Blue Dahlia (The Dahlia Trilogy of The Gilded Flower Series Book 1) by Vivian Winslow Read Free Book Online Page A

everything was okay, but I could tell he was a wreck.  Alejandro says he’s never seen him this heartbroken over anyone.”
    Dahlia rubs her temple, guilt flooding her and leaving a heavy weight in her chest. “I feel terribly, Lily. He didn’t deserve that.”
    “No, he didn’t,” Lily says matter-of-factly.
    “What do you think I should do?” Dahlia asks, growing defensive. This is why she didn’t want to talk to anyone. She didn’t want to be made to feel guilty for reclaiming her life with Shane.
    “Make it right, D.”
    “How do I make it right?”
    “Talk to him. Explain everything—in person.”
    “You can’t be serious. He probably doesn’t want to see me.”
    “Perhaps, but I think he wants to understand what happened. Why you left him. The not knowing is the worst in a break-up. He blames himself for becoming too serious so quickly. He thinks that he drove you away.”
    “But it wasn’t like that.”
    “You and I know that, but he doesn’t. And he deserves to know, don’t you think, D? That way he can move forward, just like you’re doing.”
    “And are you moving forward with Alejandro?” Dahlia asks, tiring of the lecture. “Will there be wedding bells in your near future.”
    “Nothing like that, D. At least not yet.” Dahlia imagines Lily blushing. “We should at least be living in the same city first.”
    “Miami?”
    “It’s the obvious choice, at least it was when I thought you were moving there.”
    Suddenly it hits Dahlia why she needs to see Rodrigo. If Lily and Alejandro are going to be together, the time will come when they will have to see each other again. Dahlia lets out a long exhale. She has to go to Miami. The sooner the better.
    Dahlia spots Shane coming up from the beach.
    “Lil, I’ve got to go. I promise to call you soon, okay. You and Vi still going on that vacation you talked about?”
    “Eventually. Vi had to postpone, but she didn’t explain why. She isn’t always so forthcoming about stuff.”
    “Mmm, hmmm.” Dahlia can relate. A lot of good it’s done for her.
    “She said her schedule should be clear in a few weeks, but you never know with her. Of course you’re still welcome to join.”
    Dahlia smiles as she watches Shane turn on the shower, memories of their first encounter flooding her thoughts. So much has happened between them since then. Her heart expands as she considers how happy and whole these weeks have made her.
    Shane gives her a knowing look as he unzips his wetsuit.
    “Thanks, Lily. But I’m good here,” Dahlia says, hanging up before throwing the phone on the chaise and joining him in the shower.
     

Chapter 27
    “You know, D. You really should start exhibiting your stuff,” Shane says admiringly. He glances at the paintings around the art studio Dahlia has made into her own space.
    Dahlia shrugs shyly. “I’ve only just started up again, Shane.”
    He walks over to her and wipes a bit of paint off her cheek. “You are a very talented woman. I’ll spend the rest of my life reminding you of that.”
    Shane looks behind Dahlia and nods at something in the corner. “What’s that?”
    She rushes over to the easel before Shane can lift the cover. “Don’t peek. It’s a surprise.”
    “For me?”
    “Yes, you. Just my way of saying ‘thank you.’”
    “Thank me for what?” Shane’s expression turns serious.
    “Not giving up on me,” Dahlia replies.
    “You have nothing to thank me for, D. I’m eternally grateful you showed up that day on the beach.” Shane pulls her toward him and presses his forehead against hers. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
    He smiles and bends down to kiss her. Their lips part almost instantly, their tongues beginning a graceful dance. Dahlia melts into their embrace, their scorching kiss becoming all consuming. He bites her lower lip, teasing and sucking it into his mouth, then running his tongue over her upper lip. Dahlia groans as he makes his way to her ear, tracing it