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“Can I ask you something?”
“Yes. Unless it has anything to do with the name of the tree.”
He snorted. “What were you doing with the tree at half-past five in the morning?”
“Oh. The flower markets,” I explained. “That’s when they open for wholesalers.”
“Oh, of course.” Then he sighed. “Do you start every day that early?”
“Yep. But you get used to it. It’s not so bad. I get to see the sunrise every day, and my day is half over before most people begin theirs.”
“Means early nights though.”
“Well, yes. Mostly. I don’t turn into a pumpkin or anything if I’m out after dark.” I frowned, because he was already putting together the incompatible pieces. “I’m usually in bed by nine.”
He chuckled. “That’s good to know.”
“Kinda makes dating hard,” I said lamely. “Sorry.”
“Did you forget I’m in my middle-aged home-channel-renovations-specialty era? If I’m not tucked up in bed watchingHouse FlippersorBake Offreruns by eight thirty, I’m a crabby patty.”
I laughed at the Sponge Bob reference.
“Please don’t feel bad,” he said gently. “You totally made my day already. Considering it’s not even seven o’clock, that’s like a record. And the tree looks perfect. Please say you’ll be the one delivering it.”
Thank god he couldn’t see me smile or blush. “Okay.”
“Then I shall see you tonight.”
“You shall.”
He ended the call, and with a deep breath, I went back out. Robbie took one look at me. “From your smile I can tellthatwent well. Youarewelcome, by the way.”
I harrumphed. “Yes, well. I suppose a thank you would be appropriate.”
He stood there, waiting, eyebrow raised.
“Thank you,” I said with as much dignity as I could muster.
He smiled. “I’m also one hundred percent making his delivery with you because I need to see how this plays out with my own eyes. It’s the least you can do.”
I considered arguing but I knew that would only make it worse. “Fine. But please don’t make it any more awkward.”
He barked out an incredulous laugh. “Me? Make it anymoreawkward than a kum quick tree? Believe me, I’ll be there to save your arse and salvage any remains from the train wrecks, which you captain solo, my friend.”
I sighed, defeated. “Fine.”
He took pity on me and handed me the iPad. “Got a busy day,” he said. “Probably just as well, so you don’t have time to spiral.”
I nodded, because that was fair.
He gave me a nudge. “Your hair looks great, by the way. Mr kum quick tree is gonna love it.”
I closed my eyes and let out a so-god-help-me breath. “I’ll pay you fifty dollars to never say those words to me again.”
He laughed. But he didn’t take the bet.
I sentLinden a quick text to let him know we were at the front of the apartment complex and then pressed the doorbell. A few seconds later the doors opened and we could enter the foyerarea but couldn’t go any further. Then the elevator doors opened and Linden stepped out, smiling, holding a key card.
