Page 116 of The House Guest

“You said you ended the engagement. Doesheunderstand that you and he aren’t together right now?”

“Yes,” I answered emphatically. “He wanted to give me the freedom to make sure I was making the right decision.”

Dorian let out a breath, seeming relieved. “And little Rosie? Where does she think you are this week?”

“Visiting old friends.”

“Friends in quotation marks?” He winked.

“Massive quotation marks and a question mark.”

He nodded. “It had to be hard for you to leave her.”

“It would’ve been harder not to come to you when my heart felt ready to explode. I’m finally figuring out that I’m no good to my daughter if I’m not happy.”

“In case I wasn’t clear in my absolute shock this morning, I’m glad you came, Rosebud.” He nodded. “So glad.”

His use of my old nickname sent a warm feeling through my body. Yearning to touch him, I reached out and ran my fingers through his hair, watching as he closed his eyes, letting out a low groan. But instead of returning the touch, he placed his hand on my arm, prompting me to pull away.

“I’ll let you decompress for a bit,” he said. “Come down when you’re ready, okay?”

Feeling a bit dejected, I cleared my throat. “Okay.”

After he left, I sat on the closet floor for a few minutes before forcing myself to go put my clothes in the drawers. I freshened up before heading downstairs.

Dorian was standing at the window, looking out pensively when I found him in the living room.

“Hey.”

He turned. “Hi.”

“What’s the plan?” I asked, feeling a bit tense.

“I want to show you something,” he said, leading me out back.

Dorian brought me over to a beautiful rose garden.

“Your mom’s garden is back.”

“Yep. I’d love to say I did it myself, but I hired a gardener to put it in.” He chuckled. “But I do maintain it. This is where I come now to think, meditate…to feel gratitude.”

“That’s beautiful.”

“You’rebeautiful,” he murmured. “Never thought you’d get to see this.”

“Is this where the rose you sent me came from?”

“Yes.”

“I’d thought that package was pretty formal until I reached inside and pulled out that rose.”

“I wanted you to know I was still thinking of you.”

“I knew that.” I grinned. “Also, it was kind of you to send me Christina’s ring. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“No one but you should have it.” Dorian fell silent. “Can you tell I’m still in shock that you’re here?”

“Yes, but I don’t blame you.”