Page 27 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

I pause halfway. “Are you okay, Tom?”

“Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“I don’t know. You seem…furious.”

Tom’s eyes clear and he straightens his spine. “Not at you, Zoe.”

I take a step closer, concerned. “Who are you mad at? Elena?”

“No,” he exhales, gaze dropping to the marble counter. “Not her. She’s…great. I’m glad she’s here now.”

“Now? Oh no,” I take another step closer. “Did something happen? Something terrible?”

Tom holds my gaze for a few silent moments that feel much longer. “Yes, something terrible happened.”

“What?”

But before Tom can answer me, the door swings open again.

Caleb strides in, sunlight catching the sharp lines of his impeccable suit. “Wow! Now that’s a bell! You want to alert all of Atlanta somebody walked in?”

He’s successful, polished, and undeniably handsome. In my head I can almost hear Lexi whistle as she would if she were here to see him. But my heart sinks a little. I wanted to hear about Tom’s troubles, but I have a feeling they’re private — not for everyone’s ears — so I smile with a glance that says,We’ll talk about this later. I won’t forget.

“Zoe! This is great. I thought I’d swing by to discuss my father’s event,” he announces, voice booming with confidence and seeming to overpower my little shop. He glances around, taking in the space with a critical eye. “You really need to reconsider the planters, having only white instead. So many colors…it doesn’t feel high end.”

I place my hands on my hips. “I like them this way. It’s cozy. I don’t want it to all be the same.”

“Cozy or chaotic?” Caleb counters, a smirk playing on perfect lips. He steps further inside, his presence dominating the room. I can feel Tom’s gaze shift from Caleb to me, confusion etched across his face.

“Tom, this is Caleb Astor III…my fiancé.” I motion between them. “Caleb, this is Tom Bennet, my…friend.”

“Friend?” Caleb frowns. “A close…friend?”

“Not that kind of friend,” I blush. “He, um, works for me.”

Caleb stares at Tom, slides his hands into pockets. “What do you do for Zoe?”

“Deliveries. I like… flowers,” Tom says, then winces. “Zoe’s done really well with her business. People love what she does here.”

Caleb agrees, “She has a great eye for floral design,” gazing at the bouquets that line my counter. My heart beams with gratitude at his obvious admiration. “I saw that at my hotel.”

Tom darts a glance to me, then to Caleb. “You own Four Seasons?”

Caleb laughs, “No! I’m staying there.”

“Ah,” Tom nods, relaxing slightly.

“But I could own it.” Caleb adds, “Kidding.”

Tom dryly asks, “Are you?”

The smile leaves my fiancé. “How long have you been working for Zoe?”

“Hey, Caleb,” Tom says, his tone cool. “Just picking up the orders for the day.”

“Good,” Caleb replies, dismissively. He turns back to me, ignoring Tom completely. “We should discuss the wedding plans.”

I blink. “You said you came here to talk about your father’s event.”

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