Page 67 of Jay Bird

Jay Bird walked back to the front door, retrieved the orchid, and set it on the island.

Willow’s gaze flicked to the flower, then back to him.

“What’s that?”

“For you.”

“For me?”

“Unless Lily suddenly developed an interest in horticulture.”

Willow stared at the orchid, and Jay Bird suddenly felt like he was sixteen years old.

“I thought maybe it could help with the whole personality crisis my house is apparently suffering from.”

Her eyes lit with amusement. “You bought me a flower because I’ve been insulting your decorating?”

“Partly.”

He nodded toward the vase on the table. “Tough, it looks like somebody beat me to it.”

A little pink appeared in Willow’s cheeks. “Mia picked those up for me.”

She carefully touched one of the white petals. “But this is beautiful. Thank you.”

Jay Bird laughed and her gaze snapped toward him.

“What?”

“I’m not counting that one.”

Willow narrowed her eyes. “How generous.”

“I figured flowers earn a free thank-you.”

She smiled and looked back at the orchid.

Jay Bird hesitated for a moment, then let out a quiet breath and figured he had already bought the damn thing anyway, so there was no point overthinking it now. He might as well just commit to it.

“The lady at the shop said white orchids represent new beginnings.”

Willow’s fingers stilled against the petal.

Jay Bird shrugged, suddenly very interested in the countertop. “Seemed appropriate.”

When he looked back, her expression had softened.

“That’s really sweet and thoughtful.”

“Don’t spread that around. I have a reputation.”

She laughed. “Your secret is safe.”

Jay Bird crossed to the sink and washed his hands.

“How was your day with Mia?”

“It was really good.”