“What does it say?” Lacie asked, despite herself.
“Oh, a believer now, are we?” Corinne chuckled. “It says that peach means ‘Let’s get together’. Well, that makes sense, doesn’t it? His note was asking you out for coffee.”
“It says it could also mean sincerity, gratitude, and appreciation,” Lacie pointed out, tapping the screen with her finger.
“Yeah, okay. So... he’s sincere about wanting to go out with you, he’s grateful for the chance to ask you out, and he appreciates the fact that you like to spend time with him.” She tapped a perfectly manicured nail against her teeth. “But really, he already took you out to a fantastic dinner and came over to stay with you when you were so out of it. Maybe you should get him a peach rose.”
Corinne paged down, skimming the screens of information. “Hey, does that rose have any thorns on it?”
Lacie imagined holding the delicate flower in her hand, how smooth it had been. “No, why?”
“Because it says here,” Corinne said with a devilish grin, “that thornless roses mean love at first sight.”
––––––––
On Tuesday morning, Lacie found another perfect rose on her desk. This one was a beautiful shade of lavender. It was balanced upon a small house constructed entirely of Lincoln Logs, artfully done with windows and even a small porch. She laughed out loud into the silent classroom.
She fished her mobile out of her pocket and tapped out a query on the tiny keyboard. It was still too early to call – Corinne had been up way past midnight studying – but a text message would do the trick. What does a lavender rose mean? she tapped out quickly, hitting send before she could change her mind.
Lacie could barely hold the shiver of excitement when her phone vibrated in her pocket two hours later. She slipped it out and looked at the display, her heart doing that odd fluttering thing again.
Love at first sight. Enchantment. Told you. ;-)
Chapter Twelve
Never had ninety minutes lasted quite so long, Lacie thought as she willed the clock to move faster. Normally she enjoyed Professor Stevens’ lecture, but tonight she simply couldn’t concentrate. Was it only a week ago she had sat in this very spot, sound asleep, while one of the most compelling men she had ever met spoke in that rich, sensual voice? Dear Lord, what was wrong with her?
Everything happens for a reason. Lacie’s mother’s words drifted across her mind, floating atop the sea of white noise that had become Professor Stevens’ monologue. If Lacie hadn’t uncharacteristically dropped off, Shane never would have given her a second glance. They never would have met, never gone for coffee. Who would have thought such an embarrassing event could result in something so... wonderful?
Finally, finally the lecture was over. Lacie gathered up her book and notes – she had managed to capture a couple of key points, at least – in record time and was the first one out of the classroom. Perhaps such overeagerness wasn’t exactly proper, but she didn’t care. All she could think about was seeing Shane again.
“Lacie.” If the familiar voice hadn’t caught her attention, the strong hand around her upper arm certainly did. She winced as her shoulder wrenched painfully; her forward progress was stopped so suddenly her backpack slipped from her shoulders and landed on the floor with a thud.
“Craig! What are you doing here?”
Oblivious to her discomfort, he tugged her out of the way as the classroom continued to empty out behind her. “I thought maybe we could grab a coffee, talk a little. You haven’t been around much.”
“I’ve been really busy, Craig,” she said, bending over to pick up her bag the same time he did. The result was a solid thump to the head that sent her reeling backwards and onto her behind. Her casted hand reached out reflexively to catch herself, further rewarding her with a shooting pain that reminded her that it had recently been broken. Twice.
“Ah, Christ, Lace, I’m sorry,” he said apologetically. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” she managed through gritted teeth as Craig hauled her to her feet. “I’m fine. You can let go now.” Lacie felt herself turning red as the others shot curious looks their way.
Craig did not release her immediately, prompting Lacie to shrug out of his grasp. “I can’t have coffee with you tonight, Craig.”
“Why not?”
“I made other plans.”
His eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me you’re meeting Callaghan again. Lacie, I’m warning you - ”
“And I’m warning you,” she interrupted, her eyes blazing. “Back off.” She turned and started walking away, but Craig reached out for her once more. “Lacie.”