Page 38 of Finding Her Strength

“Fantastic! We’ll see you next Sunday, then.” Quinn grins at me, then ushers the group out of the store.

The exchange happened so quickly that I didn’t even ask about details. What am I supposed to do at a dinner party? I’ve never been to one before. Do I bring food? Or drinks? I have no idea where Natalie lives, so that’s a whole other detail I’ll need to get sorted. My anxiety is going to go crazy over the next week. Claire’s footsteps jingle as she comes out of the back room, carrying a potted hibiscus plant.

“Did I hear you getting invited somewhere?” she asks, setting the plant down in the perfect place. I didn’t even need to tell her where I wanted it.

“Yes, you did. Quinn Jackson and her group of friends invited me over for dinner.”

“Well, look at you, miss social butterfly!” Claire winks. Her teasing makes the tension in my shoulders loosen.

“This is crazy. Making my own friends was always frowned upon in my old life. What the hell have I gotten myself into?”

Claire’s stricken expression has me replaying my words. It was probably the most I’ve ever said about my past to her.Despite being willing to put myself out there, sharing what happened before I moved to Sonoma is difficult. I’m sure my statement is both shocking and confusing for her. Out of context, it doesn’t make much sense.

“You’ve made a new life with the freedom to do what you please. Making friends seems to be on the agenda now,” she says softly. I wonder if she understands my past more than I give her credit for. After all this time, it’s probably obvious what I went through without needing to share the details.

“I have friends. Well,onefriend.”

“Who?”

“You, silly girl.” I laugh.

Claire beams at me as she walks closer. “I’m glad you think of me as a friend. I think the same of you, but you need more. Ones who are closer to your own age and don’t work for you.”

Knowing she’s right, I heave out a sigh. I was never very good at making friends. I didn’t have much opportunity when it truly mattered. I had friends in school growing up, but I lost them after my grandmother died.

When I moved in with Dad, I was stuck in survival mode. I never had the time to make new ones. Then, after he died, I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone save for a couple of people. Looking back, I realize how lonely I was. I didn’t have the headspace to acknowledge that loneliness until now. I had more important things to worry about.

“This is a good thing,” she continues, and I nod. It is a good thing. It’s time to start making those friendships I’ve always wanted.

It’s probably going to end horribly, but at least I can say I tried.

22

LEVI

The bell over the door chimes as I step through the threshold of Blooming Beautiful. The entire store has been rearranged, taking me by surprise. It looks phenomenal. Every plant is perfectly placed, showing off how talented Hope is at her job. A burst of pride flows through me as I take in all the changes. She’s incredible.

“Hope?” I call out into the seemingly empty store. She comes around the corner from the back, her brows furrowed in confusion. Her tight T-shirt and high-waisted shorts show off her curves, making her legs look a mile long. Damn, she’s pretty. Our video calls do not do her justice.

As soon as her eyes land on mine, her frown melts into a beaming smile. Talk about making you feel like a million bucks. Her smile is only for me. She walks toward me, and I open my arms, allowing her to make the connection if she wants. To my utter amazement, she wraps her arms around me, squeezing tight. With my arms around her shoulders, I hold her close, soaking in the moment of having her back in my arms.

My nose finds the top of her head as I breathe her in, the scent of fresh flowers filling my senses. God, I missed her. Idon’t even know how that’s possible since we’ve only spent a little bit of time together.

She pulls back, pink tinting her cheeks. “Hi.”

Her dark eyes shine up at me, making me grin as I run my thumbs across her smooth cheeks. “Hi there.” My eyes drop to her mouth. I’ve been dreaming about our kiss since the moment I left her house. Unable to wait any longer, I press my lips against hers.

She tastes incredible. Addicting. Her soft and pliant lips mold to mine as I deepen the kiss. Our tongues twine together, teasing each other. Her moan pushes my body into overdrive as I explore her mouth.

I pull back before I get too swept up in the moment. Being in the middle of her store with windows on three sides of us is like putting a spotlight on our activities. The gossip train would have a field day if they saw us. Not that they aren’t already talking. I took her to dinner at one of the more popular restaurants in town and have been fielding calls from my mom for the past week, trying to get the scoop on what’s happening between us.

She’s not super happy with me because I refuse to share anything with her. I think she was hoping I’d have the inside track on all things Hope. Instead, she’s received only vague confirmation about us dating. Hope’s and my relationship is no one else’s business but ours. No one else needs to be a part of it unless we decide it’s okay.

“Are you ready to go?” I ask before I get too carried away with our kisses.

“Yep, I just need to shut everything down.” Hope turns to start closing up her shop. I invited her to come see the progress I’ve made on the house this week. I’ve shown her parts of it these past few days over the phone, but it doesn’t quite do it justice. I’ve gotten a good chunk of the walls torn out, and with the stairs finally fixed, the master suite is just about finished.

When everything is shut down, we walk out the front door toward our cars.

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