Flora’s Guide to a Second Chance at Love and Life

Fiona shook her head with a playful grin, "Hey, do you think this dress looks good on me?"

Her voice was casual, but there was something in the way she said it that was downright irresistible, like a kitten's paw playfully scratching at Jackson's heart. He even felt a tickle in his throat.

"Yeah, it looks great."

His lips parted slightly as he let out those two simple but sincere words.

Fiona stepped closer, and that's when Jackson noticed she was barefoot.

This girl, even her toes were painted pink!

He muttered to himself, keeping his expression cool and collected.

Seeing Jackson still unmoved, Fiona decided to pull out her ace.

She grabbed his shirt collar and whispered, "I couldn't find the right slippers. Mind giving me a lift?"

Jackson froze for a moment, a flash of something intense in his eyes that was gone as quickly as it appeared, but Fiona caught it.

Her heart skipped a beat, though she kept her cool, standing there with her toes curling against the floor.

Just as Jackson was about to scoop her up, she darted into the guest room and shut the door before he could react.

Jackson sighed, leaning on the door frame, watching her retreat.

The door opened slightly, and Fiona peeked out, catching Jackson still looking her way. She flashed him a cheeky smile. "Goodnight," she called out.

Then the door closed with a thud.

Jackson found himself chuckling at the whole scene. After all his years, he was wrapped around the finger of this young woman.

But instead of being annoyed, he found it surprisingly entertaining.

This girl was turning out to be quite the charmer.

And she knew how to keep things interesting.

...

Meanwhile, Fiona was rolling around on her bed.

Jackson smelled so good, like the crisp scent of pine trees on a fresh mountain morning.

Truly, some men seemed perfect in every way.

"Ding ding ding="

Suddenly, her phone rang.

She picked it up without much

thebut when she saw who w

was

calling, her eyes popped wide open, she sprang up in bed.

and

Oh no...

Her mom was video calling her.

Fiona quickly found a blank wall, got herself positioned, and answered the call. "Hey, Mom!"

On the other end, her mother was casually lounging, looking relaxed and almost regal. Hearing Fiona's voice, she lazily glanced up, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Pampered by Connor, Flora showed no signs of aging; her skin was smooth, her eyes gentle with a hint of humor, having traded youthful sharpness for a serene

gracefulness. en FindNovel

"Mom, aren't you and Dad on vacation? What's up?" Fiona asked nervously, trying to sound casual. "Heard about your day, so I thought I'd call to check in," Flora replied in that laid-back way of hers.

"Wow, Uncle sure spread the news fast," Fiona grumbled.

"Feeling bold now, are you, criticizing your uncle?" Flora teased with a chuckle.

"Mom, I wasn't looking for trouble, they started it."

"I know, I'm not scolding you," Flora said, shifting to get more comfortable. "You're new in

Cedarvale, keep your head down, but don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. If anyone gives you a hard time, push back. If you need Backup, get Baker and his crew on it."

No way her daughter was going to be pushed around.

"And remember, Mr. Keaton's class isn't a walk in the park. Stay on your toes."