Unjustified Flames

*Chapter 3

Humming a tune to myself, I skipped down the cobblestone road to the shops. Located in the center of town and encircling the burning stake, there were plenteous shops for different goods: clothing, varying food types, household necessities, books, writing and art supplies, toys, and umpteen others. I helped my mother run a clothing shop that my father left when he died. In Senpiproso, women were not allowed to own anything of their own in terms of businesses, money, or homes. But when my father had died, the mayor had told our family we were to take over everything.

My best friend Sawyer ran a food shop. Since his mother had gone missing shortly after Violet was born, Sawyer took over the shop after his father was killed. I oft paid Sawyer's shop a visit; my mother always found some sort of dairy or bakery good we had run out of. But I had reasons of my own to visit him. Reasons other than our friendship.

When I arrived at his shop, he was in the back, facing opposite of me and organizing multiple products. I cleared my throat to announce my presence. Sawyer turned and shot me a toothy grin when he spotted me, his sapphire blue eyes wrinkling at the corners in genuine happiness. I bashfully returned the smile as he approached the counter.

"Good morning, Miss Gracelynn Weatherbury. A marvelous morning, is it not?" He greeted warmly, bracing his hands on the counter and leaning forward.

"Good morning, Sir Sawyer Irving. It is indeed a marvelous morning. Perhaps I shall take a walk around the woods this afternoon," I mused, biting my lower lip.

"Perhaps I may join you on this...secret endeavor?"

Blushing, I gently reminded myself to breathe.

"Perhaps you may," I murmured.

"I look forward to it," he stated with a grin, "I trust you are well?"

"Aye. Better than well, if you will. And you?"

"That is always pleasant to hear. And I am rather untroubled today."

"That is a joy to hear."

Sawyer's ears reddened, and I bit my lower lip once more in an attempt to keep the smile off my face. Despite my fruitful efforts, my attempt was rendered futile as a smile broke through my lips.

"Is there anything in particular you need?" He queried politely.

"Yes. My mother sent me to fetch bread and...cheese," I recalled uncertainly, rather unsure of my final answer.

"You hesitate. Have you forgotten?"

"It would seem to be so."

"I see. And what has disarranged your memory? Perhaps something or someone kept you up last night?"

Sawyer grinned crookedly and somewhat innocently, but I caught a glint of mischief in his eyes. It was no secret that many girls in the village were besotted with him. He was handsome, with an attractive face and chiseled jaw, enticing lips, kind sapphire eyes, golden blonde hair that looked tousled but was always flawlessly swept across his forehead, a tall and muscular build, and a dazzling smile. He was also astonishingly affectionate, gentle, protective of the ones he loved, caring, understanding, loving, and patient.

Not that I had feelings for him. The especially smitten girls whispered that he was a fallen angel. And yet, the bastard pretended to be clueless as to why his words brought a heavy blush to my face. But I had a trick up my sleeve that would make him eat those words.

"A lack of sleep, perchance," I sighed.

A look of genuine concern crossed Sawyer's stunning features, and my heart fluttered like a caged nightingale in my chest. I willed it to be still.