Page 6 of Broken: Taylor

“Ya think?” Allison laughed. “If it wasn’t so darn expensive, I would take a hammer to it.”

By the way the man shuffled from one foot to the other, he either had to use the bathroom or was hoping to get away before she decided to ask him to take it back.

“I suppose I can paint over the letters or outline them in black.” It was a lie. Nothing she could do herself would fix the monstrous colors. “I have to return it. I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.” She rushed inside to get her cell before the man could stop her.

The phone on the other end rang at least five times before a woman answered and asked her to hold for a few moments while they retrieved her order.

Through the window, a new annoyance came into view. Taylor Hamilton walked up to the deliveryman and they exchanged greetings. So, Taylor knew the guy. Interesting.

Taylor then looked to the front porch and his eyebrows lifted. He nodded at something the delivery guy said. At least the ugly sign was sure to attract attention if she was forced to keep it.

Damn the man was so good looking. Wisps of gray at his temples added a sensual maturity to the already hot country boy. He’d always been about fitness and sports, but he’d certainly filled out nicely in all the right places over the years.

A jock in high school, everyone had expected him to go into sports. Instead, while in college on a football scholarship, he’d studied criminal justice and joined the Billings police department right after graduation. Until recently, he’d been living there.

The ex-cop seemed to sense her regard and his hazel gaze met hers through the glass. His lips did not curve in greeting, instead he gave a subtle nod.

Queue the idiotic butterflies in her stomach. Of course, she smiled widely and waved.

What a lunatic.

Could she be more obvious? She might as well have ordered a second sign with the words “I moved to Laurel Creek in hopes I can have a relationship with Taylor Hamilton.”

The woman at the sign company took pity and gave her instructions for a return. Thankfully, they seemed to understand the reason for the return and would give her credit for a new one. Allison took a deep breath and walked out to give the deliveryman the message and return confirmation number.

Just as she exited the shop, Taylor left. He didn’t look back, nor did he seem particularly interested in making it apparent how fast he rushed away.

Her gaze lingered on his butt before she turned to the deliveryman. “You know Taylor huh?”

“Yeah, we played together in a city league years back.”

Taylor’s truck peeled away from the curb and down the road. “Wonder what the rush is?”

The delivery guy gave a one-shoulder shrug.

Men were dumbasses.

It would probably bea while before customers came to browse, so Allison took advantage of the lull and hustled across the street to the coffee shop.

Mindy Clark, the owner of Cuppa Joe, was from the neighboring town, but had moved to Laurel Creek a few years earlier. She looked up and smiled. “Hey there Allie. Good morning.”

Mindy was always in a good mood. Allison wondered if after hours, she went home and kicked her cat or something. It was doubtful, as Mindy seemed to genuinely enjoy her life.

“Did you finally get the shop sign? I saw a delivery truck pull up?” Mindy asked while steaming milk for a latte.

Allison huffed. “It was hideous I had to send it back. Lost a hundred bucks for shipping and stuff, but it’s worth it.”

“You shouldn’t have to pay for their mistake.” Tori, a pretty brunette had just entered and Allison hugged her.

Tori, she and Leah, who lived in Laurel Creek as well, had once been very close. However, they’d all gone to separate colleges and as expected she and Tori had not seen much of each other since.

Now that Allison was back in town and Tori worked at her small pizzeria across the street, they were becoming reacquainted.

Plenty of conversation and a toasted bagel sandwich later, Allison hurried back across the street to open up shop.

Her shop was an oasis. Fresh cut flowers and aromatic teas formed a soothing combination. The entwined fragrances were a perfect greeting for customers.

It was hard to remain stressed or uptight when surrounded by the beauty of flowers like roses, lilies, or carnations and the prospect of a delicious cup of tea.