*~ Akdha SS Beautiful Illusion Chp 3 updated on pg 35 11 march *~ - Page 17

His impish smile was back. "Well, this is a clich, but I am very much a romantic." And he then produced a dozen red roses from behind his back. I was shaking again. Just when I was starting to regain my composure around this guy, and he produces roses. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I received flowers of any kind from anybody. "Oh, these are beautiful. Let me find a vase to put them in. Wait there, though." Why, why, why didn't I clean up the apartment before he got here? What is wrong with me? He probably thinks I am the world's rudest person. I dashed into the apartment. No vase. I hauled out an empty wine bottle from the trash can, smashed the top of the bottle, filled it with water, and put the roses in that. That will have to do for now. Must remember to buy a vase. Then I had to sweep the galley kitchen floor, because I was liable to step on glass with my bare feet, and Madison might get glass in her delicate paws. "Sweet kitty," I said, picking her up, getting momentarily distracted. She purred loudly in my ear