Read No Ordinary Love for Free Online Page A

idea.”
    “I can’t believe he sent you a gift. You’ll need to give him something back.”
    I lowered to my knees. “I will?”
    “Definitely.”
    “Why do I have to give him a gift? Is this more cultural stuff?”
    “Oh goodness yes. Gift-giving is traditional and almost a social obligation at times. I’m always buying things when I go traveling. I store tons of stuff in my closet for these occasions. If someone gives you a gift, you’re to give them something of at least equal value.”
    “Awesome. Now he's bound me to buying him something.” I tore off the pretty paper and lifted the top of the box. “Meanwhile, he’s stolen my freaking recorder.”
    “Would you let the damn thing go? It barely worked.”
    “It served me just fine.” I pouted.
    He mocked me, “It served me just fine.”
    “Oh just go freak yourself, Zo.”
    “I sure will, after we check out what the Dragon has given you.” He finished opening it up.
    A plant sat inside. Instead of a vase, it rested in a glass tray with tiny smooth pebbles. A sweet scent rose from it. What's that beautiful smell? It reminded me of strawberries mixed with cream. The flower sensually arched forward with two large lavender petals folding over on the sides, inviting the viewer to peer between her opening. In the center were two tiny, pink petals folded inward. What the hell? I wasn't a perverted person, but I did try to discover the deeper meaning and origin of things that sat before me. So I could not ignore the erotic vibe radiating from that lush plant. It teased at my senses—captivating my eyes, luring my nose into memories of fingers sliding against skin.
    I stroked one of the soft petals. A silky texture greeted my fingertips. “Is it just me or does this flower look like a vagina?”
    Snorting, Zo covered his mouth. “Oh no. It’s not just you. The name of it is clitoria .”
    “Stop playing. That’s not funny.”
    “It’s true.”
    “How do you even know something like that?”
    He snorted. “How do you not? But I've never given one to a woman before.”
    “Because you're the cheapest man alive and do your best to get panties without spending money.”
    “Sex shouldn't have a price on it. Only shoes and other important things.”
    “This from a guy who sleeps with an average of two women a day.”
    “Only on the weekends.”
    “Man whore.”
    “You're one to talk, sweetie.” He winked at me.
    “Oh, go back to being scared and pacing.”
    “Trust me,” Zo said. “This is one of those flowers that are hard to forget.”
    I lifted it out of the box. “Well hello, clitoria . This is by far one of the most interesting gifts I’ve received from a man. A vagina flower. I don’t know if I should be disgusted, impressed, or freaked out by it.”
    “Confusion and humor were probably his intentions. Put it on my balcony so it can get some sun tomorrow. We don’t want your clit to wither away and die.”
    “Very funny.”
    “Make sure to keep your clit wet and feed it as much as possible.”
    “Ha ha.” I rolled my eyes.
    “Oh, this plant is going to provide me with many jokes during your stay. Now put your blooming clit on my balcony.”
    “Would you stop it? And you don’t have a balcony. You have a little place outside with barely enough room to put a plant and maybe a Coke while you lean your head outside to catch some sun.” I carried my flowery vagina to his balcony, which was barely three feet wide and long. According to him, his tiny balcony was one of the biggest on this side of the district.
    Insanity.
    “You’re just so jealous that I live here.” He laughed.
    “I actually am, even though the living space sucks in this city. I thought New York was horrible until I came here.”
    Zo turned all the lights back on. “Back to the gift, you’ll have to give him something of equal value.”
    “So a plant that looks like a penis.”
    “You better not! You’re in his good grace, which means no one will die.” Zo