The Wrong Woman

"Is it just the two of us, Elio?" Candice asked.

Elio nodded. "Yes."

"Oh," said Candice. Excitement rushed through her as she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt.

Elio shut her door, then walked around to the driver's side. He slid into the car, started the engine, and they pulled away just as the sunset bathed the sky in a palette of deep reds.

Inside the car, a heavy silence hung in the air, deepening the awkwardness that enveloped them both.

Candice felt the weight of the quiet bearing down on her. She desperately searched her thoughts for something to say, but nerves tied her tongue.

Suddenly, Elio's voice cut through the tension. "Does Jasper know you're out buying flowers with me?"

"No, I told him I was going shopping with Vanessa," Candice replied.

Elio felt upset, and his expression darkened. Going to a garden center to buy flowers wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

Was he so unpresentable that she couldn't even be honest with it? Did she really have to hide their outing from her family?

that it was nearly closing. It was their first visit, and they were unaware that the

plants?" Rick Barrios, one of the shop

shop. As they looked around, Elio leaned in

her were exceptionally beautiful. She pointed at a plant with leaves that resembled leaping dolphins and commented, "This one looks nice." Elio turned

Rick grinned. "Sure thing."

Candice marveled at the array of unusual and exotic plants,

this? It looks exquisite. Can it

of sunlight. You can

take it,"

away in a corner. With excitement, she grabbed Elio'set and

captivated more by the feel of her hand on

think?" Candice asked,

her face, Elio responded softly,

this one, too?" asked

"Yes," said Elio.

explaining the flowers in detail. Candice appeared enchanting as she listened intently. Elio's gaze was fixed on her whenever she was distracted by the flowers. It