Page 46 of Where We Bloom

I still hate that nickname, but my lips twitch.

Have a good meeting.

Connor: Good night.

I place my pizza order and take a shower while waiting for it. The timing is perfect because the doorbell rings just after I’ve combed out my wet hair and slathered on my moisturizer.

But when I open the door, it’s not the pizza delivery kid.

It’s Miller.

“Miss,” he says with a nod. “I have some things for you. Do I have your permission to bring the bags into the kitchen?”

“Uh, sure.” With a scowl, I step back from the door, then watch, stunned, as Miller proceeds to bring in three trips of groceries,manybags in each of his hands with each trip.

“Would you like me to put these away?”

I blink at him. “Why did you bring me groceries?”

“Boss’s orders.” He offers me a half smile. “Would you like me to put them away, or would you rather do it yourself?”

“I’ll do it. Um, thanks. Do I tip you?”

“No.” Miller actually laughs now and walks to the door. “Have a good night, miss.”

Before he can shut the door behind him, the pizza delivery kid arrives, smiling at me.

“Hey, Billie, here’s your order.”

“Thanks, Curt.” I smile and pass him his tip money. “Take care.”

“You, too,” Curt says before pocketing the cash and whistling his way down to his car.

I notice Miller watches, not leaving until after Curt pulls away, and I send him a wave before I close the door, pizza box in hand, and stare at the bags on my kitchen counter.

Between bites of pepperoni with extra cheese, I systematically go through all the bags, setting everything on the countertops so I can take it all in.

“I won’t eat this much in a month,” I mutter as Isurvey all of the vegetables, fruits, and meats. Pretty much everything and anything I could possibly need to make anything my heart desires, including my favorite coffee creamer.

How did he manage that?

I finish the crust on my pizza and send Connor a message.

The grocery fairy just visited my house disguised as Miller! I wonder how that happened?

Within seconds, his response comes in.

Connor: I have no idea.

My lips spread into a wide smile as I type my response.

Thank you. You didn’t have to do that. I just ate half a pizza.

I start sorting and putting all of the groceries away. It’s a good thing my fridge was pretty much empty, to begin with. Otherwise, this wouldn’t all fit. Just as I put away the last of it, my phone pings.

Connor: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

I roll my eyes, but I’m still smiling.

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