Page 41 of Sultry Nights

"I promise you I will let you know as soon as I get home."

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Quinn hopped out of his truck and sauntered into the flower shop. He looked around at the displays they had, and an older lady behind the counter asked him, "How can I help you today?"

He grinned. "I'd like to bring flowers to my girlfriend."

She smiled. "Okay, well we can certainly help you with that. So tell me, is it apology flowers or I love you flowers or something to celebrate a special occasion?"

His heart beat faster. They hadn't said the L word to each other, and until right now, he hadn't even let himself think along those lines. Taking it day by day is his motto.

He said, "Well, I didn't do anything wrong yet, so it's not for an apology. Mostly, I just want to let her know I'm thinking about her."

"Oh, well, that's a beautiful reason to give your girlfriend flowers. So let me show you some of the options that we have." She plodded over to a cooler with some floral bouquets inside. She slid the door open and pulled out a bouquet. "We have these beautiful sunflowers. They're very bright and cheery. Sure, to make anybody happy."

"I like those. And you're right, they're bright and happy and cheery. That's just how she makes me feel. I'll take that bouquet right there."

The older lady smiled and put her hand to her heart. "Aren't you just the sweetest?" She wrapped them up with pretty tissue paper, tucked in some baby's breath, and made the bouquet look absolutely wonderful.

He grinned as he stared at it. "That's perfect. Thank you."

He paid for the flowers and exited the flower shop, feeling better than he'd felt in years. Literally years.

Quickly driving over to Hanna's bakery, he sauntered in with a huge smile on his face. His cheeks stretched, and he wasn't sorry.

Hanna was behind the counter, helping an older lady. The instant she looked up and saw him, her smile lit up the entire room. She was stunning.

The little lady she was helping, grabbed her bag and shuffled past him. She looked at the flowers and smiled. "Those are beautiful."

He nodded. "Thank you so much."

Stepping up to the counter, he handed the flowers to Hanna.

"This is just to let you know I've been thinking about you, and that you make me feel happy."

She giggled. "Oh my gosh, they're beautiful. Thank you. Thank you so much for making my day."

He grinned, "Well, actually, the thank you is mine. Thank you for making my day."

Hanna kept glancing out the window. And at one point, she thought she heard the back door open and jumped.

"Is everything okay, Hanna?"

"Yeah. Yeah." Her shoulders dropped. "I'm sure everything is just fine."

"Well, now that doesn't sound convincing at all. Why don't you tell me what's got you spooked?"

"Uh, you're going to think it sounds stupid."

"I'm not going to think it sounds stupid. Let me be the judge of that. Now tell me what has you rattled."

She took a couple deep breaths and looked at the top of the counter rather than his eyes. His stomach began to twist a little. She was obviously worried about something.

Finally, he said, "Hanna, why don't you let me help you?"

She sighed, letting out her breath, and said, "Well, it's really silly, but I feel like someone's watching me. It feels so weird."

He said, "Did somebody make you feel like they were watching you?"

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