Page 41 of Sweet Madness
“I found heaven in her smile.” – S
“Wow,” Ella breathes out in wonder as we make our way through the pink tulip fields. The sun shines brightly down on us as we sit atop Peppermint. “So pretty…”
Peppermint’s hooves gently stir the sea of pink tulips stretching out before us. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoms. “I thought you’d appreciate this much pink,” I tell her as I keep my gaze fixed ahead.
Before Ella speaks, the only sound is the soft rustle of the tulip petals brushing against Peppermint’s legs. The serene atmosphere soothes something inside me. “You thought right, Shaw Bear. This is just like a scene straight out of one of Aunt Mila’s favorite romance books,” she whispers in awe.
My hands rest lightly on the reins, guiding Peppermint with practiced ease, while Ella leans against me, her head nestled against my shoulder as she tries to look over it. Our height difference makes it difficult for her to see ahead, so I lean to my right to give her a better view.
“Thank you,” Ella blurts out suddenly.
“You keep saying that,” I grumble.
“And I will keep saying it. It’s called being polite,” she snaps, and I bite my lip, struggling not to laugh at her stubbornness.
“I don’t care for politeness,” I tell her bluntly, my top lip twitching.
“I’m sure you don’t, grumpy.”
Grumpy. This girl is not only stubborn but fearless too.
I sigh softly, giving in. “What are you thanking me for?”
She whispers against my neck, “For being kind to me.” The warmth of her breath and her closeness make me shiver. Fuck. Gritting my teeth, I ignore the feelings she stirs. I pretend they have no control over me.
Clearing my throat, I say, “You shouldn’t thank people for being kind.”
“You have no idea how many unkind people there are out there, Shaw. So, when you come across someone who treats you with respect and makes you smile, you should thank them or at least be kind to them.”
Her words pierce my chest, and I wonder how many pieces of shit have hurt this girl throughout her life. I think of how famous she and her family are and how some people believe they can do and say whatever they please because they chose to put themselves in the spotlight. They often forget that celebrities are humans and they hurt and bleed just the same as the rest of us.
At that moment, I couldn’t find the right words, my brain was a mess.
As we continue our journey through the tulip field in silence, the sun dips low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over us. I steal a glance at Ella behind me, her delicate face bathed in the soft light, her blue eyes alight with joy and serenity.
Suddenly, I feel a wave of déjà vu deep in my soul, as if I’ve been here before. Here. With her.
“Hey, Shaw.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as she whispers closely.
“Yes, moonshine?” The term of endearment slips my mind, perhaps lost in the noise of the wind, she might not have heard it.
Her sharp intake of breath tells me that she heard me call her the name I used to call her when she was little.
“Can I get down?” she asks almost timidly, as if she’s afraid I’ll say no. “Can I feel the pretty flowers?”
Feel the pretty flowers…
“You want to feel the flowers?” I ask, sounding surprised. I don’t know why it surprises me. This is who she is. The sweet girl that the media doesn’t want to know. They only like the scandals and the bullshit stories people fabricate to make money off her. This is who she is to her core.
Good. Too damn good.
“Yes, and smell them too!” she murmurs, and then my skin feels hot. Too hot. I can’t deny any longer the effect her closeness has on me. As she rests her chin on my shoulder while I guide Peppermint along the field, I find myself torn between stubbornness and the warmth spreading through me.
Why is it that the coldness that has kept me sane all these years suddenly fades away as soon as this tiny girl is near? Fuck, why her?
My jaw tightens, resisting the urge to acknowledge the peace her presence brings. I grumble under my breath, trying to mask the softening of my features as her closeness soothes my harsh edges.
Deep down, I know I should push her away, maintain the facade of indifference I’ve been holding onto since we made a pact to get along. But as I feel her warmth seep into every cold corner of my soul, I can’t help but soften.