Page 134 of Pretty Thing

Matt goes over to greet his client, and I turn to stare at Eden. She really is.

The rest of the day goes by quickly. We have a steady line of clients all looking for smaller pieces. I’m sterilizing my station when Matt nudges my arm.

“Get out of here. I’ll finish cleaning,” he says.

“Thanks, man.”

“Least I can do,” he says.

This isn’t Eden’s dream job, but I love how she’s thrown herself into the work. She’s busy mumbling totals as she tills out for the night. I lean over and kiss her neck. She startles but then leans back into me.

“You almost done? I have a surprise for you upstairs.”

As she turns her head to look at me, I take advantage and kiss her soft lips. When I pull back there is a deep blush on her cheeks that makes her glow and look even more beautiful.

“Does this surprise require clothing or no clothing?” She cocks a brow at me.

“Totally your call.”

I smile, giving nothing away.

“Very suspicious indeed. Give me one second.”

As tempting as it is to distract her again, I let her finish up and then toss the locked money bag into the safe for deposit.

When she’s ready to go, I hand Eden her coat, gloves, and scarf. She looks at them and then up at me.

“I thought you said we were going upstairs?”

“I did, but I didn’t say the loft.”

Eden eyes me suspiciously.

I guide her out the front door and onto the street. It’s bitter, but the worst of winter is yet to come. February always hits like it wants everyone to hibernate for the twenty-eight days. Cars don’t want to start, the wind howls like an angry dog, and ice takes no prisoners.

Eden takes my arm, and we walk around to the front of the building. The other shops have all closed for the day. That’s good since I don’t want to get into a conversation right now. Once in the elevator, I press the button for the top floor. Then I guide Eden to the employees-only door.

Last summer, I converted the roof into a private refuge just for me. I hate that I can’t get to it from my loft, but that’s an annoyance I plan to rectify in the next year.

“Oh, my god…Felix, this is stunning,” Eden exclaims as soon as we step outside. Her feet halt, and I have to practically drag her toward the glass enclosure. “What is this?”

Eden’s eyes are alight with joy as she marvels at the greenhouse I had specially built to withstand our harsh winters. What makes this one unique is the gel-fueled fireplace that doesn’t need venting to offer a crackling ambiance.

Opening the door, I let Eden walk in first and watch her reaction closely. Her eyes dart around, taking everything in, including the low table set up with our meals covered by silver domes.

“Felix, this is like a fairytale.”

She turns in a circle and reaches up to brush her fingers against the dozens of twinkling lights.

“Now we can grow our own fresh herbs, vegetables, and even strawberries all year. And in the winter…it becomes our escape from the city without having to travel,” I say, guiding Eden to the Muskoka chair I painted turquoise for her.

“I’m speechless,” Eden says, sitting down and sighing. “It’s so warm in here, but I can still watch the snow blowing by outside.

“So, you like it?”

“I love it.” Eden grabs the front of my coat and gives a tug. I lean in close and she kisses me. “I really needed this today.”

My smile falters as Eden leans back into the chair. I pour her a glass of Riesling and hand it over before opening a beer.