Pan's Conquest (Entangled Covet) Read Free Page B

seemed to catch him off guard, which made Syrinx even more intrigued. Didn’t he expect them to ask about his work to better decorate the party?
    “Fertility.” He led them into a parlor even more gorgeous than the foyer, with leather couches and a grand stone fireplace with statues of golden deer running across the mantle.
    Syrinx released his arm, busying herself with more pictures. His occupation made perfect sense, given the opulence of the grounds. Those fertility doctors could make a fortune. Was he following his dream, or was he in it for the money? Syrinx admired people who followed their dreams like her.
    “You mean you help women conceive? That’s very honorable .” Kaye shot Syrinx a glance and wiggled her eyebrows.
    Syrinx reached in her purse and gave her a small piece of paper. “Record the dimensions.”
    Mr. Thomas grinned, his gaze falling over Syrinx and drinking her in. “I give them their heart’s desire.”
    Syrinx looked away, snapping another picture. She bet he did. Gosh, the last thing she needed was a fling with a playboy bachelor. She had dual reputations to uphold: her goddess identity and her business practices. “This is all we need. We have to get back to the shop.”
    She moved toward the door. Rutherford appeared with a silver tray of cheeses and a bottle of what looked like very old and expensive wine, blocking her exit.
    Mr. Thomas joined her at the door, picking a piece of cheese from the tray. “Can’t you stay for a bite to eat?”
    “I’m afraid not.” She looked back at Kaye, who glared as if she had ruined the party. “We have work to do if you want this place covered in roses in two weeks.”
    Disappointment made hard angles in his gorgeous face. Wild unrest stirred underneath the business facade. “Very well.”
    Syrinx slipped her phone into her purse. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Thomas.”
    If he was upset, he recovered quickly with a curl of his lips. “Likewise.”
    “I assure you, we’ll have the most gorgeous display in all of New England.” She gestured to Kaye, who popped a piece of cheese in her mouth.
    He followed her to the door. “I have no doubt in your…abilities.”
    “Good.” Syrinx moved away from him, opening the door. Everything he said and did unnerved her and excited her at the same time. “Kaye, are you coming?”
    “If we must.” Kaye jogged to Syrinx’s side, giving him one last, longing look. “See you later, Mr. Thomas.”
    “I’m looking forward to it.” The playfulness in his voice followed Syrinx down the steps and to her car. Even though she heard the door close behind her, she could still feel his burning gaze on her back.
    Once seated in the driver’s seat of her car, Syrinx revved the engine, eager to leave and return to her flowers. Nature was one thing she could control and understand. Humanity— men —remained a mystery.
    Kaye buckled up beside her. “That was the weirdest meeting I’ve ever experienced.”
    Syrinx pulled around the fountain and followed the twisty driveway back to the main road. “Yeah, what kind of customer offers us cheese and wine?”
    Kaye gave her a teasing smile. “Someone who wants us to stay longer.”
    Syrinx sighed, trying to make sense out of nothing. “Yes, but why? We’re only the florists.”
    Kaye shrugged. “Seems like this party is really important to him. We’ll have to make sure we get it right.” She tapped Syrinx on the arm. “By the way, did you see the way he looked at you?”
    Syrinx straightened in her seat, pulling her shoulders back in her perfectly practiced I’m-holier-than-thou stance. “Well, I’m not spending any more of my time on some rich playboy. I’m not going to be another mark in his belt.”
    Kaye wiggled her finger. “I wouldn’t call him a playboy. I gave him my best come-hither look at least ten times, and he didn’t even notice me.” She nudged Syrinx’s arm. “He only had eyes for you.”

Chapter Two Intruder
    Old pots rattled