Page 103 of The Temptation of Truth

“I do know that.”

I try to keep my attention on my notebook, but like pulled by magnets, my eyes are drawn up again until they snap together with hers. Amber irises full of warmth and acceptance. I would dive into them if I could. I’d wrap myself in her confidence, in her optimism, and I’d never let go.

“Would you like to visit one with me?”

Her question catches me off guard, and for a breath, all I can do is blink at her. When she smirks, I give my head a little shake and speak slowly, hoping my voice doesn’t belie the butterfly-type nerves that have erupted in my stomach.

“Really? You would want to do that?”

“Absolutely. I love watching you geek out over plants. Going to a botanical garden with you is exactly my idea of a good time.”

Her tone is light and playful, like she’s fighting off a laugh, and her eyes sparkle with that flirtatious glint that sets my heart racing. I nod once. Twice. Several times, rapidly, unable to tame my excitement any longer.

“Okay. Okay, yes. Yes, I would love to. I would absolutely love to.”

“Cool. It’s a date.”

I force a swallow, my throat suddenly bone-dry.

“Yeah,” I croak out. “A date. When should we?—”

There’s a banging on my bedroom door that makes us jump, and we both whip our heads around to stare into the room.

“Koalas,” a voice shouts in an English accent. “Koalas, Lil’ Ham!!!”

Then the same banging sounds from Mabel’s room, and the voice shouts again.

“Koalas! Wake up, Rossi! Koalas!”

And then he’s gone.

Mabel and I look at each other, then we both laugh.

Crue.

“Well,” Mabel says, pushing up from her chair. “Better get dressed,Lil’ Ham. Sounds like we’re going to meet some koalas.”

I groan as she saunters across the terrace toward her French doors.

“Please don’t call me that.”

She laughs once more before disappearing into her bedroom, so I collect my things and head through my own doors.

Today, koalas with the bands, and then later this week, a botanical garden date with Mabel.

A date.

I smile to myself as I pick out an outfit for the day. Someone showing interest in something I love, showing interest simply because I love it, is something I haven’t had in such a long time. Brady hates plants. He hates when I talk about plants. Asidefrom my mom’s orchid, he doesn’t let me have house plants at all, and he tolerates my time in the garden only as long as I’m still playing the doting wife and housemaid.

But with Mabel...

Going to a botanical garden with you is exactly my idea of a good time,she’d said.She listens. She cares. And it’s genuine. I know it.

To feel seen is such a heady, addicting experience, and I find myself craving it more and more as the days pass. I find myself longing for Mabel, for the way I feel when she’s around. Needing her eyes and voice and scent. Needing her playful, calming presence. Needingher.

She’s earned a starring role in my thoughts, dreams, and fantasies, and I can no longer ignore the way she makes my stomach flip and my heart squeeze in my chest. I can’t ignore the way I want her, but I still try. Despite our foundation of truth, I lie to myself.

I tell myself that the way I feel for her is simply a normal, innocent reaction to kindness. It’s just been so long, that I’ve forgotten what it feels like. My connection with Mabel is nothing more than a harmless, innocent friendship. It’s normal. It’s harmless.