Laura nudged her chair closer to the wall-mounted heater and took a sip of her wine, letting the alcohol spread additional warmth throughout her frigid body.
Her travel agent had promised tropical weather for her Leonis vacation.
She looked up when more cool air swirled through the restaurant as a new patron made his entrance.
He stood in the doorway, juggling a book and a bunch of flowers between his hands while removing his jacket.
Smiling sadly, she tried to remember the last time a man had given her flowers-but depressingly couldn't. A married man with a prominent job would never be able to offer his lover such a simple gift.
The restaurant's owner, who'd asked her to call him Joe, checked his bookings before escorting the man through the maze of tables and chairs.
They stopped at her table.
Without a word, the man lowered himself into the chair opposite.
"Would you like to start with a drink, sir?" Joe asked.
She watched, wide eyed, as her new fellow diner glanced over at her glass.
"I'll join the lady in a wine. Perhaps you could bring us a bottle of Libran red?"
His voice was low, and just a little rough.
Joe bowed his head and bustled off, leaving her to gape at her companion.
"Oh, these are for you," he announced, passing her the flowers.
Even though this was obviously some sort of mistake, she couldn't resist accepting the flowers; burying her nose in amongst the just-opening buds to breathe in the floral bouquet for a moment.
Bewildered, she met his gaze.
His eyes were passionately intense, and just a little sad.
"I hope you weren't waiting long," he apologised with a smile.
His smile was sincere, and just a little uncertain.
Without thinking, she smiled back.