, my heart feels lighter.Did the flowers make you smile?

Your greatest admirer,

Soyer.

I read it three times.Then I pulled my phone from my apron and called Soyer.

“Amory.Would you like to be done early today?”

“No.Soyer, I don’t remember if I smiled when I got your flowers.”

“That’s not good, Amory.”

“I didn’t know I was supposed to pay attention.It’s a really big bouquet, you know.”

There was a small pause.“I may have splurged.”

“Oh.Thank you for the flowers.”

I heard him move, then chuckle.“You’re quite welcome.But it appears I have to give you more.”

“You don’t, actually.I’d rather have you.”

There was a very long pause on the other end.Then I heard it as he exhaled, slowly.“Who told you to be so fucking sweet, my heart?”

“I’m not.I’m just saying.Sorry if I shouldn’t have.”

“It’s like you escaped from a candy store, that’s how sweet you are.Very well.Far be it from me to deny my lover anything.I’ll be by soon.”

I couldn’t help myself.That got me incredibly excited.“Really?”

“Yes.You know what you have to do?”

“Make sure there’s a slice of cherry pie waiting for you.”

He snorted a laugh.“Yes, that would be nice.But first and foremost, you’ll have to kiss me.Will you, Amory?”

“Okay.Although I thought you wanted to see me smile at the flowers.”

“Well, I’ll accept that as a bonus.”