Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
I really needed to charge my vibrator and get a round in before tonight. I was going to need the release.
“Mom said she’ll leave it up to you, but she needs four bouquets for four tables.”
Clearing my throat, I nodded. “Okay, um, I’ll just bring them with me then.”
“I could help you if you want. I mean, I’m just right next door. I’m sure it won’t be easy to carry four vases of flowers.”
I waved off Declan’s concern. “Nonsense. I do it all the time. I have a special box I use in the back of my Subaru. The vases fit in perfectly.”
He frowned. “You’re not riding with Sean?”
“No, um, it’s easier for me to meet him there. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I won’t stay very long.”
“What’s going on tomorrow?” Declan asked.
“The Memorial Day BBQ and boat races are tomorrow. They’re having them on Saturday since other events are planned for Monday. It’s a pretty big event. I provide the flowers for the tables they set up on The Green.”
He looked past me. “Are those all the flowers?”
Turning to see through the small open window into the back room, I said, “Yep. I’m just about done with them. I was taking a break when you came in.”
“Do you need any help?”
I laughed. “You’re offering to help me make flower bouquets?”
He shrugged. “Or I could help you with the ones for tonight.”
“If you think this will get you out of paying for the flowers, you’re wrong.”
When he laughed, I tried to ignore how it felt like butterflies in my stomach. It was a beautiful sound, his laugh. One that I found myself wanting to hear again and again.
“No, I really want to help. I’m interested to see what you do here in the flower shop.”
Tilting my head, I asked, “You are?”
“Yeah. Does Sean never help you or hang out to watch you work?”
Before I could stop myself, I snorted and laughed derisively. Declan’s head drew back, and his expression was one of clear surprise.
I cleared my throat and looked anywhere but at Sean’s brother as I spoke. “You know Sean. He’s not interested in anything other than numbers. I don’t think he’s ever even set foot in the back of this place.”
“That’s a shame. Since he’s dating you, I would think he’d want to be a part of something so important in your life. At least, I assume flowers are your passion, since you own a flower shop.”
Looking at Declan, I wanted to tell him that I wasn’t dating Sean, and that his brother was a complete asshole who only thought of himself.
Luckily, the bell above the door rang, and my father walked in, saving me from a spontaneous confession.
“Dad, what are you doing here?” I asked, quickly making my way around the counter and to my father. He gave me a big bear hug, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“How’s my favorite daughter today?”
I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “I bet you say that to all four of your girls.”
He chuckled and winked. When he saw Declan, his smile grew even bigger. “Declan Gallagher! I haven’t had a chance to welcome you home, son.”
Declan reached his hand out to shake my father’s. “Thank you, Mayor Browning.”
“We appreciate your service to this country, and now to our town. I was thrilled to hear you were joining the force. Though it’ll be a bit calmer than what you’re used to.”
With a soft laugh, Declan said, “I don’t mind, sir. And thank you for the kind words.”
My father looked at Declan, then back to me. When a wicked smile played across his face, I knew exactly what he was about to do. “So, how are things going with…” He looked to Declan. “Ignore what I’m about to say.”
Declan held up both hands and took a couple steps back.
“The little asshole?” my father finished.
I blinked a few times as I fought for something to say. I never lied to my parents.
“It’s, um…it’s complicated, Dad. Like I said before.”
“Complicated?” he repeated, making a show of seeming distraught, all for Declan’s sake. “He broke up with you—in front of half the town—and you took him back!”
“What?” Declan asked sharply.
I closed my eyes. “That’s something I’ve been trying to move past, Dad.”
“Yeah, well, imagine my surprise when I found out you were with the little twerp again. And again, no offense, Declan.”
“None taken.”
“Dad, can I talk to you in private really quick?”
He looked intrigued.
Turning to Declan, I said, “I’m sorry, this’ll only take a moment.”
“I’m going to head up to my place and change, then I’ll be back down.”
I smiled and tried to ignore the way my father was bouncing his gaze between me and Declan with a wide grin on his face. “Sounds great.”
We watched as Officer Hot Pants walked out the front door.