Page 4 of Smarty Plants
Iris is taking notes in small, tidy printing. “Okay, what you need is a super-fast company makeover so that everything looks clean, efficient, and polished.” Her pen taps again. “You alsoneed to appear calm. Like you’re on top of everything and haven’t had any stress in weeks.”
“So…lie?”
She laughs lightly. “You could put it that way.Oryou could say that we are ‘projecting success’. Manifesting the inevitable outcome of how everything will be once you catch up.”
We. She saidwe. As in,she and I. Oh wow.
“So…what? I should go into the office and throw everything into storage bins so that everything looks tidy?”
She holds up a hand. “Hey now. Yes, this needs to be done fast, but we should stop and plan first. That’s always more efficient in the long run.”
Iris looks at me very carefully for a few seconds, and I use the opportunity to study her lovely face. Her elegant cheekbones and long lashes. Her plush bottom lip, justbeggingfor a kiss.
“Now, I’m not just saying this because I work at a plant shop,” she says slowly. “But having an open space with plenty of greenery makes any area look…”
I’m already nodding eagerly. “Successful? Like it belongs in a decorating magazine?”
“Yes! So if we clear every surface, make sure the window treatments are sleek and modern, and add some large plant arrangements, it will instantly look better, right?”
“Right. It’ll look alotbetter than the last time Wayne saw it a month or two ago, that’s for sure.”
My phone beeps, and I look down in dismay at the texts piling up. “Unfortunately, I have to go help a client decide the last details of her kitchen layout. Most people want to walk through it with the contractor personally.”
“Is there anyone at your office now?”
“My cousin Dakota, probably. She does the paperwork in the mornings before school, unless she has a big assignment due.”
“When is Wayne dropping by?”
“Not sure. Next week, I think.”
“Could you please text Dakota and tell her I’m on my way to take photos and get ideas?”
“Really? Why?”
Her eyes light up as she leans forward. My hand automatically goes to hers, which sends a glimmer of pink to the high points of her cheeks. “Because I’m going to help you organize your entire space. In return, how would you like to be my first corporate plant account?”
I have no idea what she means by that, but I love how fired up Iris is. And I already know I would give this lovely woman anything she wants.
“Yes.” I pick up her hands, and lightly kiss the back of each one, making her eyes sparkle. “I’m putting myself entirely in these capable hands.”
3
IRIS
Ifeel completely energized. I’ve always loved watching from the sidelines as Violet designs plant installations and Jasmine builds them. I don’t plan on overstepping any boundaries, but this time I’d like to be able to give some input.
Not just because this is an amazing project. Ben is… holy smokes, I’ve always been an articulate person, but words fall out of my head when I stare into his eyes. The man ishot. Handsome, and striking, and a bunch of other descriptive terms I can’t think of just now because…well, see above regarding words falling out of my head. Buthotis the term I keep coming back to.
Feeling this way about a man for the first time is distracting, so I’m glad there’s a project to focus on.
Ben drops me off at Abbott Carpentry and Renovations, where Dakota is expecting me. She gives me a quick tour of the space, which thankfully is not as bad as I had feared.
But it’s definitely cluttered.
“Ben said for you to do anything you want to the space as long as it’s not too girly,” Dakota says with a smile. She’s probably around nineteen, with wavy blonde hair that floatsaround her like a cloud. “I’m also supposed to give you the company credit card for whatever you need.” She pulls it from the bottom drawer and hands it to me with a wink. “He must really like you.”
I’m instantly flustered, and hope she’s right. Ben seems completely open with his feelings. He likes me. He trusts me. And he’s delighted to have my help. Today has definitely given my long-neglected ego a boost.
