My fingers move instinctively as I arrange the delicate stems, a sense of relief washing over me to know I will pull this off after all.
Despite burning the midnight oil, the looming deadline seemed impossible, which is why I called in my two good friends, Penny and Harlow. The two arrived at dawn ready to work and even brought the lifesaving gift of coffee and breakfast, something I desperately needed.
If Hollis didn’t have the Christmas store to open, she would be here too, but I’m grateful she was able to help last night. She and Poppy had dropped in to say hi before heading home as they usually do, and when she saw how swamped I was, they both stayed. Thank goodness because I was exhausted.
It doesn’t help that prior to last night’s marathon, I’ve been up later than usual, having my body worshipped by Gunnar in all the wicked ways.
It’s been nearly a week since we took our friendship to a new level, and it has been one of the best of my life.
Not only do I get to savor the sheer pleasure of his touch and seductive kisses, but I also get to fall asleep in his arms. It’s become my favorite way to end the day.
Last night was the first time since Friday that he wasn’t nestled beside me as I drifted off to sleep, our busy schedules keeping us apart, and waking up this morning never felt lonelier.
I drop the depressing thought as Penny and Harlow come walking out from the back room.
“Everything’s packed up and ready to go,” Harlow says, taking a seat on the stool behind the front counter. “We made sure to leave room for the final bouquet.”
All the stress I’ve been feeling the last two days completely melts away. “You guys are the best. I owe you big time.”
Penny waves away my gratitude. “Don’t be silly. You don’t owe us a thing. This is what friends are for.”
Harlow nods her agreement. “Besides, you’ve bailed my ass out enough times with last-minute orders. This is the least I could do.”
Harlow is a successful wedding coordinator and has brought a lot of business my way, including some spur-of-the-moment shotgun weddings that have landed at her feet. Those are the ones that usually require some last-minute overtime, not that I ever mind.
“Still, I appreciate both of you coming in on your day off.” If they hadn’t, I’m not sure I would have pulled this off in time. This order was clearly too much work for one person, and I should have known that.
Lesson learned.
“What else can we do to help?” Harlow asks, hopping off the stool. “I’ve got nowhere pressing I need to be for another few hours, so feel free to put me to work.”
“Me too,” Penny adds, echoing the sentiment.
I flash them a grateful smile. “Any chance you can do a quick inventory check and restock the cooler?”
“You got it.” Harlow grabs the black leather binder beneath the counter and heads toward the cooler with Penny in tow.
While they tackle that task, I slip into the back room to grab another roll of floral tape, only to hear the bell above my door chime.
My heart lurches in a moment of fear. I worry the customer has arrived early for their order until I hear Harlow greet the newcomer.
“Oh, hey, Gunnar.”
Relief floods through me, allowing air back into my lungs.
“Hey.” Gunnar’s deep voice sends a flutter through my belly. It’s the same voice that’s been whispering naughty things to me all week. “Where’s Elle?”
“Right here.” I step out front with a smile that falters when I get my first look at him.
Clad in dark wash jeans and a simple black shirt, he stands just inside the doorway. There’s nothing different about him. His unruly dark hair, honey-brown eyes, and amazing jawline are all the same, yet the mere sight of him leaves me breathless.
How I managed to stay friends with him all these years and not jump his bones is a mystery I will never solve.
“Hi,” I finally speak, then clear my throat when I hear how embarrassingly gruff I sound.
It doesn’t go unnoticed. A knowing smirk spreads across Gunnar’s handsome face. “Hey, Elle.”
I match his smile, our gazes locking in an unwavering embrace as moments from the past week surface between us.
I get the urge to leap over this counter and kiss the ever-loving hell out of him, but quickly remember we aren’t alone.
Looking over, I find Penny and Harlow watching us, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion.
I quickly gather my composure as I make my way up to the counter.
“So, what brings you by?” I try for nonchalance, but know I’m not fooling anyone, least of all Gunnar.
Amusement gleams in his eyes, dancing with the secret we both harbor. “Came by to see what time you’re off tonight.”
Since he could have texted that, I’m hoping it means he missed me last night as much as I did him.
“Thanks to Penny and Harlow, I should get out of here at closing time.” I gesture toward my friends, acknowledging their help. “Why, what’s up?”
“I want to take you out.” His tone is casual, but the dark promise in his gaze is unmistakable.
Butterflies spring to life in my belly, the flutter of excitement making my pulse race. “Really? Where?”
“It’s a surprise.” A mischievous grin spreads across his face, heightening my curiosity. “I have a few things to get first, but how about I pick you up around eight?”
I nod, finding myself unable to do anything but smile like a silly schoolgirl.
Before leaving, he strides over to the cooler where Harlow and Penny stand motionless, their mouths slightly agape, reflecting their shock.
A frown creases my brows as he gently pulls a single white magnolia from the bucket Penny holds.
“Can I take this?” he asks her, his voice warm and disarming.
She nods, her eyes wide.
I watch in bewilderment, wondering what he’s doing until he walks over and places the delicate flower in front of me along with a twenty-dollar bill.
“For your hair tonight,” he says.
My heart completely melts, the simple gesture filling me with warmth before he leans down closer.
“Don’t worry about dressing up,” he adds, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur. “It’ll be just the two of us, and clothing won’t be necessary for long.”
All the warmth that melted my heart seconds ago pools low in my belly, igniting a blaze of heat.
