Page 45 of Love in Bloom

Miller: Open the door

Huh?Wren uncurled herself from the chair where she’d been sitting and peeked out the door. Miller stood on the other side. “Awfully sure of yourself, Counselor,” she greeted and tried to act cool. Inside, she was a hot mess. He hadn’t changed his mind. And he was here.

“No, but I’m awfully sure of us,” he said. Wren opened the door wider so he could come in. “I came straight from basketball when I saw your message.” Miller leaned down to kiss her, but Wren stepped back. “I need a shower,” he admitted sheepishly.

“It’s not that, but I meant what I said about taking it slow.”

“Horse is already out of the barn on that one,” he argued.

“Seriously? That’s your best argument?” She laughed.

Miller snaked his arm behind her and hauled her firmly against him. His other hand fisted in her hair and moved her head to the side. Miller nipped the base of her neck and kissed his way up to the sensitive spot behind her ear. Wren dug her nails into his shoulders. The anticipation was driving her insane. She threaded her fingers in his hair and tugged his mouth toward hers, but he stepped back.

“How’s that for an argument against going slow?” The insufferable man grinned at her while she tried to catch her breath.

“What if I’d said no?” Wren asked.

“Then I would have retreated and regrouped.” Miller dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Good night, Wren.” He shut the door behind him and Wren listened as he thumped down the stairs. It matched the thumping of her heart.

April

MillerrespectedWren’swishto move slowly, but that didn’t mean he made it easy on her. He’d stop in just to chat or bring her coffee and a treat from the bakery. A look. A touch. Stolen kisses in the backroom that left her wanting more, even though she didn’t think her heart could handle more. They were short term only, so Wren kept her true feelings for Miller hidden.

She brought out the ice maiden when she needed protection and tossed out a few “Counselors” to add additional emotional distance. That technique worked well since it reminded her of Miller’s goal to be partner. She wanted him to make his goal, but she wanted no part of it.

Several times she’d suggested he should take Michelle Swanson out to dinner or lunch. Mentioning Michelle also kept Wren’s defenses in place. Michelle was another reminder of what Miller wanted in the long term, and it had the added benefit of upsetting him whenever she suggested it. He insisted he and Michelle were nothing but colleagues, and even if he wasn’t in a relationship with Wren, he wouldn’t be in one with Michelle. Wren would then dig herself further into a hole by arguing that dating Michelle would be a surefire plan to get partnership in a family-owned law firm. Miller tended to end the why-don’t-you-date-Michelle arguments by kissing Wren senseless, a technique she couldn’t argue with.

Wren’s brain advocated short term, but her heart lobbied for long term.I don’t know whether I’m comin’ or goin’.She was staring out the front window, analyzing this for what felt like the gazillionth time, when Trouble walked in.

“Counselor.”

“Florist,” he greeted with equal coolness. He ruined the frosty atmosphere by leaning over the counter and kissing her thoroughly until she melted. “So, there’s this thing next week—”

“Your firm’s fiftieth anniversary on Saturday?”

“Yes, how’d you know?”

“Big shindig with centerpieces.” She pointed to herself. “Florist.”

“Right, anyway, come with me.”

“Take Michelle.” Wren leaned away from the counter out of his reach.

“I don’t want to take Michelle, I want to take you,” he said with the same reasonable tone one would use with an overly tired toddler.He will make a great dad, she thought and then shook her head.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” she said as she chewed on a pen’s top.

“How could it not be a good idea? Open bar, great food, a little bit of close dancing in a dark corner.” He waggled his eyebrows at that.

“I don’t dance.”

“Then you can lean on me. Please?” He picked up a pen and started clicking it. Wren noticed he did that a lot. She wasn’t sure if it was from nerves or just a habit. Given the number of chewed pencils and pens that surrounded her, she couldn’t judge him for it. If people didn’t know better, they might think she had a beaver working for her.

Miller went with his closing argument. “It would also give you a chance to network. We’ll have business clients there along with thecrème de la crèmeof Haven society.“ Wren stopped chewing. “You’ll be home by ten.”

“Alone?”

Miller groaned. “Yes, if that’s what you want.”It’s not what I want, you big dummy, but what’s the safest. Wren chewed and contemplated the pros and cons of his request.

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