Page 47 of Bookworm

"No, you know what. You're going to miss me."

"Doubtful."

"See you soon, Iceman."

Before he could say another word, I skipped by him and into the library, proud of myself for not getting weak-kneed in the face of his bluster or that sexy frown.This was going to be so much fun.

CHAPTER 9

I was wrong.

Fun didn't seem to factor into Mrs. Lee's vocabulary. I was pretty sure she didn't even know the meaning of the word. That was something I found out on day one.

Waking up early on Saturday, no big deal. I was determined to be on time for my first day of work at the flower shop. Driving there, no problem. I'd done it a million times—thoughI'd taken that routeto go to the library.I did get behind a slow-moving bus, but it didn't affect my progress toomuch.Walking inside the shop, the bell above the door chimed, and I looked at my watch.

Ha. Right on time.

"You're late," Mrs. Lee said, and I snapped my head up. Even more than her words, thestern look on her face told me she was not pleased.

I gulped. "But…I thought you said 8:00 AM?"

"That's when work begins," she said. "You're not ready to work. Youstill need to put on your uniform."

With a smile, I said, "Oh!I can do that super-fast.No problem."

Mrs. Lee said nothing, just pointed to a small bathroom.

The uniform consisted of a mint green t-shirt sporting the flower shop's logo and a matching ball cap. There were also several aprons and sets of gloves. I changed in record time. When I walked back out, Iwas bright-eyed and raring to go.

"Where would you like me to start?" I asked.

Her gaze moved to the clock behind my head then came back to my face. "Your shift started five minutes ago."

Cheeks flushing, I gulped once more. "Sorry, Mrs. Lee.It won't happen again."

She said nothing.

Bo walked out of the back room, carrying a big bucket of flowers withone arm. "Halmeoni, where do you want these?"

Gesturing with her chin, she said, "Gerber daisies out front. The sunflowersgo on that side table."

He nodded, placing the flowers where she indicated, completely ignoring me.

"Stryker," I said as he walked past. "Need any help with those?"

Bo grunted, and I took that as a 'no.'

When he came back out with more flowers, I tried again.

"Looking forward to working with you."

That got me something between a glare and an eyeroll.

Mrs. Leecleared her throat. "Bo, you show Charlotte-Lottie-Lottewhat to do."

"Why?" he said. "She'll only slow me down."

"I'm the boss. You do what I say."

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