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were forced to put her in a nursing home. My mother sold the home to pay for the nursing home expenses and moved us into a one-bedroom flat across town.
    “After picking up double shifts at an all-night diner, my mother also picked up an impressive drinking habit which “helped her sleep and forget” she said. No one asked how she did it—no one cared but me. I knew something was very wrong when she never registered me for school that year and our landlord began coming around looking for his rent checks. It seems my mother drank that away and won us a one-way trip to the street. We lived in the car for a few months until she was fired for trying to bring her kid to work every day. Then the walking came. Can you save that homeless ten-year-old?” she asked. Her voice was distant and controlled.
    “Eventually my mother and I were taken in by one of the slumlords in our neighborhood. I can imagine what she did for him in exchange for a roof and food for me. After social services forced my mother to re-enroll me in school, I never missed a day. I received an art scholarship to college and have been on my own ever since. With the exception of Audra and David, I have no family or long-term relationships to speak of. My mother died when I was nineteen, and I’ve never owned a dog. How was that for a recap? Do you still want to chase me so hard? Is the challenge still so attractive?”
    Jordan’s jaw was tight with tension. Tremors made the ice clink in her glass as she brought the watered-down drink up to her lips. At that moment the waitress came by and asked if she could take their order, and Jordan looked at Riordan as if to say, Are we moving forward or not ?
    Then Riordan did something Jordan would never have expected. He picked up her hand and kissed her palm. Turning toward the waitress, he ordered for them both.
    “We’d like an order of the clams casino as an appetizer and two house salads to start. We’ll need time to decide on entrées, thank you.”
    “Very good, sir” the waitress said before moving on.
    Jordan looked dumbfounded. She’d obviously expected a different reaction to her tale from Riordan, but he wasn’t having it. He sipped his beer and picked up the menu again and continued as if Jordan hadn’t told him of her soul-crushing childhood a moment ago.
    “So, besides being a pillar of strength and a survivor, what do you like to do for fun? And making your fancy lotions doesn’t count.”
    And that was the moment Riordan realized this woman was the reason why he’d been saving things his entire life. He was practicing for her. She didn’t realize what a force to be reckoned with she was, but he did, and he wanted her by his side like nothing he’d ever felt before. Courtship on, Lovely Viper.
     
    ***
     
    Jordan held her fingertips to her mouth, unknowingly holding her breath as she flipped open the small card in her hand. Cheryl had delivered mail and more gifts from Riordan that morning. He had sent a small shipment of German chamomile, red clover from Denmark and a final box that smelled like heaven but she had yet to open it. She read the card several times, amazed at its contents.
     
    My Dearest Viper,
    I am sorry to be away these last several days. I am sure you understand that work will keep me traveling more often than not. I wanted to share a bit of where I’ve been and have asked my friend Alexi to ship you these items from his Boston address as I cannot communicate with you directly. Enclosed you will find German chamomile for your relaxation teas, red clover from Denmark per my mother’s request, and lastly, something I picked up for a lotion I would like you to make for yourself. My mother says the clover does wonders for hot flashes and anxiety. Best-seller guaranteed. And that she looks forward to meeting the woman who can out-smartass my smartass.
    Missing you,
    Riordan
     
    She brought the card to her lips and smiled before tearing into the lovely smelling third