AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As he replaced the book, he nodded his assent.
She tugged open the big red velvet bow securing the box, then lifted the lid and gasped. “Oh my God. These are gorgeous.” She twirled a finger over one of the blooms. “How did you know peonies are my absolute favorite flower?”
Her joy pleased him immensely.
“But they’re not in season.”
Flowers had a season?
She exhaled. “They’re absolutely exquisite, but I would have preferred that you save the money or give somebody at work a raise.”
His Kaylee was always thinking of others…and finances. “I understand your sentiment. I used my personal funds for the bouquet, not the business account.”
“Of course.” She turned a pretty shade of pink, matching one of the blossoms.
As he’d discovered last night, he liked making her blush.
“These… They’re…” She stammered as she looked at him. “Really, you shouldn’t have done this. It’s far too extravagant.”
“A simple thank you would suffice.”
“But…” She looked from him to the bouquet, then back again, her luscious pink lips parted slightly. “Thank you. I’m afraid you overwhelmed me, and I forgot my manners.”
He hoped to do that many more times in the future.
“They really are gorgeous.”
“I’m delighted you’re pleased.”
“Still—”
He held up a finger. “I enjoyed last night tremendously.”
“Look, Mr. Frost, you don’t owe me anything, gratitude”—she narrowed her eyes—“or an apology.”
“Stop.” He bit back his irritation. “Can’t I do something nice for you?”
“Not if you have ulterior motives, no.”
“Are you this suspicious with everyone? Or is it just me?”
She blinked several times and turned away. Hiding from him?
“I promise you; I did this out of the goodness of my heart.” His statement was a damn lie. Between the actions of his father and Greta, his former fiancée, there was no goodness remaining in his heart. Life had been a harsh instructor, so he did nothing without calculating the costs—emotional as well as financial—and all the potential outcomes. He had no intention of allowing her to back out of their agreement.
Finally, with a nod, she crossed into the kitchen, then crouched to grab a vase from underneath the sink. After filling the glass container with water, she spent time arranging the blossoms, then carried the whole thing into the living room and placed it on the coffee table.
“They’re cheery.” She seemed to consider the placement. “And brighten up the whole space, making it seem a little festive.”
Something lacking in both of their lives.
“Let me grab my coat and purse.”
While she walked down the hallway, he took the opportunity to learn more about her and wandered over to the wall unit. She had a few knickknacks there, but mostly it was crammed full of framed photographs. As if he had every right to intrude on her privacy, he picked one up that showed her with other people—three young kids, Kaylee, and a woman who looked uncannily like her, along with a couple who might have been her parents.
When she cleared her voice behind him, he turned, still holding the snapshot, unapologetic at being caught snooping. “Your family?”
“Yes.”
