Page 28 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“That can wait. I have some ideas for our wedding that will really impress our families.”

For our wedding.The words hang in the air like a cloud of weirdness. I’m getting married?! This is so crazy!

I glance at Tom, who is now carefully placing the bouquets in his sturdy box, brow furrowed in concentration.

“Sure,” I say, feeling a bit overwhelmed. “Just let us finish up here, and you and I can talk when we’re alone.”

Caleb nods, satisfied, and starts to walk around the shop. “Hey Ralphie! Enjoying the sun, eh?”

I catch Tom’s eye again, and this time, he raises an eyebrow, silently asking if I’m okay. I want to scream that I’m not, that I feel I’m trapped between two worlds, but instead, I just weakly smile, “Let me get you the addresses,” my heart a jumble of confusion.

“Then I’ll get out of your way,” Tom says.

I wish I could tell him how much I appreciate his presence, how he’s not just a delivery guy to me. How he makes the chaos of owning my own business feel not only manageable, but fun. “You’re not in the way.”

Caleb overhears and offers, “I don’t think he wants to listen to us planning our wedding.”

“No, I really don’t,” Tom mutters, lifting the box.

Grabbing the clipboard I jot addresses down, and call out to him, “Hold on!” as he heads for the door. “The addresses!”

“I’ll be right back.”

The bell wails.

Silence.

Caleb looks from the door to me. “That is one hell of a bell.”

“I need it.”

“To scare evil spirits away?” he smiles, confident strides bringing him closer to me. “You look beautiful today.”

I glance to my denim jumpsuit. “Thank you.”

“I like this look.”

“It’s kind of like dresses. Just one piece of clothing and you’re done.”

His voice deepens, gaze grazing my hair. “And I’m a big fan of your messy bun.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “Are you teasing?”

“No,” he murmurs, eyes smoldering. “Makes me wonder what your hair looks like when it’s down. Will you wear it that way for the wedding?”

My small smile spreads to a grin. “I’d love that.”

The bell goes nuts and we both glance to Tom who’s walking in with a paper coffee cup. “Here, Zoe. Cappuccino.”

I gasp with happiness, “Where did you get that?!”

“Cafe two doors down.” He hands me the cup, and takes the offered clipboard.

As Tom strolls away and reaches for the door, Caleb cocks an eyebrow. “If I’d have known you wanted coffee, I’d have picked you up some on the way here.”

“But you didn’t know,” Tom smirks, and sends the bell roaring.

FOURTEEN

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