Page 11 of Ghost Of You

Chapter five

10th August 2017

As I pull off my helmet, I catch sight of Laelia approaching, her face lit up with an enormous, radiant smile. My eyes immediately take in her outfit—black skinny jeans that fit her like a glove, a Guns N' Roses t-shirt that stops just above her belly button, and a cropped leather jacket that adds a cool edge. Her black boots complete the look. Damn, she looks incredible, and I can't help but think she'll look even more stunning perched on the back of my bike. My heart races just thinking about it.

I dismount my bike and reach for the spare helmet strapped to the back. Holding it out towards her, I watch her eyes light up with excitement as she takes it, her gaze flickering up to meet mine with an even wider grin.

“Took you long enough, by the way,” she says, her tone playful.

“Says the woman who used to spend three hours perfecting her eyeliner because it never quite matched,” I reply with a smirk. She rolls her eyes, but there's a spark of amusement in them.

“I went through a phase with too much eyeliner. Let’s not revisit that,” she laughs, shaking her head.

“But you looked so pretty with your ‘panda eyes,’” I tease, and she playfully swats my arm.

“I wasn’t the only one experimenting with eyeliner,” she retorts. I recall my own attempts at a rock 'n' roll look with eyeliner on my bottom lids. “You looked like you had two black eyes all the time. I never mentioned it, though.”

She glances at the helmet, her expression softening. “I’ve always wanted to ride on a motorbike.”

I watch as she carefully places the helmet on her head, adjusting it to make sure it fits snugly. Then, with a playful flourish, she starts posing, laughing as she asks, “How do I look?”

“Beautiful,” I reply without hesitation, and her cheeks turn a deep crimson.

I pull my own helmet on and climb back onto the bike. Laelia stands beside me, waiting with a hopeful look in her eyes. I give her a gentle nod, and she places her hands on my shoulders before swinging her leg over the bike and wrapping her arms around my waist.

“How’s that?” she asks, her voice warm and relaxed.

Feeling her warmth against my back, I settle into the embrace with a contented smile. “Perfect,” I say softly, the word capturing the satisfaction of this moment.

With a throaty roar from the engine and a swift flick of my kickstand, I take off, eliciting a delighted squeal from Laelia as she clings to me tighter. The cityscape around us blurs into a whirlwind of colours as we weave through the bustling traffic. Each stop at a traffic light feels like an eternity, and as I put my foot down and wait, the sensation of her arms wrapped around me sends shivers racing up my spine, making my heart pound with exhilaration.

“Where are we headed?” she calls out over the rumble of the engine.

“A place I think you'll really enjoy,” I reply, just as the light turns green and we surge forwards once more.

Moments later, we pull up outside Blooms. I expertly kick the stand down and cut the engine, the satisfying click signalling our arrival. I remove my helmet and glance back as Laelia does the same. She hands me her helmet with a warm smile, and as she shakes out her hair, letting it cascade freely around her face, she looks nothing short of celestial. Under the golden light of the sun, her appearance—tattooed and enchanting—makes her seem like a fallen angel who has found her way back to Earth.

If Heaven has lost an angel, I’m convinced I’ve found her right here.

Laelia’s eyes wander from Blooms to me, a curious brow raised. “A flower shop?” she asks, taking in the quaint charm of the storefront.

“It’s not just any flower shop,” I say, guiding her towards the entrance. “The place is run by a woman named Willa, a client of my mum’s. She’s transformed the back of the shop into a stunning greenhouse that’s drawing quite a bit of attention lately.”

As we step closer, I sense her growing intrigue. “You’re going to love it,” I add with a grin, excited to share this hidden gem with her.

Opening the door, I hold it open for her and watch as she steps inside, her eyes widening with delight. The moment she crosses the threshold, it’s as though we’ve stepped into a whimsical world of colour and fragrance. The shop feels like a portal to Wonderland, with every corner bursting with vibrant hues and a medley of floral scents that envelop us like a warm embrace.

The space is a kaleidoscope of blossoms—roses, lilies, dahlias, ivy, and countless other varieties—each one showcasing an array of colours to suit any occasion or personal taste. It's an enchanting sight, almost overwhelming in its beauty. I see hergazing in awe at the sheer abundance of flowers, her smile reflecting the joy of the experience.

Her attention shifts to the windows, and I follow her gaze to a collection of potted plants lined up neatly, each one eagerly awaiting a new home. I chuckle inwardly, imagining how hopeless I would be if I were responsible for nurturing one of these green companions. Even a cactus, which practically thrives on neglect, would likely wither under my care.

Beside the potted plants, an assortment of charming home decor plaques catches our eye. Each one is adorned with heartwarming messages or whimsical designs, perfect for adding a touch of personality to any space. Nearby, a display of greeting cards for every imaginable occasion beckons with its colourful array.

As we continue to explore, I look up to see the ceiling adorned with a tangle of vines intertwined with fairy lights. The effect is magical, creating the illusion of walking through a flourishing canopy, reminiscent of a serene forest. The entire shop exudes a sense of wonder, making it feel like a sanctuary of natural beauty.

Just as we approach the counter, I feel a gentle hand on my back. I turn to see Willa, a vibrant woman in her forties whose passion for all things floral is evident in her floral-themed nails, outfits, and, of course, her shop. Over the years, she has become not only a valued client of my mum’s but also a cherished friend, almost like family.

Willa's small frame is adorned with flowers woven into her braids, and her face lights up with a warm, welcoming smile as she greets me. “Killian,” she says, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

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