Ember was quiet at two in the afternoon, the lull between lunch and dinner giving the restaurant a warm, unhurried atmosphere. Sunlight spilled through the tall windows, catching the copper accents on the tables and the soft amber glow of the pendant lights. It felt peaceful — a rare moment of calm in Sadie’s chaotic day.
She sat across from Dorian, who looked far too comfortable in this space. He had removed his suit jacket, rolled his sleeves to his elbows, and leaned back in his chair like he owned the place. The bouquet of flowers he brought sat beside her plate, their soft scent mixing with the aroma of roasted garlic and herbs.
Sadie still didn’t know what to make of that gesture.
She didn’t know what to make of him.
They had been talking easily — surprisingly easily — about Luxe
