Gemotions

He glared at the roses, their crimson hue like a stain on the otherwise neutral backdrop of his living room. No note. Just a tangle of thorny stems and a scent that filled the air like a poorly-kept secret. This was ridiculous. He knew one person who might send something like this, but he wasn't going to be the first to call. He was not going to give them the satisfaction.

He considered tossing the entire bunch into the bin, but that would be too simple. He took a long, slow breath, a faint flush creeping up his neck. He'd wait. He'd see how long they lasted. And he would not, under any circumstances, allow himself to be charmed by their beauty.