Page 15 of Calculated Kisses with a Scorpio
“That’s not what I asked you, Finley. Do you want to get something? Money aside.”
I glared at him because who did he think he was talking to?
Kairo was part of theif he can tell me what to do then he can tell me what to docrew. I absolutely hated how easily I folded, too. Instead of answering him, I marched into the gift shop like it had been my decision and he was the one being difficult. It didn’t take me long to grab a few things, and I watched out the corner of my eye as Kairo did the same thing. The cashier rang everything up, and Kairo handed over a Black card that clinked when the lady accidently dropped it on the counter.
Yeah, maybe I should tell this man no because I was nowhere near his level, and him wanting me made no sense.
“Thank you for today. Twice now you’ve aided in turning a bad day good.”
“No need to thank me. You have a beautiful smile, and I love seeing it. I know earlier was tough for you, so if I could get your mind off it for even a little while, I feel accomplished.”
Shit, I was going to end up marrying this man.
A Few HoursLater
“I’m sorry, what?”
My eyes lowered as I listened for my father to repeat what he’d just said.
His words had me so stunned, I started hearing colors, so he needed to repeat himself. I didn’t want to get aggravated after having such a good day, but I was well on my way. Steven’s actions had solidified that he wouldn’t be working on my team when I took over.
Pops sighed.
“I know. The fundraiser is usually for c-suites, board members, and our sponsors, but Steven dropped off yourinvitation before he left. He also made sure to include that spouses were invited. I pray that the young lady that received that two hundred- and seventy-five-dollar arrangement can make it.”
I chuckled. “I know you’re not complaining, old man. Your wife’s arrangements cost a lot more. You and Gramps been keeping Mrs. Mary in business.”
“Absolutely. I think after forty years of your mother getting her flowers, she might actually divorce me if I stopped.”
We laughed because we both knew that woman wasn’t going anywhere.
Mary’s Flower Shop was another staple in Rushin Springs. Flowers & Moore was founded by my great-grandfather, but he sold it to Mary’s father in 1960, and the name changed to Mary’s Flower Shop when she turned eighteen. A lot of businesses in our town started that way. James Moore wanted a community, and since they weren’t just handing them out to Black folks in 1924, he built one. Rushing Springs was built by him and three other Black families: the Howards, Murrays, and Suttons.
The last three families weren’t around as much as the Moores, but some of them were still a big part of Rushin Springs.
“Seriously, though, I’ll check because she hasn’t given me an answer when I told her what was up and with her, Pops . . . I feel like pressure might push her in the opposite direction.”
“You like this young lady.” It wasn’t a question, because my father knew his oldest son. “Who is she, and where did you meet her? Is she home grown?”
“Bo White’s daughter, Finley. I can’t tell you how we met because then you’ll want to interfere when I’ve already handled the situation.”
Pops laughed because he knew I told the truth.
I was a grown ass man, but if Kane felt like I needed any kind of protection, he stepped up. I’d already fired Camille, so therewas nothing for him to do. News would get out, so I couldn’t stop Pops from knowing, but that didn’t mean I had to be the one to tell him. I checked my cell phone again and tried not to panic about Finley not reaching out.
No news was good news, . . . at least for the moment.
He whistled. “I haven’t heard that name in years and don’t think I’ve ever met his daughter, but I know Bo is a good dude. We’ve spoken in passing over the years. Invite the family over for Sunday dinner so your mother and I can get reacquainted with our in-laws.”
My head fell back, and I hollered. “She hasn’t agreed to anything, Pops. Remember what I just said about pressure?”
“Yeah, yeah. She will come around. Invite them and tell her about the fundraiser. Prayerfully, everything will be smooth sailing after it. You also need to get Von prepped. Have him start to shadow your day to day. Time is winding down.”
I chuckled at him already knowing I’d mentally chosen Von to take over, but he was right.
I’d need a solid answer from Finley so I knew how to move. Showing up to the fundraiser alone wouldn’t look good, and Steven knew that. The fundraiser was next weekend, so there was no putting this off.
Even if she decided not to marry me, I hoped I could convince her to attend the fundraiser then figure out the rest later.
