A Taste of Chocolate Read Free Page B

relationship progressed, he wanted them to have special memories of falling in love.
    ****
    What in God’s name was she doing? How crazy was it to sit in a mall waiting for a strange man to approach? Hope chewed her bottom lip and tore more pieces from her paper napkin. Really, did she want another man in her life? Every male thus far had brought his own style of pain and rejection.
    This was all too soon. Twenty-four hours ago, she’d had a boyfriend. They’d made plans to go to the shore for the holiday weekend. Well, she’d made them, but Barclay had agreed. Not right away, but eventually, after she’d complained about how she needed time alone with him. Hadn’t her sister warned her of being too pushy? A deep sigh escaped. Had she been too bossy where Barclay was concerned? Maybe her sister’s claims held merit. Maybe she needed to think all this through.
    Didn’t she owe herself a time of healing? No doubt she should be home right now, analyzing her past relationships, not sitting here waiting to invite another man into her life. Why would she so readily open her heart for more pain? Why? Just because some strange woman wearing red and pink told her she knew just the right guy for her? How pathetic was that?
    Her stomach cramped, and she couldn’t seem to take one deep, complete breath. She eyed the paper bag she kept in her purse. If she hyperventilated, she’d need it. Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God, I am freaking insane.
    Once he came, if he came, she’d give him ten minutes, and then she was out of here. She didn’t care how good-looking he was. Wait, she’d decided to go for content of character, not looks. This change in priorities would take time. Old habits were hard to break. Her gaze swept the area. With any luck he wouldn’t show.
    “Don’t turn around.” A deep voice behind her sent chills up her spine. “I’m Declan, the man Freya sent. I know you’re scared, but don’t be. There’s no need.”
    Why couldn’t she look at him? Was he butt-ugly? Short and fat? What? Remember, I’m not going to concentrate on his looks. I’m making wiser choices this time. I’m looking at the man on the inside, not the hunk on the outside. She exhaled a long, slow breath. “Okay.”
    “Close your eyes for just a second.”
    Oh, this was just too weird. Even so, she closed them. Something satiny soft rubbed over her cheek and she jerked. Roses. She smelled roses. Velvety softness caressed her chin.
    “Rose petals are very soft, aren’t they?”
    “Yes.” They were also very sensual when rubbed over her face. “I’m opening my eyes now.” Enough playing games. Every person in the food court had to be watching them.
    “As you wish.” He held a small bouquet in front of her. “Purple roses are for love at first sight. Purple irises are the flower of hope.”
    There were two purple roses and three irises snuggled in a bed of baby’s breath and tied with a pink ribbon. What a charming gesture. Don’t weaken. Be strong. Don’t let him suck you in.
    “And the baby’s breath?” She’d yet to look at him, but took his sentimental offering from his calloused hand. “What does that flower mean?”
    “Sincerity.” He stepped to her side, and her gaze lifted. “Hello, Hope. I’m Declan Fleming.” He extended his hand and she placed hers in his for a handshake. Something swift and searing zinged to her heart.
    He had the most incredible blue eyes she’d ever seen. Not pale blue or sky blue, but cobalt.
    Declan settled in the chair across from her. “Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice.”
    Something about his voice set her insides to trembling. She lifted the small bouquet to her nose and inhaled their heady fragrance, giving her nerves time to settle after that handshake—as if they could settle with those cobalt eyes taking her in. “Thank you for the flowers.”
    “I thought if I showed a measure of gallantry, you wouldn’t be so scared of me.”
    “Gallantry?” Who