Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Got you something. I was over at the Island a while back, hit an auction with some buddies for kicks. They put this bracelet up, and bam, it caught my eye. Thought I'd snag it for my future daughter-in-law as a welcome gift."

"I was starting to wonder if the kid would ever make a move. Well, now it's finally got its moment to shine."

Definitely auction-grade stuff.

We're talking at least six figures, maybe even seven.

"No way, Mrs. Gibson, I can't accept this." Leda was quick to push back.

If she were York's legit girlfriend, she'd gladly accept any bracelet, no matter the price tag. But that's just it-she wasn't the "legit" one!

Accepting a bracelet worth hundreds, maybe thousands? That just felt wrong.

"It's just a bracelet, nothing to get worked up over. Don't worry, this isn't me pressuring you or anything. I just wanted to give you a little something," Katrina said, pulling the bracelet out of its box and sliding it onto her wrist.

"Perfect fit. Really complements your skin tone."

Leda thought, Imperial topaz, how could it not?

When they emerged from the room, York was lounging on the couch, all smiles. "What's all the secrecy about? Been chatting away for ages..." "Alright, alright, you're just sore I hogged your girlfriend. Here, she's all yours now," Katrina said with a laugh, nudging Leda towards him. "Mom, don't put it like that. I wasn't even..." York started, his chin up in defiance.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

That afternoon, Leda treated herself to a spa session that felt even better than anything she'd experienced at any salon.

Heading downstairs for a glass of water, her phone rang just as she reached the living room window.

"Hello?"

"...Ms. Reynolds, remember me? It's Springer."

Leda's eyes narrowed slightly, recalling that night at the hotel. A smile played on her lips: "Of course, what's up?"

"After that night, you never called... thought you'd forgotten me."

The puppy-dog tone in his voice was enough to soften her.

"You didn't leave your number, did you?"

"I did, left it on the nightstand."

Really?

She'd glanced at the nightstand on her way out, didn't see any note.

"That's not important. You're calling now, aren't you?"

He sounded even more dejected: "I've been agonizing over whether to call. finally mustered the courage today..."

Leda's smile grew wider: "What to do, you're making me feel sorry for you."

"Really?"

"Truer than gold," she quipped.

"So..." he hesitated, "when can we meet again?"

Leda pondered: "How about tomor—"

Crash!

She spun around, finding York standing there with a thunderous look, unsure how much he'd heard.

For the first time, Leda felt guilty.

This wasn't like at the hotel; this was

at the Gibson residence, under

toes of the e

belongs

to en.kikist.com

Maybe it was time to dial it back.

"York, I..."

He stepped closer, pulling her into his arms.

Their eyes locked, breaths mingling.

Leda frowned, about to protest: "You—"

"Look up," he murmured, his voice low.

Leda lifted her gaze, and her heart skipped a beat.

There, on the second floor, were

Katrina and the housekeeper Melba, chatting and glancing down

Swno them.