Page 26 of Beginning at the End
“Yes.I think you have already heard this phrase from Sern.You glow to his senses.When you are near, you are all he focuses on.”
“That isn’t intimidating at all.”
He grinned.“Many would be flattered.”
“I have never wanted to be one of many.”
Den looked at her.“Right.Well, Sern is fixed on you.That’s for sure, which will make you my sister.I am very happy about that.”
“So, what are my options with him?”
“Well, if you aren’t interested, he will know, and he will just circle back in a year, and then a year after that.Wearing you down is in his patience capacity.”
She sipped the drink he bought her.“That sounds inevitable.”
“Do you like him?”
She coughed and spluttered.“Maybe.He’s very kind and funny and interested in my work.”
“He genuinely is.He’s also interested in anything that gets you to light up.”
Eudora blushed.“Ah.Well.”She paused.“Nope.I’ve got nothing.”
He laughed.
She paused and asked a question.“Do you know what a Wednesday present is?”
“Sure.It’s a present that one partner gives another to show that they are remembered and appreciated.My dad and mom used to give them all the time.It was a surprisingly loving household.The emperor picked a good husband for her, and I am the grateful result of my dad being assigned to her.Well, me and my siblings, but I don’t know their status.”
“That must be horrible.My family doesn’t like me, but I know where they are.”
“I can’t believe anyone doesn’t like you.You are so sweet.”
She giggled and then started laughing out loud.“I can play a role.I am a bit scrappier than my meek appearance will lead you to believe.”
“I know.I can see the strength.It isn’t just physical.You went through three years of neglect and emotional abuse, and yet everyone refers to you as sweet and gracious.That takes effort.”
“It really does.Are you going to the charity auction on Sunday?”
“Nope.Not my speed.Speaking of speed, can you introduce me to the runner?”
She stared.“You are joking.”
“No.I know my mate needs to be physically strong.My mother kicked ass, and anything less just feels like getting a pet.”
“Serena has four foster kids.”
Den paused.“Ah.That’s a lot.”
“It is.Ages nine to seventeen.The running and workouts are her quiet time, but all the kids use the home gym and local running tracks.”
Den smiled.“Where would these local tracks be?”
“On their property.If you want to meet Serena, give me a few days, and you can meet her for lunch.Her evenings are taken up with kids most of the time.”
“Ah.Got it.”
She looked at him.“If you want to be matched up with someone, I do know someone who is more suited to you.No guessing based on physique.”
