The Wrong Woman

"Thank you," Rick said to Elio and Candice as they walked away. "I'll arrange for the delivery right away."

Elio led Candice outside to the quiet street of the garden center. He turned to face her with frustration in his eyes.

Candice's heart pounded as she sensed his irritation. She swallowed hard, staring at him.

With his frustration barely contained, Elio lowered his voice. "Candice, let me make this clear one last time. I'm Jasper's uncle, not yours. I have no familial connection to your parents. Do you understand?" Confused by his upset tone, Candice quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I understand now. It won't happen again."

Elio sighed, his expression softening as he gazed at her, who stared back at him. For a moment, an unusual connection seemed to spark between them.

Summoning her courage, Candice asked, "Elio, are you and Josie truly not together?"

"No," Elio replied.

Candice's heart pounded as she continued, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No."

of joy surged through Candice, and she bit her lip to hold back a smile.

suggested, "Let's head back. You could help me figure out where to place the plants when they arrive so

anxious, Candice asked, "I'll

and promptly explained, "We'll simply figure out where to

head

to ask about Elio's thoughts when they slept together. However, she decided against it, finding the topic too awkward. She thought men and women were different, after all. Sometimes, loneliness and desire might

Villa. The truck delivering the plants arrived

the plants inside under Candice's

empty home now looked

he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to

said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio. I might have gone overboard with the plants.

It looks great," Elio responded with a

face lit up with a smile at his praise. "Really? You

toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How about we eat