As I stepped out onto the sidewalk, the January chill slammed into me, biting my face. But I’d take cold air over a blizzard any day. Zipping up my coat, I pulled on the hood and headed toward the flower shop I’d seen the other day instead of the closer one in Etched Square. The extra distance would help clear my mind.
I wasn’t a flower guy—I knew little about them and didn’t have the patience for them. But my mother loved all kinds of plants, so I’d developed a friendly appreciation for these pretty things. I’d adopted ten thriving plants when she passed. Sadly, only one aloe plant survived.
Forgive me, Mom.
I’d like to think those plants were with her now. As I strode down the sidewalk on Beacon Street, another gust of chilly wind smacked into my face. I should’ve taken my Rivian R1S, but parking wasn’t guaranteed in this busy area. Besides, I needed to release some tension. The past few weeks had brought on nightmares, reminding me of a past I’d buried. Years of therapy had suppressed the bad dreams, but now they were back with a vengeance. Perhaps the chaotic lifestyle wasn’t healthy after all. Hopefully, once the renovations and other projects were resolved, the nightmares would stop.
I bumped into a man in a brown coat carrying a shopping bag.
“Ah, sorry,” I apologized.
“It’s okay.” He nodded and continued walking, probably thinking I was an idiot.
What the hell was wrong with me? It was as though my body had detached from my mind. A scattered mind made mistakes, and I didn’t need that right now. Slowing my pace, I inhaled the crisp air, filling my lungs with energy. As I breathed out, I glanced around. A few new stores had opened on Beacon Street, bringing more businesses within walking distance of Etched Square.
I maneuvered around a group of people looking at the display windows of a gift shop and hurried into Happy Flowers. The heat warmed my face, making me feel better. A mixture of floral scents and soil surrounded me, reminding me of a hike in the woods. Six customers browsed the bouquets while another four hovered around the display of potted plants.
Happy Flowers had a wider selection of flowers, plants, and gifts compared to the flower shop in Etched Square. Why were so many people shopping for flowers in January? But what did I know? I only needed flowers once a year.
What should I get my mother this year? Three men browsed the shop. I studied them, hoping their choices would inspire me.
A bearded man in a blue coat bought a vase with pink flowers, while another man stood with a woman looking at large potted plants. The man wearing a red cap picked his own flowers. He chose six red roses and various leafy stems that looked decent together. He seemed like a man who bought flowers often.
I didn’t want to get red roses for my mother. Yellowwas more cheerful. I spotted a curvy vase with yellow roses and tiny white pompom-looking things. As I made my way toward it, a beautiful woman walked out from the back room, carrying a vase with interesting purple flowers. A powerful energy gripped me, anchoring me to the spot. Bat wings flapped in my chest, a sensation I hadn’t felt before. Time stood still, and everything in the store other than the woman with the unique flowers faded into the background. I blinked, fully aware of this odd experience. Tingles erupted on my skin as if an electrical current zapped me again and again. Something about this woman mesmerized me.
Or I was losing my mind.
“Excuse me,” she said in a lovely voice, yanking me back to reality while soothing me like a warm bath.
I shifted to let her pass, and her arm brushed against my coat. An energy zipped down my spine, forcing me to straighten up.What the hell?
My body wasn’t in control right now. Hell, I wasn’t in control of myself at all. It must have been my lack of sleep. Could this be a sign I was coming down with something?
No, this was something else, something I couldn’t decipher yet. I was both perplexed and fascinated by this experience and the powerful realization that Ihadto know her. That overwhelming feeling rose to the forefront, piquing my interest.
She looked at me and smiled, then placed the vase on the glass display. Her amber eyes pierced through me, and I wobbled a step back.
What the fuck?
I couldn’t stop staring at her. If I kept this up, women would stop coming to my gym and tattoo parlor because I’d be branded as a creep. But I couldn’t pry my eyes away from her—it was as though an invisible thread linked us together.
If my friends were here, they’d get a kick out of this. Awoman carrying a bouquet of flowers knocked Kain Kessler out. At forty-two, I should have had better control over my mind and body. But right now, that control panel was compromised.
Reset!
Trying to gather myself, I inhaled a deep breath as the floor beneath my feet trembled. Or was I hallucinating?
Mind you, I was six foot three and packed with muscles, so I didn’t normally “wobble” unless it was intentional. Not only that, but my skin also continued to tingle as if I were getting acupuncture treatment. My stomach churned as if it were roasting a chicken. A warmth bloomed from within me, and I had no fucking clue where it came from. The start of a fever?
Please, no.I had too much shit to do and no time to be stuck in bed.
The gorgeous woman had long brown hair tucked to the side with a flower clip. Dangling earrings glittered in the light. She wore a soft pink sweater that accentuated her cheeks, brightening her eyes. My gaze slid to luscious lips, and my cock twitched.Nope, not the start of a fever.
Stop staring.I heard my inner voice but ignored it.
Like a satellite programmed for her, I followed her as she moved to another section of the store. I felt like an idiot but didn’t know what else to do.
An older woman with a young girl approached her. “Miss, I’m picking up an order for Carrie Turner.”
