Page 68 of Love in Bloom

“It’s not charity, you stubborn woman. Fortress needs someone who can manage and coordinate. You have those skills and you’re great with people. Trust me, you’ll be dealing with Croix so you’ll earn every penny,” he said, harsher than he’d intended. She was testing his patience. He’d dreamed of her flying into his arms and quickly agreeing. He should have known she’d stand her ground and be prickly.

“I’m a little overwhelmed. Can I think about it?” she finally asked. Her shoulders slumped as if all the fight had left her.

Miller walked over and cupped her face in his hands.Tread carefully, he reminded himself. “Think about this, too.” Miller leaned in and kissed her. It was a kiss filled with new beginnings and hope. Wren pulled back when her stomach grumbled.

“I didn’t eat much tonight.”

“You didn’t eat much last night, either.”

“I’ve been a little stressed, Counselor,” she tried to joke. Miller wanted to point out she brought most of the stress upon herself, but he kept his mouth shut. If she’d told him what was going on, they could have shared the stress.

“Well, Artist, I’ll follow you home.”

They retraced their steps through the construction and turned off the lights. Exiting was quicker than entering had been. They parted at their vehicles and he followed Wren back to her apartment.

Now it was Wren’s turn to warn, “Watch your step,” as they walked into her kitchen. Miller pretended to stumble over a box and reached for her hand. “Funny guy,” Wren said over her shoulder. She set her fancy, satin, too-small-to-be-useful clutch on the kitchen table. Miller surveyed all the packed boxes. It didn’t surprise him that they were all neatly labeled.

“Where are you moving to?”

“I’m moving into Emily’s bungalow with Rica until I have a plan.” Miller leaned against the table.

“That’s a relief,” he admitted.

“Afraid I would skip town, Counselor?”

“Yes, I was. I know how much you hate the cold and you haven’t found a new location for Wallflowers, so leaving wouldn’t be too difficult. But I’ve got connections, so I knew I’d be able to find you.” Wren sat sprawled on two stacked boxes and played with her ring. She didn’t look at him. “I was serious about turning my office into a studio. I’m also serious about you moving in with me.”

“Wow, you certainly have this all thought out,” she huffed. Miller strode toward her and stopped between her legs. He was grateful for her unladylike pose. It allowed him to get closer to her. Although the long, full skirt left everything to his imagination.

“I’m a planner, remember?” He fingered a strand of her hair that had escaped the chignon at the base of her neck. Wren nodded her head and smiled weakly. “Why didn’t you tell me about the eviction? You know I would have helped. I could have stopped it or tied it up.”

“I was afraid you’d do something stupid and ruin your chance for partnership. I didn’t want you to lose it because of me. I only want the best for you.” He saw her damp eyes and she sniffled.

“You’re what’s best for me. I love you, Wren.”

“I love you, too, but I’m scared. Really scared.” She wiped her tears with the heel of her hand. “I failed once before, and what I felt for Michael doesn’t even come close to what I feel for you.” Wren wrapped her arms around herself. Miller slowly unwound them and wrapped them around him instead.

“I know you’re scared. Hell, I’m scared, too.” He kissed her gently and slowly. He savored the salty taste of her tears. “But, Wren, remember, I’m not him and we’re not them.” His lips captured hers again. She ran her hands up his chest and buried them in his hair as she arched into him. Possessiveness replaced gentleness as he gripped her hips and pulled her against him.

He stopped and stepped back. Her lips were swollen and her eyes were wide. He needed to leave before either one of them got to the point of no return. “Leaving you is the last thing I want to do, but you’re tired and hungry and I don’t want to take advantage of that.”

“You’ll forgive me if I don’t say thank you,” Wren teased as she dragged her slim hands down his chest before folding them in her lap.

“You can make it up to me later,” he promised as he picked up her hands and kissed the back of each. Wren tried to pull him closer, but he leaned back. “Goodnight, Wren.” He kissed her forehead and fled before he could change his mind.

Gift Opening

“Oh,mygoodness,”Emilysquealed early the next afternoon. They were back at the Hart Hotel in the Fireside Room, an intimate meeting space that resembled a living room, for gift opening and a buffet lunch. They’d piled the gifts along one wall and the refreshments and food along another. “I love it, all of it, but especially this!” Emily hugged the oversized mug to her chest.

“That piece was Wren’s idea,” Miller said. Emily gave Wren a one-armed hug.

“You know me so well. I’ll cherish this always. I love the green and blue swirly glaze and the flowers and leaves you painted around the edges. It’s dainty and masculine at the same time. Thank you!” Emily gave them each another hug.

“You’re getting good at this,” Jackson praised Miller as he examined one of the larger pieces. “Is this a water pitcher?”

“Water, ice tea, sangria, whatever you want. I’ve also been told it can double as a flower vase,” Miller replied.

“And I bet the little bird that told you that also told you where I should buy the flowers, right?” Jackson said as he elbowed Miller in the ribs and winked at Wren. Wren looked away and tried to laugh at Jackson’s lame joke. The joke was on him though. After this weekend, he probably wouldn’t be able to buy flowers from her.

---