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“Hm?” she says, strumming her fingers on the counter and flaring her eyes.
I’m being ridiculous... need to get my fucking guts in order. “It’s like this. Before I met you, all I cared about was business, investments, and my RoC. I didn’t look at the stores around here as anything but a means to an end. It didn’t occur to me that anyone would choose to keep a failing business over money in the bank. It’s not logical or sustainable.”
“Really?” she raises her brows. “What a surprise!”
“Let me have my say, Dani.”
She nods. “Okay, carry on.”
“And then—there was you. You’ve made me question things I never have before. That sometimes you can’t put a price on your dreams. You’ve taught me that.” I pick up her hand and place it on my thumping heart. My throat is dry—choked. “You’re just—an amazing woman. And a thousand other things I can’t put meaningful words to.”
She laughs nervously, her rosy cheeks flaming scarlet. “Well... keep the compliments coming.”
“But dammit, Dani, you’re stubborn as an ox.” I give her a wicked smirk. “I’ve met no one with a head as hard as yours.”
Playfully, she paws at my shoulder. “I said to keep thecomplimentscoming!”
I take her hands again in mine, and this time she squeezes my palm. She smiles up at me, and I lean closer to allow my forehead to rest on hers. Our faces are so close that I can map the constellation of cinnamon freckles on her nose. When I breathe, I savor the fragrance of her perfume and the way it mingles with the perfume of her flowers.
I’m wrapped up in beauty. It’s like I’m immersed in it—in Dani’s world. And seeing it for the first time. All the effort she put in. All the special touches to make it unique.
Flattening this lovely place is crazy. It’s a beautiful gem of a shop, and I can see exactly why she loves it.
She lifts her head, the tip of her nose brushing mine, and I release her hands to wrap my arms around her. I pull her against me and let my fingers slowly trail down her spine. She fits so perfectly in my arms that I never want to release her. A long sigh of pleasure escapes her, and the sound is music to my ears.
“Okay... so tell me the rest, Neal,” she murmurs, her breath warm on my neck. “What you’ve said is sweet and lovely—butI feel like there’s abigbutcoming.”
“Not necessarily.” My fingers splay over her back, and I draw her closer to my chest, sensing her heart pick up its pace as she gazes up at me.
I don’t want to ruin the moment. The big but can wait a few minutes more. Although it really isn’t what she thinks.
“Well? Tell me…” Her eyes again shift to my mouth, the tip of her pink tongue wetting her lower lip. I lean in closer, pressing my lips to hers. She shivers in my arms and returns the kiss. It’s sweet at first, but quickly deepens with passion.
We separate when our lungs literally scream for air.
I’m at a loss what’s happening here. I literally cannot keep my hands and mouth off her.Fuck... I had no idea what was waiting for me the first time I’d walked into Bouquets. I’ve fallen hard.
I guess it had to happen one day, but the fucking awful timing and the woman who now has her heart in my hands has come as a bolt from the blue.
Together, we stand with our arms wrapped around one another, swaying to the melody of our quiet breathing and our hearts beating in rhythm.
“Have you changed your mind about building the mall?” she asks after the silence has stretched on for several minutes. “Seen the light?”
My hand stills in the small of her back. “I’m still building the mall—”
She sucks in a startled breath and then plants her palms against my chest, shoving me away with some force. Even though she’s a foot or so away now, I can still feel the warmth of her body.
“What?Well, you’re a real piece of work,” she hisses. Raw pain flares in her pretty eyes. “You really enjoy screwing me around, don’t you? What’s all the talk about not wanting to hurt me if you’re still intent on bulldozing this street to build your mall?” Her voice rises, becoming shrill with frustration.
Wow, here’s that passion again. I could just let her rant and suck it all up, but that would be counterproductive.
“Listen to me for a second, please—”
She stamps her foot, and balls her hands into fists. “NO! Iwon’t.Every time I think it’s safe to believe you, you switch things up on me. I can’t believe I fell for your lines again!”
“God,” I groan, holding my hands up in surrender. “Hang on, woman—”
“Parker told me I’m too trusting.” She points an accusatory finger at me as she talks, her whole body trembling with rage. “Clearly, he’s right… but here’s the thing… I don’t trust you an inch anymore—I refuse to—”
