Page 68 of More Than a Blind Date

Grayson laughs. “Is Rose a fan of those cowboy dances? That worked with Daisy.”

Sutton leans forward. “Look for what she left.”

I’m confused by the advice. “What are you talking about?”

“Remember when I thought Ivy was done with me? But she conveniently dropped her earring in the dirt at the goat farm,” Sutton says.

Grayson nods. “It was completely intentional. I watched her drop it. She wanted Sutton to find it. It gave him a reason to see her again.”

“I haven’t noticed anything.” I try to imagine where she might have left something.

Tyler raises his brows. “But have you searched your truck? Lots of stuff can hide under those seats. Believe me, I know about that.”

“You like this woman, right?” Parker asks.

“I love her.” Look at me admitting my feelings to an entire restaurant.

“Then you need to use your words.” Parker leans back and adjusts his ball cap. “I loved Bonny Blue for years, but she didn’t know because I didn’t use my words.”

Archer nods. “Communication is key to a healthy relationship. Keeping secrets will only tear y’all apart.”

Anderson pats my shoulder. “I don’t have anything to add. I think these guys covered it all.”

Kent points at me from the other end of the table. “I have one thing to say. Why are you still sitting here? Go talk to her. It’s not like you need to get a ticket or anything. Just drive to her house.”

Mason grins. “And kiss her!”

Carson and Fred start a chant. “Dallas. Dallas. Dallas.”

I jump up, then stop and look at Colt.

“I’ll find a way home. Don’t worry about me.” He waves his hand toward the door. “Go.”

I kick up gravel as I pull out of the lot and drive the few blocks to Rose’s house.

The house is dark, but I run to the door and knock. No one answers except Floofy, which is typically a sign that Rose isn’t home.

This conversation would probably go better if I slept tonight, so in the morning, I’ll go to the flower shop. The banner over the road mentioned that tomorrow was the grand opening. And that’s probably why Rose isn’t home.

She’s busy getting everything ready.

When I see her, I won’t ask her to give up the job she loves, but I will tell her how wrong I was and how much I care for her. The word love might be too much given the circumstances. But I’ll make that decision after I sleep.

I wokewith the sun and have been doing chores for hours. But the flower shop opens in forty-five minutes, and I want to congratulate her on the big day. I won’t even ask to talk at the shop, but I’ll let her know I want to.

Before any of that, I need a shower. Because right now, I’ve met cows who smell better.

Everything is a blur until I walk into the colorful shop. Flowers in buckets cover the walls, and in the front is a long counter with pretty paper and several arrangements.

The door is unlocked, but there is no one at the counter, so I tap the little bell that has a sign beside it that reads Ring Bell for Service.

Richard walks out of the back and stops. “Why are you here? You won. Did you come to rub it in my face? I used all my charm to weasel my way into a job here, and do you know what I got for my trouble?”

“What’s that?”

“A job. One that I really don’t like. This whole place smells like an old lady’s perfume.”

“That’s a real shame.” I walk to the door, then stop. “I’d like a single red rose please.”

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