“You worry about your own limp dick, old man. Mine’s working just fine, thank you very goddamned much.”
The other suggestions ranged from waxing my chest hair, to bribing her with a new car, to offering her my balls to carry around in her purse. I didn’t even want to know who the hell suggested that I kidnap her and tie her to my bed until she agreed to go on a date. I also didn’t want to admit that for a brief second, I actually considered it.
I was saved from this fucked up version of Dear Abby’s advice for the lovelorn by Ace, who stomped into the kitchen looking mad as hell about something. I didn’t bother asking what. For once, I was almost happy to see the sonofabitch, as his glowering presence caused most of the brothers to quickly finish their food and scatter.
I headed down the hall to my office, trying to decide the next step in my plan to win Ella’s heart. I could tell she was letting down her defenses, so now it was time to move in forthe win. Thanks to some sleuthing on Sinner’s part, I knew that Ella didn’t have any meetings today, and planned to work from home all day. So, I decided it’s time I delivered the next bouquet myself.
An hour later, the now-familiar bell tinkled as I pulled open the door to the flower shop. Dorothy was already waiting at the front counter for me with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She was fully invested in the saga of Ella and me, and not just because I’d spent a fuckload of money here so far. The old lady was having a blast creating her so-called butthead bouquets for me to help woo my lady, as she loved to phrase it.
“Good morning, King. How did Ella like the forget-me-knots yesterday? Lenny said she looked happy to see him when he dropped them off, so that seems to be a good sign.”
“She loved them, thanks. She actually texted me a couple of times yesterday, so we’re making some progress. Of course, one of those times was to tease me by asking if one of my club brothers is handsome. “Well, she’d better have been teasing, anyway,” I grumbled, making Dorothy laugh.
“Do you have any flowers that mean ‘you’re pushing it, woman, so quit being a smartass’”?
The old gal giggled – actually fucking giggled – before suggesting an arrangement of larkspurs. I didn’t know what the hell they were, but she showed me a picture and they were pretty.
“They can symbolize fickleness. Maybe you could work that angle?” I’d learned way too damned much about flowers and their meanings over the past week, but Dorothy hadn’t steered me wrong yet.
“Yeah, those will do. Just add the charge to my card as usual.” I’d told Dorothy to keep my credit card info on file at thebeginning of the week. If this thing with Ella worked out, I had a feeling I’d still need her services from time to time. I plucked a card from the rack on the counter and wrote out my message.
“Larkspurs symbolize someone who’s fickle. Don’t be a larkspur, Ella. I’m the only handsome man you need to be asking about. Have a good day, sugar.” I smirked to myself as I pictured Ella’s reaction.
“I’m going to deliver this one myself. How long will it take for you to have it ready for me?”
Dorothy assured me she would have it ready in just a few minutes, so I leaned a hip against the counter and pulled out my phone, checking my emails while I waited. True to her word, less than ten minutes later I was carefully securing the vase in the passenger seat of the club’s truck, which I’d borrowed for just this purpose. I smiled as I got on the road to Ella’s place, wondering what kind of reception awaited me.
