Read Online No Strings... by Janelle Denison - Free Book Online Page B

gravitated toward the glass-enclosed nursery, and Aiden followed. As soon as they stepped inside, they were wrapped in humidity and the perfumed scent of flowers.
    With no one else around, it was quiet and peaceful, and stunningly beautiful. Chloe wasn’t one to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, but she was completely in awe of all the beauty surrounding her. She and Aiden walked along the rows of floral displays, taking in the dozens of exotic blooms in brilliant hues, and more species of orchids than she realized existed—all labeled with names and descriptions.
    Drawn to a unique cluster of fuchsia flowers that looked like a cross between a lily and an orchid, she studied the blossoms, fascinated by the way the inside folds looked similar to a woman’s vulva, with a small nub resembling a clitoris, while the thick stamen gave the impression of a very large, erect penis.
    “This one looks like a combination of female and male genitalia,” she murmured in amusement, her thoughts tumbling out of her mouth thanks to the alcohol loosening her tongue.
    Aiden moved closer to get a better look, the warmth of his body and the brush of his arm against hers causing her nipples to tighten in awareness. Everything inside this greenhouse—the steamy humidity, the drugging scent in the air, the erotic flowers—made her think of sex.
    “The flower definitely has a lot of similarities,” he agreed, his voice low and huskier than normal, as if he, too, was affected by the sensual atmosphere.
    Drawn to the bright pink flower, Chloe reached out to caress the protruding yellow stamen—even though she knew better than to touch something so fragile.
    “Hello, you two,” a soft female voice said from behind them, causing Chloe to snap out of her weird trance and snatch her hand back before she could make contact with the fuzzy stalk.
    Startled by the fact that they weren’t alone as she’d originally thought, both she and Aiden turned around to face the person who’d spoken—an older woman, probably in her sixties, with dark brown skin, warm brown eyes and a kind, welcoming smile. She was wearing a colorful caftan dress with billowing sleeves and her hair was wrapped atop her head in multiple braids entwined with colorful strips of fabric.
    “We didn’t realize someone else was here,” Aiden said.
    “I’m the greenhouse caretaker,” the other woman explained, spreading her arms wide to encompass the area, her voice filled with pride. “My name is Hattie, but here on the island, they call me the matchmaker.”
    “To tie in to the theme here at the resort?” Chloe guessed, curious to know the woman’s angle.
    Something mystical twinkled in the older woman’s eyes. “Some would say so, but while the resort has managed to find a way to modernize a love connection between two people, I still prefer to do things the old-fashioned way.”
    Chloe wasn’t sure what the woman meant by that, but before she or Aiden could ask, Hattie spoke once again.
    “It’s nice to have some visitors. With the resort offering so many activities, not many travel down this path to the greenhouse,” she said, her gaze seemingly scrutinizing the two of them with a discerning amount of insight. “Usually just the couples with a romantic soul.”
    Chloe resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She didn’t want to offend the woman. But she couldn’t help but wonder if Hattie was feeding them a line, to make it seem as though the greenhouse possessed some sort of mysterious, enchanting properties. Then again, hadn’t Chloe just been mesmerized by that erotic flower she’d nearly touched?
    Hattie glanced at the matching red bands on their wrists, a knowing smile curving the corner of her lips. “I love seeing when two people find their soul mate early on in the week.”
    Realizing that the woman thought she and Aiden were a real couple, Chloe shook her head. “Oh, we’re not together that way,” she quickly clarified. “The bracelets are