Page 18 of A Pretty Fixation

“This came for you.”

I freeze in the spot, staring at the smallcircular box of pink eternity roses in Yuri’s hands.

“From who?” I ask.

“Doesn’t say.” She hands me the box. “A deliveryman left it a few minutes ago.” She wiggles her brows. “Is it the guy from lastnight?”

I scowl while regarding the pretty roses. “I don’tthink so.” Is this Caleb’s idea of getting me?

Setting the box on a counter, I retrieve my apronand begin work.

The eternity roses stay on my mind throughout theevening, and an anxious feeling trickles in once it nears closing because Calebsaid he’d meet me.

I retrieve the box and my tote when it’s time toleave. My phone vibrates with a text as I’m heading around front.

I’mhere.

Looking out the glass door, I spot Calebapproaching the entrance. He flashes that cocky grin.

I roll my eyes, but inside, I’m a fuzzy mess.

Dropping the phone into my bag, I continue out ofthe bistro.

Caleb beams at me. “Ready to go?”

I reach the box of roses to him. “No thanks.”

The baffled expression on his face makes it seemlike I have it wrong. “What the hell is this? Who gave you roses?”

“Stop with the games. This is too much.”

“I didn’t buy you flowers.” He plucks the box frommy hand. “I bet it was that prick.”

“Geez.” I flush out a heavy sigh. “It wasn’tAaron. I doubt he bought me roses.”

Caleb pivots, and before I can ask what he’sdoing, he tosses the box into the trash bin at the streetlamp.

“What the hell!”

“I’m the only guy who’ll give you flowers.” Hegrasps my hand and begins pulling me to his dark blue sedan.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I protest,attempting to plant my feet.

“Yes, you are.” He damn near throws me into thepassenger side and shuts the door, locking me in the car until he’s behind thewheel.

“Ugh.” I sink into the seat—hating that it’s socomfy. “Brute. This is kidnapping.”

“Then why aren’t you screaming for help?” hethrows back teasingly before merging with traffic.

Sulking, I stare out the window, wondering why Ican’t seem to fight harder.

“How was work?” Caleb asks as if all is well.

I snap my head to him. “You can’t force someone tolike you. You have to let the person warm up to you on their own. It’s calledpatience.”

“Is that what you thinkAaronis doing?” hemocks. “Don’t be naïve, Jordyn. He’s nice until he gets what he wants, which isto fuck you and move on.”

I gasp. “Sounds like you’re speaking fromexperience. Isn’t that what you do?”

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