The Perfect Pairing

“Katherine Hahn, come out of the bathroom so I can see your dress.” Katherine stepped out, gaining instant approval from her boss.

“Mary I’m as nervous as a weevil in a bucket of bay leaves. Speaking of leaves, I’ve been eying that lilac and lily bouquet you put in the cooler.”

“Isn’t it lovely? In fact, that client will be here shortly, but don’t change the subject. Steffan is pure class. Try to relax and enjoy your first date. Brad thinks his charm will pair perfectly with your effervescent personality. ”

“Will we pair as closely as boxed wine with a cheese stick?”

“Listen camembert, you can’t get someone like Steffan Bancroft at a convenience store. Think of him as a dark, velvety glass of Merlot.”

“I wonder if he carries fruity undertones.”

“You’ll have to be the judge of that. He definitely has great legs,” Mary said winking twice. The bell on the front door of Mary’s Flower Garden tinkled. A well-groomed gentleman walked toward the counter. Mary, after retrieving the bouquet from the cooler, met him at the register. He scanned the room, his eyes lighting on Katherine.

“Mary, everything is exquisite.” After leaving, the fragrance lingered like wild blackberries on a balmy summer day.

“Someone is going to be very, very happy,” Katherine voiced dreamily. “Err, I mean his bouquet of course.” Mary snickered.

“Where is Steffan taking you?”

“The Stone Mill on Highbridge Road. Didn’t you go there recently?”

“Yes, we went for our anniversary. It’s the most romantic farm in Snohomish County.”

“I hope I’m not underdressed.”

“You look as pretty as a peony. Now run along so you’re not late.”

Katherine waved goodbye, jingling the bells on her way out the door. Arriving at her destination, she followed a flagstone path curving through a garden, leading up to the meticulously restored farmhouse. She stepped into the foyer, complete with a highly polished staircase and crushed velvet parlor chairs. Antique corbels held dark wood shelves displaying antiquities from 1900’s farm life.

“I have a reservation under the name Bancroft.” The hostess nodded, leading her to a table adorned with Mary’s vase of lilacs and lilies. Steffan stood to greet her.

“Hello, Katherine.”

His sensuous voice calmed her. Deep and masculine, it soothed her like the roar of a waterfall. He reached out, drawing her hand into his own. The gentle squeeze enveloped her palm like a hot bath. She squeezed back, staring into green garnet eyes, framed by time with carefully chiseled lines.

“Hello, Steffan,” she finally replied. He smiled flirtatiously, daring her to read his thoughts. As he pulled out her chair she began her own inner monologue. “Mary was right. He certainly has great legs and everything else as far as I can tell.” Facing his chest, she breathed his own scent which proved wildly more intoxicating than the lilies.”

“Thank you,” she voiced, briefly tethering her thoughts. Katherine instinctively caressed his arm, while descending into her seat.

“Would you care for dessert first, or are you interested in a main course?” His playfulness further increased his desirability.

“I’ll follow your lead. Everything I’ve seen looks positively delectable.” Stephan smirked in amusement.

“I know what I want. Do you?”

Leaning toward him she seductively whispered, “At the moment I’m dreaming about drinking a big, dark, velvety glass of Merlot.” His fingertips stroked her hand.

“And so you shall.”

Soon after, for dessert, by the silver light of the moon, near a Koi pond, Katherine drank long and deeply from the lips of a gentleman, willing to fill her glass lavishly.