Page 51 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“No,” I blurt.

He chuckles. “One at a time. It’ll be okay.”

“One at a time seems do-able,” I mumble, stepping aside to let him in. The moment he crosses the threshold, the atmosphere shifts slightly, charged with an energy I’m not readyfor. “While I waited for you to arrive, I’ve been working on the flower arrangements in my mind, but fifty tables is… a lot.”

Caleb slides his gaze over my home. “If someone showed me one hundred apartments in this city, I’d know this one was yours.”

My eyes widen and I turn around, trying to see what he sees. “Oh! I laugh, “Because of all the plants!”

“Is this a one-bedroom?”

“A studio.”

He drags incredulous fingers through his wavy black hair yet somehow it stays perfectly coifed. “I’ve never seen this many plants in a mansion, much less a studio.”

I shrug, “My cousins used to say that my room was more arboretum than bedroom.” At his head tilt, I clarify, “I used to live with my cousins, Samantha and Lexi. They’re both married now, so I moved into this place.” Waving my hand through the sweet-smelling air, I add, “While this may feel small, it’s larger than my one room was there.”

“Because you have a kitchen here.”

“Yes!” I nod, adding, “Oh, that was obvious, wasn’t it?”

Caleb ignores my self-conscious question and takes another step inside. “Where’s the bed?”

“See those grey drawers and where my coats are hanging?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a Murphy bed.”

He walks to it, curiosity all over his handsome features. “May I?”

“If you want.”

Caleb pulls the bed down, my pillow and covers bouncing easily into place. “Fascinating.” He steps back a bit, investigating further until, “But this is for just one person.”

“It’s a twin bed.”

“That’s what I mean.”

“I’m one person.”

He locks eyes with me. “What about…when you have company?”

“Why would they be in my bed?” I ask.

“Do you prefer the couch?”

“Nobody’s ever slept on my couch before, but I guess if I had a guest, I’d sleep on the bed and they’d take the couch.”

He frowns and cocks his head. “I didn’t mean for sleeping.”

My face goes hot. Neck, too. “Shouldn’t we get started? I’m very nervous about doing a great job for your family.”

Caleb chuckles, leaning against the wall casually. “You’re the best florist in town.”

“I don’t know,” I shyly smile.

“You’ve got this. Just remember, my father wants elegant, but no peonies.”

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