Page 18 of The Purrfect Rival (Enchanted Falls #1)
EIGHTEEN
M oonlight Terrace deserved its name. The restaurant perched on a top overlooking Enchanted Falls, stone archways framing panoramic views while garden alcoves offered intimate dining spaces separated by flowering trellises.
Rust arrived early, checking the alcove Hezron had recommended. Floating lanterns drifted above the table, their glass petals opening and closing to reveal gentle flames within. The setting sun painted the perpetual mist of the waterfall in gold and crimson—colors that reminded him of their blended magics.
His lion paced restlessly. Mate coming. Prepare. Impress.
“I’m not trying to impress her,” he muttered, straightening his already immaculate tie. “This is strategy.”
The hostess approached, smiling knowingly. “Your guest has arrived, Mayor Leonid.”
Kalyna stood in the archway, light silvering her copper hair. She wore a vintage-inspired dress in deep emerald that hugged her curves before flaring into a flowing skirt. A simple gold pendant at her throat caught the lantern light.
His mouth went dry. His lion surged forward with such force that he felt his eyes flash gold.
“Thank you for coming,” he managed, pulling out her chair.
“This is... not what I expected,” Kalyna replied, taking in the romantic setting with wide eyes.
The hostess beamed. “Our most romantic table! I’ve added our special lantern configuration—they respond to emotional energy.”
Rust’s ears burned as Kalyna pretended not to hear. “Thank you,” he said stiffly.
Once seated, an awkward silence descended. The floating lanterns pulsed slightly brighter, betraying the emotional tension between them.
“I didn’t choose this specific table,” Rust clarified. “I only asked for privacy.”
“Of course.” Kalyna’s lips curved in a small smile. “Though I suspect your assistant had something to do with it?”
“Probably.” Rust relaxed slightly. “He’s enjoying this entire situation far too much.”
“So is Lucella. She gave me very specific wardrobe suggestions tonight.” Kalyna rolled her eyes. “Apparently green ‘brings out the gold flecks in a certain lion mayor’s eyes.’”
Heat crept up Rust’s neck. His lion preened at her notice of his eyes.
“It’s working,” he said without thinking, then immediately wanted to kick himself.
Kalyna’s cheeks flushed, but her smile widened. “We should discuss the fundraising options.”
“Right. Business.” He pulled out a small notebook, ignoring his lion’s disappointed rumble. “The sheriff’s investigation might take weeks, and the library can’t wait. So, I’ve drafted some initial ideas for replacing the missing funds.”
They fell into professional discussion, reviewing potential donors and marketing strategies. Rust proposed a charity gala at the Leonid estate while Kalyna suggested a heritage exhibit to draw visitors from neighboring towns.
As their main courses arrived, the conversation shifted naturally to more personal ground.
“You mentioned questions of your own,” Rust prompted. “About the theft?”
Kalyna toyed with her fork. “More about your cousin. The scent at the safe... it can’t be coincidence.”
“No,” Rust agreed. “Boz has always been ambitious. Too ambitious.”
“What would he want with a fox artifact?”
“I don’t know. But his recent interest in fox skulk history seems suspicious in retrospect.”
She met his eyes directly. “Do you think he took the renovation money too?”
“The timing suggests coordination. Frame me while crippling the library project.”
“But why?”