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A noise outside made her jerk her head toward the door. With growing horror, she watched the knob turn and then a woman in a trench coat darted inside, a soaked newspaper draped over her head. “Oh, it’s horrendous out there!”
All movement behind her—dear Lord, in her—ceased. And from somewhere she found the strength to whisper, “We’re closed.” Can’t you read the freaking sign?
“Oh, I know. I’m sorry, but I thought I saw someone in here.” She flapped her hand and her newspaper fluttered like a panicked bird. Much like Alexa’s rampaging heart. “Though it’s awfully dark in here. Can you turn on the light?”
“No.” Then she repeated it again for good measure. “No. We’re closed.”
“But I forgot it’s my grandmother’s birthday and I need flowers.”
Alexa blew out a breath. Figures she’d get a customer now. “There’s some in that urn. Two fresh arrangements I did just this afternoon. Your choice.”
Clearly perplexed, the woman selected a bundle in crackling purple tissue paper. It was a selection of stargazer lilies, lemon leaf and fragrant eucalyptus, set off with a gorgeous purple bow. The loss was worth it if the woman would just go.
“I have money,” the woman began, hauling what Alexa presumed was a wallet out of her enormous bag.
“No, no, it’s fine. They’re on the house. I need to lock up.” Forcing false cheer into her voice, Alexa added, “Thank you for stopping by Divine and happy birthday to Grandma!”
“Well, if you’re sure…”
“I couldn’t be more sure.” She really could not. The stirrings between her thighs had pretty much made up her mind for her.
Dillon had pulled back, tucking down and shifting fully behind her. Thank God for the high counter. Though he remained close, he barely touched her now. Just his hands lightly cupping her ankles as if he knew she needed the support.
He was right.
“Say, are you going to the gala tomorrow night?”
Dillon’s hands tensed and she swallowed over the tightness in her throat. “Yes. I’m excited about it.” Manners dictated she reply politely. “Are you?”
“Definitely. I wouldn’t miss it. The auction’s usually great, and it’s a terrific cause. Plus those hunky boys in tuxes make it worth my while.”
Alexa fiddled with the picture of Roz she’d put on the counter that morning, just to give her antsy hands something to do. “Absolutely.” Go. Now. Please. “Maybe I’ll see you there then. Have a great night.”
“You, too, and thanks. Good night.” The woman clutched her flowers and flopped her newspaper over her head before fleeing into the storm.
“Fucking A, that was close.” Alexa whirled to stare at Dillon, who wasn’t grinning or laughing or even praying. “Dillon?” she asked as he rose and took a definite step away. “We weren’t done.”
His silence unnerved her, eroding the last of her desire that hadn’t waned during the interruption. “I hope we’re not,” he said finally. He shook his head, his lips drawing into a flat, hard line. As if he was steeling himself.
“Alexa,” he began, his expression grave. “We need to talk. It’s important.”
“Not tonight,” she pleaded, reaching behind her for support. But there was only the cold glass of the counter. Solid, without warmth.
“Yes. I can’t put it off any longer.”
Ice scraped her throat. Whatever he was about to say, she didn’t want to hear it. Not when she’d finally glimpsed the light at the end of a very long year, one filled with more pain than pleasure. He’d helped tip the scales in her favor and she’d be damned if they tipped back so soon.
She shut her eyes and clenched her hands at her sides, the only way she could stop from slapping them over her ears like a child who was afraid to hear the worst.
No. No. No.
“Baby, open your eyes.”
When she did, he was right in front of her. So close she could meet his lips if she edged forward a little bit. His were moving, saying things that should’ve made sense had she still been able to hear over the buzz of white noise.
His eyes were so blue. She could just drown in them and float away, to a place where her happy flush of alcohol and success wouldn’t fade at the first jolt of hard reality. She could fall in love there, just let herself go. She’d never hit the ground, not when he was with her.
“Alexa, did you hear what I said?” He stepped forward and gripped her shoulders, tugging her up on her toes so that their faces were nearly even. “I’m Cory’s brother. I own—my parents own—Value Hardware. And—”
