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."

through Candice, and she bit her lip to hold back a smile. Striving to appear

help me figure out where to place the plants when

"I'll be going to your

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

her head to

During the journey, Candice wrestled with the urge 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,

Hillside Villa. The truck delivering

inside under Candice's direction. Once

empty home now looked like a cozy little botanical

his heart as he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to see, reflected in the unending smile on his

concern. She turned to Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio.

It looks great," Elio responded

smile at his praise.

with a hum of acknowledgment. Then, gesturing toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How about we